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
To be around Stacy and Ryan simply makes you smile. I learned this while we were stomping all over downtown Richmond during their engagement session (coming soon!). They have that kind of relationship that makes you want to grab your wife, girlfriend, or maybe just a random stranger on the street and give ’em a great big hug. They are just a joy to be around when they’re around each other. So, you put the two of them, getting married and having a party, in the middle of 100+ friends and family and you understand why we all had a good time. Then you add in one of my new favorite sanctuaries and a Richmond gem, Centenary Methodist on Grace Street. On top of that, you put on a party at the newly opened, newly renovated, and ever so elegantly appointed John Marshall Hotel. Well, it’s easy to see why it was just a fun, funny, classy, and memorable day.
Florist: Flowers Make Scents
Cake: The Deserterie
Band: Groovetown
Lighting: Ampa Events
Salon: Mango
Programs: Designs by Elisabeth
Dress: James Clifford at Jingles
Tux: Bella Rosa
Rings: Veragio through Boyer’s of Williamsburg
Congratulations to Stacy, Ryan, and families. Enjoy!
The folks over at Virginia Living Magazine recently graced us with a feature for Kimberly and Patrick. Their Virginia Center for Architecture wedding has been a favorite of our friends, fans, and colleagues since we first published it. We were very excited that it was chosen for a feature in one of our favorite regional mags. I think Virginia Living did a wonderful job of mixing some great moments with some classic details and portraits. As always, we want to put our own little version of the story out there, if simply just to share more of a good thing. Enjoy!
We’re very happy to finally share this wedding with you, as we were waiting until Style Me Pretty gave us the word that they had published the event. You can find the link to their post right here. But, in addition to the great details and portraits that were featured there, we thought it only fitting to share so many more amazing moments from the day. Shannon and Zach, you were amazing as always. Thank you to Barbara and the rest of the staff at Keswick Vineyards and to the Groovin’ Gourmets for their dependably beautiful and delicious food. Enjoy!
