Charlottesville wedding photography Archives - Holland Photo Arts

Ellie & Buzz’s Charlottesville Wedding Weekend at Montalto

Weddings

We love, love, love our new adopted home state of Colorado, but it is always so wonderful to come home to our beloved Charlottesville. Especially when it’s for a couple like Ellie & Buzz. When we first Skyped with them, they mentioned how much they loved the stories we told with our photos. Well, we soon found out these two had quite the story to tell themselves.

Ellie & Buzz chose Montalto, one of Charlottesville’s most picturesque wedding locations. And instead of having a wedding with some reception music, they had a music festival weekend with a wedding ceremony thrown in. Montalto is a very special place to Ellie & her family and in fact, Montalto doesn’t allow very many weddings up there anymore. When Ellie was very little, her parents lived in an apartment on top of the mountain while her Dad was at UVa. Back then it was known as Brown’s Mountain before Monticello purchased it a few years ago.

This adventurous couple (who engaged 60 feet under water in Japan on a scuba trip when she proposed to him!), along with planner extraordinaire Colleen Miller, designed everything about their wedding weekend as if there were no traditions, no customs, no expectations. Just a reflection of who they were as people and the experiences they wanted their guests to have. They fell in love after learning they both loved the “the crown prince of Zydeco” CJ Chenier. So of course, they were over the moon when he agreed to play their reception with his incomparable Red Hot Louisiana Band.

Festivities got started on Friday and their guests enjoyed food stations from around the world while dancing to an awesome bluegrass band. Ellie, an accomplished violinist, even joined them on stage for a few songs with everyone on their feet beneath the colorful tents. Montalto mountain overlooks all of Charlottesville, so their ceremony in the round was timed for the sunset and after everyone enjoyed a lovely, seated dinner in the historic mansion. Some lucky souls got to enjoy the southern fare on the large covered terrace overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. We loved everything about it. And them. We hope you enjoy some of our favorite images from their music festival wedding weekend!

Venue: Thomas Jefferson’s Montalto
Event Planner: Colleen Miller of Colleen Miller Events
Officiant: Claire Frances of Sacred Ground Ceremonies
Floral Designer: Hedge Fine Blooms
Catering: Harvest Moon
Videographer: Citrus Ceremonies
Musicians: Hogslop String Band, Jangling Reinharts & CJ Chenier & His Red Hot Louisiana Band

And because this unconventional couple reminded us how fun it is to mix things up a bit and invite the unexpected, we’re going to start of with a little lagniappe for you…fun details and unexpected moments, before getting to our faves of each others.

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This is an oathing stone. Learn about finding and prepping one here, and using it in your ceremony here. Such a beautiful and meaningful tradition.

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These are flower cannons. Sorry, these super powerful puppies are hand-made by Ellie herself. Not available in stores!

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Anne’s Faves of Bill’s:

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Bill’s Faves of Anne’s:

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Ellie & Buzz, our favorite moments from your wedding include:
Ellie, the (many) moments you played fiddle on stage with the various bands, but especially with CJ Chenier! The look of absolute pride on your teacher’s face as she watched you perform on stage. When all your flower guns went off at the same time after your ceremony, completely filling the air with colorful rose pedals. We couldn’t tell who was more wowed–you or your guests. The way you effortlessly rolled with the punches–and the rolling oathing stones, Buzz, when you discovered just how well it stood up on its own with weight on it. And finally, while not technically a moment, but the fact you married at the same spot on the same mountain where your parents, Ellie, first met and started dating is pretty awesome.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo,
…a&b

Melanie & Adam’s Charlottesville Wedding at Clifton Inn

Weddings

We couldn’t think of a better way to end a, shall we say, very interesting week in our great nation’s history, than with a life affirming, good old-fashioned love story. This one of course has it in spades, as do, let’s be honest, all of our clients. Because they rock it.

