Being a wedding and portrait photographer here in Richmond, Virginia, has been one of my top places to live and work because of how many amazing locations we have for photos. Gardens? No problem! Breathtaking city views? For sure!! Train stations that are stunning inside and out? We got you! Fun murals? You bet! Museums? Those too! Classy clubs to hold the wedding celebration of your dreams? Oh yeahhh! Gorgeous estates just 45 minutes outside the city? Yep yep!!

Last week, I dove into another one of Richmond’s AMAZING venues for wedding and portrait photography: the John Marshall Ballrooms in Hotel John Marshall.

My friends Mike & Naz recently celebrated one year of marriage, and we did their anniversary session last week inside and outside Hotel John Marshall. This venue has been on my list ever since I moved to Richmond earlier this year, and I was THRILLED we were able to shoot there. The JMB staff was super welcoming and accommodating to this photographer and my stunning couple… I was so blessed by their encouragement of our photoshoot!!

Mike & Naz are initially from the MD/DC area and moved here for Naz to go to Medical School at VCU. I met them through church, and my husband and I have really enjoyed any time we get with these two, especially talking to another couple in their early stages of marriage like us!!

Naz is one of those beauties that could truly be a model if she wanted. Just look at her!!

This Ethiopian beauty had me ooooo-ing and awe-ing over basically every photo we took!!! And Mike, also Ethiopian-American, was quite the handsome complement to her!!!

If you’re looking for somewhere to do engagement, anniversary, or wedding portraits that captures Richmond’s city feel, historic architecture, and a grand ballroom feel… RUN, don’t walk, to John Marshall Ballrooms. Their venue is gorgeous, inside and out, their staff is so kind and on top of things, and their ballrooms can hold your plentiful guest list with no problem!! Let these next photos do the convincing…

Mike & Naz, y’all are stunners — some of these really belong in a magazine (not tooting my own horn, just in awe over your beautiful selves in this beautiful venue!!!). I loved getting to celebrate your one year of marriage and photograph your love around JMB! Thanks for being amazing models and showing off this awesome location for others to see!!!