Keith Cephus Photography » “Your Choice for Photographic Excellence”

This weekend was one of the most remarkable engagement sessions of my career. It had highs and lows, ups and downs, frustrations and plenty of excitement. It all began with a destination session in Bermuda. How cool is that? So I packed my Benz and cruised to to Richmond to meet Leah and Steve for the very first time. Mind you, Leah and Steve’s will be getting hitched next June at the luxurious U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego. I cannot wait to shoot it next year!! So when I met this amazing couple, and I mean AMAZING, we had laughs and plenty of cheers in the lobby at the Richmond Marriott on Broad St. Cindy, the supercool bartender from Malaysia, made a nasty apple tini. Cindy you rock!!! So as I’m talking to Leah about this awesome trip, she mentioned to me that she didn’t need a passport. At that point, I smelled trouble. To make a long story short, Bermuda never happened. It just wasn’t meant to be. Instead we did a two engagement sessions in two different states in 48 hrs!! It started in the subways in Washington DC and finished in Manhattan on the lower east side of 39th and Lexington. It was one of the best engagement session I have ever been a part of! Leah and Steve felt bad because of the Bermuda deal, but I would have never got the photos that I did on a sandy beach. Been there, done that. I have never shot an e-session in the big city. Creatively, it’s a mind-boggling experience. Steve, an employee of Starwoods and F&B Director for the Sheraton, put me up in the $600 per nigh W hotel on 39th and Lexington. How cool is that!! It gets better. I hooked up with my brother and he took me to Jay-Z’s 40/40 club in Manhattan. Something that started so bad ended up being so great!! Leah and Steve, the both of you are truly amazing individuals. I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and generosity. Steve, I’ve eaten more sushi with you in one day than I have in a week. You reminded me of a buddy of mines, David Schwartz who is one of the leading photographers in Hampton Roads and can put down some serious sushi as well. Leah, you are a truly remarkable women. Let me know when we’re headed back to NYC to shoot on the Brooklyn Bridge. That’s right! We’re going back to take care of some unfinished business. Leah and Steve, thank you for a great experience!!!!!!!!

On April 19th, I had the honor of shooting the wedding of Gene and Leslie. The lovely couple exchanged their vows at the historical St. John Episcopal Church in Hampton, VA. St. John’s Church is the oldest English-speaking parish in America, founded in 1610. Their lovely reception took place at the luxurious James River Country Club, where Joel Wesley and his team displayed relentless professionalism in every aspect of food service.   Leslie and Gene had a truly awesome wedding with most of the bridal party from Long Island. A native New Yorker myself, I felt right at home with all of their family and friends. Leslie, a graphic artist for Cigar Aficionado is a gifted artist that allowed me to be creative and shoot outside the box. Leslie and Gene, thanks for a great experience and for the generous gift. Have fun on your honeymoon and may God continue to bless you!!

Shooting back to back weddings in consecutive weekends is true remarkable. Especially when you have couples like Rebekah and Yevgeny. The lovely couple exchanged vows on Friday, April 18th at Bayside Presbyterian Church, while the reception took place at Fort Monroe. Yevgeny, of Russian descent, had his family and friends fly down from Russia to be a part of the celebration. Daevid from Daevid’s displayed sheer elegance with his spectacular decor and floral centerpieces. Hotcakes provided soothing music which got the crowd moving and grooving. Rebekah and Yevgeny, your wedding was truly amazing. Here are a few shots for you to enjoy while you are on your honeymoon!!

On April 13th, I had the honor of photographing Danielle and Ryan’s wedding at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Norfolk. The reception took place at the Oceanfront Hilton. Ryan and Danielle brought tears to my eyes when l heard them exchange their vows. There is no doubt in my mind that this amazing couple will be married for 50 plus years!! Danielle, your parents are truly special. I can’t wait for Josh to come back in town and play golf with him and your dad. And your mom? I can’t find the right adjective to describe her kindness and generosity. Thanks in advance for the lovely shirt!! 350 of their closest family and friends filled the ballroom of the Hilton where Katie Ochsner and her staff did an amazing job with the decor and food presentation. Edward and Andrew of EA Video Productions caught every moment, while interviewing family and friends. When we arrived at the Hilton, the bridal party stopped traffic and took some amazing photos on Atlantic Ave. It was truly a magical moment. The bridal party was truly off the chain!! Danielle and Ryan, your wedding was spectacular!! Mainly because the both of you are truly spectacular!!!!!!!!

Chick here to view their awesome slideshow!