Bao and Julie had their engagement session with me in March of 2022 at Swift Creek Reservoir in Midlothian, Virginia on the water and dock overlooking the serene waters. I was so excited to hear they would love me to take their Wedding Portraits as well!


A few gems from their engagement session below; they were loads of fun. I still remember the laughter, dancing and the love from this day.

Oh, what a quaint and intimate day this was...leading up to their wedding photos, the weather gave us a run for our money but we lucked out with no rain, just some cold wind and low temps. These two were champs when it came to bracing the cold. Julie had her white wedding gown and her traditional Vietnamese national garment, Áo Dài, which is a two paneled dress with trousers that are made from delicate silk. This garment represents beauty and elegance for the country of Vietnam, perfectly suiting Julie as she embodies that exact impression. Bao is a caring, strong, funny and thoughtful partner for Julie and watching them interact, especially once they got comfortable in front of the camera, was incredibly beautiful to witness. Being together for years before their engagement and now their wedding, they truly deeply know and love each other.


As we began, the sun slowly started shining through the peaks of the buildings and trees. From cloudy with potential freezing rain to sunshine and subtle warmth, this special day for them truly turned out to be amazing. There is so much beauty in all the small things around us that we sometimes forget to be thankful for. This time with Bao and Julie was slow paced and relaxed which allowed us to really take in the moments that go by so fast. Not only were we able to experience and take in the special moment for the bride and groom, we were also able to gaze upon the iron work on the rails and lights, marble covered walls, unique sculptures and more that their venue offered.


Once we were ready for Julie to change into her white gown, we made our way around the venue to our final portrait location which was a perfectly nestled stone encased breezeway with neutral beige tones and a sprinkle of plants and bushes which added so much balance to their gallery. We spent a considerable amount of time on the details and intimacy in this set of images. From the perfectly posed to the candid's, we truly encompassed what we set out to do. Listening to these two laugh and joke with each other was music to my ears. It truly is rewarding to watch other people shamelessly love each other.


Bao and Julie, congratulations on your wedding and I pray for years of growing love, prosperity and health.


Vendor List:

Second Shooter: Daniel LeMonds (IG: @JulsPhotographyandCompany)

Venue: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (IG: @vmfamuseum)

Florist: Marylee Marmer Events (IG: @maryleemarmerevents)

Dress: Annalise Bridal RVA (IG @annalisebridal)

Dress Designer: Made With Love (IG: @madewithlovebridal)

{Dress is style "Ryder" and belt was an addition to the design purchased from Annalise and sewn on}

Necklace: Emily Warden Designs (IG @emilywardendesigns)

Engagement Ring: Blue Nile (IG @bluenilediamond)

Suit: Zara (IG @zaraman)

Grooms Shoes: Aldo (IG @aldo_shoes)