Norfolk wedding photographer booking weddings early

2013 is almost here. Looking forward to doing a lot weddings for 2013.Dont forget to book early ,don't want anyone to miss out. So if you need a wedding photographer or videographer remember booking early is the way to go.

I'm going to be doing beach photos this weekend  for those who still want beach photos before it gets to cold. This week I'm going to be in Hampton and next week I'm going to be in Norfolk
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Hampton Roads wedding photographer

SAVE THE DATE VIDEO

"ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & BASKETBALL"

Remember our "Love and Basketball" couple who chose to send their guests save the date videos? Well, here it is- take a look as they show how high "On top" their love for each other really is.

 

Signing off...

Lequisha Smith

Just 4u Wedding Services

 

Need a creative save the date idea? Filming? We can help contact us at www.just4uweddingservices.com

 

ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE & BASKETBALL

"ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & BASKETBALL"

Ernest & I had the best time working with one of our client couples this past Saturday in Norfolk Va. on filming their save-the-date project (it really didn't feel like work at all). Their save-the-date theme is "Love & Basketball" based off the fact that Will played basketball in college and it has basically been his life. But, now something new, fun, competitive, lively, beautiful and loving has come along....the love of his life-Ms. Ebony Toomer.

How will he balance his life-long love of "basketball" now with "love" and planning a wedding? Will Ebony have to compete for his love, time and attention to get married? Is it actually, all fair in love and basketball? Well, stay tuned for Will & Ebony's save-the-date video to find out.....

Signing off...

Lequisha Smith

Just 4u Wedding Services

Love and Basketball is one of my all-time favorite movies. What about you? Is your relationship (or have you ever been in a realationship) where you had to balance the two? Feel free to leave a comment.

AN INSTANT LOVE CONNECTION

Jessica had first contacted me a few mths. ago to plan her and Auston an intimate beach wedding (supposedly this August) in Virginia Beach followed by a very small dinner reception. But, because her family wasn't in the country and would eventually need more time to get prepared for a wedding that was a few mths. away. They, instead decided to cancel their wedding and just have a family reception on both sides. Which, infact is still a fantastic way for families to show their support and love for any newlywed couple that wants to celebrate their unity with their families and friends.

The military couple first met on the West Coast (in California to be exact) when the newlywed bride (now a full time student) was still in the military on active duty. While she had always had this long time crush on Auston (active duty in the Air Force) way before they ever met. It wasn't until they were on temporary duty where they would notice that they both had an instant "love connection".

While Jessica fell in love with Auston's sense of humor, his huge heart and his love for God. Auston was falling in love with her strong personality, her willingness to adapt to change, her attraction and the way she called him "honeybuns" (lol). So, a very nervous Auston was gearing up for a very important time in a man's life...asking her hand in marriage.

Sunday, Feb.19, 2012, Jessica got up out of bed that morning to use the bathroom, when she got back out, she went to go lay back down. But, before she could lay her head back down, Auston had stopped her and said that their dog "Courage" had left her a little something on her pillow. While Jessica was thinking the worst (lol), she scrambled away from the bed. But, eventually went back and looked closer on her pillow (she saw that it wasn't wet from Courage at all). But, realized that there was a big, shiny diamond ring, Jessica was so surprised and excited, as well as their dog (lol). Auston got down on the side of the bed and proposed and well..."What did she say?".........

"YES"....of course.. because here they are today as newlyweds!!

ONE LOVE

Yes, they got married right here in Hampton Virginia, downtown on April 11, 2012..."WOO-HOO"!! So, happy for them and then, they honeymooned down in Jessica's hometown of Miami. Fl-exciting!

They might not have hired me to plan their their intimate beach wedding like they had wanted to but, they did hire Ernest Smith as their preferred beach photographer in Hampton Roads Va.  Almost like hiring an engagement photographer for engagement photos in hampton roads. We call these "newlywed" photos since they just got married. A "newlywed" photo session was going on down at Buckroe Beach in Hampton Virginia this past weekend. Although, these are not all of their pictures, I wanted to post some of my favorite ones up-here take a peek...