After meeting at UVa law and getting engaged in New Orleans (one of our favorite cities and where we were married), Adam gave Melanie his Grandmother’s ring and made it official. Then, as life is wont to do, their careers took them to different cities so they had to plan their wedding “long distance.” Melanie had seen Kate & Andrew’s shindig we had shot at Clifton Inn and loved the idea of dancing under the stars. I mean really, who doesn’t? We already shared some of Melanie & Adam’s favorites with you and we couldn’t be more excited to finally share some of ours.

Venues: Holy Comforter Catholic Church & Clifton Inn
Event Planner: Karen McGrath of Amore Events
Floral Designer: Whimsical Floral
Make-up Artist: Bride Face
Hair styling: Top Knot Studio
Catering & Cake Artist: Clifton Inn
Tent Rental: Skyline Tent Company
Calligraphy: Karen McGrath of Amore Events
DJ: Playback DJ
Assistant Extraordinaire and Third Photographer: Karen Papadales

Anne’s Faves of Bill’s:

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Bill’s Faves of Anne’s:

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A&B’s faves of K’s

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Dear m&a,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include: The sweet intensity your nephew, Donovan, taking in everything throughout the day. The care you took in helping Donovan get dressed, Adam, even though you had plenty to prepare for yourself. Melanie, every. single. intimate. moment you and your Mom shared, especially while getting ready. That look of pride on her face while you donned your dress exemplified this. Surprising your Granddad with a Grandfather-Granddaughter dance to a song long special to you both. Your laughter and tears while reading each other’s letters before your First Look. Your utter joy and enthusiasm after your I Do’s became official as you walked down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife. And yes, we captured that quick sticking out your tongue in jest to a friend peeking through a door just before your ceremony (we’ll spare you on the Journal, but you know the pic!) All your special touches at your reception: A sprig of rosemary at each place setting, your families’ wedding photos displayed around the mansion, your “guest rocks” that also made an appearance during your ceremony, naming your tables after the many cities that have played a role in your lives together and of course, tasty Gearheart chocolates for your guests as they headed out into the beautiful evening.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Kate and Andrew’s Clifton Inn Wedding Featured on Borrowed and Blue Blog!

Buzz

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Kate and Andrew’s sweet Summer wedding last year one of our all-time favorite venues – Charlottesville’s beautiful Clifton Inn is being featured on Borrowed and Blue. Dancing under the stars on the back lawn, cocktail hour featuring a tv at the outside bar so guests could catch the last Triple Crown race, and dining al fresco on the back terrace after the happy couple ran through a shower of lavender. Everyone wanted to attend this wedding – even a local butterfly!

Congratulations, Kate & Andrew!

Kate & Andrew’s Wedding at Clifton Inn

Weddings

When we lived in Charlottesville and our newly engaged then-assistant Eric asked us where in town we’d marry if we were to do it again, we offered Clifton Inn, a place (and people) we adore. So it was nice to once again return for Kate & Andrew’s wedding (you might remember their fun Love Session in Georgetown) and celebrate with their welcoming families. It coincided with the last race of the Triple Crown, and the couple was surrounded by enthusiastic fans to watch as the last part of cocktail hour faded in the golden afternoon light. While their favorite horse may not have won, these two most definitely did with the heartfelt and tender toasts offered by their friends and family that evening. We loved spending the weekend with them, and you can relive those moments with their complete gallery. The password is Kate’s maiden name and is case-sensitive. Enjoy!

The wedding team:
Venue, Catering & Cake: Clifton Inn
Flowers: Floral Images Design Studio
Tent Company: Skyline
Officiant: Family Friend
Hair & make-up: Studio 500
Ceremony Musicians: Terra Voce
Reception Music: Miguel with DJ D-Mac
Stationer: Rock Paper Scissors

B’s faves of A:

A’s faves of B:

We’re so happy our wonderful assistant Karen could join us in Charlottesville for K&A’s wedding. Here are a few of our faves from her.

