Archive for July, 2012
Kristin and Ryan, currently Chicago natives, invited us to be a part of their wedding celebration half-way across the country and we were more than happy to accept. You see, we photographed Ryan’s sister’s wedding on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Kennedyville, MD to be precise, a few years back. The Mayhews were exceptional hosts and threw one heck of a party. We knew that if Ryan had picked Kristin, and vice versa, then the Schnabels would be exactly the same. Well, we were right. Add to that the beautiful scenery that you get when your wedding backs up to the Flatiron Mountains and you have quite the event. We can’t thank Kristin and Ryan enough for bringing us out. Also, a very big thank you to the lovely St. Julien Hotel for their service and style; truly a destination hotel if you’re staying in Boulder. Enjoy!
I’ve been trying to describe what a sublime and delightful time we all had at the Rice House, but you simply had to be there. I hope the images can give you a small window in to what I think will be an annual event for years to come. There were three separate set-up and breakdown sessions due to the very unpredictable weather, but the team of folks working the event simply went to work each time without a word. I think the band, which was originally slated to play on the back patio, got a better place and view of the action. As the day moved in to night, the rain moved away and the party, already hopping inside the house, shimmied its way to the dance floor. Special thanks to our hosts: McBride Events, Mosaic, The Knot, and The Science Museum of Virginia. They gave the wedding community of Richmond the gift of “party”. I know how grateful Lindsay and I were given how busy the season has been so far. It was so nice to step back, have a cocktail, hit the dancefloor, and just spend time with a great cast of characters. There are so many people that devoted their time and resources to this day, so I’ll just list them. Please make sure to check out their work, like their businesses on Facebook, and leave a wonderful comment about them here.
- PaperFreckles
- Brainchild Collective
- East Coast Entertainment
- Three Sheets to the Wind
- Catie Starr
- Hayes and Fisk
- Floraculture
- St. Germaine
- Beve
- Party Perfect
- The Coordinated Event
- Bella Rosa
- and…Don Mears Photography!
You may remember Loren and Ryan from their very cute, all smiles engagement session from fall of last year. If you don’t, then definitely click here and you can see why Lindsay and I were excited for their wedding day to arrive. They are such a joy to be around that you can help but feel like you’re a part of whatever their doing. Now, that isn’t to say that the day was all about fun. Loren had some serious style from dress to shoes and Ryan was seriously in the mood to get his bride down the aisle and in to his arms. Mission accomplished, and with class. Thank you to you both for choosing us as your photographers and we can’t wait to see you two again very soon.
Big thanks to White House Catering, Victoria Floral and Flowerama, Frostings, and Dynamite DJs for making the day special for Loren and Ryan.
On what may have been the last day that felt like late spring, Lindsay and I were treated to the typical Mankin Mansion hospitality and beautiful scenery. For Liz, Jon, and their families, they experienced a flawless ceremony and reception, punctuated by fantastic music, an elegant ceremony, and a surprise visit by the Hokie Bird. Check out the look of surprise on Liz’s face when he hits the dance floor. The evening was a certain success and we thank the Ford and Kilberg families for graciously inviting us to be a part of their celebration.
Thank you to Historic Mankin Mansion, Champagne Taste, Flowers by Mona Ray, Confections Couture, The Trademark Band, and Lou Steven’s Glam Squad for helping to make the day for us and for the happy couple.
Enjoy!
So much more to come with this crazy couple, the crazy weather, and a thoroughly enjoyable day. Sara and James were such troopers as the heat and storms played havoc with a variety of events. But, the show went on (ably kept together by our friends at McBride Events) and everyone had a lovely evening. Welcome back to the States, you two. We saved a little dry, cool weather for you, too. Can’t wait to show you the rest!
When Brian first contacted me last year, I was thrilled to hear from him. Having known Brian and Julie for a few years now, and knowing their personalities, it wasn’t a question of getting to know them so that I could properly document their wedding. It was keeping a straight face long enough to take a few decent images. I think I immunized myself to their silliness during their very fun engagement session at Montpelier outside Charlottesville. However, what I didn’t see coming on the wedding day was what a heartfelt and emotional pair they could become. It seems these two love each other as much as they enjoy laughing together, and I think it shows quite nicely. Congratulations to Brian and Julie. Lindsay and I couldn’t be happier for you both.
Also, a big thank you to the following vendors: Vogue Flowers, Jana’s Cakes, Choice Entertainment, Ginger Topham, and Tiffany’s Bridal
Here are words that are rarely uttered: “The whole beautiful relationship started with a conversation about how she was a Blue Devil and I was a Tarheel”. However, that’s exactly how we come to today, where we’re posting the images from Karen’s and Mike’s stunning Pippin Hill Farm wedding. You see, we photographed Karen’s sister’s wedding and that was part of the initial conversations with Christina Spotts nee Richardson. Luckily for me, our shared love of ACC basketball and her love of our photography trumped the rivalry by a wide margin.