PICNIC @ THE BEACH

JESSICA: "I love our inside jokes and how he is very determined to be the man and take care of me and love me the way I should be loved. I love how he is always concerned about me and does whatever he can to make me feel great. I love how he is not only faithful to God, but how he is a true follower and actually abides by what it means to be a Christian. I also appreciate that he also lets me be free to proclaim my Jewish heritage and has even agreed to raise our children Judeo-Christian."

FRUIT, CHEESE & WINE-A PERFECT RECIPE FOR ROMANCE



 

AUSTON: "I love the fact that she is never forgetful, so that completes me in that sense. She is so strong and always in good spirits, even when I'm not. She always tries to lift me up-she completes me."

SINGING "HUNGRY EYES"


"COME HERE LOVER BOY"

BEAUTY AND THE BEACH

IN DEEP THOUGHTS: "Five years from now we can see ourselves with children".

"TAKE ME AWAY" CALGON

THEIR FINAL THOUGHTS: "Sometimes we remember things like the civil rights movement and the landmark civil rights case "Loving vs. Virginia". As we think about that...we can't help but remember how we are so lucky to be able to express our love for each other. We thank those couples who lived decades ago, who couldn't express their love for someone of another race and had to fight to have the right to love someone freely. They weren't fighting for race-they were fighting for love."

SO IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER

"THAT'S ALL FOLKS"

Thank you so much Jessica and Auston for allowing us to photograph a moment in time that will be lasting memories forever and your love story is....just.....well....incredible!

Signing off......
Lequisha Smith
Just 4u Wedding Services

Please leave us a comment below and tell us which is your favorite beach photo.
Hampton Roads wedding Photographer

A BLENDED FAMILY BECOMES ONE

Ernest and I thought we were actually going to be "work free" for the Memorial holiday weekend, nothing work related planned. But, we actually got a last minute call from Mr. King requesting Ernest Smith to be their wedding photographer for their ceremony in Yorktown Va. So, because we love what we truly do and we believe in putting our customers before ourselves, we flew to Yorktown..lol (not literally..but you get my drift..lol) and was just honored to be a part of something so intimate.

Brent and Susan King sparked a flame of love once again with their 2nd hand at marriage. They decided to have a private wedding ceremony with just the two of them and their 5 fun-loving kids.

Ernest and I really enjoyed meeting this close knit blended family, 1 young lady and all young gentlemen. The Kings have really beautiful kids, that were very polite and mannerable-really took my breath away. But, you can tell that they were so close as brothers and sisters and that they were just really happy for their parents. The love and respect for one another was noticeably evident.

The Kings...well, they are truly fit for a king.

Sneak peek of my favorites of their special day....

WALKING DOWN THE AISLE

THEY SAY A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER-LOVE THIS

LIGHTING THE UNITY CANDLE-SYMBOLIZES "ONENESS"

NOW PRONOUNCED...MR. & MRS. KING

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER (TWINS)

THE HARVARD KIDS

THE SHOES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

A CLOSER LOOK

WELL, WE HAD TO LET THE KIDS HAVE A LITTLE FUN

HAPPILY MARRIED MR. & MRS. KING

Thank you King and family!!

Signing off....

Lequisha Smith

Just 4u Wedding Services

Do you have a blended family too, and are you having a wedding? Leave us your thoughts in the box below to tell us how you would incorporate your blended family into your wedding.

AN ENDLESS LOVE IN HAMPTON ROADS

So, remember awhile back, we had mentioned a fun-loving, couple who got married in Virginia Beach Va at the Hilton Garden Inn? They hired Ernest Smith as their preferred wedding videographer in Hampton Roads for their small and intimate Jewish wedding (watch the trailer here). Umm...yeah...it's..like 2 blogs down from this one...yeah...that one.

