Katie and Jared were married at First Presbyterian in Norfolk.
Their reception was at the gorgeous Chrysler Museum. Daevid created the lovely arrangements.

Blogging about weddings is an interesting task because so often I feel like I am overusing the 'hyperbole words'. Every wedding is fantastic, every venue is gorgeous, every bride and groom wonderful. When people find out I shoot weddings as a profession one of the first questions they ask is "How is it dealing with bridezillas?" The truth is, I have never had a bridezilla. I have never worked with a nutty Mother of the Bride or any of the other characters who seem to exist in abundance in television and film. I have been truly blessed to work with people who are unfailingly gracious, kind and appreciative of the work I do for them.

But sometimes I roll my eyes as I describe another gorgeous venue, another incandescent bride, or some spectacular flowers. I think I sound like some fluttery drama addict, a woman who makes grand pronouncements about every little thing. I have toyed with the idea of just stating the location of the wedding and the bride and groom's name in a blog entry (and have actually done just that a couple of times). I look at these entries and fluctuate between being proud of my new minimalist approach and the vague feeling I have somehow shortchanged the bride and groom by not being effusive about all the hard work that goes into every single wedding.

As a wedding photographer I have to bring a certain amount of dispassion to the table when I shoot a wedding. I have been known to cry while watching a hallmark commercial, so this is not always easy.
When a bride dances with her Father I am often holding back waterworks. I recently lost my beloved Grandparents so the elderly folks at a wedding are very important to me; my family elders are gone and I feel that loss every day.

The reason I mention all this is that Katie and Jared's wedding was full of so much love and joy that words could never adequately describe the emotion and beauty of their day. Before the wedding Katie's little sister hugged her big sister and teared up with the overwhelming emotion of what was about to happen: a new family forming, a beloved big sister about to embark on the wondrous journey of marriage.

Every wedding, every single one, is full of moments like that. Which, ultimately, is why photographs are so important. Because they tell the whole story. Because what we see is often so much more emphatic than what we hear.

So when I write about how fabulous everything was, I mean it.

I love handicrafts! I love to knit, bead, collage, make things out or paper mache' and all that other stuff. Imagine my delight when I found the Norfolk Craft Mafia. I love their poster.

They are having a show at the Masonic Temple on Granby street Saturday, November 10th. I have a wedding at the Chrysler that day, but will try to make it early.

Check them out here.

I recently came upon the Pretty Tasty forum, a wonderful design resource for Hampton Roads.  It seems they have a vital community of artists, graphic designers and other creative types.  Check it out here.

Janie's work and some of my photos are featured again on the Style Me Pretty Blog, another great inspiration blog. See the shots here.

I did not shoot the two images in the lower right corner. Unfortunately I can't work with Janie every weekend. Fantastic flowers Janie!!!

Another wedding blog Janie's wonderful work was featured on is Brides in the City, a wonderful blog filled with lots of design inspiration for the Bride. See the photos I shot of Brooke's gorgeous wedding here.
You may need to scroll down. Way to go Janie!!!

My darling friend Janie Medley has a bouquet featured online at Brides.com.

I took the photo last year. Congratulations Janie!!!

Eric and Rhea were married at the Chrysler Museum. The fabulous Isha Foss coordinated this event.  

Rhea is stunning... 

While Rhea and the bridesmaids were waiting in the dressing room, Eric and the groomsmen were sequestered in the audio/visual room of the museum.  We had some fun with the funky track lighting and bulletin boards.....

 The flower girls were absolutely adorable....

After the ceremony, we went outside for some portraits.

 Then we headed back inside

to enjoy the wonderful reception! 

Eric and Rhea,  my very best wishes to you!  Thank you for including me on your wonderful day!! 

Lindsey and Brian had their wedding and reception at the lovely Mariner's Museum.

Lindsey had these cool silver heeled shoes..

It was a hot day, so water was supplied in this adorable sailboat.. 

 Everyone had a great time dancing at this lively, super fun wedding.

I wish you the absolute best Lindsey and Brian! 

I have been neglecting my blog lately and I apologize. Things have been really busy around here and lots of good things are cooking which I will share with you soon.

Until then, aren't these bags great? They would make amazing favor bags on a reception or party table.
Find them at Elum Designs.