davids bridal

Wedding at Norfolk Botanical Garden | Marco + Lydia

Wedding at Norfolk Botanical Garden | Marco + Lydia

When Marco landed in Virginia just a few short weeks ago, he was about to embark on a whirlwind adventure that started with meeting Lydia’s family for the very first time, even though they were getting married in less than a month! Marco is from Peru, and he met Lydia when she followed God’s calling there without any intention of leaving with a husband. Their joy over God’s goodness and all their answered prayers was the main theme of the day, and it’s what made their wedding over-the-top beautiful.

Because of their unique circumstances, Marco and Lydia chose to have two receptions - one directly after their ceremony so the whole church could celebrate, followed by an intimate family dinner at Norfolk Botanical Garden, with the added bonus of portraits all around the beautiful end-of-summer blooms. My favorite part of the day was their first look. Lydia promised she would make him cry, but Marco had no idea she meant to record special messages from the friends and family who couldn’t travel internationally but still wanted to be a part of his special day. Between the videos playing on his phone, their special song in the background, and seeing his beautiful bride dressed in white, tears were quickly rolling down his face…

Yorktown Freight Shed Wedding | Yorktown Wedding Photographer | Grant + Kate

Yorktown Freight Shed Wedding | Yorktown Wedding Photographer | Grant + Kate

There’s something so refreshing and wonderful about a long, meaningful wedding ceremony. So much of the time (with my own included!) they are short, sweet, and to the point. But when the couple and their guests have time to reflect on the words spoken, when they can think about the covenant being promised, when they can take communion together…it’s a beautiful thing. Kate’s pastor from childhood was the one who married them at the sweet little Grace Episcopal Church in downtown Yorktown, and their marriage quickly became the most important part of the day.

The whole wedding took place on one little street in Yorktown, hopping from a quaint little bed and breakfast to the Yorktown Freight Shed for a gorgeous fall-themed ceremony. Not only did I love the bright pops of color against classic blue tablecloths, I adored the hot chocolate bar and the s’mores favors that Grant and Kate thoughtfully gave to their guests, many who had traveled from all over the country for such a special occasion…

Ferrum College Wedding | Roanoke Wedding Photographer | Josiah + Megan

Ferrum College Wedding | Roanoke Wedding Photographer | Josiah + Megan

What do I say about a day like this? My baby sister, who I swear was only 8 years old just a few days ago, got married this last weekend. Megan and Josiah dated for several years but when I woke up that morning, it felt like everything had happened in the blink of an eye. It was an emotional day for everyone, and as I looked around I realized our family either had huge smiles on their faces or tears of joy on their cheeks. What a beautiful memory.

As I reflect on the day, a few things stick out. One is the first look she had with my dad. I wish I could include every single one of those images, but it's hard to explain the emotion there. It's the end of an era, his last child getting married. I remember the kids - there were 9 flower girls and ring bearers! - that will show up throughout the pictures because almost all of their parents were in the bridal party (and it was a good kind of chaos!). I'll never forget the ceremony or the vows Megan and Josiah wrote to each other and delivered with voices shaking and tears flowing.

It's hard to express how amazed I am at the woman Megan has become, or how thankful we all are that she found someone like Josiah to marry. She asked him out so many years ago and has never regretted that decision. Yet over time, he has proven that his love for her and his love for God and genuine and enduring, and while it's hard to acknowledge that she is growing up and moving away, I can think of no one better to walk alongside her in life…