Around nine years ago I remember meeting Amanda for the first time and wondering if she was really that happy and charismatic all of the time? …. Or was she just an excitable teenager going through a bubbly phase? Well, after getting to know her more, I quickly realized that the JOY that exuded from her was coming straight from her heart and that she was truly one of the most personable and happy people I had ever met. Amanda was in the youth group at our church when Michael was on staff as a full time youth pastor and we just adored her and her sister, Sarah! During that season of life, I honestly never envisioned the day when I would potentially be photographing our youth group kid’s weddings…. but here I am…. and I feel so incredibly honored!!
It was an absolute JOY to be with Christian and Amanda on their wedding day this past Saturday! They were married at the gorgeous Dover Hall Estate near our home in Manakin Sabot, Virginia! The light was incredible, the portraits were insanely beautiful and everything went as planned. The day started with tears from Sharon (the Mother of the Bride) as soon as we walked in. I get it, when my photographer walked into our house on our wedding day, all of a sudden it hit me that THIS WAS HAPPENING. It was game time!! For Amanda and Christian, they had been engaged and in planning mode for over 18 months and so you better believe that they were ready to see this day happen!!
It seems like just yesterday we were getting to know Christian at their proposal and during their engagement session. We had a few quick moments of time where we had the chance to get to know him prior to the big day. However, after experiencing their incredible wedding and spending an entire day together…. we are probably Christian’s biggest fans! (And that’s saying a lot because he has a ton of good friends!) Christian is thoughtful, genuine, well spoken, well loved and incredibly kind. His love for Amanda is so evident in every interaction with her. He blew us away with his amazing letter that he read to her after their first look and then he toasted to her during their reception. He thinks the world of her and because of that, we think the world of him. We love our “youth group kids”(who are now very much adults) and we want the absolute best for them….. and it’s evident that Christian is the best. Watching Amanda marry such an incredible guy brings us so much joy.
The entire day was such an honor to be a part of. From the moment we walked in the door to the end of the night when we hugged goodbye, we loved being there. I love capturing beautiful images of GORGEOUS people but really, what I loved even more was watching Scott and Sharon experience such a huge milestone with their first baby. It made me teary multiple times throughout the day because I can’t help but try to imagine what this day will feel like for us when Evy is getting married. It gives me a whole new perspective on the day and how special it is to not just the bride and groom but to the parents as well. I could go on and on about how much I love this family and how perfect their day was…. but I have shared WAY too many pictures in this blog post and it’s going to take you a while to scroll through them!!
Christian and Amanda, you are an incredible couple. Your love for one another and for other people was shining so brightly throughout your entire wedding day. We couldn’t love you more and we can’t thank you enough for allowing us to be the ones to save the memories of your big day!!!! Enjoy!!
Ps. We got to work with our FAVORITES! Ty and Ashley Herrinton filmed their day and here’s a sneak peek! :
She was EXCITED to be MARRIED! Can ya tell?! 
Ceremony | St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Reception | Dover Hall Estate
Dress Store | Modern Trousseau DC
Dress Designer | Modern Trousseau
Ceremony Florist | White House Floral Designs
Reception Florist | Photosynthesis Floral Design
Planner | Hannah Marie Events
Hair & Make Up | Ella Style Studio
Band | Sam Hill Entertainment
Videographer | The Herrintons
Cake | Pearls Bake Shoppe
Catering | Dover Hall Estate
Bridesmaids Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids
Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Invitations | Meadows Made
Lighting | Leap Light + Sound
Rentals | Classic Party Rentals of Virginia
Check out Christian + Amanda’s Engagement Session HERE!
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
MORE RECENT POSTS
It’s been a while since I’ve photographed an engagement session at beautiful Maymont Park. Meeting Ryan and Danielle there was perfect even though I totally forgot that Maymont closes so early! We heard a reminder that the park would be closing soon and just as I started to feel a bit panicked, the clouds cleared, the sun started to shine and I was able to capture the most beautiful light before we unexpectedly had to leave the park!
This beautiful day began in the historic manor house at Belmont Country Club. Abby was showing me her details and then she gave me a gift and told me to open it. I questioned her because it just didn’t seem right for the photographer to be opening a gift on the bride’s wedding day but she insisted! Abby had made me a custom cross-stitch of Michael and I with cameras in our hands! It looks JUST like us and I was just amazed at her talent and thoughtfulness!
Ah! It’s our FINAL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!!! This July post has been a long time coming but it’s HERE and it’s LIVE and I want you to help me celebrate these amazing photographers who are making their dreams happen!!!
This six month update feels like it’s weirdly disproportionate compared to other monthly updates! Why is that? Well, last month I posted a couple of sets of images that were actually at the beginning of his sixth month and THEN we photographed multiple weddings, had several trips away from home for a few days and the dads were for several days!
Hope and Jesse are the sweetest couple. You can just feel it when you’re with them! You can see it when you watch them interact. You can hear it in the stories that their family members and best friends shared about them. They are truly soulmates and best friends. They have an undeniable love for one another and that is why even a rainy, misty wedding day could be incredibly vibrant, warm and joyful!!
Rhett’s fifth month was full of fun. It’s crazy to me that I know I only take my big camera to about 10% of the things we do in a month and yet each month is SO full.
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