Some sweet details:

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Dear k&a,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include:
Watching utter joy as the two of you saw each other for the first time in private that day, taking each other in without a care in the world. Just as you reached the altar, Kate, the look of true love and amazement in your dad’s eyes as he watched you just beaming in front of Andrew. The flowers you each presented to your mothers during the ceremony, not for the flowers’ sake, but for what they represented. The way you, Andrew, and every other man wearing a suit at your ceremony heroically fended off the hot Virginia sun, ignoring the weather completely to focus on your wife-to-be. The surprise, then determination, then triumph you felt, Kate, when you finally got Andrew’s ring on his finger! The intoxicating smell of lavender when you ran through your guests gleefully tossing it on you after your ceremony. Your Mother’s beautiful and heartfelt toast, Andrew. While we don’t remember the words, we won’t soon forget the feeling we had listening to it. The golden butterfly that crashed your cocktail hour. When your dad, Kate, spoke during his toast of the first time he and Andrew talked, and of the long awkward silence (so funny!) At the very end of the night, Kate while your parents slow danced under the stars and you looked over with admiration, hope and love.

Congratulations, you two! What an incredible joy for us to be a part of your wedding and we wish you have many years of enjoying sharing in each other’s life.

xoxo…
…a&b

Alison & Jasper’s Brunch Wedding at Farmington Country Club

Weddings

Our first Summer wedding had us back in Charlottesville for a sunny brunch wedding for Alison & Jasper, who married close to Alison’s childhood home. These two were an incredibly gentle and quiet couple, and had decided to host their guests for a brunch along the lawn at Farmington Country Club. Many guests played the myriad lawn games, especially croquet, to wear off the abundant brunch buffet (including, of course, Oreo cookies). It was a fun, relaxed way to start the spring season, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have been part of the celebration. Check out our favorite moments and details from A&J’s wedding, and view their complete gallery here. The password is Alison’s maiden name. Enjoy!

The wedding team:
Venue & catering: Farmington Country Club
Flowers: Whimsical Floral
Baker: Paradox Pastry
Officiant: Travis Crytzer
Hair & make-up: Studio FBJ
Stationer: Erica Jack
Gown: Oscar de la Renta

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

A few favorites from our talented assistant Karen:

This moment of her brother watching his sister and other brother hug following the ceremony is among our absolute faves from the day.

Sweet eye candy…

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A man after our own hearts. Does anyone else think Oreo’s are part crack?! SO incredibly addictive!

Dear a&j,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include: Your dog snuggled up in your lap while you got your hair and make-up done, Alison. Jasper, when you stretched out on the bed for a breather just before your ceremony was to begin. The near tears-of-joy your families each had upon your marriage when you all celebrated together afterward. Getting nearly everyone to play croquet despite the 90 degree heat and classic Virginia humidity. Jasper, that look on your face when you saw Alison for the first time in her pink wedding dress during your First Sight. Loved it!

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Lauren & Chas’s Wedding at Fat Cat Farm

Weddings

Among the very last of our weddings this year was Lauren & Chas’s, who enjoyed an emotional and incredibly sweet ceremony officiated by Lauren’s childhood minister. We had been looking forward to their wedding ever since we shot their Love Session last Fall, and so throughly enjoyed ourselves that entire day! What a sweet (& kissy) couple. Don’t believe us? Well, see for yourselves! Oh, and then check out their online gallery. The password is Lauren’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

The incredible team:
Ceremony venue: Christ Church, Scottsville
Reception venue: Fat Cat Farm
Florist: Beehive Events
Catering: Harvest Moon
Hair & Make-up: Emily Garbee
Band: Whiskey Rebellion

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Some lovely details:

Dear Lauren & Chas,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include:

