Twilight Images by Melody Smith

Tiffany = Mermaid Contest Winner: Virginia Photographer

2012-01-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

B = Boudoir Richmond Virginia Boudoir Photography

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Miss S = Headshots: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2012-01-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

Master G = Kid's Mini Session: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2012-01-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

Rachel + Fletcher + Miss S = Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2012-01-12T08:26:00.002-08:00

Miss L + Miss A = Fall Kids' Special: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2012-01-12T08:26:00.001-08:00

Jenny + Tyler = Married 10-22-2011 North Carolina and Virginia Wedding Photographer

2012-01-12T08:25:00.001-08:00

Tiana + Jair = Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2012-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Erin + Steve = Married 11-18-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2012-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Miss S = Fall Kids' Special: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2012-01-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Honeycutts = Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2011-11-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

Miss E = Fall Kids' Special: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2011-11-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Tammy + Mike = Married 11-11-2011 North Carolina and Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

Tammy = Bride Richmond, Virginia Bridal Photographer

2011-11-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

Miss M + Master M = Siblings Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2011-11-14T17:56:00.000-08:00

Lindsey + Tom = Engaged Richmond, Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-11-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

Allison + Luke = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-11-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

Culler Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2011-11-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Miss G = Fall Kids' Special: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2011-11-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

Jenny + Tyler = Married 10-22-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Jessica + Michael = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Sabrina + Dan = Married 10-07-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

Anna + Mac = Married 10-15-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sam = High School Senior Virginia High School Senior Portrait

2011-11-08T13:40:00.001-08:00

Laura = High School Senior Virginia High School Senior Portrait

2011-11-06T19:26:00.001-08:00

Lynn + Hugo = Married 10-01-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Miss E = Fall Kids' Special: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2011-11-06T19:06:00.001-08:00

Miss A = Fall Kids' Special: Virginia Children Portrait Photographer

2011-11-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jack = Baby Richmond, Virginia Infant and Newborn Photography

2011-11-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

Jessica + Ray = Trash the Dress

2011-11-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

Jessica + Ray = Married 09-16-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-11-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Becca = True Blood

2011-11-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

This year, Becca decided to go with a True Blood theme for her birthday party in October. You know I jumped RIGHT ON THAT! Here are the images from her pre-birthday shoot:

And here are some images from the party! Everyone dressed as their favorite true blood characters!

Mary Anne:

Jessica:

Ginger:

Sherrif Andy Belfleur and Marnie:

Lorena:

King of Mississippi: Russel Edington

Us:

Alcide and Sophie Anne:

Pam and Terry:

Jason Stackhouse:

The burlesque show was hosted by Phil Slomski; performers included Skye and Stormie Sinclair a.k.a. "The Sinclair Sisters."

Veronica + Jay = Married 09-10-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Noreen = Glamour Richmond Virginia Boudoir Photography

2011-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Angela + Camille = Married 09-03-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

Emily + Curtis = Pre-Wedding Session Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

E = Boudoir Richmond Virginia Boudoir Photography

2011-10-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Jennifer + Billy = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

Peter + Jimmy = Married 08-13-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Angela + Camille = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Emily+ Eddie = Married 08-06-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Lauren + Alex = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-20T18:01:00.001-07:00

Jessica + Chad = Married 07-08-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Shannon + Jon = Married 07-23-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-20T17:55:00.001-07:00

Shannon = Bride Richmond Virginia Bridal Photographer

2011-10-20T17:51:00.001-07:00

Ashley + Mike = Married 07-22-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ashley = Bride Richmond Virginia Bridal Photographer

2011-10-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

S = Boudoir Richmond Virginia Boudoir Photography

2011-10-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Sara + Rob = Tucker Richmond, Virginia Infant and Newborn Photography

2011-10-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Tammy + Mike = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

Angela + Al = Married 06-25-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Gough Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2011-10-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

Emily + Alan = Married 06-03-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Megan + Allen = Married 06-11-2011 Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-10-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Emily + Eddie = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Jessica + Chad = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Kim = Bride Richmond Virginia Bridal Photographer

2011-10-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

H + P = Engaged Richmond Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-10-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

April + Ainsley + Eddie Family Session Virginia Family Photographer

2011-10-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Tammy and Mike: STYLED Virginia Engagement Photography

2011-06-30T19:42:00.001-07:00

There are a few words I think of when I think of Tammy....

