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Albemarle Estate Anniversary Session | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Albemarle Estate Anniversary Session | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Maybe I'm getting old, but time seems to move faster and faster each year. It's hard to believe that Brad and Lauren got married over one year ago, and two years before that we met for the first time to capture their engagement session. When they contacted me a few months in advance (because she is a planner, through and through!) about an anniversary session at the same place it all began, I was thrilled.

Here's a little sneak peek, though, into what makes this couple so special. Rather than simply asking me to drive to Charlottesville for their pictures, they added on a special lunch at the amazing C&O Restaurant, inviting all their wedding vendors as a 'thank you' one year later. I have never heard of this before, and I was simply amazed at their generosity. It was such a fun chance to reconnect with what now feels like old friends, with Brad and Lauren at the top of that list. We all feel a little sad when the wedding day is over, so to continue that relationship (even though they live hours away!) is an incredible blessing…

Trump Winery Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Chris + Sarah

Trump Winery Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Chris + Sarah

My heart is full. 2017 was truly an amazing year, and ending the season with Chris and Sarah's wedding at the Trump Winery Grand Hall was simply the icing on the cake. Sarah is truly an incredible human being. Life has thrown her curveballs but each time she has come back stronger and happier than ever. I met her in college but didn't know her story until I read this article from her CrossFit gym, which made my admiration for her grow all the more. I couldn't wait for their wedding, and after a postponement for Chris' deployment in the navy, everyone was more than ready for the day to arrive.

Sarah, determined and strong, trained for months to be able to WALK down the aisle with her dad. That moment is one I will never forget. With a smile on her face, Sarah stood up, leaned on the man who raised her, and walked to meet her groom. Chris, caught between tears and unspeakable joy, waited for his bride at the end of the aisle.

Besides the incredible emotions that ran throughout the day, the wedding was simply stunning from start to finish...

Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Brad + Lauren

Ever since their engagement session in Charlottesville I have watched Brad and Lauren's relationship and come to understand the kind of people they are. They are the kind of people who dress up every month to visit the children's hospital just to brighten someone's day. They are the kind of people who incorporated a host of different charities in their wedding so they could give back. They are the kind of people whose smiles light up a room, whose joy is obvious from each moment, and who are deeply in love with each other after 6 years together.

Because of this and so much more I knew Brad and Lauren's wedding would be wonderful, but I had no idea just how incredibly beautiful it would be. The Albemarle Estate on Trump Winery property was a stunning backdrop for gorgeous pink peonies and J. Crew bridesmaid dresses. Lauren's gorgeous Monique Lhuillier tulle-filled gown and sparkly Badgley Mischkas absolutely stole the show. The amazing talent of Blue Ridge Floral Design was on display with a one-of-a-kind flower-covered reception sign. Donovan-Groves Events and his team pulled off a truly spectacular wedding, dreamed up by a couple whose spirit matched the stunning decor.

The night ended in an amazing fireworks display, with Brad and Lauren dancing underneath light painted across the sky. What I will remember most is...