Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center Irish Wedding - Norfolk Photographer

Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center Norfolk

Irish Themed Wedding

Maggie and Sean got married, and it was amazing!! I have lots of images to share with you from their gorgeous Irish themed wedding at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk . These two beautiful humans stole my heart when I shot their engagement session photos in downtown Norfolk, and I knew their wedding would be a fantastic celebration of love and life.

The day started off gloomy and rainy, but that didn’t put a damper on anyone’s spirit. These two belong together, no matter the weather. (And I love a good dramatic sky, so you won’t hear me complaining!)

Maggie and Sean chose an Irish theme to celebrate Sean’s family heritage. I love those deep greens! The greens mixed with classic gray and sparkly champagne tones were the perfect touch of elegance for the lovely Half Moone venue.

Even though it was gray and drizzly out, we popped outside as often as we could to take some group shots. The boys were buttoned up and ready to go in style!

These beauties are besties. Together through thick and thin - and wind and rain! I think they look like super models.

A final prayer and embrace, and it was time to head down the aisle.

Between the gorgeous bride, handsome groom, and lovely light reflecting all over the Grand Rotunda, I was swooning all over the place.

Their ceremony was absolutely stunning, but also heartfelt, intimate, and so full of joy.

Soon the announcement was made, and they were officially Mr. & Mrs. Sweeney!

After the I do’s, we headed back outside for some group photos with the bride and groom.

Once the groups were done, I took Maggie and Sean down the the Armed Forces Memorial on the Norfolk waterfront for some bride and groom portraits. Sean is a Navy helicopter pilot, so the memorial was a meaningful spot for some photos of this military couple.

After only a few minutes, the wind and rain picked up and chased us back inside. Look at that storm cloud!

The couple was announced to a roaring crowd at the reception, and the dancing began.

Omar’s Carriage House, local to Norfolk, put on a delicious spread for all of the guests.

And the Tidewater Drive Band were amazing entertainers!! They kept the party rocking all night long and the crowd loved every minute!

Between the tearful toasts and cake cutting, complete with a sword and delicious donuts from the Sugar Shack, we snuck back out to the waterfront for some more bride and groom portraits. This time with umbrellas, just in case!

Then it was back to the party to dance the night away with family and friends! It was an epic night of love and shennanigans!

Congratulations Maggie & Sean! I wish you a life filled with love and sweet memories. XOXOX- Melissa

Stellar Vendor list for this fabulous event: 
Venue: Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, Lisa Fisher
Brides Hair & Make Up: AOC Salon, Norfolk, Audrey Lane
Bride's Dress: Here & Now Bridal
Groom's Attire: Macy's, Calvin Klein
Event Coordinator: Sarah Hough
Officiant: Pat Sweeney, Uncle
Florals: Norfolk Wholesale Floral
Dessert: Sugar Shack
Custom Rings: Lorak Jewelry, Selden Arcade
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography
Special thanks to Debbie Lawrence, FocusArtStudio, for shooting with me.

And amazing entertainment by the one an only Tidewater Drive Band!

PIN IT:

If you are in the Hampton Roads, VA area and would like to schedule your unique portrait experience, contact us today: melissablissphotography@gmail.com

Hampton Roads Wedding Photographer

Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

Norfolk Wedding Photographer, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer, Half Moone Norfolk Wedding, Portsmouth Wedding Photographer, Sandbridge Wedding Photographers, Williamsburg Wedding Photographers

Over The Moon Sandbridge Beach Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Over The Moon Sandbridge Beach Wedding

VA Wedding Photographer

Dannie & Arty planned their east coast destination beach wedding from their home in New Jersey. Dannie had dreamed of a beautiful beach wedding, and they looked up and down the coast for the perfect location. They settled on a lovely beach house in Sandbridge, in southern Virginia Beach.

I was thrilled to be part of their amazing day, and couldn’t wait to meet them, since we had only communicated via email up until their wedding day. When I arrived in Sandbridge, it was rainy, foggy, and quite wet. Dannie and Arty will in high spirits though, and determined to go ahead with their beach plans, rain or shine!

Friends and family, and their amazing vendor team, rallied around them so the ceremony went on as planned. With a few dozen added umbrellas, of course!

Afterward the I do’s, the rain lightened up and a soft fog rolled in. It was absolutely dreamy!

Fortunately, we had just enough time to capture some beautifully romantic shots on the beach before heading up to the beach house for the reception.

Then, Mr. & Mrs. Kambo were announced! The party began, and all the stress and worry of the day just melted away.

It was so much fun to see the love and joy shared by Dannie, Arty, and their closest friends and family, as the celebration continued into the night.

Congratulations Dannie & Arty! I wish you many happy days, and many silver linings. - XOXO, Melissa

Special thanks to the outstanding vendor team for this event:

Venue  |  Over the Moon, Sandbridge Realty

Catering  |  Yummy Goodness Catering

Hair  |  Stephanie Michelle

Makeup  |  Dhalia Edwards

Rentals  |  Distinctive Event Rentals

Cake  | E and E Special Events

DJ  |  Elite Entertainment

Photography  |  Melissa Bliss Photography

If you enjoyed this post, please share it. Thank you!

