The following are all of Catie’s Photography blog posts from 2006 and 2007.
Please visit my current blog at www.catiesphotography.com/photoblog to see what’s new.
Or visit my website at www.catiesphotography.com to view my portfolio and learn more about Catie’s Photography.
August 26th, 2008
Chelsey and Tyler were married at the Lesner Inn in Virginia Beach. This is such a neat venue right on the Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven inlet. Chelsey was a beautiful bride and the pictures we took out on the deck overlooking the water are some of my favorite pre wedding bridal shots. We had discussed having her see Tyler before the ceremony to get some photographs of them together before the sun set, but on the day of Chelsey decided that she’d rather not. Which was of course perfectly fine with me, I never want to make anyone do anything that compromises their wedding day. So we took their pictures after the ceremony on the dock at night and we still got some great portraits. Not to mention all the candids on the dance floor!








December 11th, 2007
I recently photographed the cover story and some interior articles for the Sentara Heathcare Network online magazine. I also put my graphic design skills to work by designing the header for the online publication.

December 8th, 2007
On our second meeting, Camille and Jason shared with me some photographs they had found in a magazine of the bride and groom in the middle of a downtown street. I love when the bride and groom are excited about the photography and share their creative ideas. Their reception being held in downtown Norfolk, I knew this would be something that we could re-create.
So on the big day, after the traditional pictures where completed at the church we headed down to the Norfolk Sheridan and into the streets to take some fun shots. On Saturdays downtown is quiet so we took full advantage. Here are some of the photographs from the wedding.





A little later that evening we stepped outside to capture the amazing sunset.

I also had the pleasure of working with Sarah from Weddings by Michelle and Charleen Mitchell videographer with Brooks Photography.
December 5th, 2007
I had my first no show for a beach portrait the other day. And instead of heading back home, I thought as long as I was down at the oceanfront I might as well check out the sunset. Well I’m glad I did because the surf was big and the lighting was spectacular. It was nice to sit down and take it all in instead of working for a change. I took a couple photographs of the surfers. One that I really like has a bit of motion blur.

December 1st, 2007
On Leanna and Matt’s wedding day it rained.. a lot! Luckily as superstition has it, this also means that they will have a lot of good luck. The two were so happy to be joined in marriage I don’t think any storm could hamper their special day! I was able to take one of my favorite photographs… the bride and groom under an umbrella. There is something so charming about a rainy day wedding.

November 28th, 2007
Tamara and Edwin were married at the Renaissance Court in the Norfolk Botanical Garden. It was a beautiful fall afternoon and the perfect setting for their ceremony. Tamara was extremely creative with her wedding details. The flower girls dropped colorful leaves instead of pedals and each bridesmaid greeted their escort with an old fashioned courtesy. It was very sweet, even sweeter was the chocolate fountain and small candies at the reception!

I love all the things that are happening at once in this photograph.




November 27th, 2007
I had a fun time taking Sean’s Senior pictures at the oceanfront. He brought a couple of different articles of clothing to change into and a soccer ball to represent his althetic side. Here are a couple of the outakes from the portrait session.



November 26th, 2007
Tosha called me only a couple of days before her wedding day on October 13th. She exclaimed that she was getting married at the Wyndham at the oceanfront and was in dire need of a photographer! During the week or an occasional Sunday I can often cater to this type of last min request, but Tosha was getting married on a Saturday.
Luckily this was one of those rare weekends that I had free. So after breaking the news to my husband that golf plans were out, I was able to be Tosha and Clinton’s photographer. And I couldn’t have been happier, the ceremony on the beach was beautiful and the brunch to celebrate was scrumptious! You could really tell how estatic Tosha and Clinton were to be joined in matrimony.
I also had the pleasure of working with Stephen Orr of Videorr Media Productions.





November 7th, 2007
Amy and Marcio had their ceremony and reception at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel . It was a fantastic location right on the Chesapeake Bay. Amy got ready in the penthouse then proceeded down to the deck overlooking the water to exchange vows. The pair then celebrated in the ball room were Trevor from Asto DJ had everyone on their feet dancing all night long! I especially liked the cake with a tree growing up the front.





November 5th, 2007
I was originally scheduled to photograph Susan and Josh’s portraits on 85th street then they called me a couple of days before to let me know that they wanted to get married too. So they arranged for Scott from a Beach Wedding to perform the ceremony. It was a simple exchanging of vows on a peaceful evening. I really enjoyed being a witness and photographer for Susan and Josh.



