Stephen & Gabby | Morais Vineyards, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Saturday arrived and I felt hopeful the weather would work around our schedule. It always works out, after all. Honestly, though, it wouldn’t have worked if it wasn’t for Stephen, Gabby, their families and wedding party! Everyone was in high spirits, even throughout the downpouring rain. More logistical things have to go down with last-minute strategizing, but with everyone’s efforts, we managed to make this day picture-perfect! 🙂

That afternoon, I walked up to the NEW Morais Vineyards bridal suite, and I couldn’t help but awe over the details (outside and inside!). As soon as I saw Gabby, I could tell that she was on cloud nine! Beaming from ear to ear — It was obvious how excited she was to marry her best friend and CELEBRATE! 🙂 She pulled out a bottle of champagne, and we all stood back to wait for the pop. As I anticipated the “popping” photo, I couldn’t help but photograph the anticipation photos because she was laughing the ENTIRE time because it was a struggle! She’s adorable, and those moments are “So Gabby!” As the girls were finishing hair and makeup, I quickly rushed over to the men to get ahead of schedule before the rain came in to take groomsmen portraits. Fortunately, they were prompt and even ready for photos earlier than the photo itinerary we assembled. Seriously, this helped SO much. Kudos, men!

Gabby got into her GORGEOUS Justin Alexander dress (love the illusion back and lace detailing!), and everyone was stunned how beautiful she looked! We knew Stephen would feel the same way about her. 🙂 He adores her so much!! We were lucky because when we were able to run outside for the first look, it wasn’t raining too hard, so we took advantage of the weather! After they admired each other and soaked in a moment together, we dove right into portraits! Good thing we didn’t waste time because less than five minutes later, it started to downpour! The wedding party hurried through the rain to take shelter and knowing that we needed to take care of photos while not waste any time before the ceremony, the bridal party photos were photographed under a beautiful magnolia tree for a little shelter. I was okay to get rained on if it meant we were on schedule and we weren’t wasting precious photo time! 🙂 The rain lightened enough to take the entire wedding party out in the open for photos. But believe me, they were all troopers because it was still raining!! No one complained about it, and I’m grateful for their positive attitudes! <3

We managed to get the photos done, and it was time for Stephen and Gabby to get hitched!!! 🙂 Their ceremony was the SWEETEST. So many smiles, tears and laughs the entireeeee time! Gosh, I love these two!!! I found myself smiling and laughing to myself seeing them at the altar. As soon as they were pronounced as husband and wife, everyone enthusiastically cheered as well as Stephen and Gabby!!! The support these two have in their lives was evident, and I know so appreciated. <3

It was time to gear up and play in the rain! Good thing these two were already planning to spend their cocktail hour photographing portraits. The best part was that they told me that they wanted to EMBRACE the rain! You have no clue how relieved I was to hear this because I never want to force my couples to do something they aren’t comfortable doing, but I also want to make sure I encourage them in their best interest. I didn’t even have to encourage them to run outside with an umbrella! They were all for it, and they brought their smiles and laughs to make the most of our time together! Although I will admit, it was pretty chilly, and Gabby’s dress train was SOAKED. Thank you, Gabby, for braving through the elements!!! You look like a rockstar in these photos!!! 🙂

I walked into the reception space after the room flipped to take reception details and I was floored seeing the decorations Gretchen from Dragonfly Events and Design put together! Every detail was thought out and designed beautifully!!! Two long rectangular tables sat in the middle of the floor plan with statement floral arrangements and tall candelabras. I loved the simple table runner to unify the overall look between the round tables and the long wooden tables. One special, surprise detail I wasn’t even aware of was a proposal photo situated in the entryway. The best man mentioned during his speech that Stephen hired a photographer to document their proposal and Saturday was Gabby’s first time hearing this/seeing the photo! Okay, guys … Seriously?! How cute are these two?!

After dinner concluded, it was time to PARTY! Stephen and Gabby were totally pumped for this part of the day too. I didn’t realize how pumped until the live band started to play Proud Mary! You could tell that Gabby was winding up … Really, she was!!! LOL! All of the sudden, people cleared the area as Gabby was hyped dancing all over the place! It was hilarious!!! Even I wanted to join her on the dance floor!! HA! The Bachelor Boys Band did an incredible job Saturday night, and the guests loved them so much that started to chant, “One more song!” at the end of the night! So you better believe people danced their booties off until the last minute of the night! 🙂 What a great way to end the celebration!!!

As I go through these photos, I catch myself laughing thinking about these moments and the speeches. I’m still laughing about the “Hard Rap CD” that was mentioned in the best man’s speech and Gabby’s reaction to that comment, “That’s so Stephen!” LOL! I’m so grateful these two walked into my life as they have been an inspiration to my business as well as … Well, let’s just say #weddinggoals. 😉 Their love for life is infectious, and I absolutely adore these two as individuals, and even more so as a couple!!! I’m so happy this day was everything and more! <3

Thank you, Stephen and Gabby, for your optimistic spirits and for a BEAUTIFUL day/celebration!!! Your future is looking bright together, and I know without a doubt that you were meant to be. Congrats and I hope you enjoy this preview from your wedding day!!! XOXO!