Your kind words about us and our marriage being an inspiration for all couples on their wedding day. Lauren, your easy laugh and how your radiant smile could brighten a cloudy day. Your stolen kisses. How overcome with emotion you both became during your personal vows. Chas, the overwhelming look of pride on your dad’s face as he hugged you after your ceremony. Lauren, the broad smile on your dad’s face…all night long. Your delicious pies! Not really a moment there, but having a bite definitely was. All the boot kickin’ on the dance floor. That hug when you first saw each other that day; it was as if you’d never separate. Awesome.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Elizabeth & Ryan’s Wedding at Woodbury School

Weddings

It’s Friday, which means it’s time to highlight one of our wonderful couples and their wedding. Today is Elizabeth (“Zibby”) and Ryan’s turn, whose wedding we enjoyed along with their closest friends and family, at a place near to Zibby’s heart, Woodbury School. It’s where she grew up, the daughter of school faculty, and where the two of them met as teenagers. Enjoy all these great moments captured throughout the day, and then look through their complete gallery. The password is Elizabeth’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

The talented team:
Venue: Woodbury School
Planner: Meghan Streit of Shindig Weddings
Florist: Southern Blooms
Caterer: Harvest Moon
Lighting and tent: Skyline Tent Co.
Band: Soul Expressions
Baker: Favorite Cakes
Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors
Calligraphy: If So Inklined

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Exchanging letters at their non-first sight first sight.

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Some lovely details:

Dear e&r,

Some of our favorite moments from your wedding day include:

That look of utter bliss on your face, Zibby, as you held hands and read the letter from Ryan just before your ceremony. The look of pride on your mom’s face, Ryan, as she helped put your cufflinks on and watching your dad assist with your tie to get just the right knot. The moment you shared with your sister, Zibby, just before joining your parents to walk down the aisle. It reflected years of tight sisterhood and untold stories. Your three flower girls! It seemed like every time we turned around one or more of them were exuding extreme cuteness. Those tight hugs you got from your grandparents right after the ceremony. The smiles on their faces went on for miles. Your tenderness, except for that bout of playfulness during your cake cutting. The video slideshow of the two of you growing up as you danced with your respective parents.

Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Cristin & Nima’s Wedding at Veritas Vineyard

Weddings

We’re back home in Charlottesville for happy and laid-back Cristin & Nima’s wedding at Veritas Vineyards! It was such a beautiful Spring day wo we were feeling pretty lucky, especially given the current downpours today. We’re delighted to share a few of our absolute favorite moments (even beyond what the Washington Post featured) and select details from the day’s festivities below. Afterward, you can view their complete gallery here. The password is Cristin’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

The fab team:
Venue and catering: Veritas Vineyards
Florist: Blue Ridge Floral Designs
Band: E3
Transportation: Albemarle Vintage Limousine
Make-up and hair: Jeanne Cusick
Invitations: Karyn Bowen
Lighting: MS Events
Gown: Casablanca

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Can’t leave without sharing some lovely eye candy:

Dear c&n,

A few of our favorite moments from before, during and after your wedding:

Getting to know you both over wine at a coffeeshop. This made total sense to all of us so it was clearly meant to be. Your tendency to high-five anything that was truly righteous. This was done quite often. The adoring way Nima would gaze at you, Cristin. Again, quite often. The way you giggled, Cristin, when Nima suggested posing with your “Too Late Now!” sign. It clearly is the most preposterous thing ever written in this case. Nima, you “tasting” Cristin’s flowers, just in case. Cristin, the way you held your dress in your hands in quiet contemplation while sitting on the sofa, minutes from putting it on. Your attitude of “let’s see if this thing works” during the Chinese candle lighting. Your dad’s welcome toast showing just how much you meant to him, Cristin, with tears in his eyes. Your sweet notes after your wedding and even during your honeymoon to share how much you were loving the sneak peeks. When you lamented the only thing you were sad about was that we no longer had as much reason to talk. Perish the thought. We expect to see you in our new sunny Colorado and hopefully, often.