Well, we wanted to finish blogging about their infamous love story, that we were talking about, in hopes to possibly inspire others. Love always inspires me and I know this particular couple really "wooed" our hearts over (Ernest and I). So, instead of me blabbing about it, why don't you just click the "play" button and watch a short, snippet version of the couple who is literally "endlessly in love" (fyi: their favorite song).  

Hampton Roads wedding videographer

Fun Facts To Know 

• They both love Italian food
• They both love to bake and eat cupcakes (still wating for mines..lol)
• They are proud doggy parents
• He's in love with her nurtureous and humerous side
• She's in love with his caring and quick witted side
• He will literally "move you in the morning"..lol

Keven and Michele thanks so much, we really enjoyed getting to know the both of you.

Live that endless love forever!

Signing off...Lequisha Smith
Just 4u Wedding Services

Leave a comment and tell us how this video made you feel:

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A PHOTOGRAPHER?

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Hey there,

Have you been thinking about becoming a professional photographer? Do you own a camera? I wanted to share with you some tips, some things that I have learned along the way. I'm still growing and learning myself but, in the meanwhile I want to be able to give back to anyone out there, in a way that is helpful. So, today I'm going to show you a photography trick, that I have learned (concerning using a flash on your camera). If you have researched the prices of light kits, that can be very expensive but don't worry,  you can get the same look with your external flash.

1. The first thing you need to do is get a reflector
2. Second you will need a subject
3. Third you will need someone to help you hold the reflector
4. Hold your reflector at an angle that you can bounce your flash on. 

Note: You should have someone to hold the reflector above your subject or to the side of your subject.

Hope this helps
Ernest Smith

Hampton Roads wedding photographer

If you're thinking about becoming a photographer then, leave a comment below. If you're a pro photographer and you would like to share some tips, please do so in the comment box below.

LOVE + FUN + BEACH = ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT

Meet

 FAITH & GARY

Norfolk Va engagement photographer, Ernest Smith and I Lequisha, spent a Saturday in April one evening at Norview Beach in Norfolk Va. With the fun, loving and engaged couple, Faith and Gary-soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Conwell this upcoming August. Before we even began our engagement photo shoot, a frustrated Ms. Allen was explaining to us how everything was going wrong for her that day and she just felt her pictures were not going to get done. Well, Faith, they were going to be done regardless (unless you would have said "no, not today")..lol.

We also got to have lots of chat time with Gary, getting to know him a little better (since we didn't get to meet him together with Faith during our initial consultation). So, after talking to each of them individually and then, seeing them together for the first time and how they interacted with each other. We can definitely see how they are meant for each other. How playful and loving they are to one another. Always, keep the smiles and laughter that you two have in your marriage always!

Let's look at the fun we had but, most of all Faith and Gary had together!

Well, what a way to end the engagement session. The sweet couple walking off into their future together, hand in hand!

Ernest and I sincerely wish you both the best, now and forever.

Signing off....Just 4u Wedding Services
Hampton Roads engagement photographer;

Leave a comment in the box below and tell us where's your ideal place is to take engagement pictures

3 GREAT REASONS TO GET YOUR LOVE STORY ON FILM

Just 4u Wedding Services was out in Virginia Beach, Va a week ago shooting a love story for an amazing, humerous and loving couple-Keven and Michele Savell. Which by the way we also had the honor of shooting their Jewish wedding that took place in Virginia Beach at the Hilton Garden Inn. Check out their wedding trailer here couples love story videographer in hampton roads.

Remember when you first met each other? Do you really? How important is it for you to document your feelings for each other on video. Well, here we list a few important reasons why we think you should get your Love Story captured on video.

1. God forbid, but your memory can go bad at anytime, no matter how good your memory is today, who's to say your memory will last forever?

2. Something to share with your kids and your children's kids (generation to generation). So, they will know how your personalities meshed with each other, how strong your love was and how it all began.

