Bre’s Birthday Picnic

I can’t believe I’m just now blogging this unforgettable Sweethaven Lavender Picnic photo session! Bre wanted to celebrate her 32nd birthday in a special way after surviving a challenging 2020 (I think we all need to celebrate that!) She went all out! When you combine lavender, best friends, and amazing charcuterie, I’m in!

She hired Sparrow + Elm to style an incredible picnic in the lavender field, and I’ve never seen anything like it outside of a magazine! Melissa worked SO hard in the insane heat to put together this stunning spread! The candles may have melted, but so did our hearts (ha so cheesy! Brie maybe?)

This was my first friends photo session, and I loved it so much! Everyone was so fun and carefree! I love how all the outfits came together, and were absolutely perfect for the setting.  Bre used my Style & Select membership to help everyone coordinate. It’s such a neat service to help you visualize how all pieces will look together! She ended up with the perfect balance of color, texture and pattern! The hats, baskets and flower crowns were the perfect accessories to complete the looks!

Y’all, it was SO HOT! We were all sweating, but somehow Bre still looks like a goddess!


Bre, I’m so honored to have been able to help you document your amazing friendships, and a much needed birthday celebration after such a hard year! I hope these photos always bring you joy, and help you get through the hard times!

Palmer Family

I don’t even know where to start! This Norfolk cherry blossom session is so special. I learned how to be a photographer by practicing on this family for the last 10 years! Sweet Adelynn has been my Adelyn’s best friend since they were in the womb!

Some of my favorite memories are dressing the girls up in matching Gymboree outfits + plopping them on a blanket so I could take photos. They were too little to crawl away, and looked so adorable/slightly ridiculous in their giant bow headbands! Then, we graduated to tea parties in wildflowers + cowgirl boots at the pumpkin patch. Their friendship + childhood is well documented, and I’m so grateful for those priceless memories!

Then this little blonde bundle of personality came along, and I’ve been photographing him since he was just a few weeks old!

It’s such a joy to document families as they grow over the years, and to preserve their memories and legacy.  I’m so thankful to get to do this job that is so much more than just creating pretty pictures.

Jessica + Grady are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year, and somehow I think they’ve just gotten better with time!

As a girl mom, this photo speaks to my heart. Jessica was my first mom friend when were both pregnant (how funny is it that halfway through our pregnancies, we realized we had chosen the same name for our girls!), and a decade later, is still one of my favorite people.  She has a gift for making people feel special + celebrated, and is such a good mom.

Palmer Family, I’m so grateful to that you’ve trusted me with so many of your priceless memories! It’s been such a privilege to watch your family grow over the last decade!

White dress by Show Me Your Mumu + is included in the JJP Client Closet.

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake.

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com. 

 

 

Myers Family

Spring is my absolutely most favorite time of year as a photographer. Fall is considered busy season because everyone is scrambling for Christmas card photos, but spring blooms + colors have my heart! This Virginia Beach cherry blossom session was extra special! I loved documenting this beautiful growing family for our 4th session together!

We had originally attempted first birthday photos earlier this year, but you’ll never believe what happened! Our originally session was a perfect, unseasonably warm day in January. All the details, from the dresses, hair + makeup, and the perfect location were planned. Then, as they were pulling into the parking lot, Abigail got carsick + tossed her cookies all over her perfect dress.

Y’all. We all just stared at each other in shock trying to figure out what to do! I’ve been a photographer for 7+ years, but it was a first! Sarah took Abigail to the bathroom to clean up, and put on the only change of clothes available- a black + neon pink track suit that didn’t quite fit our vision! In the mean time, I documented the birthday girl + her daddy, and then Mama jumped in too.  You know I had to photograph the whole family together, crazy outfit + all. While it’s not an image that would end up above the mantle, it’s still a memory, and kind of works in B+W!

It was a crazy situation that no amount of planning could have prepared for, and I was so impressed with how gracefully Josh + Sarah handled it.  I know they were both worried about Abigail, and disappointed to have gone through all the effort to get ready for family photos, to not have them turn out as expected. Through it all, they had such perspective, and continued to be kind + gracious in the midst of the stress.

I share this as a reminder to myself + to my clients- sometimes things happen no matter how carefully we plan. The important thing is how we respond.  Take a breath, relax, and try to find some humor. I promise, even if your kids are crazy or your toddler throws up, we will get you beautiful photos, one way or another! I also learned a valuable lesson- bring backup outfits!