Thank you for your trust and love, c&n. Congratulations!

xoxo…
…a&b

Jenn & Mike’s Wedding at Charlottesville’s Clifton Inn

Weddings

We could not be more delighted that Jenn & Mike’s Charlottesville wedding is our first of the season to share with you this Friday! This sweet couple tied the knot here at the UVa Chapel with a following reception marked by tearful moments and spirited dancing at the simply elegant Clifton Inn. Here are a few of our favorites from the day, and if you aren’t too full from all the amuse bouche, you can see their complete gallery here. The password is Jenn’s maiden name and is case-sensitive. Enjoy!

Talent:

Venue: Clifton Inn
Planner: Kate Harlan of Simply Chic Events
Florist: Beehive Events
Make-up: Lora Elaine
Hair stylist: Bridal Hair by Remona
Band: Hot Sauce
Stationery: Taylor Street Paper and Fig. 2 Design
Calligraphy: Meant to be Calligraphy
Transportation: Albemarle Vintage Limosine
Lighting: Skyline Tent Company
Gown: Judd Waddell/Hitched

B’s Faves of A:

A’s Faves of B:

Eye candy:

Here are a few of our favorite moments from your wedding:

The look your niece gave you as she watched you put on your tie, Mike. How Coty “presented” your shoes to you for donning, Jenn. The way, when you first saw each other, you each held your arms out identically for the other. Watching each of your moms laugh together outside the chapel just prior to your ceremony. How your dad, Mike, watched with tears in his eyes as you met your bride at the altar. Your grins! How the late afternoon light fell on and around you as you walked to your cottage for the first time as husband and wife. The unending smile on your dad’s face, Jenn, as he watched your husband toast you. The sheer and touching determination your dad showed during his toast, Mike. The way you held Mike’s face in your hands while dancing later that night, Jenn, as if to wordlessly say, “We did it!”

Indeed you did. And we were sooooo happy to have been a part of it all. Thank you and congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Shay & Travis’s Wedding at Veritas Vineyards

Weddings

Happy Day-After Valentine’s Day everyone! (That’s totally a holiday too, right?) Well, either way, we have the last of our 2012 weddings to share with you today. We had previously shot Shay & Travis’s engagement session this past Summer and had smiles on our faces each time we thought about their wedding. We’re sad now that it’s over, but boy do we have some great memories of it thanks, natch, to some great moments captured. And, of course, just look at these two! They totally brought the heat on a freezing cold (& super windy!) Winter’s day. Have fun looking through our favorites and don’t miss their complete wedding gallery. You know you’re dying to see it. Trust us, it’ll make the weekend come faster. 😉

And we just had to take a quick moment to thank each and everyone of our 2012 couples. We could not have asked for better clients. Seriously. We love you all from the bottom of our (a&b) heart. 😉 As we head into our tenth (!?!) year now capturing the best moments from our couples, we still have to pinch ourselves that this all hasn’t been a fantastical dream. Thank you for letting us follow our passion for capturing yours. :-*

Last, but not least, to the fabulous vendors we get to “work” with. Thankfully, you don’t make it feel like work at all. While there are way to many of you to list here, we hope you know who you are. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate your trust, your professionalism and your passion for helping create dreams come true for our mutual couples. There’s a reason why the term “dream team” exists and we’re incredibly lucky to be a part of one so often. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The talented team for Shay & Travis:
Venue and catering: Veritas Vineyards
Planner: Events with Panache
Florist: Blue Ridge Floral Designs
DJ: Derek Tobler
Baker: Paradox Pastry
Hair & make-up: Haywood Hair Images
Videography: Ian’s Creations
Stationer: Rock Paper Scissors
Calligraphy: Little Flower Calligraphy

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Details, details:

Dear s&t,

Passion. If there was a single thread running through your entire wedding day, it was the passion between the two of you. We first saw it of course when shooting your engagement portraits, and during your wedding you demonstrated it so clearly not only for each other but for life itself. It was revealed in its tenderness when Travis clasped the two ends of your necklace together, Shay, right after the two of you saw each other for the first time that day. It was evident when, during your processional, you could not take your eyes off of each other. And certainly it was present in abundance during your first dance (and, well, all of the dances afterward when the two of you were together).

