Abigail Volkmann Photography

Shonda + Aaron Teasers

2011-10-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

I met Shonda last year when I photographed her sister's wedding. I was so excited when Shonda contacted me to photograph her and Aaron's wedding this October. Shonda + Aaron's wedding was at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and the architecture of the convention center was such a blast to incorporate into the portraits! Plus, this beautiful bride was such a joy to capture! I just had to share a few teasers!

Engagement Photographer Virginia Beach, Virginia

2011-09-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Squeezing in one last shoot (I think) before the arrival of the little one! Eileen and Sam are such an amazing couple and we really had a great time photographing their engagement session. Here are just a few of my favorites, but it was really so hard to narrow it down!

Engagement Photographer Richmond Virginia

2011-09-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

I had a blast with Julia + Christian photographing their engagement session for their wedding coming up in just a few short weeks! One of our locations was The Scott House on VCU campus. It was my first time photographing at this location and it was amazing! Here are a few of my favorites.

Bridal Portrait Photographer Part III Erin

2011-08-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Erin was so much fun to photograph at Dellwood Plantation. This is a prime example of how the bridal portrait can help you make decisions on hair, make-up, accessories, etc. Erin decided to wear her hair down for the wedding after trying her hair up in the portraits.

Erin among beautiful weeping willows at Dellwood Plantation.

Erin's 20x24 print on display at the reception.

Bridal Portrait Photographer Part II-Ashlyn

2011-08-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Another amazing bride from this summer!

Ashlyn's Bridal Portrait shot at the beautiful Jasmine Plantation.

Ashlyn's 20x24 print on display at the reception in Jasmine's Magnolia Tea Room.

Bridal Portrait sessions include:
*up to 2 hours of photography
*all final edited images on disk
*copyright to disk
*$75 print credit (up to 20x24 print)

Bridal Portrait Photographer Part I Gina

2011-08-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

This bridal season I had the joy of photographing bridal portraits for many of my clients. The bridal portrait session is so much fun and it gives you a chance to wear that amazing dress a few more hours. What's not to love about that? It is also a great "dress rehearsal" for hair, makeup, accessories, etc.

Since I have not wanted to spoil the surprise of the dress before the wedding, I have not posted any bridal portrait sessions yet. But, now that these weddings have come and gone, I am very excited to share!

Here are a few of my favorites.

Gina shot at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, Virginia

Gina's 20x24 print on display at the reception.

Bridal Portrait sessions include:
*up to 2 hours of photography
*all final edited images on disk
*copyright to disk
*$75 print credit (up to 20x24 print)

2012 Availability

2011-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of the year where we are looking ahead to next year. This is a really busy time with booking so I wanted to make it a bit easier for those of you planning your wedding for next year. Here is my current availability for 2012.

2012 Availability

The following dates are booked and no longer available in 2012:

January 6, 7, 8

March 3, 4

April 27, 28, 29

May 17, 18, 19, 20

June 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17

Please note, dates are booking on a regular basis, so please confirm with Abigail that your date is still available before making a deposit.

Abigail Volkmann Photography

Serving Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, And Beyond

804.447.0610/office

330.606.8750/cell

av@abigailvolkmann.com

www.AbigailVolkmann.com

www.AbigailVolkmann.blogspot.com

Abigail Volkmann Photography on Facebook

2011-07-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

"Like" our facebook page! Once we receive our goal of 200 "Likes" we will start to offer MONTHLY deals and discounts!!!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abigail-Volkmann-Photography/190456357650325?ref=hnav

Loving My Job!!!

2011-07-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just reading a recent review left on WeddingWire.com
"Abigail was so great and she captured our day beautifully!! Gordon was unavailable so Tim was our second photographer and he was also amazing! We highly recommend her and plan to use her services in the future. She is professional and very personable; like someone that we could see ourselves hanging out with on the weekend. We enjoy our coffee table style album and everyone loves ALL of the pictures! Not to mention, Abigail offered to have our 200 thank you cards printed for such an excellent price...and they ARE WORTH the VALUE! Her talent is unexplainable and we were truly blessed to have her!! THANK YOU!"

Abigail Volkmann Photography featured at JCrew.com!

2011-05-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

Abigail Volkmann Photography featured at JCrew.com!
Leslie + Daniel's baseball themed wedding in Deltaville, Virginia is ours!
Check it out at
http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp#/6

Brittany + Kyle Teasers

2011-05-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my favorite photographs so far from Brittany + Kyle's wedding April 30, 2011

This light is so amazing!

I am loving this shot of the bouquet too!