Of course, we did a reshoot when Abigail was feeling better, and I LOVE that the timing lined up with the Virginia Beach cherry blossoms! In the end, this sweet family has beautiful photos, and a memory that they will hopefully laugh about one day!

Myers Family, you know I love you! You were such troopers to make it through two photo sessions with two toddlers! I hope these images make you smile for years to come, and I am so excited to see them on your walls!

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake. All dresses provided by the JJP Client Closet.

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com. 

Marissa + Sean

When Marissa reached out over Instagram about her upcoming elopement, I was SO thrilled! While I love photographing kids + families, working with couples is a whole different kind of fun! Marissa + Sean are both in the Navy. Living on opposite coasts plus the pandemic made getting married challenging. Thankfully, it worked out for Marissa to make a quick trip over Christmas for their Virginia Beach elopement!

We met at Pleasure House Point one sunny but very cold afternoon the day after their court house wedding. They were so adorable, and you could just tell how happy they were to be married!

This series is one of my favorites. There was an inside joke happening + both of them couldn’t keep it together! Those are my favorite, most authentic moments. 

I loved Marissa + Sean’s Virginia Beach elopement so much! Getting to work with such a beautiful, in love couple was so much fun! Marissa + Sean, thank you so much for trusting me with your beautiful memories as newlyweds!

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio located in Chesapeake.

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com. 

Bogulski Family

I love this dreamy beach newborn session so much! This gorgeous mama gave birth during the pandemic + opted to wait a little while to document her sweet baby just to be safe. While he was passed the sleepy baby swaddle stage, I’m so glad we were able to document his babyhood! We had the most perfect beach day, and these images just make me happy!

 

Kayla changed into this stunning dress from my Client Closet half way through, and I love both her casual + dressy looks! It’s fun to see how clothing choice can totally change the feel of an image! Also, is there anything sweeter than a tiny baby in Daddy’s arms?

You can tell that Kayla + Nic adore their sweet boy + each other. They were just so joyful + loving!

Total photo overload, but I honestly couldn’t narrow it down any more! I left this photo session feeling so grateful that I get to document families’ most special moments!

Bogulski Family, I hope these moments continue to bring you joy for years to come! It was such an honor to document your sweet boy + I can’t believe how much he’s grown already!

 

    

Enriquez Family

We were thrilled when this sweet family moved in across the street last year! I loved their fall photo session + we had so much fun! I adore photographing in the Freemason District because it has so much character + so many fun options!

These kiddos were rockstars + had the sweetest smiles!

Everly thinks that Lucas + Olivia are just the coolest, and she talks about them constantly!

This moment with Nico + his daddy just melts my heart! 

Some of my favorite images are ones like this- real, sweet moments that are full of love!

Sarah is a former teacher/creative mama + Addie loves going over to their house to do crafts! She is such a kind + graceful mama. 

Family sessions with littles can be a bit wild, but I always sneak in a moment with just Mom + Dad! I can’t tell you how many clients have told me the last professional photo they have together was at their wedding! 

Thank you, Enriquez family, for trusting me with your sweet memories! I love your family + these images!

Coulard Family

This multigenerational motherhood photo session is so special! I first met Nichole 7 years ago when we both moved into our sweet little neighborhood! Kennedy was an itty bitty baby in the Baby Bjorn, but it seems like just yesterday!

We had originally planned a fall family session, but in true military fashion, it didn’t quite work out with the schedule. Nichole opted for a motherhood session + include her mother-in-law, and I know that these images will be so special for years to come! If you’re wondering if you should include grandparents in family photos, the answer is YES!

We had the most gorgeous balmy fall day with my favorite dreamy light, and it was perfect to document these motherhood moments! There is just so much joy + life in these images that make my heart happy! Give me a beautiful family in a field and I’m in heaven!

I will say it again + again: Mamas, get in the photo with your kids! You deserve beautiful images with your family instead of always being behind the iPhone. Get your hair + makeup done. I’ll help you style your session + choose outfits that photograph beautifully. 

Images like these are for them as much as they are for you. I’m always surprised by how much my own kids love having our family photos displayed in our home. Adelyn often tells me how much she loves them + how special they make her feel. 

Nichole + Kennedy’s dresses are from Joyfolie, and Cici is wearing a Client Closet selection from Show Me Your Mumu. I love pairing neutrals with a pattern + complementing color. Accessories like the hat + belt finish the look so everything feels cohesive without matching being too matchy.

