Chef Amalia Scatena at Pippin Hill Farm + Vineyards is so talented! I love being asked to photograph (and then eat!) her beaufiful food. Here are a few favorites from our photo session in August.
wedding
Elizabeth + Andrew are MARRIED!
LifeElizabeth + Andrew were married yesterday at Pippin Hill Farm + Vineyards! What a gorgeous day. We are so excited to share the rest of their images soon! Congratulations, E + A! xoxo, A + B
Meghann + Derek | Married 01.05.2013!
LifeMeghann and Derek were married at Birdsong Barn in Florida this January! I loved the 'Rustic Snowflake' theme of their day; the textured barn wood and sparkly snowflakes complimented each other in a very appealing way. M + D were so adorable together; Derek's calm personality perfectly balances Meghann's bubbly nature. They laughed their way through their portraits, making silly faces at each other and causing fits of giggles that made them so much fun to photograph. And the dancing!!! They, and their guests, knew how to party. What a fun night!
Meghann + Derek...congratulations!!! Much love to you both. xoxo, A
Meghann and Derek are Married!!!
LifeHere's a little peek of their lovely day. Congratulations, you two!!!
audrey + javier | married!
LifeOn the lovliest autumn afternoon, Audrey + Javier were married (twice!) at the UVA Chapel and Ash Lawn Highland.
Congratulations, you two! We can't wait to share the rest of your beautiful day!
Ginny + Wes are MARRIED!!!
LifeCongratulations, you two!!! What a beautiful wedding in Abingdon, VA. Enjoy your honeymoon in Seaside!
kelly + anthony | married 06.23.2012 in port orange, florida
LifeKelly + Anthony were married on June 23, 2012 in Port Orange, Florida. The gray skies threatened to release their heavy burden throughout the afternoon, coming so close to fulfilling the forecast we'd all been anxiously watching for days. Kelly was determined to be married outside, even offering to wipe down chairs if they were rained on prior to the ceremony. Her perseverance was rewarded and her hopes came true with only a few lone drops just before she walked down the aisle to meet her future husband. It was a beautiful ceremony set against the backdrop of Florida greenery, underneath lacey Spanish moss, filled with laughter and tears, just as the couple wanted.
This wedding was one of many firsts for me. First time shooting as prime photographer without Brian by my side. First time flying with all of my gear, trying not to completely flip out when my camera bag couldn't be carried on to the teeny, tiny plane out of Charlottesville Airport. First time employing a second shooter, who happened to be an old friend of mine with her own company in Orlando. Tara was amazing. First time having a sinus infection while shooting a wedding. First time shooting a family wedding, where I knew a good third of the guests. First time scheduling a massage for the morning after, anticipating the exhaustion my body would feel after flying, being sick, and shooting. Best decision, ever.
I loved documenting this day, and feel so grateful that my cousin, Kelly, asked me to fly to Florida for her wedding. It was a pleasure meeting Anthony for the first time and seeing how much he adores Kelly. I saw and hugged family that I rarely get to visit. I was even able to meet the fiance of my other cousin (and Kelly's sister), Meghann, whose wedding I will fly back to Florida to capture in January. The challenge of flying to a different state, to a venue I've never seen, to light and weather patterns I am not used to was invigorating. I am so, so pleased with this collection of images from Kelly + Anthony's day.
K+A, thank you. I wish you so much happiness, and can't wait to see you again in January! xoxo.
[Thank you, Tara, for shooting with me! It was a pleasure.]
kelly | getting ready
LifeI am finishing up Kelly + Anthony's wedding photos today, and just love this shot of Kelly after putting on her veil. She was so excited, and the love and support surrounding her was palpable. I am so excited to share the rest of this beautiful day!
bridal session at hawthorn
SpaceI spent two days in West Virginia with the talented ladies of 224 Design and Dollilop Designs last month, creating images for a bridal marketing piece for Hawthorn. Unfortunately, it seems that this lovely place may never be open to the public. Regardless, I am pleased to have both Karen and Leslie in my life, and look forward to future collaborative projects with the talented duo.
