As we drove over to the house where Jess would be having her First Look with Mike, she told us that she has never experienced anything in her life that seemed THIS RIGHT. Sure, she was nervous and anxious but those feelings were stemming from pure excitement and joy! We talked about how surreal it is to see everything that you have planned for a whole year come to life in one day! The catering, the venue, the dress, the bridal party, the first look…. it was all happening so fast. Jessica and Mike shared their first look under a tree covered driveway at their ceremony venue and it couldn’t have been sweeter! By their excitement, you would have thought that they hadn’t seen each other in DAYS!! Their friendship and their connection to one another is just unbelievably sweet. As I coached them through their portrait time, I said that I didn’t even need to give them any instruction! They are just naturally photogenic and their interactions are so precious!!
Mike and Jess were married under a stunning gazebo on Mount Ida Farm, a beautiful venue in the mountains surrounding Charlottesville. This property is full of amazing views, bridges, plantation homes, fields and wild life! As the coordinator for the venue drove us to some portrait locations, I felt like we were on a impromptu safari ride with all of the deer and wild turkeys that we spotted!
The whole day was just beautiful but what I loved the most was hearing Jess’s dad toast to his little girl. Let me tell you, this was one proud dad. He toasted to his beautiful daughter and then toasted to the man that he gave her away to. He said what every son-in-law loves to hear and that was that he couldn’t have picked a better man to marry his little girl. Tears were shed and then laughs filled the reception hall as everyone watched a surprise slideshow that Mike and Jess’s families had put together. After spending the evening with this sweet couple and their families AND after seeing a ton of baby pictures, I felt like I had known these two for years!! It was such an honor to capture their big day and I can’t wait to share their images!! Enjoy everyone and to the newlyweds, Michael and I just love you guys!! We are so thankful that our paths crossed and that we were able to be a part of this amazing day in your lives!! Thank you!!!!
Loved these neutrals! So sweet! Mike and Jess BOTH had the same custom card made without knowing it! Looking good Mike!!! Jess you’re just beautiful!! And I don’t think you can take a bad picture! LOVVVVE this pre-ceremony shot! Some sister tears…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!
I’m really excited about this YouTube video because I know that it resonates with ALL photographers who photograph PEOPLE!!
Have you ever walked into a client experience and realized “oh wow, this is not what I was expecting?” ….