They will only be this little today. Tomorrow, their faces will be a little less round, all the gaps in their teeth will be filled in, and they might be too big to sit on your lap.

But today, soak in all the snuggles, twirls + magic.

Thank you, Coulard family, for trusting me with these priceless memories! I hope that these images bring you joy for years to come. I loved every moment of our time together!

Hair by: Katie Parr

Johnston Family

Can you believe that Karen + I were sorority sisters at UNC Chapel Hill? It seems like just a few years ago, but it’s been just a liiiiitle longer than that! It’s been so fun to reconnect!  I love spending time together now that we have families-  it’s so wild to see how our lives have turned out!

Karen brought her adorable family up to Norfolk for fall family photos! They made the trek from North Carolina, and we loved showing them our favorite spots in Hampton Roads!

When you’re taking family photos, it’s important to have realistic expectations! Especially when toddlers are involved, the “say cheese” everyone looking at the camera images may not be perfect. I like to add  in tickles, games, and snuggles for some joy + life! Movement can do wonders to make an image feel natural!

I’ve got lots of tricks up my sleeve to engage little ones who don’t want to sit still! Ethan is a wild child + made me work for these smiles!

This beautiful girl is an old soul. She is just so precious + mature for her 4 years on earth! She’s one of my most favorite little girls to photograph!

Karen has the best style + put together the most beautiful outfits. I adore these sweet details! Outfits that coordinate but aren’t too “matchy matchy” and have some texture/pattern are perfect!

It’s so important for mom to be IN the photos sometimes! Karen’s dress is by Baltic Born, and her hair + makeup by Basil and Peach Beauty here in Chesapeake, VA! I highly recommend mamas get their hair + makeup done for their family photos. It’s the perfect time for self care + to help you look extra gorgeous in your photos!

Ethan has a rare condition called Tuberous Sclerosis. He was born with tumors on his vital organs, including his heart + brain. Karen + David are his tireless advocates. Karen organizes events as the Community Alliance Chair for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, they organize fund raisers, take him to his many specialists appointments, and make sure he’s getting the best care possible. I know having a child with a rare disease is not easy, but they are such a loving + strong family through it all. #tscstrong

I’m always sure to photograph mom + dad together! David is such a patient + loving husband/dad, and I’m so glad Karen found her perfect match! I know our college selves would be so happy to know that life turned out pretty well on the other side!

Johnston family, thank you SO much for making the drive to Virginia! It makes my heart so happy to document your beautiful family every year!

 

 

       

When we moved back to Hampton Roads last summer, I was so excited to discover all the fun places that popped up while we were away! Sweethaven Lavender Farm was at the top of my list, and when I saw they were hosting a lavender festival, I bought tickets for both weekends!

Unfortunately, the pandemic had other ideas. I’m so glad we were still able to make an appointment to pick our own lavender bouquets + enjoy the farm!

It’s about an hour away for us, but so worth the drive. The rows of lavender + beautiful farmhouse shop made my France loving heart so happy. I’m so excited to return next month when another variety of lavender + a field of wildflowers are blooming!

I highly recommend cooling off after picking your bouquet with the lavender lemonade. It’s as refreshing as it is beautiful! I also took home some of the lavender hand frosting + it’s heavenly!

Both my girls loved our time at Sweethaven Lavender Farm. It’s always interested to see how their age + personality differences manifest in new situations. While Adelyn very carefully snipped each sprig of lavender for her bouquet, Everly explored + ran until she was a sweaty mess. Adelyn slowly savored her lemonade, and Everly didn’t move until she had slurped every drop.

Our paper wrapped bouquets are displayed in each of our bedrooms, and we plan to dry them so we can enjoy a beautiful lasting souvenir! 

Check out their website to sign up to pick your own lavender bouquet! It really is the perfect escape during these weird times! Also, my head is filled with ideas for a dreamy portrait session here…who’s in?

 

Jessica Jeremiah Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, motherhood, and family sessions in Hampton Roads, VA. Jessica creates dreamy, joyful images outdoors + in her all white lifestyle studio in Chesapeake. 

I am so passionate about serving my clients + making it so easy to preserve precious memories, every step of the way. If you’d like to know more about the JJP experience, schedule a custom portrait session, or reserve your date, please visit my website or email me directly at jessica.jeremiah@gmail.com.