You may remember seeing Libby and Drew’s sweet engagement session from a few months ago. They are an unconventional couple who created a beautiful wedding day outside the traditional box. To borrow from their website, they set out have an event that “reflects who we are to each to other, our intentions in getting married, who we are to all of you, and the role we hope family and community will play in our lives.”
They borrowed from several traditions to create a moving ceremony that was both personal and meaningful not just to them but also to their family and guests, who literally circled them on the beach in support. My favorite part was that they included a reading from the Massachusetts State Supreme Court Ruling on Same Sex Marriage- signaling their steadfast support of all who wish to be married.
As a photographer it was nice to take a different approach. Honestly, it took some getting used to. Sometimes I get comfortable capturing the same elements of a wedding day over and over. Yes, each wedding is different, but usually there are key elements that stand out. Libby and Drew also had key moments but not always the “obvious” ones and for that I’m thankful.
There were times when Libby and Drew wanted me to be a bit more in the background than might be traditional, and since they were married just off the balcony of the beach house, it was perfect to shoot the ceremony from the balcony – I was able to capture the sentiment of the ceremony without interrupting the circle. And while they kept the details simple and focused on the time together with family and friends, I love the colorful and comfortable vibe displayed with beautiful live plants and fabric streamers blowing in the wind on the screened-in porch where they served dinner.
I hope their photos capture that outside-the-box, warm and as Libby told me the somewhat “bohemian” vibe they were going for. I also want to thank Christene Schaaf of C.S. Photography for second shooting the wedding with me. Several of her photos are featured below – shot by Christene and processed by me. Christene is one of my favorite photographers in the area and I am blessed that she gives me her time as a second shooter.
Christene captured these great photos of Drew just before their First Look.
Another great shot by Christene Schaff below – knew when I saw her snap this that it would be a good one!
Christene captured the first shot here while I caught the second from my perspective. Together they’re even better and that’s the power of multiple points-of-view. May seem odd to have two people photographing the same moment sometimes but it really does create great things.
I shot the photos below through the porch screens and love the soft, vintage effect.
venue | Seafarer House, Sandbridge, Virginia Beach
catering: Catering Concepts
band: Gypsy Roots Jazz Band
macarons | The Sweet Lobby, Washington DC
Libby’s Dress | Nicole Miller
by Amy Sandoval
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I work with high school seniors to create a senior portrait session to reflect who they are and what they love. We start with a little questionnaire so they can tell me a bit about themselves. Betsy’s reads like a true artist – she loves color, Asian art and old movies. I loved her wardrobe choices – they felt straight out of “The Notebook” and worked perfectly with the locations where we took her senior photos – we mingled in several areas of Norfolk so we could hit the beach as well as the more urban backdrop of the Pagoda in downtown Norfolk. She picked the perfect Asian-print dress for the Pagoda photos, too. She has the best smile and a free, sweet personality that I know combined with her artistic outlook are going to take her far. I threw in a couple of fun shots of the Pagoda gardens, too, and one little fat bird who just needed to be shared.
I’m currently booking high school senior portrait sessions for both Class of 2012 grads and Class of 2013 grads. This is a great time of year for high school senior photo sessions – the weather is still beautiful and the humidity hasn’t crept in yet. There are so many pretty spots in Hampton Roads – popular spots and hidden spots, too. I love planning out sessions that really reflect the personality and style of each high school senior client. You can see more of my senior portrait sessions on my website! And use my contact form to schedule your session!
by Amy Sandoval
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I had the honor of co-photographing Margaret and Noah’s Eastern Shore wedding last weekend with Magaret’s incredibly talented cousin, Alice Proujansky. Alice is pregnant, so she covered getting ready photos, the first look and family photos before the ceremony and then she got to attend the wedding as a guest! I covered the ceremony, reception and details. Margaret’s direction was to take lots of photos of the guests and the details. She knows a thing or two about planning a wedding since she does just that for a venue in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a result, this wedding was organized but not stressful, visually gorgeous but not stuffy – and totally warm and fun.
The location was especially symbolic since the wedding took place on Margaret’s family property located on the shores of Hog Island Bay on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The ceremony took place in front of the main bunkhouse on the property, which was designed and built by Margaret’s family. The time and thought that Margaret and Noah put into their day was evident throughout. They even had a booked created for guests – a “Field Guide” with directions, details and more for their wedding weekend. I hope you enjoy this peek into their memorable day. It was a special start to my wedding season.
venue | Brickhouse Neck Property
coordinator | Brittany Barham Platinum Events
dj | Taylor Haycox
cinematographer | Shaking Hands Productions
photo booth | Boardwalk Photo Booth Company
cake | Becca’s Cakes and More
flowers | Norfolk Wholesale Florist & arranged by family and friends
catering: Chef Charles Thain from the Island House Restaurant (Wachapreague, VA)
by Amy Sandoval
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Sometimes a session gets postponed because of weather – it happens. But when a session gets postponed three times and over three months a lot changes! Faith wanted a winter, woodsy look originally but as her high school senior portrait session got postponed, spring came and instead we got to shoot a gorgeous spring session, complete with a dreamy spring forest. Faith is graduating this year from Currituck High School and plans on pursuing a degree in nursing. She’s been visiting colleges and I know she’s going to find success wherever she lands!
I’m currently booking high school senior portrait sessions for both Class of 2012 grads and Class of 2013 grads. This is a great time of year for high school senior photo sessions – the weather is still beautiful and the humidity hasn’t crept in yet. There are so many pretty spots in Hampton Roads – popular spots and hidden spots, too.I love planning out sessions that really reflect the personality and style of each high school senior client. You can see more of my senior portrait sessions on my website!
P.S. I’m in such a time-warp that I originally put “Class of 2011″ on Faith’s post and photos. Hello it’s 2012! So please forgive me but yes, it’s 2012!
by Amy Sandoval
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April 19, 2012 - 2:31 pm
Gorgeous images!
April 27, 2012 - 12:53 pm
These are absolutely gorgeous Amy!
by Amy Sandoval
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