Sexy, seductive, svelt.

There are a lot more, but I will just start with those.

From the moment I met Tammy, I knew that she was going to bring out the best in me...she is a creative like myself---an interior designer (I loved her as soon as she said that!)....but I had no idea where I would begin my awesome journey with her!

For me, inspiration comes randomly---instantaneously and spontaneously....the inspiration for Tammy's shoot came on my way to a wedding in NOVA last weekend....literally one week before her shoot.

We had talked about doing her shoot at hte bar where they met---but I don't think that either of us planned to actually do the ENTIRE shoot there....at least not initially...I mean, a BAR???? I figured we'd just snap a few shots outside with the sign and be done with it....

But, lightening struck....and it struck so hard that I had heart palpitations, pretty much hyperventilated and started typing so fast on my phone to send her an email that I am really quite sure I misspelled half the words and didn't even bother to spell check.......

If you know Tammy---you know that she's a vixen in disguise. She wears make up, of course, and dresses well...but when the light bulb turned on, all I could see was her in this tight slinky black dress stretching out across a bar table grabbing Mike into a passionate kiss. I think, part of me saw her as this strong woman---in charge of herself in every way, with a confidence that is so magnetic that no man could ever think to resist her. Of course, when they both told me the story of how they met----this was after our plans for the shoot had been settled---it all made perfect sense! Tammy met Mike in this very bar, dressed in all black with vixen written all over her....Mike, the guy he is, didn't even stop to check out her utter hotness, until they had been talking for a bit----I have to say I was definitely charmed by that---he talked to her first-----and it wasn't until she sparked his intellect that he noticed the bombshell that she is. I smile just saying that.

I didn't meet Mike in our initial consult....but I did stalk him on facebook to make sure he was tough enough for this shoot---and as soon as I read about him, I KNEW beyond a doubt, that this was the perfect couple for me to step way out of my normal engagement shoot box----and be the sexy Melody I like to be (through my photos!).

This shoot taught me so much...I cannot thank either of them enough----I learned that I LOVE the connection between couples....how they love each other physically, and mentally. I love the romance that happens when I photograph couples---even if they are not 100% romantics, I love creating that illusion---or capturing it as it unfolds before me. This year, I have had the amazing opportunity to work with couples who break it down for me in front of the camera. I haven't had time to give shout outs to all of them, but trust me, I have disclosed them in consults and I think about them all the time. Either way, Tammy and Mike allowed me to do what I wanted to do with them....and I honestly feel like in this shoot, another little part of me is revealed to the world. After all, I am on a journey with my clients---every couple I shoot, I learn something more about myself---and about my art.

I want to publically thank both Tammy and Mike for giving me this chance to share my vision unedited, with out boundaries, and with out limitations. I also want to thank them both for being such fantastic subjects, for buying me a drink, and for well, being utterly sexy in every single way possible.

I love you guys.

I also want to thank my amazing assistant Carolyn....she came to the shoot after canceling her other plans to help me with lighting. Carolyn, you save me so much from myself sometimes and I love you for it.

So with out further talk, here are the images-----you can see more by visiting my facebook page!

Shannon + Jonathan= Engaged

2011-06-20T10:24:00.001-07:00

Emily & Alan

2011-06-18T05:04:00.001-07:00

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Elayna & Jason: Married Virginia Wedding and Portrait Photographer

2011-05-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

E&J.....I think it's something about those initials...my step-mom and dad are E & J too...and they have been married for over 25 years. I was incredibly lucky that my dad found someone like my step-mom who really is a second mom to me and my sister. The one thing I can say about my parents is that they are utterly and truly in love. I think the same is true for Jason and Elayna.

