Langley Chapel Air Force Wedding | Military Wedding Photographer | Daniel & Hattie

It's a little surreal that I met Hattie a year ago this month. When I first sat down to talk with her, I left knowing we would instantly become friends. Throughout the months, as we emailed back and forth about life changes, met for their engagement session, and laughed over cups of coffee, I got to know the beautiful heart of this girl who was preparing to walk into life as an Air Force wife.

Daniel and Hattie met in high school and although they were not immediately interested in each other as more than friends, that soon changed as they began to grow closer through each interaction. The uniqueness of their relationship was always in their independence - although they loved each other, Daniel always allowed Hattie to be herself and vise versa. This led Hattie to live in China for a semester, and it gave Daniel the freedom to join the Air Force.

The months leading up to the wedding were stressful - anyone who is a military spouse knows that plans can change at the last minute! - but through it all Daniel and Hattie remained steadfast and focused on the end goal of becoming husband and wife. The strength of their love was obvious not just on their wedding day, but during the many years leading up to that point.

Daniel and Hattie - what can I say? Thank you for being such a strong and enduring example to me. Thank you for welcoming Nathan and me in with open arms throughout our relationship. Thank you for being open, honest, and vulnerable. I love both of you and though I am excited for the many places the Air Force will take you, I will certainly miss seeing both of you. Many blessings on your new family!

Click here to see their travel-themed engagement session!
Click here to see their wedding feature on The Knot!

These ladies were a blast to spend the morning with!

Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.

After the Arch of Sabers, we took the bridal party around for some fun shots on the Chapel grounds.

In a special touch, Hattie used her bouquet to pay tribute to her late grandmother.

Such happiness!

After getting out of the limo and into the reception, Daniel and Hattie danced the night away.

There was a caricature artist who spent hours drawing personalized portraits of the wedding guests. Such a unique touch!

The wedding wouldn't have been complete without the groomsmen throwing the groom into the pool, right?

They exited to a group of guests waiting to toss airplanes at them!

And we will end with one of my favorites - a sunset portrait of the bride and groom. Congratulations, Daniel and Hattie!

And many thanks to everyone who made the day happen...
Photographer: Maria Grace Photography
Hair: Oasis Salon
Dress: The Inspired Bride
Shoes: Calvin Klein
Flowers, Design, and Coordination: The Main Event by Emily and Cindy
Ceremony: Langley Air Force Base Chapel
DJ: Ray LaPointe
Reception: Langley Air Force Base Officer's Club
Transportation: Ashworth's Limousine Service
Caricature Artist: Geoffrey Preudhomme
Cake: Creative Cake Designs

Erin & Brian // Norfolk Navy Military Photographer

I know that I JUST posted a military homecoming, but I'm about to show you another one! Erin is actually one of Katie's close friends, whose homecoming I photographed a little bit ago. Unfortunately, base security that day was extra tight, and Erin's photographer was not able to get on base. Luckily, I was right there and was able to get a few pictures of Erin and Brian as they reunited after a very long 9 months!

Erin and Brian, I know I did not get to spend as much time with you, but yours was one of the sweetest reunions I've seen. I loved that you unashamedly held each other for such a long time, after you've spent such a long time not being able to do that. I hope to spend time with you again in the future, and I truly hope you enjoy this time together - truly together! - as husband and wife.

...and then this happened!

Derek & Katie // Norfolk Navy Military Photographer

I sat and talked with Katie for an hour over coffee, and in that time I knew that I wanted to be there when Derek came home. Katie is full of life, laughter, and love for her husband and her dog Abby, and it's evident both in her and in her friendships. Getting to know people I never would have met is the reason I got into this business, and meeting people like Katie reminds me how wonderful this job is.

Katie & Derek made it through their first, long, 9-month deployment! I have an amazing respect for military spouses who can create a joyful life with each other from a long distance, for a very long time. It was so obvious that Katie and Derek have maintained a friendship and a love that few people ever experience. Their joy overflowed when they saw each other and in the midst of it all - with all the stress, chaos, and craziness of a military homecoming - Katie was her sweet, calm, excited self, ready to be reunited with her husband and continue their lives.

Katie, I am so blessed that you came into my life! I'm so excited for you and your life ahead, and the many adventures you will go on. Derek, thank you for serving our country, and thank you for letting me witness your sweet homecoming. Have a WONDERFUL time on your vacation!

Katie had half of the necklace (left) and Derek had the other half on his dog tags while they were apart. Now that they are reunited, so is the necklace!