​With one successful meeting behind us, we were looking forward to our April event at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Hotel right on the waterfront. We met in a small room overlooking the Elizabeth River filled with decorated tables that would be the perfect location for an intimate wedding, rehearsal dinner, or group meeting. Each table had its own unique theme, which was impressive to say the least!

​When we were mostly finished enjoying the meal, Grant from Grant & Deb Photographers led a discussion to help grow our businesses. We each shared an introduction with the group, then swapped trade ‘secrets’ – everything from task lists to email programs to the best ways to communicate with brides in 2017. There was an incredible amount of learning that happened, and each attendee walked away with several nuggets of useful information to implement right away.

The beautiful thing about sharing trade secrets is something Grant pointed out – each one of us could copy the actions of other members, but no matter what we can never become who that person is. Because we all have unique talents, abilities, and personalities, there’s no such thing as a secret – only tools and information that will help all of us grow! This is the heart behind Eastern Virginia Weddings Association. As a group of successful entrepreneurs who have years of business experience, our desire is to build up the wedding industry through professionalism, network, and education so that all of us can become better day by day, meeting by meeting.
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The April meeting closed out with conversation among newfound friends and vendors whose heart is to share, learn, and grow. We are so excited for the meeting in May at the Williamsburg Lodge! If you would like to join us, click here to RSVP and get your tickets early. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Hi there, and welcome to the brand new website of Eastern Virginia Weddings Association! When the board first shared their vision for an association that esteemed integrity and quality among wedding vendors in Hampton Roads and Richmond, I jumped at the chance to be part of the group.
 
To introduce myself, my name is Maria of Maria Grace Photography. I am a wedding and family photographer in Hampton Roads who specializes in elegant church weddings and intimate elopements for joyful couples in Virginia and beyond. I always have my bags packed ready to travel, and I love that photography has taken me everywhere from Philadelphia to Nashville and even all the way to Africa! My heart is to serve the couples whose weddings I photograph from day one of their engagement all the way through their marriage, which I believe is far more important than any one day.
 
As the Director of Admin for the new association, I will be in a behind-the-scenes role in areas where my strengths lie. Although I am a creative entrepreneur through and through, I am also skilled in the administrative role I now occupy. From taking notes at meetings to being the writing and compiling our blog (which is probably my favorite job!), my goal is to give the group a cohesive voice and a sense of unity that will overflow in our online presence and at our monthly meetings.
 
I am both excited and honored to have joined such talented wedding professional at Eastern Virginia Weddings Association, and I encourage you to take a look around, join us at a meeting, and see how you can fit in. We are looking for vendors who care about business and their couples and have something to give back to the group – because we know how much you will gain from being a part of our new venture!
 
Welcome to our blog, welcome to our website, and allow me to give your first official welcome to the brand new Eastern Virginia Weddings Association. We hope to see you soon!