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

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

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 Water Table Wedding | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer | Ariel + Rachel

The Water Table Wedding | Virginia Beach Wedding Photographer | Ariel + Rachel

"I know why Ariel joined the Navy," his older brother stated confidently during his best man toast, "he was always meant to find Rachel." Ariel and Rachel glanced at each other, tears filling their eyes, knowing this was the truth from the beginning.

With several years in the Navy, travel and adventure is at the heart of Ariel and Rachel's love for each other. They have been all over the world, from Dubai to Hawaii, from Singapore to Lake Tahoe, but home for them is wherever they can be together. They met at a poker tournament and fell in love over the course of many years, many overseas trips, and many long conversations about who they wanted to be with - and it just happened to be each other.

Amidst a flurry of blue and silver travel themed details, a stunning lace-backed wedding dress, and bridesmaids in royal blue holding elegant rose bouquets, the love these two have for each other absolutely stole the show. He whispered in her ear and she giggled. He held her close and she pulled herself in closer. He held her hand as they walked side by side, from the church aisle to the beautiful dock at The Water Table as the sun set behind them...

Zion Springs Bed & Breakfast Wedding | Ashburn Wedding Photographer | John + Meredith

Zion Springs Bed & Breakfast Wedding | Ashburn Wedding Photographer | John + Meredith

Sometimes couples are together for years before they are ready to get married, but for John and Meredith they knew soon after they started dating that they never wanted to be apart. Less than a year and a half after their hike to Dragon's Tooth that started their dating adventure, they said I do on the most gorgeous fall day at Zion Springs Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful past behind them and a promising future before them.

As John waited for Meredith before their first look, he was absolutely beaming from ear to ear. It was the biggest smile I had ever seen - until he actually turned around and saw his bride. From that point onward both of them had eyes only for each other, faces filled with joy at the life they were now starting together. Deep maroon bridesmaid dresses spoke not only to the autumn season but also their heritage as Virginia Tech Hokies - and as a fellow alum, I was happy to see orange and maroon all day long! Just wait until you see their flower girl...and their cake ;)

Sunflowers, dahlias, and twinkling Edison lights lit up the night at the gorgeous barn where they danced the evening away with those who had traveled near and far to see their special day...