That brings us to today, almost four years later. It’s a honor to be a part of any wedding celebration, but I have to admit that being invited to be a part of a second family wedding is a particularly sweet thing. To know that Karen and her family trusted us to do for her what we did for her sister means everything to Lindsay and I. So, getting that first phone call from Christina (on Karen’s behalf) was much fun. We were just so thrilled to be back with the Richardson family and with the opportunity to get to know the Littlefields as well. No small part of our joy was also being reunited with Ryan Hayes, an amazing event coordinator turned good friend. Everything about the day exceeded already high expectations. From the Farm, to the people, to the party…we couldn’t ask for anything more.
Congratulations to Karen, Mike and their lovely families. Thank you so much for sharing the day with us.
Also, we want to recognize many of the vendors who made the day possible: Ryan Michael Hayes of Blue Canary, Pat’s Floral Designm, Albermarle Baking Co., Attraction Band, and Jennifer Mantura.
Rather than write about Ananda and Scott, I’ll let Ananda do the talking. Here is a wonderful review she put online just today so I thought it fitting to go ahead and post the images, too. Enjoy!
“Don and Lindsay Mears were amazing. They were extremely professional and easy to work with. We had some weather challenges that disrupted our plans for spots for pictures, and they were able to easily make changes to our plans and capture just gorgeous images. Our guests have continued to tell us how much they enjoyed interacting with both of them. We love their work, which speaks for itself, and we love their personalities. We would highly recommend Don and Lindsay to anyone who has a special event that they want captured. ”
Florist: Vogue
Rentals: Party Perfect
Hair and Make-up: Michelle Morris and Natalie Gordon of Ave 42
Bridal Gown: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s Tux: Calvin Klein Tux
Happy Independence Day 2012 to everyone out there. Hopefully you’re enjoying vacations, barbecues, parties, family outings, and copious amounts of shade and/or air-conditioning. If you just so happen to have your smartphone, tablet, or computer handy then how about a few wedding images from a town and a place that we haven’t visited since the beginning of our careers in weddings. While my family has a long history with the town of Fredericksburg, and we drive through it many times a year for events in the District, we’ve never had the pleasure of a wedding there.
Flashback to fall of last year when Holly and John approached us about being their photographers and they presented a unique story. The wedding ceremony was to be held at a historic manor in the countryside that would have been destroyed (or let fall to ruin) if it hadn’t been for John’s specific intervention and convincing his construction company to restore it and preserve it. Hayfield Manor dates from the mid-18th century, a charming and well appointed restoration, and a wonderful place to hold a ceremony. From the rustic landscaping, to the wide, high-ceiling rooms so prevalent in southern colonial construction, Lindsay and I found so many things charming about photographing here. An interesting fact about the home, in addition to it’s early history, is about the family that last lived in Hayfield. The Reinhold family, who’s son Judge you might recognize as a rather well-known and loved actor, left the home in 1974 to move to California. When Judge found out that Aggregate, John’s company, was taking on the restoration he became not only interested but a frequent advisor and fervent advocate of the project. We had the pleasure of working with him and his lovely wife Amy during the day.
John and Holly, our heartfelt gratitude for letting us be a part of your wedding day and our best to your families and guests.
Special thanks as well to the following vendors: Jan Williams Floral, Buzz Bakery of Alexandria, Bialek’s Entertainment/DJ Jeff Hubert, and Lisa G Salon
I have to admit that even hundreds of weddings later I get nervous before each and every one. It’s a great feeling, honestly, because it keeps me on my toes and I hope I never lose it. But…with Charles and Amy, who lack absolutely nothing in the personality department, I had a genuine concern. You see, I’ve known them both for a little while now. When you hang out with them you feel like they’ve known each other their whole lives; inside jokes, little traditions, constant joking back and forth. When you make a name for yourself as someone who finds the best, real moments among the craziness of the wedding day, I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss it with these two. When the day was done and Lindsay and I looked at what we’d captured, I have to say I really smiled. I remembered advice that I’d gotten years ago to keep your eyes open, be present, and let it come to you. With these two, it was excellent advice and remembered at the right time.
I wish I could share every great expression, great moment, that Lindsay and I found throughout the day in this one post, but it’s just not possible. To Charles and Amy, thank you for letting us be there and hope we’ve put together something that you, your family, and your friends can honestly say captures you two and your day.
Thank you also to the following vendors: Cakes by Graham, Designs by Janice, White House Catering, Sweet Spot, Salon del Sol, Emily Hudspeth, and Jingle’s Salon