October 29th, 2007
When I first met Jeanette she was planning a surprise wedding. I wasn’t sure how they were going to pull it off, but loved the idea. A couple of weeks later they had to break the big news to family and friends and their wedding became a more traditional affair. But Jeanette and Ryan still kept their wedding light and fun. The cupcake wedding cake was yummy!




October 26th, 2007
The Scott family requested their family portraits with their little girl Katherine at the oceanfront. They knew that she loved the ocean so much that they dressed her in a bathing suit under her picture clothes. Well sure enough as we got to the water she was determined to go in! It was fun capturing the interaction of Katherine’s Mom and Dad chasing her out of the waves. We did manage to get a few more tradtional shots in, but for the most part the session came to be about the family as they interacted naturally. I really enjoy photographing this way and the results are always sweet.





October 19th, 2007
After battling friday rush hour traffic through the hampton roads bridge tunnel I made it to Salt Ponds Marina in Hampton to meet Haley and Neil for their engagement session. It was well worth the drive! The scene was perfect and Haley had expressed to me that her and Neil owned a boat (although not currently in the water) so the location really complimented them. We spend a little time on the beach there and then headed back to the marina for sunset. The people who were docked at Salt Ponds were so friendly, one couple even invited us out to take pictures on their boat! It was a great expereince. I can’t wait to photograph Haley and Neil’s wedding in Williamsburg in the spring.





October 18th, 2007
Emily and Frank were married on the beach at Alexanders on the Bay in Chicks Beach. The clouds that evening were spetacular making the backdrop amazing for photographs of the bride and groom on the beach.



October 17th, 2007
When I met Cathy and she told me about the plans for her wedding I was ecstatic, I have always wanted to photograph a wedding on a farm. She had so many neat ideas, like a tractor pulling in the bridal party. Plus I couldn’t help but feel a little sentimental that she and her fiance share the same names as my husband and myself… Catherine and Travis.
The day of Cathy and Travis’ wedding was beautiful and all of the details reflected their personality. I admire Cathy and Travis’s spirit! They had fun all the way from unique songs down the aisle to a choreographed garter dance. I had a blast capturing all the memories as they unfolded!









October 16th, 2007
I was able to take a weekend off to go to my good friends Megan and Tim’s wedding in Megan’s hometown of Cooperstown, NY. Also known for the baseball hall of fame, this small town in upstate New York was a really neat place to visit. I was so happy to celebrate their special day with them and although I can never completely leave my camera behind it was nice to be a guest at a wedding this time.



October 15th, 2007
I was hired to perform work for Sentara again for their online publication. I enjoy the challenge of making images that compliment a story or article.

October 14th, 2007
I had the pleasure of photographing at a private residence in Suffolk, VA for Canterbury Flooring Company. The home was very unique and made capturing images of wood floors interesting.
October 13th, 2007
Blue Pete’s is nestled along an inland waterway in southern Virginia Beach. As the sun was setting the light bounced off the water and candles were lit creating a night on the bayou experience. Jesi and Adam had placed a lot of creativity into their wedding from ceremony program fans to a purple cake! Blue Pete’s was a perfect setting to showcase their imagination.






The photograph above was taken with a tri-pod, slow exposure and a source of light. A technique known as writing with light.
October 11th, 2007
Mina and Joey came all the way from Richmond to have their family portrait on the beach. They picked a good night to drive down, the sunset was spectacular! We had a great time. I feel so lucky that I get to work with such fun, wonderful people!


September 28th, 2007
Maribeth and Garth were married at the Colonial Grace Church in historic Yorktown. The Church was originally erected in 1697! It has been rebuilt, most recently in 1926, but it has the original walls. Although photography was limited inside the church I was able to take some beautiful photographs of the couple in the surrounding yard and gardens. Afterwards we headed over to the reception at the Port of York. It was a great wedding, thanks to Maribeth and Garth for letting me take part in their day!






September 27th, 2007
At the end of August I took a vacation with my family to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. We often vacationed here when I was younger and I have a special place in my heart for the island. Going back over ten years later Bald Head Island offers the same charm.
Leaving your car behind, you travel to the island by ferry and move about the island on golf carts. Part of the island is natural preserve while the other half boasts club facilities including a golf course and pools. Because Bald Head Island is naturally a breading ground for sea turtles the Bald Head Island Sea Turtle Conservatory is also located on the island. The Homes are built to blend with the suroundings and the beaches are open and sandy.
It really is the perfect vacation for those who love the coastal outdoors. I had so much fun spending quality time with my family there.

