trump winery wedding

Best of Weddings 2017 | Business

Best of Weddings 2017 | Business

Where did 2017 go?! It felt like just yesterday that I was staring a new year in the face, and all of a sudden here I am, doing the exact same thing, marveling at how time flies and how incredible one year can truly be.

I will probably say this each year, but 2017 may have been the best year so far. With every wedding season my confidence increases, my skills have grown, and my couples are still as amazing as ever. This year I spent about half my time in Hampton Roads, in venues like the Williamsburg Winery, Two Rivers Country Club, Saude Creek Vineyards, and more. I also ended up doing a lot of traveling, from the Plantation on Sunnybrook in Roanoke to the Kimpton Lorien Hotel in Alexandria, the beautiful area of Asheville, and even all the way up to Reading Country Club in Pennsylvania.

June was by far the craziest month of the year with 4 weddings in 3 weeks, and a double header weekend that had me shooting a wedding in Williamsburg on Friday and one near Philadelphia the very next day. To top it all off, just when I thought I would get some rest, we welcomed home our little baby girl. I know that isn't a wedding highlight per se, but it absolutely rocked my world...

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...