Travis, when you shared that you wanted to surprise Shay with an engagement session during brief leave from her military service in Afganistan, we could barely wait! We’re so thankful we didn’t let the beans out of the bag! What an incredibly sweet and thoughtful gesture. We were so impressed that you took on most of the planning duties with Jennifer, too–it was clear that you knew your bride very well. Shay, thank you so much for your service to our country. We know it could not have been easy to have spent so much time apart from each other, but your joie de vivre helped ensure that you never lost sight of the big picture. Travis, your smile can almost literally light up a room and Shay, your laugh is totally infectious! And we loved that you quoted The Color Purple before you and your new husband walked down the aisle, “I’s married now!”, much to your guests delight.

Seeing you desiring to be so close to one another, to be in nearly constant contact with one another, showed the incredible love you have for one another and just made us smile that night. More than once. We’re so grateful to have been there to document your celebration for you. Thank you so much and we’re so excited for you both!

xoxo…
…a&b

Katie & Rob’s Wedding at Charlottesville’s Castle Hill Cider

Weddings

We hope everyone’s recovering safely and have power back from Hurricane Sandy. That was crazy. Talk about a bad hair week! Well, we’re happy to continue some sense of normalcy with a sweet wedding out at picturesque Castle Hill Cider here in Charlottesville for Katie and Rob. Enjoy these great moments of fun, and of course you can see their complete wedding here. The password is Katie’s maiden name and is case-sensitive.

The wonderful team:
Venue: Castle Hill Cider
Catering: C&O Restaurant
Florist: Hedge Fine Blooms
Stationer: J. Press Designs
Ceremony musician: Virginia Schweninger
Band: The John Winntett
Make-up: Tonia Borchardt
Hair: Dusanka Rusic-Bajs
Gown: J. Crew
Lighting: M&S Events

Bill’s faves of Anne’s:

Anne’s faves of Bill’s:

Eye candy:

Dear k&r,

Where before there may have been a tiny case of the nerves, as soon as the two of you saw each other before your ceremony, it melted away like ice in a tall glass of tea on a hot Summer day. It was so sweet watching the two of you embrace that Saturday afternoon, relaxing into each other’s arms. We loved the tenderness you showed one another throughout the portraits we did with you, and the enthusiasm with which your friends encouraged you (including one heck of an impromptu pre-ceremony dance party!) You did a great job selecting your ceremony site, giving your guests a sweeping view of the early Fall leaves and mountains in the distance as you said your “I Do!’s”. In fact, Castle Hill felt like it fit you both perfectly – a perfect match, if you will. And the photos of you both just after your recessional, well, we won’t forget those looks of utter joy on your faces. And, thankfully, we won’t have to, since we have photos of it all! 🙂

Later that evening during your dad’s welcome, Katie, we laughed so hard at his research and conclusions about who among your guests were riding the provided transportation and who were driving. It turned out to be quite the party, not just from the dancing in the barn, but hanging out on hay bales just outside, to of course the s’mores down toward the lake. It was the perfect Fall evening, and we could tell when it was time for your send-off just how excited you were to head off to this next phase of your lives together and how much fun you had that day. We were thrilled to share in your joy. Congratulations, and thank you again for having us out to document your celebration!

xoxo…
…a&b

Evan & Ashleigh’s Wedding at Charlottesville’s Farmington Country Club

Weddings

We don’t often get a chance to hand-deliver clients’ wedding images as most everyone it seems lives hours away from Charlottesville, but there are a few lucky ones who get to call our little ‘burb home. So, over a beer at their favorite local watering hole, we recently met up with Evan and Ashleigh (you undoubtedly remember their super fun Love Session from last fall), and got to give them their wedding photos in person. What a treat!

