Norfolk Botanical Gardens Wedding | Norfolk Wedding Photographer | Leonard + Elysse

Norfolk Botanical Gardens Wedding | Norfolk Wedding Photographer | Leonard + Elysse

There are memories from every wedding ingrained in my mind - moments I’ll never forget, sweet words said that will always stay in my mind. At Leonard and Elysse’s wedding, the best part of the day was that they are a family of three. Leonard’s precious daughter Karina was an integral part of the day from start to finish, when Elysse gave her special reception shoes or when she said special vows just to Karina, or when Leonard had a special dance just with his little girl. Karina, for her part, cried the whole way through the ceremony, and it was hard for anyone to hold tears back after seeing her joy come through in such a beautiful way…

Historic Post Office Wedding | Hampton Wedding Photographer | Trey + Kristina

Historic Post Office Wedding | Hampton Wedding Photographer | Trey + Kristina

Trey and Kristina have been together for six years. In that time, they have doubtless gone through all the highs and lows that life can bring, yet they continue to choose love for each other. That love was more evident last weekend than it ever has been, because after six years they still get butterflies when they're together and would rather spend time with no one else. Love is a choice, and they have demonstrated their commitment to the relationship they share.

I can't talk about their wedding day without gushing over all the elements that made the Historic Post Office drop-dead gorgeous. Kristina worked with the incredibly talented Aleen Floral Design to cover the venue in white, from incredible roses to custom draping and greenery that stood behind them during the ceremony. Kristina was an absolutely flawless bride, and nothing sums up how beautiful she is more than when she looked at a bridal portrait I took and couldn't help but exclaim, "how do I look so good?!" Their wedding is truly one of the prettiest I have ever witnessed…

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…