Cara + Matt Teasers

2011-04-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

Just a little something to brighten your Wednesday! More to come soon! :)

Ellen + Marcus Part III

2011-04-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ellen + Marcus Part II

2011-04-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

Ellen + Marcus Part I

2011-04-04T08:55:00.001-07:00

Ellen + Marcus had a perfect spring wedding in Ft Myers, Florida. It was such a joy to share the day with this couple and was so amazing for me to be a part of their love. The couple glowed and it was easy for me to capture their beauty.

Six Month Old Ashton Part II

2011-03-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

Six Month Old Ashton

2011-03-30T16:05:00.001-07:00

I have been photographing the Adams family since Jaime + Keith's engagement session! I photographed their engagement session & wedding and then was excited to begin photographing their family as they welcomed their new addition, Ashton.
We photographed Jaime's growing belly throughout her entire pregnancy, then Ashton's newborn photos for his birth announcements (which I designed), then the family holiday card, and now Ashton's six month photos.
It has been such a joy capturing this beautiful family!

Rebecca + Cedric

2011-03-15T11:23:00.001-07:00

Rebecca + Cedric was photographed by my associate photographer, Gordon, and one of my second shooters, Tim. They did an AMAZING job!

Photographer: Abigail Volkmann Photography, Associate Photographer
Getting Ready, Ceremony, Reception: Marriott Downtown Richmond, Virginia.
Officiant: Two Become One Ministry, Brian Purcell
Hair + Make-up: Faces By Joy
DJ: Blast Method Entertainment

A New Take On the "Candy Bar"

2011-02-20T05:57:00.001-08:00

So, candy bars are one of my favorite features for weddings. I love all the options you have to make the candy bar too cute and what is not to love about a party favor that you don't have to tie a hundred bows onto?
I just found this blog post from a friend and I am in love! The Ice Cream Bar! This blog is fantastic! It has down-loadable files you can print and use the same adorable labels you see in the photos!
What fun!
http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/diy-ice-cream-parlour-make-your-own-sundaes-buffet-concept-for-wedding-or-party

More Recognition!

2011-01-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

2010 was a truly amazing year and I know 2011 will be just as amazing!

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 Pick!

2011-01-31T08:17:00.000-08:00

It is always really amazing to be recognized for your hard work! Thank you to all the amazing brides I have had the privilege of working with. I look forward to being a part of many more perfect wedding days!

Abigail

Gratitude!

2010-10-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

I received this e-mail the other day from a bride and it just made my day! I had to share it here. ;)

You are sooo AMAZING!!! We just looked at them and gasped on every one! It takes our breath away! You are so talented. We loved working with you, and we love that you included some of the funny out-takes. I can't wait to see you the 30th!

Thank you again. You made memories for us that will last a lifetime. We truly couldn't be happier.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Amanda & TJ

Farming Photo Project

2010-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing project my associate photographer has been working on for over a year. Check it out!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/830877368/virginia-sustainable-agriculture-documentary-proje

Leslie + Daniel Part I

2010-09-13T17:17:00.001-07:00

Leslie + Daniel's wedding was such a fun evening at the baseball field! Their church ceremony was followed by a walk to the ballpark for the tented reception in the outfield! I have a ton of great images to share, but here are just a few to start.

Brianne + Sean Teasers

2010-09-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Brianne + Sean had an amazing wedding at Woodlands Conference Center in Williamsburg, Virginia. I am excited to share these images because this wedding was photographed by my all start Associate Photographer and a second shooter. Here are just a few samples of their stellar work!

Sam Teasers

2010-07-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

I had a blast meeting the Settar family earlier this week and I just had to post a few teasers of Sam. I thought I would be able to easily pick a couple favorites to post, let me tell you, not so easy! This kid is amazing and I had such a great time photographing him.

Juli + Jeff Preview

2010-06-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

What an amazing time in Moneta, Virginia on June 19th! Moneta is in the middle of no where near Lynchburg and a hidden gem! I think this image says it all. Congrats Juli + Jeff!

On The Other Side!

2010-05-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my own wedding is coming up in just a few short months. It has been so much fun for me to work with all the other brides through this process and talk about all of our planning. I am always blown away when brides are asking me about my wedding plans when we are talking about their own (sometimes even on their wedding day!), it is just so thoughtful.

The first question I always get is, "Who is photographing your wedding?" So, I thought I would share a bit about my photographer and my selection process. I searched for photographers 3 ways, Google Searches, vendors on The Knot, and referrals. Then once I got names, I looked at budget. I only wanted to consider photographers who were in my price range. Once I had that narrowed down, I began looking at websites. I think most of my decision was made by the work I saw on the websites. I ended up selecting Noah Devereaux from a referral by another photographer.