As you’ll see from even just a few of our favorites below, this is one couple who is not short on emotion and thankfully for us, aren’t afraid to show it. Not only are they sweeter than sugar, but quite honestly are one of the most fun loving, genuine and uh, crazy good looking couples we’ve had the privilege of getting to know and getting to hang with! And don’t just take it from us–ask any of their talent team listed below, the consensus on just how awesome they are is unanimous. We’re all just a little bummed now that the wedding is actually over for us, but so happy for them, as their fun adventure is just beginning. And with that, we’d love to share just a few of our faves from their wedding day. You can of course see everything, including moments from their rehearsal dinner, on the personal gallery. The password is Ashleigh’s maiden name.

The fab team:
Venue, catering, and baker: Farmington Country Club
Officiant: Dave Johnson with Christ Episcopal Church
Planning: Iris with Barb Wired
Florist: Blue Ridge Floral Designs
Band: Adrian Duke Project
Ceremony musicians: Encore String Quartet
Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors
Calligraphy: If So Inklined
Lighting: Blue Ridge Lightforms
Hair styling: Moxie
Make-up Artist: Lauren Carroll
Groom’s cake: Maliha Creations

Anne’s favorites:

Bill’s favorites:

Taking a moment out to relax before being announced for the first time as husband and wife.

First dance! Too bad no one was having a good time.

How cool is it Evan serenaded his bride on her wedding day?

Some lovely details…

Dear e&a,

Oh my gosh, where do we start? We knew from the moment we first met for tea many, many afternoons ago, that we’d be a perfect match for one another. (Yea, we should have had custom matches made: “E&A and A&B – A Perfect Match”. Hee hee. Okay, please don’t tell anyone we said that.) Your love and pride for UVa and Charlottesville is only matched by your love for each other and your easy, infectious smiles can’t help but touch anyone and everyone who comes in contact with you. Especially after your Love Session, we simply couldn’t wait to spend your wedding weekend with you. We knew if your family and friends were even half as considerate, warm, and compassionate as you guys, we were in for a joyous weekend. We weren’t disappointed.

Ashleigh, the wedding day card you had delivered to Evan with the opening words “Batshit crazy for you” and the way you “snuck” up on him during your first look still makes us laugh. Evan, your many faces that day were priceless – from your “wincing” ring exchange, to your surprise at seeing the first of the rose petals being tossed by your guests just following your ceremony on the back lawn of Farmington.

It really set the mood and watching the two of you laugh and tease each other that day–well–you just couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces as we captured it all. (Did anyone capture us for proof?) 😉 It may have been a black tie affair, but deep down, you knew it was going to be a party-on-the-beach vibe among your friends who got down on that dance floor like their lives depended on it.

The range of emotions we witnessed was like packing a year’s worth of weddings into one too-short day. The energetic thumbs ups, the tears, the laughter and broad smiles were all there, particularly when Ashleigh, you watched as Evan sang solo to you as if no one else was in the room; and Even, when you were watching Ashleigh dance with her dad. These are among the moments we won’t soon forget. We know you won’t either.

We couldn’t have been more honored to be there for you on your wedding day. Thank you for your trust and your friendship. Cheers, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Much love…
…a&b

Susan & Rob’s Elopement at Charlottesville’s Clifton Inn

Weddings

It’s sometimes nice to simply cut to the chase, expressing the love you have for another, making a formal commitment to the other in the presence of just one witness. What a beautiful and intimate way to begin your married life together. Such are elopements, and Bill was lucky enough to photograph Susan and Rob’s recently on a very warm Summer day at the picturesque Clifton Inn. They enjoyed a brief ceremony and we set off to do a few portraits around the grounds before they returned inside for drinks and to cool down in preparation for a delicious four-course meal at the Inn. Congratulations, you two! You can view the complete gallery here, and the password is Susan’s last name. Meanwhile, here are a few faves from the afternoon. Enjoy!

Saying their I Do’s…

Enjoying their first few moments as husband and wife in the sweet, sweet air conditioning.

