How fitting to launch my blog with this stunning wedding since it's credited with kicking off my 2017 with a serious bang. Plus, I'd be lying if I said I haven't been anxiously awaiting a more appropriate outlet to be able to plaster these images everywhere. You're welcome in advance.
I remember the day I met Kevin and Katie in Starbucks to officially get them on my books. The two were so excited to tell me about their wedding. Kevin was so evidently in love with Katie, and Katie's joy was contagious. And thus, the stage was set for what I would describe as my ideal wedding couple: two people, madly in love with one another, and both unable and unwilling to hide it.
Fast forward a few months for our next meeting, where Katie came to my house for us to discuss all things wedding plans, bridal portraits, reception exit and just catch up on life in general. She let me know that wedding planning had taken a back seat for a little while, as her dad had suddenly and unexpectedly passed, but in true Katie fashion, she remained so happy, so positive, and so full of life... and what a positive impact on my life she's been.
I think that's what's been the biggest blessing for me and what I've come to love most about this business: the often change of perspective, the positive influence my clients have on me constantly, and the friendships. Gosh, the friendships. I was in awe of her strength. Her zest for life, even when life hadn't been so kind. Her insistence to not focus on the bad, but all of the good that was still present. I was so thankful that someone like Katie was a client and now also a friend of mine. The impact she has had on my life in such a short amount of time is more than I bargained for, and I know her friends would agree.
"I think that's what's been the biggest blessing for me and what I've come to love most about this business: the often change of perspective, the positive influence my clients have on me constantly, and the friendships."
Fast forward again. It's January 6, the day before her wedding, and the chances of it snowing on their wedding day is 150%. I'm freaking out. Snow is beautiful, but one does not simply drive 40 minutes in it. As a wedding photographer, it's slightly important that you make it to the wedding day, so I pack up my things, tie Target bags around my socks (thanks for those life lessons, mom!), pull up my rain boots, and drive downtown. I pull up, greet Katie's mom, and her words brought everything full circle.
"Thank you so much for coming. All Katie wanted and prayed for was for snow, and I know that this reminds her that her dad is here. He's watching and he's with her, and we are so happy."
Suddenly, the what should have taken 40 minutes but took over an hour drive was SO worth it. You see, my job is to document the day as it happens, to be the one to tell the story and to tell it beautifully. Both in that moment and now looking back, I'm SO thankful it snowed. I'm so thankful the day was everything Katie wanted, and that slice of comfort she so needed on such a monumental day of her life without her dad. I'm so thankful they chose me.
Kevin and Katie wed on January 7, 2017 at Westover Hills United Methodist Church and celebrated afterwards at The Carillon Tower, in Richmond, Virginia.
Contributing vendors that helped make this event a stunning success:
Maggie Richard with Maggie's Misc Events (Planner), Annelies Heilinger + team from Bombshell (Hair and MUA), Patrick McCormack with Nard's Professional DJ Service, David Napier with White House Catering, Erica Hutchison with Black Creek Flowers and Sweets, and Shyndigz.