When I am asked who is my photographer I often joke about setting the timer on my camera. Well, today I did it! There is a building in our neighborhood that Ryan & I love and we decided it would be a fantastic spot for our engagement photos. We planned our wardrobe with the colors of the building in mind. The "Big Mayhem" spot is what I originally had in mind for our announcements, but we shot a couple other options and ended up going with a shot from another wall of the building. I don't want to post the final image we chose until we send out the cards, but here are the runner ups. :)

My advice for engagements sessions is to have fun and think about who you are as a couple, what you two do together, favorite locations, special spots and take advantage of those. I think you will really treasure the photographs for many years if it reminds you of places that are important to you & your fiance. I feel like it is really all about capturing in photographs the memory of a special period in your relationship.

Thanks for all your support and I hope you enjoy our engagement photographs!

Can't wait for August 5th, 2010!

Rola + Simon

2010-04-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Rola + Simon are an amazing couple starting many new chapters in their lives. Just one of those is their marriage on Sunday, April 11th. Rola + Simon took advantage of the photographic opportunities at picturesque Maymont Park after their wedding ceremony. Here are just a couple of my favorite portraits so far.

Dara + Chris Details

2010-03-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Dara + Chris were married last week at Jasmine Plantation, one of my favorite venues in Richmond. The rain seemed like it was definitely going to move this garden wedding inside, but, as fate would have it, the clouds parted and the sun even came out!

Here are just a few fabulous detail shots that jumped out at me while I was editing. I love using all the little "props" at Jasmine in the photographs.

McSweeney Family

2010-02-08T14:26:00.001-08:00

I have been checking in with the McSweeney family for many years and photographing this photogenic bunch. I have to say, there is nothing like walking into someone's home and seeing my photographs proudly decorating the living room walls. Love it!

We ventured around the area of their home and checked out a few spots and then spotted this amazing field, threw on the hazards, jumped out, and here is what we came up with.

Winter Wonderland!

2010-01-25T14:41:00.000-08:00

This is a much over due post of some fantastic photographs I took while traveling over the holidays. Christa + Tim were celebrating their August wedding in Indiana with family at one of my favorite Indianapolis spots, Trader's Point Creamery. The Creamery is a really beautiful organic dairy farm and they hold events in the loft of a barn. It was such a treat for me to work with this super cute Brooklyn couple and their fabulous & fun family. We had a blast braving the snow and creating some really beautiful portraits of Christa + Tim. Christa also had the great idea to create a "photo booth" for some entertainment during the night and it was a huge hit with the guests.

Beautiful Portraits on the Farm
Christa did a fantastic job with all the details for the party...Photo Booth Fun!Thanks Christa + Tim for letting me capture this fabulous evening!

Lauren Bridal Portrait

2009-11-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

I met Lauren, her mom, & sister a few weeks ago to photograph Lauren's Bridal Portraits. We shot at the church she is getting married in and we had the chance to work some great locations at the church. Lauren made such amazing photographs and is such a natural in front of the camera. Here are a few of my favorites....

I can't wait for the wedding in February!

Bridal Portraits

2009-11-15T07:10:00.001-08:00

I am going through some recent shoots today and I am feeling really inspired by Bridal Portraits. As I am looking through 2 recent shoots, I really feel a Bridal Portrait is such a great way to pamper yourself and give that gorgeous dress some play! During a wedding day, I am usually working very quickly to create Bridal Portraits, and they look amazing, but often only offer a few different posing options. My Bridal Portrait session usually lasts about 2 hours and I am realizing that 2 hours is what it takes to get a lot of really beautiful portraits. It is such a fun chance to get in your dress, practice your hair & make-up and just enjoy yourself! Even if you do not want to have the portrait on display at the reception, it is still a really great way to treat yourself! If you have not already booked a Bridal Portrait with me, call or e-mail anytime to get the schedule!

Bridal Portrait Session:
shot in studio or on location
up to 2 hours of photography
unlimited location choices in 2 hours
all final edited images on disk
copyright to bride
$75 printing credit to bride (can be used for regular prints & canvas prints)
Session Cost- $250

Becky + Josh Part II

2009-11-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

After finishing up more editing from Becky + Josh's beautiful wedding I wanted to share of few more of my favorite shots.