3. Great to enjoy for anniversaries together or anytime you want.

So, that's something to think about and something that can be cherished forever.

Look out for these lovebirds Love Story coming to our blog near you soon.....

Hampton Roads wedding videographer

Leave a comment in the box below telling us why it's important (or not important) to have a love story documented by video camera.

what makes a great photographer

what makes a great photographer. what do you think people look for when hiring a photographer. Please share your  thoughts .
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Hampton roads wedding Photographer

Inspired photography

Sometimes when im working i get inspired by my subject. Now dancing is not my thing but when i was photographing these two, it made me want to learn.
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Hampton roads wedding Photographer

Small Weddings great ideas

Making Big Wonders with Small Weddings
Having a lavish and big wedding may be nice, but having a small and intimate wedding can be just as nice. What's important is not to forget the reason behind celebrating a wedding in the first place. Sharing the love that you have for each other in front of people that you love.

Some people prefer shorter guest lists, tying the knot in the presence of immediate family members and a few sponsors. Others opt for the legal alternative, getting hitched in front of a judge, signing a marriage contract before a pair of witnesses. Receptions are usually held at home or in restaurants, as hotels and big function halls do not accept bookings for fewer than 120 guests.

But small does not necessarily mean your options are limited. Small weddings still present plenty of opportunities for fun and exciting ideas.
Here are some tips on how you can make a small wedding extra special:

1. Since you are expecting fewer guests, consider a smaller venue to keep the ceremony solemn and intimate. Places like town chapels and rooms in museums would be perfect. If you dream of having your wedding outdoors, beaches and yachts are wonderful sites. You can even rent out an exclusive section in restaurants. But note that establishments rarely advertise that they are open to hosting such events, so you might need to inquire first.

2. If you are not planning for a church ceremony, give your wedding a more casual flair. For a wedding at home, a pre-ceremony cocktail party would be a good opportunity for your relatives to socialize and, for those who have traveled a long distance to get there, unwind and relax a bit before all the formalities begin. Plus, having both the ceremony and reception at home is more cost-efficient. You can pass on rental fees and just arrange your space to make sure you can comfortably accommodate all guests.

3. If your budget is not that tight, an offshore wedding would be nice. Your big day could double as a vacation for the couple and their selected guests. You can jumpstart the preparations before you leave and iron out the details when you get there. For a smooth-sailing celebration, make sure to find a site that can accommodate all your needs. Possible venues abroad include famous historical buildings, vineyards, lighthouses, quaint chapels and beaches.

4. You can also put your own twist to traditional wedding rituals such as the procession of the guests and the entourage. For small venues, have the bridesmaids and groomsmen line up along both sides of the aisle, holding up flowers as the bride walks to the groom. All attendees can even gather around the couple to witness the ceremony more closely. During the reception program, you can introduce and share with your guests your family traditions. The couple may even assist and usher their guests around for a more familiar and comfortable feel.

5. Use the event as an opportunity to bond with your relatives and get to know the family of your better half. Take time to chat with them. Let close friends share stories about you. The good thing about small weddings is that there is less pressure to impress hundreds of guests. You can relax and take comfort in the company of the people dearest to you, those you love and care for most in your life. For a unique memorabilia, encourage attendees to write whole-page messages on your guestbook.

The number of guests and the enormity of the event do not define how your marriage will fare. Weddings, big or small, signal the start of a lifelong bond. It does not matter whether the affair is extravagant or modest. What’s more important is that the couple gets to celebrate their vows and have their loved ones share in on their happiness.
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Guest invitation

