Intimate Kiln Creek Wedding | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Dara + Lauren

Intimate Kiln Creek Wedding | Newport News Wedding Photographer | Dara + Lauren

Dara and Lauren were both so nervous before the wedding. The nerves had nothing to do with whether or not they wanted to get married - that much they knew for sure - but after choosing the person they wanted to be with the rest of their lives, spending the biggest morning of their lives away from each other felt strange. Everything changed when they saw each other for the first time. They both relaxed and smiled non-stop, reminded of how certain they were of the promise they were about to make.

The whole day was both intimate and sweet, with only family and a few close friends present to witness their Mother’s Day wedding ceremony. Everything was hosted outdoors at Kiln Creek Golf Club, and the weather could not have been more perfect. Gold and blush details popped against the backdrop of the fairway, and Lauren’s dress had sheer side panels that were absolutely studding. Cocktail hour outdoors in 70-degree weather should happen at EVERY wedding, I’m convinced!

Womans Club of Portsmouth Outdoor Wedding | Heather + Barak

Womans Club of Portsmouth Outdoor Wedding | Heather + Barak

It often feels like the time between getting engaged and having the wedding lasts a lifetime, but for Barak and Heather, this was more true than anyone I’ve known! Their wedding was scheduled for spring 2020…and we all know approximately how the story went from there. Wanting to take all safety precautions, they live-streamed an outdoor elopement in April instead, planning on a large celebration in July.

It soon became heart-breakingly obvious that they would have to reschedule, again. After waiting and praying about making the right decision at the right time, they decided to pare down the guest list and plan on a safe, small, outdoor wedding a year after they originally planned to celebrate. When their wedding-turned-anniversary-celebration finally happened on Friday, their were too many tears of joy to count…

Historic St. Luke's Micro Wedding | Smithfield Wedding | Tom + Missy

Historic St. Luke's Micro Wedding | Smithfield Wedding | Tom + Missy

Tom and Missy, like so many couples, were planning a big wedding with all of their family and friends this fall…and then 2020 happened, and everything had to change. Although Sunday wasn’t quite the day they envisioned, it was still perfect in every way, from the intimate guest list to the beautiful weather to the smiles that these two couldn’t wipe off their faces if they tried.

There’s something both simple and beautiful about an elopement, and this small wedding at Historic St. Luke’s in the heart of Smithfield captured the best parts of a pared-down day. The details were still stunning, the family and friends who came were very near and dear to Tom and Missy, and at the end of it all these two were MARRIED - which is the best part of the celebration!

None of us can wait to get back to life and weddings as normal, but until then, days like these are a reminder that even 2020 is filled with small silver linings. Congratulations, Tom and Missy!