It is no secret that distance can make the heart grow fonder but let’s be real: sometimes the distance just plain stinks. Meet Daniel & Katelynn, two people who are making the distance work for the short time! Daniel met Katelynn while they were both in college, him studying to go back into the Marines as an officer and her to be a vet! Right now because of their jobs, they are living with quite some hours between them but that will all change in the fall once they’re married and living in JAPAN! Could you imagine moving to a country that far away just after getting married?! What an incredible adventure these two will have!!

When I first chatted with Katelynn, she was pretty certain because of her demanding new job as a vet and Daniel’s schedule, an engagement session just wasn’t going to work. So when she emailed me and said we are making it work, I was ecstatic! I may have been quite encouraging as to WHY it’s SO important to have engagement portraits done and she said after hearing me she knew she wanted them!! So, we lucked out and found the one day in July all three of us could make it work and we did!!

Knowing they didn’t want a beach engagements, the next best spot is always Norfolk Botanical Gardens!! It is the most beautiful spot in Hampton Roads and one of my favorite venues for weddings too! Lush gardens, immaculately kept grounds, and tons of nooks and crannies. Even when it’s very busy you can still find spots to feel like the only two people in the gardens!

I have a soft spot for Marines now that my little brother is deployed overseas, so I am sure this wedding will be emotional for me too! Can we all agree she will make such a beautiful bride?!

Hair and makeup Jess Barbini