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 these sweet moments at the end of the evening, as the guests looked on and the newlyweds took a few minutes, just the two of them, to celebrate the end of one journey and the beginning of the next adventure.
Brad and Lauren...words can't explain how thankful I am to have been there for your wedding. At each turn I was blown away by the beauty of the day and your thoughtfulness in each tiny detail. I could tell that, through and through, you love each other and the people around you. May the memory of that day be the sweetest reminder of the incredible gift you have in each other for the rest of your lives.
Getting Ready: Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery | Ceremony/Reception: The Trump Barn & Pavilion | Coordinator: Donovan-Groves Events | Bride Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Invitation Suite: Wedding Paper Divas | Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. and Kendra Scott | Florist: Blue Ridge Floral Design | Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier | Dress Shop: Carine's Bridal Atelier | Hair + Makeup: Jennifer Saunders Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew Bridal | Groom Suit: The Tailored Man | Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse | Catering: C&O Catering | DJ: Derek Tobler | Fireworks & Sparklers: Virginia Skypainters | Live Painter: Kelly Oakes Art | Officiant: Julie Trump | Rentals: MS Events | Transportation: Albemarle Limousine
When there's a set of Tiffany & Co. wedding rings, you just have to photograph them in that teal box ;)
After she got ready Lauren prepared to see Brad for the first time...and oh how excited she was during their first look!
We took the limousines down to the vineyards, which were gorgeous underneath a cloudy blue sky.
The rain came intermittently but held off for the ceremony, ending just in time.
The moments right before the wedding ceremony are the best...oh how excited Lauren was!
Brad couldn't hold back the tears as they said I do...
Family and friends had a blast at the reception...and I'll never forget the hilarious father-daughter dance. They even dedicated a song to Lauren's Italian grandma!
The sun sank lower, painted the sky brilliant shades of orange, blue, and purple, and we snuck off to the vineyard for some final bride and groom portraits.
The moon. The sky. The vineyards. One of my favorite images EVER.
After some dancing, Brad and Lauren exited outside with sparklers surrounding them to surprise their guests with something amazing...
Congratulations, Brad and Lauren!
