Smithfield Center Crimson Fall Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Carson + Grace

Smithfield Center Crimson Fall Wedding

Where do I even begin? I have known Carson and Grace both for years, before they were ever a couple. I was there to photograph their proposal when he got down on one knee at sunset at the Norfolk waterfront and she said yes. I was privileged to capture their engagement session and her stunning bridal portraits...but all this paled to the honor of being the one to capture their wedding day. Being with them was like being with old friends, and watching their love grow throughout the years has been a beautiful thing to witness.

On the morning of their wedding, Grace was reminiscing about the first few years of their relationship, which started as a friendship. But both of them knew they would be married when she was just 15 years old - and as friends turned into more than that, it became more obvious by the day that they would be together forever. Almost every single person who talked during the reception got teary-eyed talking about Carson and Grace and their integrity, faithfulness, and love. It was an amazing testament to the kind of people they are and the marriage they will have.

The wedding itself blew me away with its elegant details from start to finish, a beautiful reflection of Grace's classic style. Lush bouquets with crimson red amaranthus perfectly offset her all-over lace wedding dress with gorgeous sleeves and buttons for miles. The reception, an incredible setup from The Main Event by Emily, had timeless pitchers filled with blush roses and eucalyptus, sitting atop books that have endured through the ages. With each element coming together perfectly, it was truly a gorgeous day.

Carson and Grace - seeing you two finally become husband and wife was one of the great joys of my year. You two are an incredible couple, both by yourselves and now together. I look forward to many years of friendship and seeing how God will work in your lives as you begin this next journey together.

Planning, Design, + Florals: The Main Event by Emily | Bride's Dress: Maya Couture | Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal | Hair: Barry's for Hair | Makeup: Artistry by Margaret | Menswear: Jos. A Bank | Ceremony: Historic St. Luke's | Reception: Smithfield Center | Cake: Harmony Woods Baked Goods | Catering: The Dinner Plate + From the Hearth Pizza | DJ: Music Makes You Happy

Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Timeless wedding invitations
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Classic gold wedding hairpiece
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Stunning gold earrings
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Black and white bride getting ready
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Blue tanzanite wedding ring
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Champagne bridesmaid dress
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Wedding ring profile

Don't be fooled by the straight face...Carson was beyond excited to see his bride.

Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Classic groom getting ready
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Crimson and rose boutonniere
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Groom getting ready
All lace long sleeved cream wedding dress with sequin belt
Bridal hair with leaf hairpiece and all-over lace wedding dress
All lace button up wedding dress
Iconic classic bridal portrait in black and white with all-over lace wedding dress

Grace, you are just STUNNING!

Flower girl in white tutu with crimson and green floral crown
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Crimson, white, and green bridal bouquet
Gold and chalkboard unplugged wedding ceremony sign
Classic church wedding ceremony
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Groom sees his bride
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Bride walking down the aisle
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Traditional church wedding ceremony
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Bride and groom during wedding ceremony
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Bride and groom first kiss

See if you can recognize one of the guys in the bridal party...I happen to think the one on the far left is pretty cute ;)

Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Gray and brown groomsmen attire
Iconic black and white bride and groom walking after their wedding
Iconic black and white romantic bride and groom portrait
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding |  Champagne bridesmaid dresses
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Crimson fall bridal bouquet
Classic Crimson and Champagne Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding | Champagne and gray bridal party
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace wedding dress
Bridal portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress and mink shawl
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress and mink shawl
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress and mink shawl
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress and mink shawl
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress and mink shawl
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress and mink shawl
Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress in black and white

And after those incredible bride and groom portraits with glowy light and so much love, we headed over to a gorgeous and lush wedding reception.

Classic wedding reception centerpieces with blush roses, white flowers, and eucalyptus on vintage books
Classic wedding reception centerpieces with blush roses, white and crimson flowers, and eucalyptus
Classic wedding reception centerpieces with blush roses, white flowers, and eucalyptus in vintage pitchers

Not only did they serve amazing pizza, they reserved a few gluten-free servings just for us. And oh how we enjoyed them!

Gourmet pizzas at wedding reception
Simple white wedding cake with crimson, white, and blush flowers and eucalyptus leaves
Iconic black and white bride and groom first dance at wedding reception
Father and daughter first dance at wedding in black and white

Before the sun went all the way down, we snuck outside for a few final sweet bride and groom portraits.

Bride and groom portraits with crimson and blush bridal bouquet at sunset
Bride and groom portraits with crimson and blush bridal bouquet at sunset
Guests dancing at wedding reception
Guests dancing at wedding reception
Guests dancing at wedding reception
Guests dancing at wedding reception

Congratulations, Carson and Grace!

Bride and groom portraits with all-over lace long-sleeved wedding dress

Maria Grace Photography

My name is Maria, and I am a wedding and family photographer based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia, but I am always excited about traveling. I love families who truly enjoy spending time with each other and living life together. I love couples that are looking forward to their wedding day because they are so excited to finally be married to.