When I look back at their wedding (only a few short days ago!) the only word that comes to mind is gentle. I have seen a lot of couples, a lot of different types of love, but this is the first time I can use the word gentle in a category for being in love. Usually, it's fierce, powerful, and crazy mad love...but Jason and Elayna have their own kind of passion---it's certainly strong, but it's thoughtful and elegant. I think that because of this, I am reminded of so many other relationships I have had through out my life.

Elayna reminded me so much of my best friend in high school and through my adult years. She hasn't gotten married yet, but whenever I envisioned her wedding and the man she would find to love her completely, it would be just like Elayna's wedding---and Elayna's soulmate. Everything from the soft colors they chose, the beautiful lighting in the reception, the candle lit ceremony, to the backdrop of the Westin Hotel in Richmond, was just like their relationship: gentle and romantic.

There are way to many photos to share but hopefully in these few very select images you can understand exactly what I felt at this wedding. I have to tell you, I did cry---a few times, but mostly during the best man's speech to his brother. Everything in me wanted to switch my camera over to video mode and record the words that Jason's brother said to him and Elayna. I hope that Jason will one day tell me this story again so that I can write it down for all of you to read. I can tell you one thing---this entire family is full of LOVE. Not only are they blessed with a rich and caring family but also blessed with incredibly good looks:))

Coordinator: Tabitha Roberts: http://www.robertseventplanning.com
Flowers: Mona Ray http://www.flowersbymonaray.com/

Erin and Brad: Wedding at Sunday Park: Virginia Wedding Photography

2011-05-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Erin and Brad are one amazing couple.

I was able to work with them through out their engagement, bridal, and wedding day coverage. I could not have asked for a more cooperative and enthusiastic couple!

Sometimes, I get sidetracked by something...and I have to go and shoot it or I go nuts!
At Erin's wedding, we had a mad moment of inspiration....well, more than one mad moment, but the big one occurred right dead smack in the middle of the family formal portraits!

I was taking photos, when all of the sudden I looked behind me and the most beautiful sky was lurking in the distance with a bunch of sail boats docked on the beach. I grabbed Erin and Brad and said WE HAVE TO GO NOW! I was so excited I got goosebumps and giddy and almost broke down and did the funky chicken (which NO ONE EVER wants to see!).

What resulted from the mad dash was a collection of gorgeous images like this:

Of course, then there were all the pretty details!

Trash It! Trash the Dress Shoot!

2011-04-13T22:39:00.001-07:00

For years I have tried to convince several of my brides to do a next day trash the dress shoot. I have had a few who have offered, but with crazy schedules and the new life of being married, it's just never followed through...until Linsey.

First, I was able to photograph her entire wedding weekend: a semi destination wedding in Jekyll Beach, Georgia. My husband, son, and mom took a road trip down to Georgia for an extended trip! I have to say that this was one of the most amazing weekends ever.

Not only is Linsey completely and utterly gorgeous, but she's like me...she LOVES anything dramatic. From their engagement photos, to her final trash the dress shoot, noting has been safe. Of course, she won me over when during the seating of the guests at her ceremony her musicians played a little lullaby that happens to be one of my favoritest things right now. (I wont embarrass myself by posting it here, you'll just have to go to my facebook page and stalk!).

Anyway! The trash the dress shoot. Really, what are you doing to do with that dress anyway? Most likely, your daughter will never wear it, it's going to sit in a box and take up space for all eternity until it ends up in a thrift store that a photographer like myself will walk into and buy it to tear it up and use it for spare parts. Sure, the dress is a tradition, it's a heirloom, and it cost a fortune...but why not wear it again and do something FUN with it!?

Linsey did.

More to come on Linsey and Mike's wedding!

Allison and Jon's Wedding: Virginia Wedding Photographer

2011-03-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

I just adore Allison. It's that simple. She's fun, bold, and she is hilarious.

Meghan's Maternity Session: Virginia Maternity Photographer

2011-03-16T15:11:00.001-07:00

I met Meghan at one of my favorite weddings this year, Jen and Phuong. Jen and Phuong are an amazing couple and it just so happens that Meghan takes after her amazing sister and is also amazing. I just used amazing 3 times in one sentence...

