De'von & Miata: Hampton Historic Post Office Winter Wedding

People! We are so excited to share Miata and De’von’s wedding with you today, which could have seriously been featured (and very well may be in the future) in ANY bridal magazine across the world. These two have impeccable taste, to the point where we cannot even describe how perfect every single detail was. It’s a good thing we’re photographers, then, yeah? 

From the insanely gorgeous centerpieces and floral arrangements to the opulent venue and decor, there wasn’t a thing that wasn’t thought of and carefully planned. And when we saw Miata in her wedding dress, we all almost lost our breath! (We can’t even imagine how De’von must have felt seeing her walk down the aisle)! 

Devon Cook surprises long time girlfriend Miata Palmer with a proposal dinner. Shot by @signedcms & @sonny.forbes (instagram) Edited by @signedcms *** I do not own any music in this video ***

These two college sweethearts were so anxious to see each other throughout the day. They really thought the other would have an anxiety attack before the wedding even started! But with careful coaching from each of their animated bridal party members, they made it to the altar just fine. They choose not to see each other before the wedding so they could truly enjoy all the anticipation leading up to the “I dos”. They say it gave them an opportunity to show their family and friends their first reactions.

Here are a few more shots from their picture-perfect day: 

What a joy it was to photograph you on this special day, you two. We hope your years are full of happiness, light and just as much beauty! 

Vendors:

Cake: TastyLue Cakes

Make Up Artist: Evangelene Medley-Jenkins

DJ/Music: Izzy The DJ — Derrick Isabel 

Wedding Planner: Raise The Ruth Events

Dress: Maya Couture 

Caterer: Xavier McGee - Chef X

Florist & Decor: Graceful Designs Tanya Frazier

Wedding Venue: Historic Post Office

Wedding Photographers: Ronny & Reggie Smart SmartShot Photography

Wedding Cinematographer: Marcus Johnson & Ricky Viz Ink

Wedding Photo Booth: SmartShot Photo Booths

-Ronny and Reggie Smart

Mike & Dieana: Virginia Beach Winter Wedding

There’s something about a classic, formal wedding inside of a church that gets me every time. It just feels so pure and cinematic. We love the pews, the pulpit, the architecture, and – if we’re lucky – the beautiful Christmas trees that set the scene for this lovely joining of two souls. Mike and Dieana’s wedding took place at The Beach Church in Virginia Beach, VA, which was the perfect scene for their Winter Wonderland wedding.

These two met at Starbucks about 6 years ago. Mike proposed as soon as God told him to. He knew he had to do things the Lord’s way, and here we are looking at their wedding photographs! Isn’t that the sweetest story?

Even though these two hate the spotlight, they kept their focus on each other and made it through their beautiful wedding day. It really helped also that they decided on doing a first look. Dieana says, it really helped them enjoy their guests more because they got a lot of the photos out of the way early. When these two met eyes at the altar, a sense of calm rushed over them both. Mike was even spotted getting teary eyed as he waited patiently for his beautiful bride, Dieana. 

About their wedding day, Dieana said, “The emotions were greater than I imaged. To me, my wedding turned out perfect and the theme just as I imaged it. Thanks to Patricia Heath, my wedding planner..” How about that? 

You guys are going to rock this whole being married thing. Thanks for sharing your day with us! 

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Patricia Heath

Dress: David’s Bridal

Caterer: Taqueria La Cabana

Florist: Norfolk Wholesale Floral

Wedding Photographers: Ronny & Reggie Smart SmartShot Photography

Wedding Photo Booth: SmartShot Photo Booths

-Ronny and Reggie Smart

Wedding Series: The significance of the first look

Are First Looks Important?

Many of my couples ask me whether or not they should have a first look. If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering the same thing. In my professional opinion, I think they are an excellent idea. I love first looks. I know that they are a tad bit ‘untraditional,’ but let me take a minute to explain the benefits of a first look.

1. Your wedding day will be crazy busy. No getting around it. You have so much to do and so little time to do it in. If you have a first look, it helps to calm down the day a bit. Instead of trying to rush around to get everyone together and have pictures taken between the wedding ceremony and reception while your guests are waiting, you’ll have that time to relax and enjoy your guests and not have to worry about being late to your reception. We can do all of the main portraits before the ceremony even begins – at the very least, the bride and groom and bridal party photos. This way, your hair and makeup are still perfect, as they were just finished. If your family is coming earlier, we can do their photos beforehand, as well, or we will only have to worry about those portraits after the ceremony and not the bridal party shots.

2. A first look also gives you a very special, intimate moment with your new spouse. If you are nervous or stressed out, this will especially help to relax you, and your spouse can comfort you and let you know it will all be OK. During the ceremony, there are many of people around and you can’t fully take in the moment because everyone is staring at you. With a first look, that moment is just between you and your spouse (and your photographers, of course). 

3. Even if you have a first look, your husband will be just as happy to see you walking down the aisle and you’ll still take his breath away. Don’t worry that you’ll be spoiling the moment by seeing him prior to the ceremony.