James Monroe Highland Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Mason + Olivia

James Monroe Highland Wedding | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer | Mason + Olivia

If rain on your wedding day is good luck, but you still want the prettiest pictures and an outdoor ceremony, then Mason and Olivia had the most perfect day. We watched as the famous Charlottesville thunderstorms threatened, creating gorgeous light for their first look and holding out until the moment we walked inside. Though it sprinkled at first during the ceremony, guests were prepared and the rain eventually stopped as these two stood under a tall tree at James Monroe's Highland to say I do.

I wish I could write the exact words here that were shared during their ceremony, but what I can tell you is that it was one of the most God-honoring, love-filled, meaningful messages I have heard. Mason and Olivia cried tears of joy all day - when they first saw each other (at their first look AND as she walked down the aisle!), when they opened gifts the other had spent countless hours working on, and again as they got to say the words 'husband and wife' officially for the first time. Though the details were beautiful, they put more thought and care into the most meaningful parts of their day, choosing to center their wedding on all the right things…

Intimate Wedding in Chesapeake | Chesapeake Wedding Photographer | Chris + Rebecca

Intimate Wedding in Chesapeake | Chesapeake Wedding Photographer | Chris + Rebecca

Marriage is a huge commitment. Marriage when kids are involved becomes a whole new matter entirely. When Chris and Rebecca said their vows, they did so before the typical friends and family...but they also had her three children by their side. It was the most touching moment of the day as the kids helped exchange rings, then plant a new family tree that will grow and flourish through the years as these two families are now one.

Their vision for their day, an intimate backyard wedding right on the water in Chesapeake, was a celebration of this close-knit feeling that would last as the sun set and the couple drove away (in a Viper, no less!). All Rebecca wanted was to feel like a bride, capture the love she had found in Chris, and relax on a gorgeous summer day on the Elizabeth River. She got it all and more. Together these two have the most natural and sweet interactions - it's a love you just can't fake, and a happiness that will last through the years…

Smithfield Winery Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Kenny + Mackenzie

Smithfield Winery Wedding | Smithfield Wedding Photographer | Kenny + Mackenzie

For a long time Kenny and Mackenzie didn't look twice at each other. He was just the guy who worked for her dad, and she was away at college. But on one fateful day several years ago Kenny made a trip to visit her and they began to fall in love over Mellow Mushroom pizza and rich conversations. Eventually they would begin dating, get engaged, and buy a house together, but they never could have predicted any of it would happen when they first laid eyes on each other.

Their wedding day was uniquely gorgeous and absolutely relaxed from start to finish. They had the privilege of being the FIRST wedding at the Smithfield Winery and after seeing the setup, I know brides will be flocking to this stunning new venue! Blush peonies were the highlight of Mackenzie's all-wood bouquet (no, I'm not kidding!) and her dress was simply amazing, with all-over lace and a train that stretched for miles. Beyond that, these two took the most of every opportunity for pictures (I counted at least 4 separate times we took bride and groom portraits!) and they prioritized fun and comfort over stress on a day that flowed smoothly throughout…