richmond wedding

Historic Tuckahoe Plantation Wedding in Richmond | Connor + Kristen

Historic Tuckahoe Plantation Wedding in Richmond | Connor + Kristen

Connor and Kristen knew when they planned their wedding that they wanted to keep the main thing in front of them at all times, so an intimate celebration at the Historic Tuckahoe Plantation was the perfect choice for their wedding day. Surrounded by family and a few very close friends, the two said their “I do’s” under a gorgeous greenery arch as the sun peeked over the trees and bathed the surrounding flowers in light. The stress of a huge wedding day was lifted off their shoulders, but they were able to celebrate their love in a way that rang true to them.

Kristen looked radiant as a bride, from her beautifully styled hair (thanks to The Studio RVA) to her unique bouquet complete with tiny cat and dog charms. When Connor saw her walking down the aisle his eyes filled with tears, and as the two promised to be together forever, I saw their bond only strengthen and grow throughout the day.

Hollyfield Manor Summer Wedding | Shawn + Julia

Hollyfield Manor Summer Wedding | Shawn + Julia

Every bride and groom who planned their wedding in the midst of the current pandemic has had to make a million decisions and changes at the last minute and for Shawn and Julia, it was no different. They still wanted to get married on a date so special to them - April 25 - but they wanted family and friends to celebrate all together, which wasn’t possible a few months ago. Finally, they made the difficult decision to elope with just a few close family members at Roanoke College, and decided to postpone their Hollyfield Manor wedding until August when they could invite everyone they loved most in the world.

Though there was so much uncertainty surrounding their wedding, last Saturday was a beautiful celebration of two people who love each other and are deeply loved by everyone in their lives. Julia smiled all day long, tears filled her bridesmaids eyes when they first saw her in the stunning wedding dress she has gotten to wear so many times by now, and the ceremony was filled with emotion as Shawn held his bride’s hands, knowing their 8-year journey through dating and engagement was only the beginning of their lifetime together…

Hollyfield Manor Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer | Jake + Rachel

Hollyfield Manor Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer | Jake + Rachel

Marriage is a gift. It allows us to walk closely alongside someone else for our entire lives, and while that does present its own unique challenges, it also brings its own unique blessings. For Rachel and Jake, one of these gifts is the joy they have - a joy that is only multiplied when they are together. Just as they couldn't stop smiling and laughing during their engagement session, their happiness was overflowing on they day they said their I dos. There is almost nothing more beautiful than that.

Adding to the beauty of their day were gorgeous details planned to fit Jake and Rachel's simple, elegant style. The ONLY sparkly element was her stunning Badgley Mischka flats! Rachel's bouquet was absolutely stunning and carried on the navy and white theme of the wedding. And those watercolor bridesmaid dresses are some of my all-time favorites! With a venue like Hollyfield Manor as the backdrop, the wedding - with all its beauty and joy - came together perfectly…