Hollyfield Manor Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer | Jake + Rachel

Hollyfield Manor Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer | Jake + Rachel

Marriage is a gift. It allows us to walk closely alongside someone else for our entire lives, and while that does present its own unique challenges, it also brings its own unique blessings. For Rachel and Jake, one of these gifts is the joy they have - a joy that is only multiplied when they are together. Just as they couldn't stop smiling and laughing during their engagement session, their happiness was overflowing on they day they said their I dos. There is almost nothing more beautiful than that.

Adding to the beauty of their day were gorgeous details planned to fit Jake and Rachel's simple, elegant style. The ONLY sparkly element was her stunning Badgley Mischka flats! Rachel's bouquet was absolutely stunning and carried on the navy and white theme of the wedding. And those watercolor bridesmaid dresses are some of my all-time favorites! With a venue like Hollyfield Manor as the backdrop, the wedding - with all its beauty and joy - came together perfectly…

Ferrum College Wedding | Roanoke Wedding Photographer | Josiah + Megan

Ferrum College Wedding | Roanoke Wedding Photographer | Josiah + Megan

What do I say about a day like this? My baby sister, who I swear was only 8 years old just a few days ago, got married this last weekend. Megan and Josiah dated for several years but when I woke up that morning, it felt like everything had happened in the blink of an eye. It was an emotional day for everyone, and as I looked around I realized our family either had huge smiles on their faces or tears of joy on their cheeks. What a beautiful memory.

As I reflect on the day, a few things stick out. One is the first look she had with my dad. I wish I could include every single one of those images, but it's hard to explain the emotion there. It's the end of an era, his last child getting married. I remember the kids - there were 9 flower girls and ring bearers! - that will show up throughout the pictures because almost all of their parents were in the bridal party (and it was a good kind of chaos!). I'll never forget the ceremony or the vows Megan and Josiah wrote to each other and delivered with voices shaking and tears flowing.

It's hard to express how amazed I am at the woman Megan has become, or how thankful we all are that she found someone like Josiah to marry. She asked him out so many years ago and has never regretted that decision. Yet over time, he has proven that his love for her and his love for God and genuine and enduring, and while it's hard to acknowledge that she is growing up and moving away, I can think of no one better to walk alongside her in life…

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…