Using a Tri-pod and a timer I was able to take our own family portrait on the beach!

Sea turtles hatch on the island at the end of the summer.



Nathaniel’s first time on a Boogy Board




Old Baldy at Sunset
September 19th, 2007
The Little Family met me at the beach to take their family portrait. The pictures came out great. Some of the outakes are below.

September 15th, 2007
K.C. and Greg are getting married next May at the Princess Anne Country Club. I met them at the oceanfront to capture their engagement session. It’s a great way to get to know each other and warm up for the big day. We had a lot of fun. They are planning on using one of the photographs from our engagement session as an announcement in the paper. Some couples also use the engagement photos in conjunction with a signing matte at their wedding or as a keepsake of this special time in life!




September 6th, 2007
I met the Hand family in the early morning to take their family portraits. We met at First Landing State Park and walked over the dunes to take portraits on the Chesapeake Bay beach. The sun was already strong at 7:30 a.m. so we did our best to stay in the shade.


September 5th, 2007
Stephanie and Dan were married at the Freemason Street Baptist Church in downtown Norfolk. The church was so majestic the photo opportunities were endless and Stephanie’s dress had a beautiful long train that matched the grandeur of the location. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Stephanie and Dan over the past six months and hope to hear from them again in the future.






September 4th, 2007
Newlyweds Shannon and Adam met me for their beach portraits. They had a small ceremony at the oceanfront earlier that day with their immediate family and wanted to take professional photographs at sunset to share with friends and family back home.


September 4th, 2007
John and Diana were married outside of their rental home in Sandbridge Beach, Virginia. The morning of they were unpleasantly surprised to see equipment getting set up for the ongoing sand replenishment project right at the ceremony site! Luckily they were able to talk the workers into holding off until after the wedding. Certainly a disaster adverted! The ceremony turned out beautiful and John, Diana and all their family and loved ones were so happy to celebrate.





August 17th, 2007
Anne and I had planned on meeting down at the Norfolk Courthouse to take her headshots, but the weather had different plans. A long heavy thunderstorm moved in and killed any hopes of an outdoor shoot. Sometimes I feel like my job is part weather woman! Which I don’t mind since I have always been one of those people to follow radar and get excited about a big storm. Now I find myself routing against them, at least when I have an outdoor shoot. Anne and I agreed to take the photographs at her home instead and they actually worked out well. I guess I am often thinking about the location, but sometimes it doesn’t need to be about where but whom.
August 17th, 2007
I met Tamera and Edwin at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to take their engagement photographs. We had a lot of fun during our session, I’m looking forward to photographing their wedding this October.

August 17th, 2007
Jen and Serkan came all the way from Turkey to celebrate their marriage with Jen’s family in her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. They exchanged vows at St. Pius Church and partied the night away at the private dining room in the Aberdeen Barn. It was a lively and fun celebration. Congratulations! Tebrikler!
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August 14th, 2007
Brin and J.W. planned a destination sunset beach ceremony for their closest friends and family in Sandbridge Beach. When I arrived at their rental house prior to the wedding the world looked like it was going to end… dark storm clouds loomed with the threat of a downpour. Not a strange sight in the evening in Virginia Beach during the summer, but not a welcome one for a wedding that was to begin shortly on the beach. With faith that it would pass over the wedding was held off for a half hour. And sure enough just as the sun was getting ready to set the clouds broke and filled the sky with such beautiful colors. It made the ceremony even more spiritual and was fantastic for the photographs! I have so many favorites…








August 7th, 2007
The Beadles family wanted to have their family portrait captured while vacationing at Virginia Beach. So we met at the oceanfront to do just that. The sky was rumbling the whole time, but gave us beautiful light and held out on the rain until we were just about done!
July 31st, 2007
Maria and Bobby hired me to document their small wedding ceremony at a friend’s private home. They had the most adorable little girl, who slept through the whole thing. I have to think that when she gets older she will love to see these photographs of her as a baby at her parents wedding.

July 31st, 2007
I had the pleasure of photographing Tiffany and Jay’s wedding recepetion at the Williamsburg Country Club. At one point during the evening we slipped out and rode off in golf carts to take pictures on the grounds. As a golfer myself, I must say the course was in great shape, I’d love to go back and play there someday. As a photographer, the green hills, tall trees and water made for a great backdrop, I hope to get the opportunity to shoot there again!

