MY ACCOUNT
Checkout
Courses + Products
SHOP

Weddings

Christian + Amanda

A Classic Dover Hall Estate Wedding | Goochland Virginia Venue

filed in:

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!

A Classic, Elegant Dover Hall Estate Wedding | Katelyn James Photography

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

5 Essentials to Turn Pro

5 Essentials Beginners Need to Go Pro and make your photography business a success!

I’m breaking down the MUST-HAVE ITEMS that every photographer needs to be successful at the start of their career! 

READ MORE
Youtube

Oh where do I begin? This wasn’t just another wedding for me. This was a legacy KJ Wedding and I have been looking forward to it ever since my first email from Danny and Megan!

READ MORE

Danny + Megan A Biltmore Estate Wedding

Weddings
10 posing red flags

10 Red Flags in Posing And how to fix them!

I’m really excited about this YouTube video because I know that it resonates with ALL photographers who photograph PEOPLE!!

READ MORE
Youtube
How to Serve a Client Who Isn't a Perfect Fit

Ep. 33 | How to Serve a Client Who Isn’t a Perfect Fit And make it a great experience

Have you ever walked into a client experience and realized “oh wow, this is not what I was expecting?” ….

READ MORE
The Katelyn James Podcast

The business world (and just the world in general) looks A LOT different today than it did 15 years ago when I started my business. 

EP. 32 BUSINESS STRATEGY
READ MORE

Ep. 32 | The Proven Business Strategy That Hasn't Changed in 15 years

The Katelyn James Podcast
HOW TO PERFECT AI EDITING

How to Perfect AI Editing and save more time!

We’ve talked a lot lately about how great AI editing is and how it can be revolutionary for so many wedding and portrait photographers.

READ MORE
Youtube

READER FAVORITES

"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”

- Kara Abbey, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”

- Shannon Drummond, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”

- Kate gansneder, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”

- Angie mcpherson, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”

- Brittany Lowe, ALl ACCESS MEMBER

"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"

- Joanna Krueger, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER
10 Steps to Starting Your Photography Business
Helping a friend survive a season of Infant Loss
How to photograph a first look in Harsh Light
OUR KJ COUPLES REUNION
A Lake Como Destination Wedding - Greg and Kate
A Letter to the Go-Getters fearful of Motherhood

The KJ blog
must-reads

The KJ Blog is where you get to know me, where you meet our KJ Couples and see their beautiful wedding days, where I have been building an archive of education for over a decade and where I let you see a peek into our life, our home, and hear about our purpose! 
don't miss the
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ

YOUTUBE

Join 93,000+ others and learn, grow and get connected via our Youtube Channel! This is where I'm constantly sharing new content, talking all things gear, business, tips, tricks and letting you into the behind-the-scenes of our everyday life! 
MORE FREE EDUCATION + CUTE BABIES ON
WATCH NOW

"I have invested in all of KJ’s education!

The way she teaches makes so much sense and I’m so grateful for her! My business will be forever changed!"

- Renee Nicolo

"KJ education has been life-changing

 It has elevated my work so I could quit my day job and work from home with our baby boy!"

- joanna k.

"I'VE INVESTED IN SO MANY RESOURCES... 

and none compare to what I get from KJ!"

- LAUREN M.