Some weddings are just good for your soul. This was one of those weddings for me; it was a beautiful day, with a wonderful couple, and stunning mountain backdrops. Nothing was going to shake my happy go lucky feeling as I drove down I-79 windows down, tuned into 97.9 on the radio, jamming out to my favorite country songs …not even my second shooter, poor thing, calling me to tell me she was stuck in nowheresville with a flat tire, so glad you are okay lady! Shoutout to Tara, who’s a rockstar for changing that flat on her own and still arriving on time!
But truly, coming back home to the mountains is something I crave and am always so appreciative for the opportunity to do so. Big thank you to ALL of my wonderful WV clients who continue to bring me back to one of my favorite places.
Cue the main reason for my happy dance, Chelsey and Jared, who gave me a call as soon as they had their date set even a couple years back, in fact, she was the very first inquiry the day of my new website launch minutes after going live. So this has been a long awaited affair, and I was just tickled to death to pull up on a gorgeous sunny day and start capturing some beautiful memories for these two.
I love sharing my couple’s love stories, so here’s a glimpse at how Chelsey and Jared came to say, “I do.” They both went to Elkins High School in Elkins, WV, and knew of one another, but not well. Years later in 2013, that connection along with mutual friendships continued to bring them back to familiar grounds, which got them both striking up conversations with one another. It didn’t take long for Jared to ask Chelsey (with a little nudging from friends) for her number, which was then followed by dinner and after that it was history. Fast forward to June 11, 2017, Jared pulled off the most unexpected proposals ever at Bickles Knob Fire Tower, and they’ve been looking forward to the big day ever since.
Chelsey and Jared chose to have their wedding at the newly built Randolph County National Guard Armory. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the location because it was sight unseen, but I have to tell you what a pleasant surprise at just how beautifully built this facility was. A gorgeous stone and glass structure that has a very grandiose feel, nestled in those beautiful WV Mountains. It truly made a perfect backdrop for their day.
Along with the help of family and friends coming together to make this day memorable, beautiful sentiments like family heirlooms interlaced throughout, a dear friend officiating, and a bride who loves, loves, loves pictures, this day was beyond amazing. Everyone laughed, cried, and danced their hearts out. Chelsey and Jared’s entire day was truly about celebrating their union as husband and wife in the company of family and friends who traveled near and far to take witness. Every portion of the day was simply perfect.
…And it didn’t end there, did I mention Chelsey loves photos, and I love her that much more for it! We decided to tag on an early morning bridal session the following day at Valley Falls State Park in Grafton, WV, which was simply breathtaking. Don’t stop at the sparklers, you’ll definitely want to keep scrolling to see these beautiful gems at the end.
Thank you both so much for inviting me to share in the fun and capture your beautiful memories for you. It was such an honor and I hope you’ll enjoy looking back on these moments for many many years to come.
You are such a beautiful couple!
Special Thanks:
Dress: The Vow Boutique, Morgantown, WV
Tux: Tammy's at the Delmonte Market, Elkins, WV
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal, Pittsburgh, PA
Groomsman Tuxes: Tammy's at the Delmonte Market, Elkins, WV
DJ: Alex O'Neal Entertainment from Morgantown, WV
Florist: Ann Blosser
Officiant: Kary Kramer
Photography: Maryn Graves Productions
Second Photographer: Tara Marie Photography
Bride Hair: Nicole Lasky from Studio MK Bride's
Make-Up: Liz Martin (friend)
Catering: 1863 Appalachian Bistro
Calligraphers for Reception Signs: Jima Karlen
