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...

Best of Ring Shots 2017 | Business

Best of Ring Shots 2017 | Business

Every year I try to challenge myself in at least one area, knowing that if I am not actively trying to get better it will never happen. This was the year of the ring shot, and I tried my best both to become more creative (even at weddings with limited time) and more consistent, finding a style that I love.

While this is an area I always want to work to improve, I am proud of my work as I look back on the last year. There were times when I had ZERO time to showcase the ring well, yet in the back of my head I knew I would be disappointed if I didn't give it my all. Ring shots are NOT the most important images of the day, but wedding rings represent such an important covenant I think it's incredibly important to have at least a few stunning images of this symbol.

So here, in all their sparkly glory, are the rings that made 2017 so great, whether during engagement sessions or weddings. Get ready for some major bling!

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...