In the first of two wedding posts today, we bring you Kelsi and Andrew with their intimate and emotional day at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. I think it’s a hidden little gem in northern Henrico for those looking at a unique layout and many different options for both ceremony and reception spaces. I have a personal attachment to it because it was the first place I ever taught photography, those poor students….
I had know, Nick, the bride’s father, for some time going back to our days together in the corporate world (wow was that a long time ago now), and I was thrilled when he called me to talk about his oldest daughter’s wedding. There was so much about him and our conversations that told me just how much he loved Kelsi and, while he wasn’t looking forward to the day he gave her away, that in Andrew she had found a wonderful man. When the day came there were tears all around followed by just as much fun, dancing, and laughter. To both families, thank you for the time you shared with me and we wish all the best to Kelsi and Andrew. Enjoy!
Thank you to some of our vendor friends that also helped in making the day elegant and successful: J.B. with Choice Entertainment,
Groovin’ Gourmet, and Celebrations Bridal of Lynchburg.
Since we just got a great look at Jenni and Bruce on their wedding day AND because I haven’t posted an engagement session in ages, I figure I’d start with this one. The recently Mr. and Mrs. live in Hawaii so getting together for their session was pretty much impossible before they came to town to get hitched. So, here you have it; a decidedly Richmond session for a way out west couple. Jenni and Bruce Ayers…congratulations again and so glad to get to know you both.
So, yes. It was just a bit hot on for Jenni and Bruce on their wedding day. But 105 degrees (and just a tad bit of perspiration) couldn’t stop this darling couple from having the time of their lives on the shores of the Brandermill reservoir. You’ll notice how Jenni crafted a fun nautical theme, right down to their HUGE cupcake, that was woven through the entire day. They took full advantage of the wonderful view, their crazy friends, and their loving and dance-happy families. We can’t say enough good things about the entire day and thank the Seese and Ayres families for making us feel like one of them for the entire event. Say “aloha” to Mr. and Mrs. Ayres as they make their way back from their honeymoon to their home in Hawaii. Tough life, huh? Enjoy!
Thank you also to the following vendors: The Boathouse at Sunday Park, Frostings Cupcake Bakery, Lew Wright with Choice Entertainment, Natalie Gordon and Ave42 Salon,
The quiet drive to the Mill at Fine Creek in Powhatan, VA down the green tree lined road is a great reminder that you’re not in Richmond anymore. The Mill has a bit of a retreat feel to it, yet it’s only about 30 minutes from the downtown. And it’s probably a good thing we were a bit removed from society because I don’t think we’ve seen quite this much energy from a crowd this size in a long time. Given Julie’s family’s obvious roots in Scotland we knew there might be a wee bit of dancing and revelry, but Bobby’s family held up their end of the bargain as well. Thank you to both families for your hospitality and the honor of being there for you. And, of course, a big thank you to Lisa, Colleen, and the staff of The Mill at Fine Creek for their dedication to an elegant event and delicious food.
Our thanks, also, to the following vendors: Eric Cunningham of Choice Entertainment, Lou Stevens Glam Squad, Cakes by Graham, and Bella Rosa.
Here is just a little bitty sample of what could be the best produced, directed, and acted party in the history of wedding receptions. Chris and Morgan had a great vision and plan for their friends and guests to have the best time possible. There is so much more to show, but while we work on the rest of the images from this crazy night, enjoy the view.
There are many vendors to thank and we certainly will, but here’s an early “what’s up!” to Fete Studios and Blue Steel Lighting, whos gorgeous work you can see prominently displayed here.
I got to know our newest couple, Sara and James, over the course of several hours walking along the canals and islands of Richmond’s downtown. It was during their engagement session I learned about their relationship, their plans, and their love of their new hometown of Omaha, NE. We were so lucky they decided to head back to Richmond for their wedding day, otherwise we wouldn’t have been a part of one of the craziest wedding days in recent history. We endured heat, lightning, thunder, rain, and several generator meltdowns throughout the evening. But, nothing could ruin the day for anyone. The party went on and, by the end, everyone left happy and spent. The ceremony was at the always lovely St. James Episcopal Church on Franklin Street and the reception was held in the Gillette garden at Sabot at Stony Point.
Special thanks to McBride Events, Champagne Taste, Classic Party Rentals, The Mixing Bowl, The Adrien Duke Project, Blue Steel Lighting and Design, Catie Starr, and Bella Rosa Bridal.
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!