Meghan is around 7 months pregnant which really is the best time to do a maternity session in my opinion. Her husband is stationed overseas in the military and he has yet to see her baby bump so this little session is going to be a big surprise for him! I hope that he feels the glow and happiness coming from Meghan the way I did today. It was fantastic to spend the early days of spring with awesome women such as Jen and Meghan (and mom too!).

I could not have wished for a more perfect afternoon...and it just so happened that 3 things were present in these photos that are my favoritestsesttess....(that is a word, I promise!)....blue flowers, fields of flowers, and a BIRD! Ironically, Jen is also a vet....and we were yelled at by I believe to be a quail protecting his nest. He was not to happy with me, but I am sure that everyone present will attest that he calmed right down for his own photoshoot.

Crangie-Ale---Angie and Craig Are Married: Virginia Wedding and Potrait Photography

2011-02-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

Really, this couple could not have been any cuter-----and what better way to start of 2011 with a little vintage flair!

Angie's concept for her wedding was a 1950's diner approach. She really stepped out of the box by wearing a short knee length dress for their beautiful Catholic ceremony held at St. Benedicts Church in Richmond. Her colors were black, white, and red...but she mixed in rustic brown and glass elements to create a really remarkable pallet. The guys wore simple black tuxedo's with red vests, while the grooms vest was gray (my favorite!). The girls wore a deep wine red strapless dress with large reflective details melting down the bottoms of the dresses.

For a February wedding, the weather could not have been more perfect! It was terribly windy outside, but it worked FOR us and I captured one of my favorite wedding photos ever---it's whimsical and really, to me, captured who this couple is in so many ways.

The attention to detail at this wedding was completely adorable. When you see Angie and Craig, you know that they are a completely unique couple and with Angie's background in the music industry, it's really clear why they chose all of the tiny details that they did. One of the really neat things is that they carried their simple designs all through Capitol Ale House---including in the bathroom! Angie filled the space with black and white framed photos of the two of them and accented with old records, pearls, cat eye sunglasses, buddy holly sunglasses, and of course....elvis sunglasses! Each martini glass was filled with cherries and topped with a tea light floater candle. These sat on top of very small square cocktail tables creating a very cozy environment.

I am so thrilled with the portraiture that we were able to capture at this wedding. Angie and Craig wanted fantastic photos, but they also wanted to get to the party and have a great celebration. Carolyn and I plotted out a wild sprint on a one block radius to pick out several spots for cute photos and details. In a record 10 minutes, we shot a series of images of Angie and Craig that they are going to ADORE for years to come:

I did take quite a bit longer doing some interesting shots of Angie...I was incredibly caught up in her dress, hair, and just her general cuteness....I did a collection of images for her that I hope she will LOVE simply because there is nothing traditional about any of these images!

And of course, my famous dress photo....

more about my dream wedding

2011-02-16T08:03:00.001-08:00

So, I was trying to think of some ways that I could incorporate more of the boutique style that I love into my own wedding...I came up with a couple of interesting touches that I think I am sold on...

I love walking into a wedding where the bride has picked very intricate table settings. Full on with chargers, place settings, elaborate center pieces, neat favors etc....full place settings....

So, here are some of my ideas...
For my place settings, I think I want to have images of old vintage cameras...each one from a different decade done in a sketch style...marking the year of the camera and obviously that would be the table number. I also have a large number of cameras that I could use to also place on the tables as well for some added dimension....

The other thing is that Mike, my husband, is a musician...so I have a few old instruments that would be really neat to put out on display also...again, adding to the unique feel for what I want....

Another thing that drives me crazy at weddings is to walk up to a fancy table and see salt and pepper shakers and sugar packets on tables...so, I thought that I would find little bird salt and pepper shakers. You all know how I love my birds...so the birds would eliminate that generic feel and add something more personal to the tables.