1. RSVP. Immediately.
RSVP is French for “please respond” (répondez s’il vous plaît). Your most important obligation as a guest is to respond to the invitation immediately, especially if you are unable to attend. At the very least, it allows your host and hostess enough time to give an accurate count to the caterer. There is usually a card to return with your reply. If not, you may write a formal reply or a note indicating your intention.
2. Respect your invitation.
Do not ask your host or hostess if you can bring a date or your children. The invitation will be addressed to the people invited. If you may bring a guest, your invitation will read “Mr. John Phelps and guest.” If your children are invited, they will either receive their own personal invitations or their names will be listed under yours on the envelope. This is not the time to question your host’s decision, to argue or to beg for an exception. And, please, do not add their names to a reply card or show up with them anyway!
3. Send a gift.
If you are invited to the ceremony and/or reception, you should send a gift, whether you are attending or not. Generally, gifts are sent to the bride in advance of the wedding. In some localities, gifts are brought to the reception and placed on a special table. If you hear from family that the couple would prefer a charitable donation—as in the case of an older couple or an encore wedding—please respect their wishes. If you receive an announcement after the wedding has taken place, you may send a gift if you wish, but you have no obligation to do so. It is nice to acknowledge the announcement with a card or a note expressing your best wishes.
4. Be on your BEST behavior.
Be on time, wear appropriate clothing and be respectful during the marriage ceremony. Pay your respects to the hosts, the wedding party and other guests at the reception.

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Outdoor wedding tips

Pick a good time for your wedding
The heat can be brutal on your wedding. But even if you're okay standing in the sun, think of your guests. High temperatures are not for everyone, especially older people and little kids. To avoid the heat (and the crowds), consider a morning or sunset ceremony. Can't schedule your ceremony at one of these times? Go ahead and have it in the afternoon, but find a shady spot on the beach that's likely to catch a cool breeze. Be sure to check what the weather will be like, and inform guests so they can dress accordingly. Also check the tide schedules. Also be sure to choose a resort and make reservations far enough in advance!

Wedding Aisle Assurance
If you're walking down the aisle and it rained the night before, watch your step! Heels can get stuck and sink into wet grass. take a practice walk beforehand so you know what to expect

Unpredictable wedding weather
Fall weather can be unpredictable: what starts out as a sunny warm day can turn into a chilly evening.  Be prepared for both extremes.  Have portable heaters available if you’re planning an outdoor fall wedding, and dress the bridal party in layers.

Candles outside
Using candles in your ceremony or reception? Use them with glass hurricanes so the wind doesn't extinguish the flame
Hampton Roads Wedding planning