Congratulations, you two! I’m so happy to have met and spent the afternoon with you.

Lisa & Ian’s Wedding at Charlottesville’s Veritas Vineyards

Weddings

We’re so excited for Memorial Day weekend, although true to history, Mother Nature’s really kicking off summer with temps in the 90s. Won’t slow us down, though. What are you guys planning? A little getaway? Sticking around close to home? Sequestering yourself in the A/C for a movie marathon? Well, while you ponder such weighty things, we’ve got a wedding for you about an incredibly sweet couple whose wedding we recently had the pleasure of documenting. Without further ado, we present Lisa & Ian’s fun celebration at nearly Veritas Vineyards.

Venue and catering: Veritas Vineyards
Florist: Blue Ridge Floral
Baker: Favorite Cakes
DJ: Derek Tobler
Transportation: Albemarle Vintage Limousine (a very cool surprise for Lisa at night’s end)

After seeing some of our favorites below, you’re probably itching to see the complete gallery from their wedding. Just be sure to use Lisa’s maiden name as the password (oh yes, and it’s case-sensitive). Have fun and a safe holiday weekend, everyone! Oh, and let us know how you liked that movie! ;-D

Anne’s Faves of Bill’s:

Bill’s Faves of Anne’s:

And, of course, we can’t forget some of the lovely details from the day.

Dear l&i,

Sweet and considerate, and full of Southern hospitality. Oh, and fickle weather! Those are a few of the adjectives that come to mind when we think of the two of you and your wedding day. The joy you both shared with each other when you first saw each other before your ceremony was so bubbly, champagne producers should inquire about bottling it. We loved how you personalized your ceremony by not only having one of your cousins serve as officiant, but that you privately selected ceremony readings for one another and watched as you shared emotional tears along with many present. And how adorable was your nephew Caine offering up a blessing for dinner? (Just don’t tell him we called him adorable. Although, we know boys just adore that adjective.) Throughout the day regardless of his duties he was all business, making sure every t was crossed and i dotted. Loved it.

We were so happy for you guys, when it became clear that you were going to get your outdoor ceremony. This Spring weather has been especially a bit bi-polar this year, but even if you had ended up indoors, we know you would have taken it with ease. Lisa, while all brides are beautiful on their wedding day when their heart and soul are full of love, but you were absolutely radiant. Ian, there wasn’t a dry eye on the house that night when you related your marriage proposal(s) to your guests and then proceded to serenade Lisa to an originally-written score, culminating in a standing ovation among your guests (a first for us). And then you proceded to further surprise Lisa with a vintage car for a festive end-of-the-night getaway.

People talk at times about their “perfect day” during their wedding prep and while we feel that’s a bit of a misnomer, what you shared with your friends and family that day made your celebration no less than perfection. We’re so grateful to have been there to observe and document it all for you. And thanks too for the slices of cake. Very tasty!

And lastly, we hope your best man’s toast was exactly as long as you wanted it to be. 😉 Congratulations, you two!

xoxo…
…a&b

Happy anniversary: Valerie & Jared

Anniversaries, Weddings

It’s been a busy month for wedding anniversaries, and we’re happy sharing one with you from April 29 of last year. The number 29 was significant to Valerie & Jared for a number of reasons (including their respective birthdays) and figured prominently in their own wedding. We caught up with them recently upon their return from celebrating in Florence, Italy, and they shared some of their favorite images:

Jared’s favorites:

I like this because of the feeling it evokes of us being engulfed by the surroundings and the only thing sticking out is us as a couple.

This a great photo and of the two different color tones presented between the two window panes – a warmer one of the left and a cooler one on the right.

Valerie’s favorites:

This is just a gorgeous photo. It’s so soft and the reflection in the windows is beautiful.

This is just so natural and relaxed – it reminds me of what a great time we had.

Joint favorite:

It’s just the warmth of our hug with my dad – it was right after we were legally married and he was the first family member to greet us as a new couple.

Happy anniversary, you two!