February 13, 2014, was an historic day in the Commonwealth. Federal Judge Arenda Wright Allen ruled that Virginia’s marriage ban is unconstitutional. And while this doesn’t mean that gay and lesbian couples will be able to start getting married here in Virginia immediately, it is a huge step toward the freedom to marry. Plus, it’s a great reason to celebrate! Here are photos from the celebration party at Decorum Furniture here in Norfolk on–of all days–Valentine’s Day.
Category Archives: Photography
Sunsrise on the Crystal Coast
One of the greatest perks of my self-designed career is that I get to go to a beach nearly every day. One of my favorites is North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. I grew up an hour and a half away, and visiting these beaches became a passion for me nearly 50 years ago. Today when I visit, I usually stay on the beach–especially if it’s during the off season when crowds are thin and rates are thinner. And I always have my camera handy in case I stumble upon a magic moment. Like the one below I captured on beautiful late summer morning.
Camera Dump: Hampton Roads
The Leaps Forward We Take: Out in the Park 2012
Exhibit A: the Second Annual Out in the Park celebration this past weekend at Town Point Park. There was a time not so long ago when the very thought of thousands of gay and lesbian people, friends, and families descending on Town Point Park was, well, a nice fantasy—or perhaps a cringing nightmare, depending on your take. But Hampton Roads Pride has made it happen two years in a row, and our larger community has begun to embrace us.
No wonder. How could anyone resist such a joyful celebration? From Virginia Lyric Opera’s stirring performances to Mermaids in the Basement’s toe tapping rock to Kristine W.’s club-in-the-park rave, the stellar entertainment served as a coda to what Out in the Park is really about: the people.
Gay, straight, white, Hispanic, African American, Asian, male, female, transgender, young and old came together in an inclusive, colorful, and thrilling symphony of life. Here’s a peek at this milestone day from behind the lens of my camera. Feel the love
Andrew
Here’s my best friend and partner since 2003 and husband since 2016, looking all outdoorsy and happy at our home in Willoughby Spit. He does make a good subject, no?
June in the Blue Ridge: Leigh + John
Leigh is a fellow creative soul. She and her slightly insane (and law enforcement officer) husband, John, were married in a casual summer wedding in Blowing Rock, NC. Both wanted photography that reflected their personalities: full of action, reaction, and funny faces. They certainly got that!
Springtime at Home: Heather + Jordan
Jordan had been serving in the Navy overseas, and had a brief furlough back in Hampton Roads. While he was home, the couple pulled together a ROUSING early spring wedding at the Chesapeake Country Club. You can tell from these photos how much fun this young couple had, and they were great fun to photograph!
High Atop the Swiss Alps: Muriel + Joerge
Andrew’s childhood friend, Joerge, is from Bavaria, and his gorgeous Kate Winselt look-alike fiancé, Muriel, hails from Geneva. So when were invited to their wedding, we knew it was going to include some pretty spectacular Old World touches. Their jaw-dropping ceremony was set on a cliff side in the Swiss Alps overlooking the Matterhorn. Their traditional Catholic Mass was conducted at the foot of a 400 year-old outdoor chapel. Throw in a flawless August day, and magic was inevitable!