Bringing a Photographer to Your Destination Wedding

By  Robert Evans

///

Source

Summer 2006

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Something will likely go awry on your wedding day, especially if you have planned a destination wedding from afar. But certain mishaps are much easier to take in stride than others: If the cake is not what you envisioned, you will soon forget its strangely tinted icing and put it behind you. But if your photographs turn out to be a huge disappointment, you will spend a long time regretting your choice of photographers with no way of fixing the situation.
While some mistakes are unavoidable, investing in the right photographer for a destination wedding can help prevent terrible photos -- and unnecessary stress. When planning a wedding in a city or country with which you are not familiar, asking a photographer you know from your area to travel to the wedding is a wise choice. You will have greater control over the outcome of one of the most important elements of your wedding: those precious printed memories.
Finding a great photographer is made much easier these days, whether by searching the internet, asking friends and family for personal recommendations or looking through magazines for advertisements that catch your attention. Any savvy, reputable photographer has a Web site showcasing his or her style and philosophy, and these galleries are a great place to narrow your search to those you want to interview. The beauty of hiring a photographer close to home is that you can meet in person on multiple occasions to plan your event. It also makes ordering albums and prints after the wedding far more convenient. By sticking with a local photographer, you have the ability to work together before the wedding on your engagement photos, which will allow you to develop a solid “working” relationship that wouldn’t be possible with a destination photographer.
As with any wedding professional, a photographer who travels for a wedding will expect to have certain expenses paid. This also qualifies for any assistants you agree to hire. If you choose to bring the photographer of your dreams with you to your destination wedding, you will be responsible to pay for the photography team’s round-trip airfare, accommodations, transportation, as well as a per diem to cover food, tips and other miscellaneous expenses incurred while traveling.
Some photographers might even charge an additional fee for a “weekend buyout.” This covers any revenue that might be lost because the photographer would be out of town and unavailable to return home for a Sunday event. A photographer might also charge for actual travel time. Of course, fees and expenses will vary from photographer to photographer and depend greatly on your wedding location. Each photographer works differently, so ask very detailed questions in order to get very detailed answers.
If your photographer does charge you a weekend buyout fee, you might want to negotiate that he or she shoots your rehearsal dinner and/or Sunday brunch for free in exchange. Having your photographer photograph the rehearsal dinner is a great way for him or her to get to know family members and meet your guests ahead of time. It can make a huge difference to everyone involved when the group is familiar and comfortable with the photographer.
If your wedding is on a Saturday, arrange for your photographer to arrive on the Thursday before so he or she has plenty of time to settle in, scout the location, and perhaps adjust to a new time zone. He or she will then be ready to shoot the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, if need be. The photographer can choose to fly home after the wedding on Sunday or extend his or her stay until Monday to enjoy a long weekend. (Note: If your wedding falls Monday through Thursday, you may be able to negotiate a better rate since most wedding photographers’ busy days are Friday through Sunday.) The client should be responsible for paying for the first three nights of the photographer’s stay. The fourth night is optional but sometimes covered as a gesture of appreciation for a job well done. If your wedding happens to be out of the country or the photographer has to fly more than eight hours to reach your wedding, you should pay for a minimum of five nights, giving he or she enough time to arrive and be fully rested before working the long hours associated with shooting your wedding weekend.
When it comes to destination wedding planning, it is hard to put a price tag on piece of mind. By making this greater financial investment, you will be able to better control the quality and style of your photographs. You will also be able to choose a person with whom you feel comfortable spending the day or entire weekend. You will know what to expect before the big day unfolds.

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HOW TO STAY FIT FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Today I'm going to talk about keeping your weight down for your wedding. Growing up I wrestled and boxed, so losing weight was a must for me if I wanted to compete. If I was over weight even one pound, I would not be able to compete. My diet had to be right and I had to do exercise that kept the weight off. Today I'm going to share with you some things you can do, to make sure you fit into your dress on your wedding day.

1. Eat lots of vegtables.Vegtables help keep your metabolism up.

2. Drink water but not too much. Too much water can put on water weight.

3. Stay away from beef, it takes longer to digest and can sit in your stomach for up to a week.

4.Workout or at least go for a walk or something, because you can't burn calories unless you are
moving.

5. Eat lots of fruit, it can give you the energy you need to get throughout the day.

6. Stay away from sugary drinks, if you have to have a soda or something drink less of it. Drinking beverages with a lot of sugar is a good way to get bloated and gain weight.

7. Don't use a lot of salt, it can bloat you too.
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We won the WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards 2012!

We won the WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards 2012!

This means we are in the top 5% of Wedding Pros nationwide! The WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards� recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Bride�s Choice Awards� are determined solely by the reviews from over 1.2 million newlyweds.

Award winning videographer and photographer in Hampton roads

Hampton wedding videographer and photography

Had a great time tonite networking at the Weddingwire meet and greet. Met some really nice people I wish everyone the best in their bussiness
Hampton roads wedding photography and videography

Don't you do it, don't you cut corners on your photographer. Don't trust the most important day of your life to somebody who is not trained or skilled at photography. Maybe your on a tight budget and you don't think photgraphy is all that important to you, but keep this in mind when the wedding is done.Will all that food be there,will all the flowers be there, will all the fancy table cloths be there?What will you have to remember your wedding by? Will it be pictures that are too bright because your brother took your pictures with a flash used in the wrong way? Or will your shots be blurry because the person who took your pictures didn't understand how to use the auto focus servo mode on their camera? Its your choice, but its a choice you will have to live with for the rest of your life.

Hampton roads wedding photographer