Ayden | Cake Smash Photography | Hampton Roads VA

I realize I am far behind on blogging but what better way to get back in the swing of things than to start off with my first session this season! I had the pleasure of photographing a very cute birthday boy for his one year cake smash and I must say I think they are my favorite. 

We held our session in Downtown Norfolk, close to Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin, which worked seamlessly with his nautical themed event. Our session began with some classic family portraits and one on one time between baby and both mom and dad. Its nothing sweeter than the love you see between a baby and its parents. Each parent holds a special bond with their child, its so precious to see the interaction and be able to capture those little moments, laughs and smiles, on camera.

I also always like to try to get Mom and Dad by themselves for at least a couple portraits during the session as well. I feel its important to rekindle that connection, and to never lose the love you feel between the two of you. Life can be hectic, especially when having a little one running around to look after and care for, but at the end of the day you both will always have each other. A family begins with two and grows thru the love they both have for each other. 

I used a custom made banner from HoneyGoDesigns on Etsy and as you will see it was perfect! I can't wait to use her shop for future decorations as it exceeded my expectations and I would gladly recommend her if you are in need of custom party decorations. Ayden was such a joy to work with - a little shy in the beginning, as most children are, but by the end of our session we were best friends. Except when it came time to smash his cake.... This was my very first session where my birthday boy has cried and refused to smash or eat cake.  He gave true meaning to "Its my party and I'll cry if I want to" and I couldn't help but photograph that moment and have it for him and his family to look back on years down the road. It will surely bring a smile to his family to look back on and remember his first birthday photoshoot.

Click here to view more of Ayden's Cake Smash session!

If you would like to book your own cake smash session or would like to know more information, please click here to visit the online store 
|| All sessions can be pre paid in full or have the non refundable retainer paid online to be considered booked - just send me a quick message following payment to let me know any details and the date/time you wish to have your session ||

Fall Mini Sessions | Current Photography Special | Hampton Roads VA

Well, its that time of year again.... the weather will be cooling off some and the leaves will soon be changing colors and falling... BUT! it is also the perfect time to update those family photo's or just grab a few new shots of the children. The scenery will be a gorgeous backdrop and with Halloween right around the corner, I would love to see some costumes! 

I will be hosting a Mini session event in honor of "Fall" - it is open to all families, children, couples, even pets are welcome! The location is still being determined but it is going to have a fall feel to it, as well a small set up of props. I also encourage families to dress accordingly, and be prepared upon arrival with any props they wish to use from home as well, being that time will limited.

I am so excited to launch these sessions this season & have also made booking with me simple and easy! Click here to visit my online calendar, just pick one of the four dates available and the time slot that will best fit your family.

Nicolette Sue Photography

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Clarke Retirement | Military Photography | Hampton Roads Va

A few months back, I was asked to photograph a retirement ceremony... a Marine retirement ceremony. I felt so honored to have had someone reach out to me to capture that special moment for someone who had served to protect our country. I support our military whole heartedly, and have experienced deployments through the navy as well as the homecomings that follow, but I had never been apart of the other branches nor had I been able to witness a retirement ceremony of anyone. This was one event I am glad I am able to mark off my "things I would like to capture" list, it was a great experience.

The location was very fitting, as the ceremony was held aboard the USS Wisconsin, next to Nauticus in Downtown Norfolk. There was many speakers that had witnessed Mr. Clarke's great accomplishments over the years and who had stood beside him and supported him, including his family. It was very informative and eye opening to hear and see all that our military go through, in missions, deployments, and their accomplishments all while being away from loved ones and providing and serving the great country they live and for. I am personally very thankful for all those that serve, past and present, thank you all for all you do! 

Your family and loved ones that are left behind, on the sidelines, to take care of the household and hold down the fort while you are gone fighting and serving are one of the strongest people. They are your backbone, your support when you need it, and your helping hand in those times of need. They have to do everything they can to hold it together and try not to shed a tear at the thought of not having that special someone close to us on a daily basis anymore for any length of time. I think it was really special to see the family of Mr. Clarke get recognized for their love and support in his career, as they are just as much a part of his success, and I wish them all the best in their future!

Jasmine + AJ | Maternity Photography | Hampton Roads VA

So, this Mother's Day, was made extra special this year... I was able to celebrate by capturing one of my friends' maternity portraits. I think it was the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day!

Becoming a Mother is one of the greatest gifts and experiences I can have the pleasure to say I have been able to experience personally as well and can speak from the heart. The love to your unborn is unlike any other, it is so unconditional even before they even take their first breath into this world. 

It is amazing what the human body is able to accomplish, how we can grow a human being. It still boggles my mind when I look at my own child, that I made something so beautiful. People asks me what my greatest accomplishment in life is, and I have to say she is, I have never been able to achieve a greater thing than something so beautiful, smart, and innocent, as she is. The bond between mother and child is the strongest bond one could wish to have with someone. 

" No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside. "

I had a wonderful time exploring the Pagoda Gardens in Downtown Norfolk with Jasmine and her husband, it was the perfect place for the occasion, as it seems to never let me down. I am so happy for them to become amazing parents, I know their daughter will be beautiful and I can not wait to meet her!

Welcome Home USS Truman | Homecoming Photography | Hampton Roads VA

A few months ago we welcomed home the USS Truman from a very long deployment. There were tons of families waiting anxiously on the pier with signs and flags, smiles and even tears as the ship was docked and sailors manned the rails. I felt so honored to be able to be apart of that experience despite some mishaps that day. I was able to see so many eager families run and scream with joy as they saw their sailors walking off towards them. There is nothing more rewarding than capturing that pure raw emotion in people, it is one of my favorite parts of having my job; photography is a very powerful art form. I had once been on that pier waiting for long hours upon my sailors return, I know how heart-wrenching it can be, how nervous you are to first see them but once they walk towards you and you feel that embrace of your first hug after months and months, it seals all the missed time between you two, nothing else matters in that moment. The world around you freezes and your heart is complete, and I was able to see that for so many families and be able to capture those frozen moments of being reunited for many.

If you see anyone you may know in the photo's below please contact me, as I have not been able to find the names to go along with these faces and would love for them to have these photo's for themselves; to view more click here.

" Love knows no distance, our love is deployment strong " <3