July 31st, 2007
I met the McNally clan in Sandbridge at Little Island State Park. It is my favorite place in Sandbridge to take photographs as there are natural dunes and no distracting homes in the background. In the evening it is usually quiet and peaceful at the park. Unfortunately that was not the case today, as beach dredging was going on, this perfect beach spot was lined with big pipes and trackers! Not letting this ruin our family portrait session we carefully maneuvered around the obstacles. The end result, you would never know anything was out of the ordinary!

July 30th, 2007
Patricia and Derek were married at a church in Yorktown and then celebrated at the Amoco club along the York River. The setting was perfect for waterfront pictures. Patricia and Derek also played a slideshow of photographs of themselves from their childhood to current. It was very sweet and a great way to share their story with all their friends and family. Now they can add their wedding photographs to their chronicle.


July 30th, 2007
Rachael and James held their wedding ceremony on the beach in Damn Neck and then moved indoors for their reception at the Shifting Sands Beach Club. Before the wedding even started Rachael and her bridal party were up for taking some fun photographs. With their hotel at the oceanfront we wandered down to the boardwalk. It was interesting photographing the contrast between their formal wedding attire and the less then dressed beach goers. Everyone who walked by had something to say! The whole thing was a really funny scene. To view more pictures from Rachael and James wedding see featured beach weddings.


July 18th, 2007
I met the McKendry family at the north end of Virginia Beach oceanfront to take photographs of their baby boy and daughter. It was a laid back summer evening and even the dolphins were out to play. I always enjoy these types of sessions as it combines my two favorite things, photography and the beach. It’s been a busy summer with family beach portraits and I couldn’t be happier.


July 17th, 2007
I had the opportunity to work with Sentara Healthcare photographing a patient story for an upcoming issue of their publication called Network Online. The following is an outake from the session.
July 17th, 2007
Kathrin and Jake were married at the Renaissance Court at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. It could not have been a more pleasant day, warm and sunny. The Botanical Gardens are one of my favorite places to photograph in the Hampton Roads area, so a wedding there is an extra treat. After the sun set the newlyweds and their party danced the night away under the open sky with the help of Chris from DJ on the Side.


July 16th, 2007
I had never traveled up to the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay before, so when Holly and John booked me to photograph their wedding in Deltaville, VA. I was excited to photograph their wedding there. The ceremony was at John’s family’s house on the bay and the reception was at the Dozier yacht club just down the road. It was a beautiful location, with a photo opt around every corner. Holly and John were great to work with, I wish them all the best in their new life together.

July 16th, 2007
I was hired by Blueprints veterinary marketing group in Huntington Beach, CA to shoot some commercial photographs for Tidewater Veterinary Surgery here in Virginia Beach, VA. I was thrilled because I love working with pets. The staff including Dr. Stallings were so great to work with as well. We did the first part of the shoot at the Chesapeake bay photographing lifestyle shots and the second half at the hospital. It was a sucessful day and I hope to get the opportunity to work with Blueprints and Tidewater Veterinary again.





July 6th, 2007
I had such a great time photographing Angela and Danny. Their wedding was held in Yorktown. The reception at the Deer Run Pavillion was fun and lively. We took advantage of some of the beautiful trees and golf course outside of the site to take some portraits of the bride and groom.
July 6th, 2007
I met the Verble family at the oceanfront for their family portraits early in the morning. But being one of the longest days of the year and not a cloud in site, the sun was already really harsh. So we decided the light would be better on the Chesapeake Bay and drove 5 mins through First Landing State Park to the bay. The bay beaches are very similar to the oceanfront with dunes, white sand and water. We had no problem capturing some beautiful photographs there!

July 6th, 2007
Kelly and Alan Underwood contacted me to have their portrait taken while vacationing at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. The session was a lot of fun! Kelly and Alan were up for anything.

June 26th, 2007
I met the McCauley family in the North End of the Virginia Beach oceanfront to take their family portraits during sunset on the beach. We used the dunes and the ocean as a backdrop. The children had such fun personalities.

June 19th, 2007
The Hermitage Foundation may be one of the loveliest places to get married in Norfolk. The grounds have a number of little romantic nooks and gardens. It would be a great place to take photographs for any occasion, but was an extra treat for a wedding. Alison and Peter had their ceremony and tented reception right on the property.