The images created are meant to portray the essence of the orchards surrounding Hawthorn, and to give couples an idea of what their day would feel like if they chose this beautiful backdrop for their spring wedding.
bradley + casey | married 05.12.12 in scottsville, virginia
LifeBradley + Casey's wedding was so beautiful...the weather could not have been more perfect on their day. The church where they were married, Christ Church Glendower, has historic significance for Bradley's family, and we completely adored the quaint, simple feel of the exterior and interior spaces. Their reception was held at Fat Cat Farm in Scottsville, which is operated by Shawn Cossette of Beehive Events. The setting, decor, and flowers were absolutely gorgeous, not to mention the bride and groom! Oh, and Bradley's dress! Perfection.
We are so lucky to be matched up with such wonderful couples. Once again, we finished this day feeling like we'd spent the last many hours with friends. Bradley + Casey...congratulations! We are so glad to know you, and happy that we run into you frequently on the Downtown Mall! Let's plan a meal soon. xoxo.
Many thanks to:
flowers/styling: Beehive Events
calligrapher: If So Inklined
caterer: Harvest Moon
cake: Nichole Curtis
band: Jesse Harper, Darrell Muller, Adam Larrabee, and Nick Falk
tent: Skyline Tent Company
day-of coordinator: Marge Sidebottom
hair + makeup: Moxie
bradley's dress: Vera Wang
bridesmaid dresses: Anthropologie
muli + marcus | married 5.05.2012 in louisa, virginia
LifeMuli and Marcus were married on a rainy Saturday that, despite the gray skies, was filled with color and happiness. They are the nicest couple; so completely in love with each other and their adorable daughter, Bella. Their celebration was held on a private property in Louisa sprinkled with fantastic old barns. The rain held off until five minutes before our scheduled first look, when the skies opened and drenched the landscape. Muli and Marcus were troopers, choosing to stick with our original plan and still have their first look with the addition of umbrellas. I actually adore the pops of color and pattern that the umbrellas added to the day, especially the polka-dot version that we borrowed from a guest for Muli and Marcus' portraits.
It was clear that everybody present at their wedding adore Muli and Marcus and Bella. There was complete willingness and cooperation from the wedding party for portraits, with never a complaint about getting wet. Both Muli and Marcus come from large families, and we've never seen such love and adoration between siblings. The emotion during the ceremony was high, and the enthusiasm on the dance floor even higher. This crew knows how to party, and party they did!
Muli and Marcus, it has been such a pleasure to get to know you both. We've truly enjoyed all of the moments we've spent with you, and hope that you'll keep in touch!!! xoxo.
Many thanks to:
Day of Coordinator - Events with Panache
Flowers - Sugar Magnolias
Cake - Maliha Creations
Music + Entertainment - Reliquis Productions
Tent - Skyline Tent Company
Officient - Phillip Gates
julie + kevin | married 4.28.2012 in richmond, virginia
LifeBrian and I adore this couple; fellow foodies, Julie + Kevin made us feel as if we were part of their crowd the entire day. They were married at Beth Ahabah in Richmond, Virginia on 4.28.2012, and celebrated at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts afterwards. The rain didn't hold us back; we were able to slip in and out of the VMFA for their first look and portraits between showers and with the aid of the blue and white museum umbrellas. The VMFA is one of their favorite places in Richmond, and we loved that we were able to photograph them in both its exterior and interior spaces. Julie and Kevin have a quiet, calm way together; a demeanor and affection that comes from sharing a life for many years. The museum was the perfect setting to capture the character of their relationship and wedding day.
Julie and Kevin, we have really enjoyed getting to know you these last ten months. We hope that, despite the distance between Charlottesville and New York City, you will keep in touch. We will share a meal with you two any time! xoxo.
muli + marcus | married!
LifeMuli and Marcus were married yesterday on a beautiful farm in Louisa! These two braved the elements for a fun first look and portraits around the property. We can't wait to share the rest of the images of this lovely couple and their wedding day!
Congratulations, you two! Brian and I were so pleased to be part of your day. Have fun in California!
julie + kevin | married!
LifeJulie and Kevin were married on Saturday!!! Here's a little sneak peek of their day...
Congratulations, you two! We loved spending the day with you.
published | the clutch guide
Food, Published, SpaceI am so honored to have been asked to write, style, and photograph a story in the new wedding publication, The Clutch Guide. This bridal luncheon was inspired by the Friday lunch at Galatoire's we experienced during our last trip to New Orleans. For the recipes of some of our favorite NOLA dishes, check out pages 47-53 online.