PIN IT:

Melissa Bliss Photography – Timelessly Beautiful. Authentically You.

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

Destination Virginia Beach Wedding, Blue Horizon Sandbridge

Destination Virginia Beach Wedding, Blue Horizon Sandbridge

Last week I started sharing Andrea and Elard’s Sanbridge beach wedding with you. Now, I’m back to finish up with the ceremony and reception photos from this lovely Blue Horizon beach house wedding in Virginia Beach.

The ceremony took place on the beach, just before sunset. It was a gorgeous blue-sky day, and a glorious breeze swept across the shore.

I loved the intimate feel of their ceremony, and the fact that they invited their parents to lead the guests in a blessing of the rings.

And have I mentioned that late September - mid-October is a perfect time of year for a beach wedding in SE Virginia? The beach is secluded and the skies are gorgeous!

And then they were Mr. & Mrs.!

After the walk back down the aisle, we gathered family and close friends for a few group portraits on the beach.

Then we took a little time for some intimate bride and groom portraits, while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour by the pool.

Aren’t these two just gorgeous together?! And that sky! It’s to die for! <3

After the bride and groom portraits, we headed to the reception for a few candid shots with the guests.

Then it was on to the cake cutting, before I bid them adieu.

Andrea and Elard, you two are magic together! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your amazing wedding celebration. Best wishes for many beautiful years together!! - XOXO, Melissa

If you enjoyed this post, please share it. Thank you!!

PIN IT:

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

Blue Horizon Beach House Destination Wedding, Virginia Beach

Blue Horizon Beach House Destination Wedding, Virginia Beach

Hello friends! I’ve got some lovely beach wedding inspiration for you today! I am excited to share Andrea and Elard’s beautiful destination Sandbridge beach wedding with you. They were married at the stunning waterfront Blue Horizon beach house, and it was an intimate and elegant affair.

The Blue Horizon is one of the largest and newest beach houses in Sandbridge. I have had the pleasure of photographing two weddings there in the past year, and this venue does not disappoint. The sweeping beach views, large rooms, and walls of windows make it a great location for a romantic wedding.

This was a destination wedding, and I had not had an opportunity to meet Andrea and Elard in person before their wedding day. When I arrived, I was greeted warmly by their families, and instantly felt right at home documenting this special day for them.

I gathered a few detail shots of the special mementos and personal touches they had incorporated, and then met the bridal party during their final preparations for the ceremony.

Soon it was time for Andrea to don her stunning bridal gown. I adore the simplicity and clean lines she chose. She looked so gorgeous and elegant!

Next, it was time for a father-daughter first look. It was definitely difficult to keep dry eyes through this emotional greeting!

After a few heartfelt moments with Dad, I grabbed the bride and groom, separately, for a few wedding portraits before we gathered for the ceremony on the beach.

I’ll finish up the second half of this beautiful beach wedding in the next post. Stay tuned for more soon! - XOXO, Melissa

If you enjoyed this post, please share it. Thank you!!

PIN IT:

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

Beautiful Historic Post Office Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Beautiful Historic Post Office Wedding - VA Wedding Photographer

Regina and Josh had the most beautiful wedding at The Historic Post Office in Hampton. Today I’m happy to share some sneak peeks of this lovely event with you!

This was a destination wedding. Regina & Josh no longer live in Hampton Roads, but they came home to celebrate their marriage with family and friends. I was so thrilled to be able to work with this sweet couple! They, and their families, are such genuine and kind people. And, The Historic Post office in Hampton is a really beautiful venue for a wedding!

Regina and Josh had their wedding ceremony at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church at Fort Monroe - another uniquely beautiful location!

Every last detail of this wedding was simply stunning! The vendor team did an amazing job pulling off this event.

The entire wedding day was so full of love and joy! It truly was an amazing celebration. Congratulations Regina & Josh! I wish you many happy years together. - XOXO, Melissa

Ceremony: St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Fort Monroe, Fr. Steve Deleon
Reception: The Historic Post Office, Hampton
Coordinator: Christy Hooper, Truly Yours
Florist: Costco, Eve Wheeler
Hair Stylist: Lisa, Hello Beautiful Studio
Makeup Artist: The Makeup School by Sarah Rillion
Caterer: Montero's 
Bakery: Incredible Edibles
Event Rentals: Distinctive Event Rentals
Entertainment: Astro Entertainment
Videographer: Jony Photos
Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography 
Second Shooter: Chava Lind Photography

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Wedding - Ali & Alex Part 2

Virginia Beach Museum of Contemporary Art Wedding - Ali & Alex Part 2

When last I blogged, we were in the midst of Alex and Ali’s beautiful Virginia MOCA wedding, at the Museum of Contemporary Art near the Virginia Beach oceanfront. If you missed Part 1 of this series, you can check that out here.

I left off after the bride and groom portraits in that pretty late afternoon light, so we’ll begin here with the ceremony. Alex and Ali were married in the Rodriguez Pavilion at the museum, which features walls of windows and a stunning 16 foot Dale Chihuly Chandelier. I loved how they personalized their ceremony with vows they wrote themselves. There were laughs and tears all the way through. Before long, it was official. They were Mr. & Mrs. Miller!