June 18th, 2007
Serina and Walter decided to have a small cermony on the beach in Sandbridge. It was a warm and peaceful evening with a nice sunset. And as much fun as a big to do wedding is… I can see why some prefer to keep it simple.


May 30th, 2007
I have an interesting little plant on my back patio that has bloomed bursts of purple flowers. I couldn’t help from taking a picture.
May 23rd, 2007
Dominion Enterprises celebrated their new building in downtown Norfolk with a grand opening. I photographed the reception on the 20th floor. The building has quite the view from the top overlooking the city and parts of Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
May 23rd, 2007
I had the pleasure of photographing Reverand Elvira Alba at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach. Reverand Elvira is the owner of Beautiful Weddings Etc. and is a wedding minister and counselor here in Hampton Roads.
May 16th, 2007
One of the most interesting places to take pictures in downtown Norfolk is at the Pagoda. The oriental gardens and archetecture make a great backdrop for portraits. Amanda and Willy met me here to take photographs. They were so much fun to work with and we took full advantage of the beautiful landscape.
May 1st, 2007
This past Saturday I was hired by SE Entertainment to photograph the recording artist Nikkole in concert live at the Birdsong Theater in Suffolk, Virginia. Nikkole and her band are very talented and put on a great show! You can listen to some of her tracks at www.nicole.com. I’ve posted a couple of photographs from the evening below.


April 24th, 2007
A couple of weeks back I received the opportunity to photograph the new Dominion building in downtown Norfolk for Real Estate Magazine. The issue came out this month and I was delighted to see my work on the front cover along with the featured article inside. It is such a thrill to see my photographs published in a nationally distributed magazine!
April 15th, 2007
My favorite guest at Donna and Damien’s wedding was their adorable dog, Princess! She took some great pictures with her newly married Mom and Dad. I think it is wonderful when couples share their special day with all their loved ones, pets included!
March 23rd, 2007
I had the pleasure of working with Blac Label clothing again. Check out some out takes from the last shoot.
March 19th, 2007
With temps reaching the upper 70s last week and the daylight savings time changing early it really felt like late spring. Apparently the flowers thought so too! I took the following pictures at the botanical gardens in Raleigh, NC last weekend while visiting family in the area.


March 18th, 2007
Saturday night there was a lunar eclipse. I photographed it hanging over the Chesapeake Bay bridge tunnel. The sunset was pretty spectacular as well!

March 4th, 2007
Vicky and Christian had a beautiful ceremony at the Sacred Heart Church and followed up the celebration at the Town Point Club in Norfolk, VA. It was a cold and windy day, but Vicky and Christian laughed and had fun even while photographing outside!
February 22nd, 2007
Monday, I photographed Blac Label clothing based out of Virginia Beach, VA. You can find their street inspired clothing distributed all over the US in stores such as Up Against the Wall. For their photo shoot we used an empty dance club in Norfolk as a backdrop to create a funky urban feel. The emphasis was on the clothes, but it was also important to provoke a feeling about the people who wear the label. We had a great time on the set. I look forward to working with Blac Label again in the future.
February 7th, 2007
Travis joined thousands of other brave souls to take the plunge into the fridged atlantic ocean today to raise money for the special olympics. Over $750,000 in total was raised.




February 2nd, 2007
Stephanie, Dan and myself met at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Norfolk, VA to take their engagement portraits. We really lucked out as it was a beautiful 78 degrees and sunny. Not very common for the middle of January even in Virginia! We took a relaxing stroll around the greens and stopped at various locations to take photographs. My favorite place to take pictures at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens is at the fountains and statue garden. I love the mix of green and stone, it reminds me of old Europe.
January 12th, 2007
I photographed Elements Spa located inside the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was a very serene place to work and I found by using slow exposures with a tri-pod I could really capture the essence of the spa.


January 6th, 2007
The following image was taken from a recent commercial photo shoot for E.B Wall and Associates. I really enjoyed working with Dr. Gram and his patients. Merlin (the Sheltie), Jewel (the Shih Tzu) and Raven (the Cat) were perfect pet models.
January 4th, 2007
Christine and James had a lovely wedding shared with their congregation at the Potters House in Norfolk, Virginia. The day was full of laughing and smiling, so much that my cheeks hurt by the end of day! I really enjoyed working with James and Christine and I wish them the best in their new life together.

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December 21st, 2006