dc photography

Chelsey and Jared || Say I Do in Almost Heaven

Chelsey and Jared || Say I Do in Almost Heaven

Some weddings are just good for your soul. This was one of those weddings; 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.

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 two years ago. So this has been a long awaited affair, and I was just tickled to death to pull up on a gorgeous sunny day and get started capturing some beautiful memories for these two.

Becca + John || Say I do at Jefferson Patterson Park

Becca + John || Say I do at Jefferson Patterson Park

From the moment I met John and Becca I knew we’d be a great fit. Over coffee and conversation, I became convinced that Becca and I were kindred spirits with our love for academics, check lists, and animals… and I kept saying to John he had so many similar qualities as my favorite guy, who also loves to cook and has a great work ethic. After hugging goodbye… I knew I wanted to see them both again.

Nicole + Craig || Say I Do at Crosskey Vineyards

The adoration I have for this couple is beyond words. Sometimes you just get incredibly lucky to be blessed with sweet souls to work with like Craig and Nicole. Even with looming rain clouds they kept their spirits high for their big day. We knew that we would have very few opportunities to work outside, and when we did it would need to be quick. Everyone was so lovely to work together and make this a dream come true event. Everything truly fell into place despite a few moments of monsoon like weather.

Between the wonderful vendors, an incredible second shooter, Hannah hofheinz, at my side, a picturesque little corner where we took advantage of dry ground, and a wonderful couple to celebrate this was just a dreamy wedding all around.

  

I met Nicole in college at WVU, we may not have known one another well, but I think we secretly respected each other from afar, because we were both those over achieving, involved in just about everything kind of ladies. We grew to become friendly acquaintances working at The Mountainlair Student Union and crossing paths at events. I always thought so highly of her. I actually had the chance to film her on a few occasions as the videographer for Dancing with the Mountaineer Stars where she showed off her dancing skills.

 

When she called to ask me capture her big day I was beyond honored.

 

Nicole is from Moorefield, WV, attended West Virginia University, and currently works for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. Craig grew up in both Preston County, WV and Oakland, MD. He attended the University of Maryland for his undergraduate degree and is currently getting his MBA from West Virginia University. He works for EQT Midstream.

 

I love Nicole and Craig’s love story. It is SO sweet and all about second chances. They met in Morgantown, and had their first date at Black Bear. The date went well, who doesn’t love burritos and great conversation? The problem is then no one called. Unfortunately, there was a bit of miscommunication. Craig thought Nicole didn’t like him and vice versa. So fast-forward 9 months later…Craig moved to Morgantown, he touched base with Nicole to see if she’d like to grab coffee. Nicole agreed but more than anything said she wanted to know why he didn’t call. Well, after quickly clearing up any misunderstandings on their second “first” date they hit it off and never looked back.

 

Nicole and Craig chose the perfect backdrop for their big day at Crosskey Vineyards in Mt.Crawford, VA. Not only did this location boast gorgeous backdrops for the couple, but the entire staff was just wonderful.

 

They also specifically chose April 19th in honor of Nicole’s grandparents anniversary, which couldn’t be sweeter in my opinion.

 

On that note, their entire day was truly about celebrating their union as husband and wife in the company of friends and family. It was a beautiful affair. Even when we had to forego our evening bridal portrait session due to dreary weather I love that Nicole suggested going around to capture each table with the bride and groom. I feel they’ll cherish those moments and photographs always. Such a special idea that I would highly recommend to all of my couples.

 

Nicole and Craig did a beautiful job making their day a wonderful celebration of their love story. Between sweet sentiments like heartfelt letters to one another, Nicole carrying pieces of her grandparents with her down the aisle, the gold and blue cross/rope ceremony made from wood and rope from both of their families properties, to Craig and his mother’s first dance kicking off the reception …the day was nothing short of wonderful.

  

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!

 

Oh, and be on the lookout for their wedding video! It was such a pleasure working alongside Mountain Memories and I have no doubts it’s going to be a stunning final product.

 

 

Wedding Coordinator : Nikole Taylor with Crosskey Vineyards

Florist: Mountain Laurel Marketing

DJ: Christain Lane of Music

Photobooth: Photobooth of Charlottesville

Videography: Mountain Memories

nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
2019-04-22_0053.jpg
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
2019-04-22_0038.jpg
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography
nicole and craig say I do at crossykey vineyards va maryn graves productions wedding photography

Charlotte Paige || Third Birthday Portraits || Lifestyle Session

Charlotte Paige || Third Birthday Portraits || Lifestyle Session

Happy 3rd birthday my little love. You are our sunshine.

Charlotte Paige || Oh How You've Grown || Third Birthday

Charlotte Paige || Oh How You've Grown || Third Birthday

Our sweet little girl, it’s hard to believe you turn three today.  I just laid you down for your daily nap and while I sit here reflecting on all of the wonderful little things I love about my little girl I find myself thankful that 1. I have you and your brother on the same schedule and 2. That I’m fortunate enough to be here everyday with you watching you learn and grow.

Cooper James || Cake Smash + First Birthday Portraits || Backyard Mini

Cooper James || Cake Smash + First Birthday Portraits || Backyard Mini

This past weekend we celebrated this little man’s first birthday with family and friends. It was such a great day!

Carter James || Turning Two || Mingo Park Lifestyle Session

Carter James || Turning Two || Mingo Park Lifestyle Session

2-year-olds are fast… I mean really fast. I know I have one myself. Carter was on the go our whole session, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. You want your little one to feel comfortable and be themselves, and that’s exactly what I aim to capture.

Kailey || Backyard Mini

Kailey || Backyard Mini

Although Kailey will be a young professional in her program we wanted to be sure to keep this session fresh young and natural for her to reflect her personality.

Sweet Ella || Tiny Toes || DC Newborn Session

Sweet Ella || Tiny Toes || DC Newborn Session

Sometimes life's little challenges bring out the best in us.I never imagined having an urban newborn shoot, and hitting the city streets with a sweet little baby was definitely something unknown for me.... but spending time with this family, this sweet little girl, made for an amazing day out.