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!

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. 

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!