Spring Engagement Session Planning tips In Coastal Virginia

Freemason District Norfolk VA

Selina &

Harrison

Virginia is a beautiful state with a wide variety of locations to choose from when planning a photo session. For example, when you envision spring in Virginia what pops into your head? Lush green grass and beautiful blooms, right? This is true BUT those blooms and grass do not start showing off on the first day of Spring (typically in March). 

Let’s dive in a little deeper on some behind the scenes tips for planning a springtime photo session:

*My First tip. Once you confirm a date with your photographer, start your allergy medication a few days prior to prevent any allergy flare ups. (No one wants to look puffy when the pollen strikes)

*My Second tip. Think about your start times depending on which month you decide to schedule! Start times are best an hour before sunset. This can range greatly in the spring time here.

If you decide for March sunset begins around 6 pm in the early month, so I would recommend starting around 5pm. Keep in mind there is a time change in this month, which will then push your start time back an hour. Meaning, towards the end of the month you will end up starting those sessions around 6- 6:30 pm.

In the month of April you will start around 6:45 and almost 7pm as the month goes on.

When May hits, you better be sure to eat dinner or pack a snack before you go because you will be starting around 7:00-7:15 to capture that good golden light around 8:00 pm. (or plan for a romantic dinner date when you are done since you will already be dressed up!)

*My third tip. Keep in mind the weather variations with each month!

When it comes to planning an engagement session, plan on scheduling towards the end of April to make sure you get away from those frosty days that inhibit the growth of blooms.

Keep in mind that the month of May can be tricky. You could have the absolute perfect day, or you can have a very cold gloomy misty evening OR even a blistering hot (basically summer) day of 90 degrees. It is hard to really determine until about 24 hours before your session so be sure to keep in touch with your photographer the day before AND if your photographer allows it, schedule a rain date for safe keeping. That way you and the photographer are not scrambling matching schedules with a tight time crunch.

*My fourth and final tip. Throw some bug spray for those muggy hot evenings!

A Champagne Toast engagement session in Rural Virginia

Megan and

Guy

When its your bride’s birthday and you see her that evening for their engagement session, you obviously POP champagne! Megan and Guy are a dream to work with. These two will be saying I do at Kingsmill next year and we cannot wait to celebrate with them!

A Romantic candlelit spring wedding at the Historic Post Office

Claira &

Trae

Hampton Virginia

Meet Trae and Claira. Trae is a good ole boy who loves to hunt and fish (check out his super cool wedding band with deer and hunting dogs engraved on it!) while Claira is your gorgeous ,southern, sorority girl. Despite this seemingly opposite nature, these two were made for one another.

Their love story began at the tender age of 15, before drivers licenses. Their families seemed to always cross paths, but the two stayed strangers until one day, when Trae made the first move. From there on out, it had seemed as if the stars aligned and the two became inseparable. With a love this young, their first date was in Nags Head with Claira's family to explore the beach and little shops. That day made for an ever lasting bond.

Trae knew this woman would be his wife, so he decided not to waste anymore time and pop the question during Claira's celebration party for the completion of her Master's Degree. He got down on one knee, in front of Claira's entire family, and displayed a collage of photos of the couple throughout the years while asking her to be his forever.

Like most couples in the era of Covid, the path to "I Do" was longer than anticipated. With the arrival of the big day, the theme of the wedding could not be more perfect, 'romantic candlelit green and sky blue.' The team from House of Oak helped turn this vision to life. Romantic gold table decor was adjusted perfectly on top of the sky blue linens. Surrounded by soft white drapery, the bride and groom entered their ceremony site and shared their first kiss under the chandelier with close family and friends watching.

Even weather on their day even agreed, bright sky blues with a warm romantic sunset where the light Illuminated their skin so delightful as they smooch on the front steps of the Historic Post office.


Claira looked like an angel and trust me, the way Trae looked at her was ethereal. Cheers to the new bride and groom!