I also came across something the other day...Since I am an artist...and my lead second shooter is an artist...I am thinking about filling most of the wall space in my preferred venue with small paintings done by family/friends...and giving them away as favors. They will be completely framed and all uniform..but I think it's a really neat idea!

Vital Family Shoot

2011-02-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, a family walks in to your life and they inspire you and touch your soul.

I wont share their story with you, because honestly----I don't think that anything in the world matters as much as how much these guys just...mesh. There isn't even a word for their interactions together and how they seemed to respect each other and work together.

Don't forget, you can book your own family session for the month(s) of April and May if you book by the end of February for $450! (Family of 3)

2011 Brides CHOICE!

2011-01-31T08:27:00.001-08:00

Spring Specials

2011-01-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

Just a quick announcement that we will be offering family sessions this spring for $450! This is a STEAL so if you've been hoping to book a session for your family, now is the time to book! Please contact me at twilightimages@gmail.com for details!

Dream wedding

2011-01-24T09:19:00.001-08:00

Most people will wear my favorite color is purple...it's not, it's actually blue. Not teal, not navy...but a dusty gray blue. So, it makes sense that I would create my dream wedding around my favorite color...
I was just browsing and I found these flowers...I love that they mimic the texture of the dress that I posted earlier...and all the interesting types of flowers. I'll have to do some research to find out exactly what each of these flowers are...

I started thinking about where I would have my wedding. The first place that came to my mind was Virginia House in Richmond. I'd also love to think about Agecroft Hall...I'll have to find some photos to post so I can share it.

There are some things I have absolutely loved when I have looked at wedding photos online...one, is the details. So few brides invest the time or thought into planning out little things...such as the socks the groosmen will wear, or the type of shoes they will slip on their feet. Beyond a doubt, I will be wearing Manolo Blahnik's "Something Blues" at my dream wedding. My husband however, will be thought about later. I do think I'd love for him to have on a pair of cream/grey argyle socks...and I am pretty sure I'd want my groosmen to be wearing argyle sweater vests. I found this photo online a long time ago and I have been in love with this pattern ever since.

To ease mike into doing this, I will promise him a tailor made Armani suit. he's always wanted one and maybe this could be my way into having my dream wedding:)

I also found these dresses for bridesmaids...they mimic the style of my dress and are in a charcoal grey.

What if....

2011-01-24T08:20:00.001-08:00

A good friend of mine had a strange dream that I had a wedding....that my husband and I decided to renew our vows and she had this crazy notion that if I planned a wedding I would be wearing a cape and so would everyone else. After considering this for a minute, I thought it would be a really fun idea if I planned my own wedding here on my blog and shared my ideas and things I would do. The crazy part is that I have NO idea what I would even do if I planned my own wedding! So....here goes nothing....

First thing I would pick would be my dress. For me, an entire wedding is based on the brides gown.

Dress A: Anyone who knows me knows I love Christo's wedding dresses. I love texture and a flowey feel to fabric, or something architectural. I like this dress because There is so much movement in the gown that it wont feel stiff. This dress would be in my top 5 dresses to try on.

Modern Boudoir: Virginia Boudoir Photography

2011-01-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

Nothing says I love you like a picture...after all, a picture IS worth a thousand words...

I have had the honor of working with so many amazing ladies over the years...but with out a doubt, the most fun shoot any client does with me is a boudoir session. These ladies bring sass, class, and glamour and they all kick major butt!

This is just a sneak peek of a few recent sessions. If you are interested in booking a boudoir session, send me an email and I will get you some rates and information! Don't forget, I have a brand new boudoir website also: www.tiboudoir.net

Jenn and Phuong's wedding: November 13, 2010 in Williamsburg, VA

2010-12-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

Lauren and Johns wedding: August 29, 2010 in Annapolis, MD

2010-12-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Jenny and Brandon's wedding: September 5, 2010 at the Dellwood Plantation

2010-12-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

Megan and Mike: Couples Shoot

2010-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Shannon Guthrie: Family Shoot

2010-12-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

Rachel Becker: Couples Shoot

2010-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Erin Pomplun: Engagement Session

2010-12-15T12:43:00.001-08:00