A Veteran's Day Honor :: Featured

Happy Veteran's Day, Friends! Today I'm thankful for the incredible men and women who have sacrificed so much to give us this beautiful nation we call home. I am blessed to be able to call some of these individuals friends and I am genuinely in awe of their selfless desire to fight for our country. We are protected by a truly wonderful collection of military personnel.

For this reason it is such an overwhelming honor to have been featured today on two different wedding blogs recognizing our courageous veterans. A few images from Adam and Karin's day after session can be found on the new {and ohmygosh so fabulous} Washington DC wedding blog, United with Love. I am so bummed we are moving away from the area just as United with Love is launching. I know this blog is going to do great things!

And I cannot express just how humbling it is to say that the second feature of the day is on the Southern Weddings Blog. Less than a year ago I was the bride planning my own wedding and checking Southern Weddings on a twice daily basis. To be featured on this site on any day of the year would, simply put, be an absurd excitement. But to be featured on a day that is so dear to both my heart and our home truly means the world. In a word, Joe and Jill's engagement was surreal and I use all sincerity when saying that I was the lucky one to be part of such a day.

Tonight I'm cyber-hugging all of you amazing people who have so selflessly served our country. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. It is because of you that I sleep so safely at night.

Michelle

Adam and Karin :: Marterella Winery + Vineyard

The truth of the matter is that my husband has noticeably handsome friends. And these handsome friends of his happen to choose absolutely stunning girls to spend the rest of their lives with. When Adam and Karin asked about the possibility of doing a day after session I distinctly remember appearing overtly eager for their business as I leaped across couches and ran through living rooms to brainstorm ideas with Karin. People, I do crazy things when I get excited about taking pictures. Crazy, crazy things. We spent our afternoon at Marterella Winery + Vineyard in Warrenton and I could not have been more excited about the location. It's always a little risky committing to a venue before seeing it, but Marterella exceeded every hope and expectation we had. The rolling hills of grape vines, the flawless afternoon light, the intriguingly beautiful couple. It's almost as if it was all a dream. A dream I'd rather not wake up from.

I'll be honest, these pictures were really, really easy to take.

Sweetness...

Karin, something about your expression says that you're safe in Adam's arms. And happy there, as well.

I almost feel as though I shouldn't have interrupted this moment with a picture. But then again I think this is a perfect moment to be able to remember forever.

Alright, I take back everything I've said thus far. Karin, you're too gorgeous for anyone's good and I'm kinda sick with jealousy. I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore.

Friends, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Jerry {you're gonna love him}. Jerry is the owner of the Marterella winery and he is just as wonderful as these pictures imply. After nearly a million unfruitful calls to local vineyards, Jerry was more than happy to let us traipse around his property all afternoon. During our phone conversation he even told me {and I quote}, "Why, we just love supporting newlyweds and wedding photographers!". Oh, Jerry, you're the best.

Happy Wednesday, Y'all,

Michelle

Kenny and Brittany :: Richmond Wedding Photography

The rolling hills, the golden leaves, and the perfectly groomed horses all vied for our attention as Jessie and I shot Kenny and Brittany's gorgeous Richmond wedding on Saturday. While the Virginian fall weather was noticeably hard to beat, it was the newly married couple who really stole the show. Kenny and Brittany (and, as always, Jessie) thank you for letting me join you on such a truly beautiful day. From the endless detail to the stunning bride and groom, photographing this wedding was, well, an easy job.

I'm in love with these bridesmaids' bouquets. They were both simple and dramatic and had the most wonderfully fragrant smell of mint to them.

Virginia, you are too good to me.

Please, by all means, why don't you two just stand there and laugh and look amazing doing it.

The reception was held at Richmond's lovely Rolling Run Farm and the natural detail found in the stables was a photographer's dream.

I'm now convinced that every wedding reception should have heart shaped sparklers.

I.Love.The.South.

A first dance in perfectly dewy sunset light...

This may be one of my more favorite reception photos. Ever.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,

Michelle