James & Emily | Rust Manor House, Virginia Winter Wedding Photographer

GUYS. This wedding was a dream come true! I remembered back in 2014, I wanted to play around with the idea of snowy portraits, so I grabbed some friends on a snowy day and photographed them in the winter wonderland! It was FREEZING, but gosh, so worth it after seeing the results!! Fast forward to last week … While prepping for James and Emily’s wedding day, the weather forecasters stated a 40% chance of snow! I was excited about the potential of snowy portraits, but really anticipated it to happen during the night hours (which still would have been romantic). Well, fortunately for us, the snow started coming down earlier that day creating a white blanket over the lawns and gardens. Better yet, the roads were clear enough so I didn’t have to worry about driving! Everything ran according to plan which was a huge blessing!

I arrived at the Rust Manor House early to scope out locations and warm up before the wedding day kicked into full gear. 🙂 I met up with Emily and the girls while the guys hung out at the groom’s cottage decorating the outside with beers (lol!). Emily pulled out her STUNNINGLY classy dress along with her details, and I was instantly excited about their photos before I even had the chance to start snapping! I really felt as though I was photographing a winter wedding styled shoot! It may as well have been because of the incredible team I had the privilege of working with on Saturday! 🙂 During that time, the creative team was downstairs working hard to decorate the interior with flowers everywhere! J. Morris Flowers and Perfectly Planned did an incredible job!!!

James and Emily kept the ceremony short and sweet so their guests didn’t have to stand for very long. Plus, they were just SO excited to be married!!! Their intimate ceremony took place in the main room of the house where flowers draped over the staircase and the altar arbor. Candles lit the room creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere as everyone gathered to witness them tie the knot. As soon as they kissed as husband and wife, everyone cheered and we were off to play in the snow!! As magical as snow is to photograph portraits, it’s also important to remember that it’s FREEZING and wet! The last thing I want to do is make my couple miserable! Haha! Fortunately, for me, James and Emily LOVED that it was actively snowing on their wedding day and wanted to embrace it! ** Be still my photographer’s heart!! ** I enjoyed their enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever! Emily seriously looked like a snow princess!!! Don’t you agree?!

Before we knew it, it was time to celebrate with family and friends! The staff revealed the side rooms where the guests would be seated for dinner. This winter wedding really came together looking at the cozy rooms filled with more flowers, candles, oversized gold mirrors, beautiful chandeliers, while keeping the color scheme neutral. Very classy!!! They had the Bachelor Boys Band play during the reception, and there was never a dull moment on the dance floor!! There’s something about a live band at a wedding that has everyone dancing – Love the energy level!!! 🙂 A couple of favorite moments during the reception was when the band played “Shout,” and all of James’ fraternity friends gathered around to throw him in the air! It was veryyyyy entertaining! HA! Then looking across the room was the sweetest grandfather enjoying himself, surrounded by his loving granddaughters. He was definitely a ladies man! 😉 HAHA! There was so much joy that came from him that evening and when one of his daughters brought over a picture frame of him and his late wife from their wedding day, he smiled so big as he held on to the picture! I could not help but tear up… When I saw his face light up, it showed how that one photo held on to so many memories! I feel inspired to write a blog post about this now!!! Haha! After dancing the night away, James and Emily were sent away in a beautiful vintage car with flower petals tossed in the air. What an incredible wedding to conclude the 2017 year!!!

Thank you, James and Emily, for having me a part of this magical day!!! Goodness, it was stunning!! Enjoy this preview from your wedding!!! Wishing you both the absolute best in the future!!! XOXO!