Jennifer & Briggs’ wedding at Smith Mountain Lake

• Weddings

Congratulations to Jennifer & Briggs, who recently celebrated with their friends and family at a beautiful little chapel that used to be a schoolhouse down near the shores of the expansive Smith Mountain Lake. (The first ever wedding held inside the chapel!) Jennifer got ready for the fun day at the gorgeous lake side home of the couple responsible for restoring the circa 1850 chapel to its current state. Jennifery wore a beautiful, custom-made dress for the occasion and was simply perfect for her. She looked amazing and we absolutely adored her and it. So unique and fun – just like Jennifer! Briggs enjoyed some nostalgic moments himself, getting ready in his childhood room at his parents’ home just blocks away. Both of the couple’s sets of parents had homes or lived at Smith Mountain Lake for decades so the place held a special bond for them both.

The 100 or so guests attending the service rode there in golf carts for the occasion, including a custom red model that the couple rode from the chapel after they were married. How fun is that? Because of the size of the chapel only 40 or so guests were able to fit inside while the remaining 60 or so quietly watched from outside, with cool drinks in hand ready to celebrate the couple on their way out. During the ceremony, Jennifer’s sister Lori (who also served as maid-of-honor in Rebecca & Erik’s wedding that we documented three years ago), read through tears from the Velveteen Rabbit, a favorite of ours. It was amazingly touching, especially in such a beautiful, intimate setting.

The cocktail hour extended from just outside the chapel to time for the reception held up at The Water’s Edge, the hilltop clubhouse for the community with expansive views of the valley. But first we all rode down (in golf carts, of course!) back to the home where Jennifer got ready for some portraits of the two of them along the shores of the lake. It was about a half hour prior to sunset, and the light was an absolute photographer’s dream. Throw in a fun-loving and relaxed couple, and you’ve got a recipe for some great portraits.

The Marna Bales Band that evening offered up just the perfect entertainment for everyone up at the Water’s Edge. After guests dined around stations situated throughout the clubhouse and enjoyed the views as the sun set over the mountains, the mother-and-daughter duo captivated the crowd and kept them all on the dance floor, grooving until the very last song that evening. It was a relaxed and laid-back affair, perfectly fitting with having one’s wedding at Smith Mountain Lake. Congratulations, you two, and thank you for having us out to document your incredible day!