Many thanks to Jennifer Prince of Hill City Bride for asking me to be part of such a beautiful publication!
new year's eve wedding for beehive events
Life, SpaceGoing through my archives this morning, I ran across this lovely wedding that I photographed for Beehive Events on New Year's Eve. I can't believe I never shared it here! Shawn, of Beehive, brought me in to photograph the space and details before Kerry and Mike said "I do!" in front of that beautiful, candle-lit altar at Castle Hill Cider.
For images of the entire event, start to finish, check out Jack Looney's blog.
julie + kevin
LifeA little peek at what I was up to on Monday, in Coney Island, NY. Meet Julie + Kevin...engaged!
published | wedding planner magazine with charlottesville cupcakes
Food, PublishedCheck out the current issue of The Wedding Planner magazine for fun little cupcake shoot with Charlottesville Cupcake! Also, there is recipe for these delicious Lemon Bliss Cupcakes (yes, I may have eaten a few...). I loved this session, so couldn't help posting a few more images here.
caitlin + kevin | married 10.08.2011
LifeCaitlin + Kevin were married in Crozet, in front of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on October 8th. These two and their friends were completely awesome...so trusting and enthusiastic about all of our suggestions. They followed their sweet nuptials with a party at the X Lounge, but not until Brian and I took them on a detour to a downtown parking garage. Let me just say...I love a couple that is excited when we throw out the suggestion "how about bridal party portraits on top of the garage?"!!! With backgrounds similar to our own (both graduated with degrees in architecture) we knew that the commanding lines and warm concrete would be right up their alley. :)
When planning their wedding, Caitlin + Kevin simply wanted to 'get married in a field' and 'rent out a bar with all of our closest friends and family'. They succeeded, and the resulting laid-back nuptials were so much fun to be part of. Big Hokie fans, the bride and groom even went so far as to have the game playing during their X-Lounge party. The Hokies must have gotten the memo, because they were kind enough to win their game against the University of Miami. The images of the final minutes of the game are some of my favorites.
Caitlin + Kevin...thank you for inviting us to be part of your day and for trusting our ideas. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, and hope that our designer paths cross again one day soon. xoxo.
an unexpected gift from the groom...
oh, the anticipation...
the sweet friend that introduced the newlyweds...
Family + friends, the entire gallery of images can be found here. Password is the bride's maiden name.
Event Planner : The Event Company
Ceremony : Old Trail Golf, Crozet
Reception/Food/Desserts : X Lounge, Charlottesville
Officient : Pastor Dennis S. Roberts, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lunchburg
Dress : Celebration Bridal, Lynchburg
Flowers : Verde Natural Florals, Sandy Goodson
Paper : Designed + Printed by the bride + groom
eliza + ben | married 09.24.2011
LifeEliza and Ben were married at James Monroe's historic home, Ash Lawn-Highland, on September 24, 2011. Clouds lingered overhead without spilling a drop, keeping the temperature pleasant for this lovely outdoor wedding. E+B have an incredible group of friends and family that came together to make their day the perfect celebration of their love, and Brian and I were honored to be part of it. This was one of the most emotional ceremonies we've been witness to, with not a dry eye under the trees. And, who doesn't love a wedding with the tarantella mid-reception?!?
Thank you, Eliza and Ben, for keeping us laughing the entire day. You two are such fun, and obviously so in tune with each other. We loved how you seemed to forget we were present during portraits, completely consumed with each other and your joy. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, and look forward to cultivating our growing friendship. xoxo.
[friends and family...the entire gallery of images can be accessed here. password is the bride's maiden name.]
venue: ash lawn-highland
florist: secret gardens, betty jo dominick, charlottesville
programs: sarah galfano designs, chapel hill, nc
music: [ceremony] molly larson (sister of the groom) and mariana bell (close friend) [reception] downbeat project
food: todd grieger and many friends! also, many family-made dishes made this an ultra-personal dining experience
rehearsal dinner: maya restaurant
cake: miel bons bons, carrboro, nc
dresses: [bride] Lazaro from jeanette's bride 'n tux boutique in manassas, va [bridesmaids] jasmine belsoie from levy's in charlottesville
hair: casey king and rachel nadolski smith, who can be reached at bristles in charlottesville
makeup: rachel nadolski smith
rings: [groom] kay jewelers [bride] engagement ring is an estate piece purchased from Fay Cullen, band was designed and made by Christina Designs in NYC