The courts at Westwood Club

Ali + Tom

2009-10-19T06:57:00.002-07:00

Ali + Tom are such a fun loving laid back couple. I enjoyed the privilege of photographing their military wedding at The Chamberlin Hotel on Fort Monroe in Hampton, VA (http://www.historicchamberlin.com/). Ali + Tom decided to do their portraits before the ceremony so they could enjoy their cocktail hour and just make the flow of the day easier. We planned a special meeting for the couple on the roof top patio of the Chamberlin. The entire day was beautiful.

The first time they see each other on their wedding day!
Their first kiss on their wedding day!Walking from the Chamberlin to the Church at Fort Monroe.
The sword detail after the ceremony.Cocktail hour on the veranda at the beautiful Chamberlin Hotel.

Erin + Adam

2009-10-19T06:57:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things about living in Virginia is our long, relatively warm falls. Erin + Adam enjoyed a mid-October outdoor garden & tent wedding at Historic Jasmine Plantation (http://www.jasmineplantation.com) and the weather was fantastic! Erin + Adam were so much fun to photograph! Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

I love the mums lining the aisle. Simple and beautiful.
The bride's bouquet with stunning fall colors.
A cool shot of the front of the house my second shooter captured during the reception.

Becky + Josh

2009-10-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Since I am on the thank you front, I want to thank Becky + Josh for the beautiful bouquet of flowers they sent me home with yesterday. They look amazing on top of my Grandmother's vintage radio. I love them!

Thank You!

2009-10-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday I shot my last wedding of 2009, so today I am doing a bit of reflecting on this fantastic year.
First of all, I have to thank all the amazing couples I had the privilege of photographing this past year. Thank you for choosing me as your photographer and for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day. I had someone ask me the other day to tell them some "bridezilla" stories and as I thought about it, I realized I have no such stories. I have been fortunate to work with amazing couples and families and friends, all of whom I thoroughly enjoyed being with.
I would also like to thank all the amazing vendors & venues I worked with this past year. I will gather up some names in the next few weeks and post my favorite venues, dress shops, florists, DJs, & caterers.
A huge thank you to my team of second shooters, Gordon, Phil & Nikko. These three have all created beautiful images to ensure not a moment or detail was missed during a wedding. I look forward to many more years of shooting together.
Many of my brides have heard me talk about a friend from college who has been an inspiration to me for many years and who I am continually learning from, Susie Linquist (www.SusieLinquist.com). Susie's photography & spirit is a constant inspiration and I must thank Susie for being Susie. We are soon to be blessed with her talents on the east coast, so tell all your NC friends to look her up.
And last, but certainly not least, thank you to my best friend and love, Ryan Gothrup. Ryan inspires me everyday to reach new life, health, creative, & business goals. He is my balance & my heart & I cannot wait for our opportunity to make a public declaration of our lifetime commitment to one another next August.

Meghan + Brett

2009-10-05T08:41:00.001-07:00

I had the great privilege of traveling to the outer banks in North Carolina for Meghan + Brett's wedding in late September. It was one of those cloudy rainy days where, as soon as it was time for the ceremony, the rain stopped, the sun peaked out, and everything turned out beautifully. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

The kiss.A shot of the couple in a gazebo at the end of a dock.
The flowers.
The beach theme was everywhere.

Rachel + Josh

2009-09-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Rachel + Josh enjoyed a beautiful wedding ceremony & reception at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (http://www.lewisginter.org/). Their wedding was in the Rose Garden and chose a really cute orange and green color theme for the wedding. The day was beautiful.

The walk from the visitor center to the Rose Gardens.

An arbor that marks the entrance to the Rose Gardens.
The bride & bridesmaids shoes, all orange!

Shannon + Therman

2009-09-13T12:10:00.001-07:00

Shannon & Therman enjoyed a gorgeous country wedding in Dinwiddie County in Virginia. Shannon & TL were such laid back couple and a joy to photograph.

Vanessa + Jon

2009-09-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Vanessa & Jon are an amazing couple I had the privilege of photographing earlier this summer at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA. The Rose Gardens were a beautiful backdrop for their ceremony & lots of gorgeous portraits. These shots were my favs for the day. :)

Anne + Trevor

2009-08-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Anne & Trevor had a beautiful wedding in picturesque Woodberry Forest, Virginia. The rain early in the day cleared up in time for a romantic reception. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

The groom wanted a portrait with his bride's dog. :)

I loved all the old wedding photographs on display at the reception.