Post ceremony, we headed back outside for formal portraits of the wedding party, and the families of the bride and groom.

Then, the reception kicked off with a bang, as the wedding party danced their way into the Atrium and the bride and groom had their first dance.

Next, there were parent dances, which always kick me in the feels.

Followed by dinner, and several hilarious toasts.

And lots more dancing, photo booth fun, and all out partying before the cake was cut.

This wedding was SO full of life and love and fun! It was an amazing celebration of two very cool people, and the love they share. Congrats Ali & Alex! I hope you continue to celebrate many happy years together!

- XOXO, Melissa

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach is a beautiful venue for weddings and events. Check it out, plus all of these other great vendors too!

Wedding coordinator: Beth Couillard, Richmond, VA

Officiant: Lisa Chisholm (friend)

DJ/Entertainment: Riza Aleemi (friend)

Wedding florals: Flowers at Hilltop

Wedding cake: Incredible Edibles

Invitations: Minted.com

Catering: Creative Catering of VA

Bride’s Make Up Artist: Vanessa Underwood (friend)

Bride’s Hair: Dana Ange, Gary Allen Salon

Videographers: Live Oak Films

Wedding Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography

Second Shooter: Rita Hsu, Perspective Photography

Melissa Bliss Photography is a Creative Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer serving Hampton Roads, VA & Travel Destinations World Wide

If you enjoyed this post, please share it!

PIN IT:

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers

MOCA - Virginia Beach Wedding - Virginia Wedding Photographer

MOCA - Virginia Beach Wedding - Virginia Wedding Photographer

In my last post I promised I’d be sharing Alex & Ali’s MOCA Virginia Beach wedding and here it is! I knew it would take me a while to put this post together. Alex and Ali actually decided to upgrade their wedding package a week before the ceremony to add more time for photography. I’m so glad they did because we captured a ton of amazing photos for them! So bear with me, I’ve tried to narrow them down for a blog post, but it was tough…

First off, I fell in love with their rich jewel-toned wedding colors of teal, purple and slate gray. They really pop so beautifully, and were a perfect compliment to this art museum venue! And then there’s the fact that this wedding was so full of fun moments and big emotion. It was tons of fun to photograph!

As with most weddings, the day started off with detail shots and wedding prep for the guys and girls. And, as with most weddings, things didn’t work out exactly as planned. The night before the wedding, a big storm had come through and knocked out power to parts of Virginia Beach, including the venue site! When I arrived, many of the vendors were scrambling to make due with setting up for an event without power. The bridal prep room was completely dark, with no windows, and the wedding party had to make a plan B, and get ready elsewhere. Fortunately, I don’t need any external power to shoot, so I was able to work around everyone else’s needs. And even more fortunate, the power was back on in full before guests arrived!

The guys got ready at an AirBNB they had rented. They were relaxed and ready to go with no worries about flat irons, or make up lights, or course.

Alex knew Ali might be worried about everything coming together on time, so he did the sweetest thing to calm her nerves. He took time out to write her a letter, and had it delivered to her before their first look.

Before the bride and groom’s first look, Ali had a first look with her Dad. There were tears all around.

Next we took a few quick bridal portraits, and then headed off to meet her groom!

It was such a magical moment!

From the first look, we headed back toward the venue for some bride and groom portraits before the ceremony. We had only a few minutes to spare, but the light was gorgeous and we had to take advantage of it!

I love how much fun these two have together! So many giggles!!

Ok, since this post is turning out to be suuuuuuper long, (I don’t want your scrolling finger to wear out!), I think I’ll leave it here for now, and post Part II tomorrow. Next up, the ceremony, formal (and informal) portraits, and lots of reception shenanigans. More good stuff, I promise. You don’t want to miss it!

UPDATE: Part 2 is here!

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach is a beautiful venue for weddings and events. Check it out, plus all of these other great vendors too!

Wedding coordinator: Beth Couillard, Richmond, VA

Officiant: Lisa Chisholm (friend)

DJ/Entertainment: Riza Aleemi (friend)

Wedding florals: Flowers at Hilltop

Wedding cake: Incredible Edibles

Invitations: Minted.com

Catering: Creative Catering of VA

Bride’s Make Up Artist: Vanessa Underwood (friend)

Bride’s Hair: Dana Ange, Gary Allen Salon

Videographers: Live Oak Films

Wedding Photography: Melissa Bliss Photography

Second Shooter: Rita Hsu, Perspective Photography

Creative Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer, Hampton Roads, VA

If you enjoyed this post, please share it!

PIN IT:

Melissa Bliss Photography – Authentic Moments in Beautiful Timeless Photographs

If you would like to find out more about our wedding photography services, contact us today! Serving VA & NC. Available for travel destinations worldwide.

Virginia Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, Norfolk Wedding Photographers, Virginia Beach Wedding Photographers, Sandbridge Wedding Photographer, Portsmouth Wedding Photographers