You may have noticed that I am often in the mountains on the weekends for wedding and shoots. Especially this year. Doing so has really deepened my appreciation for the beauty of the Virginia mountains. I went to college for 4 years in the mountains (Go Dukes!), but never really appreciated the beauty of the scenery all around us. That’s not the case for Rachel and Matt. They have a deep appreciation for the mountains which is why they chose to get married at a venue that really highlighted that beauty! Even though neither of them or their families even live in the area!

Rachel told me weeks before her wedding that she and Matt were willing to do whatever they needed to in order to get amazing photos. And she wasn’t kidding! When she booked this venue and bought her long cathedral veil, she envisioned a grand photo with the mountains in the background and her veil blowing in the wind. But the mist and fog that came on their wedding day was making that dream a little difficult. So when we saw that there was a brief break in the rain and the fog was lifting for just a few minutes, that girl ran barefoot in muddy grass to the field with the best mountain views to get that shot! And we did! The smile on her face said it all! She was as happy as could be!

My favorite thing to see on wedding days is when no matter how crazy or hectic the day may get, the excitement and joy that the bride and groom share to be getting married to each other is as high as can be. Even during their ceremony when the wind was crazy and the temps seemed to suddenly drop 20 degrees, they just smiled even bigger and held each other even closer. I have loved getting to know Matt and Rachel over this last year and am so honored to have captured their big day! 










































This was when we saw that clearing in the sky and ran back out for those epic mountain shots! Just look at that smile on Rachel’s face!! 

Venue | Irvine Estate

Dress | Studio I Do Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses | David’s Bridal

Groomsmen attire | Benton Knight, LTD

Makeup | Dollface by Melissa

Florals & Cake | Sinful Treats

Ceremony music | Melodious Strings

Band | Attraction

Videographer | Toast Wedding Films

Paper goods | Prince Ink

To see more of my recent weddings, click here! 

To see Rachel and Matt’s engagement session, click here!