I personally cannot ever get enough of the kissing photographs! :)

Lauren + Chris

2009-06-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Lauren & Chris are both so sweet & were such a joy to photograph at the Dominion Club in Glen Allen (http://www.tdcva.com/) on a wonderful hot June day! Lauren was stunning in a lace and silk dress with buttons all the way up the back from Jingles and a floor length veil! The service at the Dominion Club blew me away! The event coordinator (Jamie Ashenburg) and his (huge) team ensured the entire day went smooth and easy for Lauren, Chris, and all the guests. Lauren & Chris were able to truly enjoy their worry free day. It is always so hard to choose my favorite images, but here is my attempt. :)

The ceremony behind the Dominion Club.

One of my favorite portraits taken across the lake from the club.

It is so romantic how Chris looks at Lauren. :)

I just love how cute this shot is of cutting the cake!

Kristen + Jared

2009-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful Jasmine Plantation wedding (www.jasmineplantation.com) held in June. My favorite things about this wedding (aside from how sweet Kristen & Jared are!): Kristen's dress (fit like a glove and stunning!) from Bella Rose Bridal (www.bellarosebridal.com), the reception decor was simply elegant (done by Kristen's sister who needs to pursue a career in wedding planning!), and Kristen's simple purple Lilly bouquet (also done by Kristen's sister!). These are a few of my favorite images so far.

The stunning dress.

Something blue.

Beautiful bouquet.

The rings with an old wedding photograph at Jasmine Plantation.

Tanya + Scott

2009-05-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Tanya & Scott enjoyed a beautiful country garden wedding at Amber Grove (http://www.ambergrove.com/), the highest point in the county with a gentle breeze and great view. Tanya & Scott were tons of fun to photograph. The sky was amazing their wedding day. Check it out. :)

Jaime + Keith

2009-05-07T18:23:00.001-07:00

Jaime & Keith enjoyed their wedding in Norfolk, VA in May. The relaxed bride walked from her house to the church with her father and girls. The reception was held at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens and the flower theme was everywhere. The amazing flower arrangements, decor, cake and catering (talk about one stop shopping!) were done by Farm Fresh, who exclusively caters the cafe where the reception was held. This wedding was so special and here are just a few of my favorites!

Brandee & Carlos

2009-04-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to shoot an engagement session on one of our recent warm days. It was perfect, sunny, 70, and breezy. Brandee & Carlos chose 2 locations for their engagement session. We started at First Landing State Park on the Chesapeake Bay and then went to the park where Brandee & Carlos will be getting married in October. Here are a few of my favorites!

Morgan & Scott

2009-02-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

It was my privilege to photograph Morgan & Scott! This couple wanted a unique way to announce their marrage. With Norfolk neighborhoods as the backdrop, some braving of the cold weather and a lot of laughs, here is what we came up with.

enjoy!

eryn & tony

2008-11-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

eryn & tony engagement photos shot at maymont park in richmond, virginia.

amy & george

2008-11-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

i had the chance to enjoy an amazing fall day with amy & george. they are celebrating their 3 year wedding anniversary and they wanted to get some new photographs together. amy & george are so silly together and i was laughing the entire time we were shooting (making focusing rather challenging!). :) the day could not have been any more beautiful and here are a few of my favorite shots.

stacey & ct

2008-11-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

another beautiful fall wedding with a warm, clear fall day. stacey & ct had their wedding at DelFosse Vineyard (http://www.delfossewine.com) which is basically at the top of a mountain way out in the country. the vineyard is stunning. definitely a must see. stacey & ct are such a kind, loving couple and they were a joy to photograph.

here are a few of my favorite images.

enjoy!

OH OHIO

2008-10-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

I am working on a project back home and had a chance to enjoy (I am using that term loosely) the crazy weather of these parts. Today was freezing, on the verge of snowing, and had amazing light (sometimes!). It was a challenge with the weather, but I made some really special images. Here is one of my favorites so far.... (try to find the tiny rainbow!) :) More soon!

annie & chad

2008-10-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

i had the amazing privilege of being brought out to the land of cheese to photograph annie & chad's wedding in september. the wedding was at this beautiful location about an hour outside of milwaukee. the location was a tourist attraction called old world wisconsin, where the public can see how people would have lived 100 years ago in wisconsin. there were farms, villages, churches and actors dressed the part!

the wedding was beautiful and here are a few of my favorite shots.

enjoy!

the blogging begins...

2008-10-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

you can all thank my great friend susie for telling me, again, i need to start a blog.

so, for all the masses who have been anxiously awaiting, the wait is over!

and yes, it will be everything you hoped it would be!

this will be where i update you on my recent work.

i am hoping to get started on a personal project, soon, very soon, and i will keep you all up to date on how that is coming along.

thanks for visiting!

cheers to blogs!