First Landing Elopement Inspiration | Virginia Beach Elopement Photographer

First Landing Elopement Inspiration | Virginia Beach Elopement Photographer

This shoot began as a dream many months ago, ending in a beautiful reality that got published on Hill City Bride last week! When I went through the re-branding process I knew that I needed to further hone in on my style. I love weddings of all kinds, but one kind of ceremony that is near and dear to my heart is an elopement. I photographed my first elopement and quickly fell in love - it was intimate, focused on marriage, and created beautiful space and time for portraits.

With this in mind, I wanted to revisit the idea of having a small ceremony with gorgeous elements but without the hustle and stress of a wedding day. I think this really came from a place of thinking about my own wedding - while I loved it, people change over time and if I were to have a wedding today I would probably opt for an elopement with immediate family present. There's something so sweet about a celebration of marriage with no pressure or expectations...

How to Choose the Perfect Spring Wedding Flowers | Hampton Roads Floral Design

How to Choose the Perfect Spring Wedding Flowers | Hampton Roads Floral Design

I'm so excited to continue this seasonal wedding flower guide, written by my talented friend Karen of Aleen Floral Design, who provides wonderful suggestions for what flowers to choose should you get married in the spring. You can also view her fall and winter wedding flower suggestions.

April showers bring May flowers, so the saying goes…. And how resplendent they are!  Spring is my favorite season for all the wondrous beauty peaking through the weary winter ground.  The essence of life meets us at every turn: buds on trees, timid tulips pushing through the earth, new lambs in the pen, foals in the field, and wee birds chirping. 

As an event floral designer I am often asked if I have my own wedding planned out for β€œsomeday”.  No, not really, but if I could choose a season, it would be Spring as it offers an abundance of wondrous blooms.  How about you?  Are you planning a Spring soiree, your wedding, or a mother’s day celebration?  If so, you may want to consider including some of these Spring beauties in your flower arrangements...

Saying No to Fear | Monday Musings

Saying No to Fear | Monday Musings

I don't know how it happens but somehow the older I become, the more fearful I am. Maybe I'm not afraid in childlike ways (of the dark, of snakes and spiders, etc.) but I have started to notice that I have a tendency to make decisions based on my fear. The fear of failure, fear of financial instability, fear of missing out, and so many more can often cripple my mind and change the decisions I would have made into the safe, easy ones.

I have truly struggled with turning 25 this year. I know some of you will roll your eyes because I am still young by most definitions. But this number, along with a traumatic start to my year, has shaken me to the core. I feel like I should have done so many more things (though what I'm not sure!) and I am beginning to lose a little of the fearlessness that I have come to cherish as a part of my personality...