There&rsquo;s something truly magical about winter family photography&mdash;the crisp air, the soft blanket of snow, and the way love and warmth shine even brighter against the cold. This was especially true for the Hawthorne Family&rsquo;s recent snowy session, which felt like stepping into a fairytale.
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The Hawthornes are one of those families that radiate pure joy. From the moment we arrived at the snow-covered park, laughter echoed through the trees. Their daughter was the true star of the day as she twirled in the fresh powder. When I called her mom to see if she wanted to create some unique snowy portraits, she told me how much her daughter adored dressing up as a Disney princess. I knew we had to create something extra special. With a little creativity and a touch of fairy godmother magic, we transformed her into the most enchanting Winter Princess.

Dressed in a shimmering Cinderella gown, she twirled, danced, and lived out her dream in the middle of a breathtaking winter wonderland. The pure, unfiltered emotion on her face&mdash;joy, excitement, and absolute wonder&mdash;was a reminder of why I love what I do.
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Authentic moments like these, filled with love and connection, are what family photography is all about. As I captured each moment, I was reminded of the power of photography&mdash;not just to freeze time but to tell stories, to bottle up emotion, and to create something families can hold onto forever. These aren&rsquo;t just photos; they are memories, woven together with love, authenticity, and a sprinkle of magic. To the Hawthorne Family, thank you for letting me be part of your story. And to anyone dreaming of their own winter wonderland session&mdash;let&rsquo;s make some magic together.

A Magical Winter Wonderland Princess Shoot with the Hawthorne Family

Letter Exchange &ndash; Write heartfelt letters to each other and have them delivered before the ceremony. Reading words of love and encouragement can be just as powerful as a face-to-face moment.

The tradition of the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time at the altar has been a classic wedding moment for generations. But in recent years, more couples are embracing the 'First Look'&mdash;a private moment before the ceremony where they see each other and soak in the emotions without a crowd watching. Like any wedding tradition (or trend), there are pros and cons to consider.
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<h1>The Perks of a First Look</h1>
One of the biggest benefits? Privacy. A First Look allows couples to have a deeply personal moment together before the ceremony. Without an audience, emotions can flow more freely, and nerves often melt away. If you're feeling anxious about the big walk down the aisle, this quiet moment can bring reassurance and comfort.
Another plus? It frees up your wedding day timeline. Instead of squeezing all your couple portraits into cocktail hour, a First Look gives you time beforehand to capture those special photos. This can lead to more relaxed, natural images and allows you to spend more of your reception actually celebrating with your guests.

<h3>The Flip Side</h3>
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Of course, there are reasons why some couples still prefer the traditional aisle reveal. There&rsquo;s something undeniably magical about the groom seeing his bride for the first time as she walks toward him&mdash;an emotional build-up that can be incredibly special. Opting out of a First Look keeps that moment sacred and filled with anticipation.
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It&rsquo;s also worth noting that a First Look means getting ready earlier in the day. If you're not a morning person or simply want a slower start, adding an earlier photo session to the timeline might feel like a stretch.
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<h3>Alternatives to the First Look</h3>
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Not totally sold on a First Look but still want a special pre-ceremony moment? Here are a few creative alternatives:
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First Touch &ndash; Stand on either side of a door, or around the corner of a building, and hold hands without seeing each other. It&rsquo;s an intimate way to connect, exchange a few words, or even read letters to one another before the ceremony.
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First Look with Parents &ndash; If you&rsquo;re skipping a First Look with your partner, consider doing one with your parents. Seeing their reaction to you in your wedding attire can create some incredibly heartfelt moments (and beautiful photos!).

Funny First Look Prank &ndash; Looking to add some humor to your big day? Instead of seeing their bride or groom, one partner turns around to find a groomsman, bridesmaid, or even a friend dressed in a wedding gown or suit! This lighthearted prank can ease pre-wedding jitters and create some hilarious photos to look back on.

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At the end of the day, there&rsquo;s no right or wrong choice&mdash;it&rsquo;s all about what feels most special to you. Whether you choose a First Look, a First Touch, or stick with tradition, the most important thing is creating a wedding experience that feels authentic and meaningful to you and your partner.
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To First Look or Not? Pros, Cons, and Sweet Alternatives

Have you ever met a family whose story just leaves you in awe?
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That's exactly how we felt when we met the Sieber family. Roger and Elsa are more than your average retirees&mdash;they've spent thirty years in Colombia doing missionary work, a true testament to their unwavering faith and dedication. When Roger reached out to us to capture their family&rsquo;s legacy as a surprise for his beloved Elsa, we couldn&rsquo;t have been more honored.
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Even though not everyone could be there for the shoot, we still managed to capture some truly heartwarming and impactful images. Each photograph felt like its own little story, piecing together the journey of the Sieber family.
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The Siebers are so much more than just a family; they're a living, breathing example of perseverance and faith. Their story is one of deep devotion and trust in God&rsquo;s plan&mdash;a story that truly showcases their belief in a higher power. You could almost feel their strength of faith emanating through the camera lens.
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Honestly, being part of this project was a privilege. Through our lens, we didn&rsquo;t just capture images; we captured the essence of who they are &mdash; their love, laughter, and countless faith-filled memories. It was more than just a photo shoot; it was an opportunity to preserve their legacy and celebrate a lifetime of devotion.
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There&rsquo;s something truly magical about being able to tell someone&rsquo;s story through film and photos. Each image holds more than just a moment; it&rsquo;s a piece of their history, a snapshot of the love and faith that binds them together. We&rsquo;re beyond grateful for the chance to help the Siebers share their journey.
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Reflecting on the Sieber Family Legacy Film Experience, it was more than just a project for us. It was a deeply moving experience that touched our hearts. Not only did we capture their story, but we also learned from their faith and the strength it gave them. We&rsquo;re beyond thankful for the Siebers, their story, and the chance to be a small part of their remarkable journey.
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Interested in capturing your Family's legacy through photos and film? Book your Family Legacy Film Experience today!
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https://www.youtube.com/embed/xJ_KKLO3v4Y

The Sieber Family Legacy Film Experience: A Portrait of Faith and Devotion

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Andrew and Amber - Gloucester VA

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Chris and Dacotah - New Kent VA

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Kyle and Samantha - Williamsmurg Colonial Heritage Country Club

Becky was so professional with my family. She was quick and took extra care of my toddlers. She got excellent pictures out of play instead of posing. All around GRAND experience. Would and will do it again in a heartbeat 💗

Rebekah Rae

She is a great person to work with, very charismatic and with a professional attitude. The quality of her photographs is amazing and she always finds some great and unique angles. I definitely recommend her!

Cociu Mircea

I'm so glad we had Adventuretography do our engagement pictures!  Both my fiance and I are pretty camera shy, so I was a bit worried it would be an awkward shoot.  It was actually really fun!  It's easy to relax around Becky and just enjoy the process.  Her enthusiasm kept the energy high, and she gave us prompts that felt natural.  All in all, we had a great time strolling around Colonial Williamsburg, and we have some beautiful pictures to show for it!  Thanks Becky!

Nicole Boileau

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