Est. 2012 | Colorado Springs, Colorado and Charlottesville, Virginia wedding & family photographer

These two literally bring JOY to everyone they encounter. Whether it’s a stranger, an acquaintance, a friend or family member, without a doubt these two will bring light into your day! <3 I had the privilege of meeting these two through a photographer friend, and I’m SO glad we connected! It was an instant click when I met Jessica via Skype about a year ago. After hearing their love story (if you haven’t heard it, you HAVE to read it HERE!), I knew these two were special. 🙂

We met at Skyline Drive a year ago for their engagement portraits and I had the BEST time with them. I noticed right away their encouraging, outgoing nature. It seemed as though we had been friends for a long time and I enjoyed our quality conversations. 🙂 It was my first time meeting Joel and it wasn’t hard to notice how much he ADORED Jess. Gosh, I could go on and on about these two! Without a doubt, these two will bring light into your life if you have the opportunity to meet them!

Fast forward to Saturday… It was FINALLY their turn to say YES to forever! 🙂 I arrived in a room full of girls, all super nice and welcoming!! As soon as I started documenting the details, one of the girls approached me with a secret. The girls all chipped in and got Jess her very own Mrs. Box! What a SWEET idea!!! Of course, Jess was overwhelmed by the thoughtful gesture, and I was able to include her new detail in the bridal detail photos. 🙂 Immediately, I felt as though I was documenting a styled shoot, so the day started on a high note!

After everyone was dressed, Joel and Jess made time to have a special moment with their parents. It was the SWEETEST thing! They each wrote special letters to them and gifted them handkerchiefs with notes embroidered on them. It was definitely a sentimental moment worth documenting/sharing! <3 Jess grabbed her bouquet, and it was time to see Joel! They met in the butterfly garden where I could tell how anxious Joel was to see his beautiful bride!! I had to laugh because it was evident how excited he was! As Jess made her way to her dashing groom, tears flooded her eyes, and she was finally able to see him. I loved Joel’s reaction as he placed his hands on her cheeks in complete disbelief. The laughs and smiles didn’t stop the entire time as we made our way through the gardens. 🙂 Eventually, we met up with the wedding party where they were ready to celebrate the day! Everyone looked amazing! I loved the color choices as well as the flowers The Proper Petal created!!! Of course, the men had to show off their fun sports socks. Haha! They were so proud of them. 🙂 Before we knew it, we were off to the ceremony!

The ceremony was situated in the gardens with the prettiest arbor! Jessica and her dad made their way to Joel, and you could tell that Jess’ dad was VERY proud! His judgment of Joel changed a lot since their first meeting (Lol!), and honestly, I could not picture a more perfect soulmate! They were made for each other. <3 After exchanging vows and rings, Joel wrapped his arms around his wife and dipped her down for their first kiss! Gosh, I adore them!! Then they were off on their way as husband and wife!!

Finally, it was PARTY time!!! 🙂 Their reception space was decorated to fit their garden theme, and it was beautiful!! Their guests were ready to move in and take over. In fact, during dinner, family members were cheering and doing the wave around the room. I couldn’t resist but smile and laugh because I saw where Joel and Jessica got their cheerful demeanor. 🙂 Oh, and I cannot forget to mention Joel and Jessica’s first dance! I heard them talking about how they needed to practice before the reception. I thought to myself they won’t need practice because I was sure anything they pulled off would be fabulous, and I was right! They were so coordinated, but the best part was it was effortless! It didn’t seem choreographed because they were having fun on the dance floor!! 🙂 After some sweet words shared to the bride and groom from loved ones, they brought the Hookie nation to the dance floor to kick off the dance party … Naturally! 😉 They kept the entertainment going throughout the night. After their cake cutting, they secretly pulled out a lighter and a candle and surprised one of their groomsmen with a Happy Birthday dedication. I told you they are thoughtful!!! At one point of the night, Joel, Jess and I got together to recreate a photo from Jessica’s parent’s wedding. You have to check it out below!!! Next, Joel and his crew surprised family and friends with a Backstreet Boys karaoke song. Lol! They got everyone on the dance floor with smiles and laughs! Speaking of dancing, Heidi (Jess’ Matron of Honor) wasn’t kidding when she said that Joel loses control of his body when he dances. LOL! Everyone cheered for him every time he entered the dancing zone. It was very entertaining and I love seeing how his dancing makes Jessica smile and laugh! 🙂 The floor was crowded the entire night, but what was special was when Jessica asked her grandfather for the last dance after everyone cleared out of the room for the sparkler exit. I loved seeing the bond Joel and Jess had with their families. <3 They ran through the sparkler exit and made sure to continue the party with campfires and s’mores. Perfect ending to the day!!! A HUGE congrats to Joel and Jess!!!!

Thank you, Joel and Jessica, for giving me the great honor of photographing your special day! I’m so happy you two walked into my life and became more than just a couple I photographed, but dear friends! 🙂 I’m looking forward to adventures with you in the near future! I hope you are having the BEST time on your honeymoon!!! Love you guys! XOXO! Congrats!!

The mother of the bride choked up after seeing Jessica with her hair/makeup done and had to step outside — Reality was sinking in!!!The coordinates where Jess and Joel met were engraved in Joel’s ring.Cute moment between Joel and his mom. 🙂Jess’ dad seeing her all dolled up — A very sweet, humbling moment!!!Jessica and her mom wore the same shoes. 🙂 Cute idea! And I absolutely LOVE this photo Amanda captured of Jess with her parents after reading a letter she wrote for them. 🙂 GAH!I want to say GORGEOUS to every single one of these photos!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂Uhhh… YES. I had to include some silly ones of Joel because this is so him! Lol! 

Sweet moment before Jess’ dad walked her down the aisle. 🙂 And he used his new hankerchief she gifted him earlier!I snuck in a photo of Joel and Jess practicing their first dance outside. 😉

Happy Birthday!!!! They are so thoughtful!!!Kareoking with the Backstreet Boys!Joel was out of control on the dance floor!! LOL!Jessica and Joel recreated a photo from Jess’ parents wedding. 🙂 Cute idea! I loved the candid right photo after champagne went all over her! Lol!<3!!!!Last dance was saved for Jess’ grandfather. 🙂 Loveeee this photo!!!YAY!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this day possible! 🙂
Venue: Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA
Wedding Planner: Bride & Broom Company
Hair: Gabby and Martha Hair & Make Up, LLC
Makeup: Hyer Beauty
Florist: The Proper Petal
Baker: Signature Sweets by Amanda
DJ and Lighting: DJ Bobby Hash
Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas
Dress Designer: Allure Couture from Ellie’s Bridal
Officiant: Canvas Church
Rentals: BBJ Linen