Winter Wedding in Virginia Beach:

I always wanted to shoot a white winter wedding, but being in the southeast and at the beach, we don’t often get too many snowy opportunities. Well Laura & Jim definitely had some snow on their wedding day… kind of an understatement because they got married on the one day that we got hit with a blizzard! Despite the crazy weather conditions, we all made it safe and sound to start shooting the getting ready part of the day at the Hilton Oceanfront. This hotel’s Presidential Suite is absolutely stunning and so well suited for weddings. From the sparkly lighting fixtures, to the white leather furniture and faux fur pillows, this room was just perfect for shooting those getting ready details and moments. Laura picked out a lovely deep shade of eggplant for her color palette which looked stunning on the bridesmaids and created beautiful pops of color throughout her decor. Did I mention the gorgeous flowers! I loved how the bridesmaid bouquets included little pine cones for this winter wedding. Laura had her first look with dad in the suite and then we went down to the second floor of the Hilton for a first look with the groom and formal wedding party and family photos. We then had to quickly leave to the church for the ceremony. I was really hoping for some outdoor snow photos while we still had light, but as soon as we left the hotel and were immediately pelted in the face with ice and wind, I realized that my dream of photographing my bride and groom frolicking in the snow was not going to be a reality.

Everyone made it over safely and on time to the wedding ceremony at the church, which was amazing! I have to say I was very thankful to be working with such a great team of wedding vendors that did everything in their power to make sure Laura & Jim had a wonderful wedding day despite the inclement weather. The church still had the Christmas decor from the holidays, with wreathes and red ribbons and candlelit sconces that created a welcoming warm glow for this evening wedding. When Laura walked down the aisle with her Dad she looked so beautiful and happy! The wedding continued with a traditional mass and ceremony. After the recessional, we had a few minutes to capture some quick photos in the church and then headed to the reception at the Princess Anne Country Club. Bride and Groom had their official grand introductions and changed things up a bit and went right into a dance party for 3 songs! I had never seen this before and wasn’t sure it was going to work, since most people need a little to drink before dancing, but I was definitely mistaken! Everyone joined Laura and Jim on the dance floor and really kicked off the celebration!

The night continued with lots of dancing, heartfelt toasts and emotional hugs, cake cutting, fun group photos, more dancing and a big sparkler exit! I was also able to sneak the Bride and Groom out for a quick snowy night photo too! Congrats Laura & Jim!

I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to ALL THE WEDDING VENDORS that did all the extra work and planning to make this wedding day complete, despite the storm! Planning and coordination by Kim Wadsworth, Hair and Makeup by BridesMade, Flowers by Isha Foss, Cake from Incredible Edibles, HeyDJ, Boardwalk Photobooth, Reverend Tom Deppe and staff at the Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church, all the staff and parking attendants at the Hilton Oceanfront for getting all our cars in the crazy snow, McCall and all the staff at the Princess Anne Country Club. Thank you so much for putting on your snow boots, leaving hours before your scheduled start time and doing everything possible to make this wedding day happen on time and on schedule! You all rock… seriously! 🙂

I am a local Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer serving Hampton Roads and surrounding areas. I specialize in wedding photography in Virginia Beach as well as engagements, families and portraits. Love what you see? Contact me today for pricing and availability! Phone: 757-812-4252 email: kellymariephotos@gmail.com