Alex and Taylor have the best luck with the most beautiful sunsets!!! I know this because their engagement session AND their wedding day had ideal glowy light. Thinking back to when Alex, Taylor, and I initially talked, I couldn’t help but love many qualities about their relationship. A) They laugh often and love each other HARD. B) They hold value in their family. C) Taylor has excellent attention to detail. <= Gotta love a another type A gal! D) Alex’s admiration for Taylor is one of a kind. Guys… Just look below to see the way he looks at her. Talk about melting hearts out there!!! Bottom line, I adore these two as individuals, and better yet, together. I still cannot believe we can ultimately thank Tinder for making this relationship and Taylor’s wedding dreams come true!

We met up last October to photograph their engagement portraits on the beautiful Skyline Drive! Although, it’s hard to believe we had gorgeous fall colors when I’m looking outside right now, and I only see green! We frolicked in the sunset on the cliffs of the Shenandoah Mountain … Not really because as clumsy as Taylor admits (as well as her mother during her speech), I’m not sure that would have been safe. 😉 If you didn’t see their engagement session, check it out HERE!! It was GORGEOUS. From their proposal at King Family Vineyards with the Shenandoah Mountains in the background to standing on top of the mountains for their engagement session to their wedding venue with again, the Shenandoah range in the far distance, I think it’s obvious that Alex and Taylor appreciate a good view!!! And I LOVE THAT!

Alex and Taylor’s wedding was a dream to photograph. From the charming garden details in their reception to the incredible views and sunset we were blessed with to (of COURSE) the love and bond they share not just between each other, but with everyone, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time with them. I’m so glad I had the opportunity not just to meet, but get to know Taylor and Alex on a more personal level. I love that I can brand Taylor with a few important details in life — Alex (duh!), FLAMINGOS (I think I’ve sent many Instagram messages of flamingos I’ve run across during my travels over the past year, HA!), Kendra Scott (my gal!), rapping and dancing (loved watching her and her siblings get down!), photography (YESSSSSS!!!!), and of course, family and friends! When it came to designing their wedding, I love that they took into consideration what Alex does for a living. Because he is a landscaper, the Market at Grelen was the ideal choice! The expansive property is beautiful, and again, gotta love that view! Besides Alex’s love for plants and trees, he obviously loves his wife (did you read that new title, Taylor?? AH!), his family (his dad was his best man and the bond him and his mom have is one of a kind), whiskey, friends, and America! Together, they make a beautiful and super fun team. I cannot wait to see where the future takes them! But in the meantime, enjoy looking through some of my manyyyyy favorites from their special day!!!

ALEX & TAYLOR’S WEDDING DAY

I met with the girls at the Boxwood Villa where they were finishing up hair and makeup before Taylor put on her STUNNING Hayley Paige dress!!! I saw a magnolia tree outside and thought I could incorporate the leaves in her detail photos, unknowing she had magnolia leaves in her reception. 🙂 I love how that tied in perfectly!

This party was only just beginning!!! 🙂

GORGEOUS group of girls!!

Flamingos … naturally, of course!!

I asked Taylor what was her favorite part of her dress. Her response? ALL OF IT! 🙂

Goodness, Taylor!! You’re stunning! 

After she put in her earrings, she looked in the mirror to soak in the moment and was overwhelmed with emotion. <3

Taylor loves her brother! I love this moment of her fixing his tie.

The girls reaction to seeing Taylor all dolled up was priceless! Love this so much!!!

We arrived at the Market at Grelen when I had the opportunity to meet up with Alex and his parents. While taking photos of Alex with his mom, they both became overwhelmed with emotion — I love this captured moment together. <3

Just before the ceremony, Taylor and Alex got to speak to one another through the door. It was an emotional moment for the two of them as they anticipated to see each other at the ceremony. 

I love this ceremony set up with the delicate garden chairs!

Alex’s reaction. <3 Oh, goodness.

Ohhhh my gosh. They seriously melt my heart.

Beautiful day outside with a gorgeous view of the rolling hills!!!

They decided to write love notes to each other and read them during the ceremony. They spoke words of how love is defined and what it means to feel loved by them. <3 Not a dry eye!!!

Taylor — “JUST PUT THE RING ON!!!” HAHAHAHA!

<3!!!!

The crew got together for some photos!!! 🙂

MARRIED!!!

So cute!

Taylor revealed her Kate Spade shoes to Alex and he was excited! Haha! Also, of courrrrseeeee, Taylor gave her bridesmaids Kate Spade jewelry. 😉 Naturally!

They are incredibly adorable together!!!

Alex also had a little hidden surprise! He had the men decked out in FLAMINGO socks!!! This totally made Taylor’s day!

We ran off to photograph around the extensive property!! I had the BEST time with them!! Just look at their joy! <3

 

Bridal magazine worthy, TAYLOR!!! GOODNESS.

We got up here just in time for the sunset!!!

Love the way he makes her laugh!

Love this photo of you both!

One of MANY MANY MANY favorites!!!

As Alex walked with Taylor’s bouquet in his hand, he grabbed her and said, “I hope this shows how much I love you!” HA!

<3 Okay… heart is officially melted.

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!

Emmie was so great driving us around the property! As we were finishing up photos, she looked at Taylor and said, “this is prime time for pond overlook portraits.” K! BYEEEEE! We zoomed up the hill to capture that same beautiful glow that was in their engagement portraits. 🙂

Adorable!!! Taylor was SO excited!!!!

#thatsunsettho

Loved the way they displayed table assignments!

So delicate and romantic!!!

Alex jokingly said (actually, maybe not even a joke), “I never want to hear anything about a DIY project again.” HAHA! He did a lot of the signage around the reception! What a sweet hubby! And this “roses are red…” sign is SO Taylor and Alex! Ha!

So sweet!!!

It was a beautiful, yet chilly, evening at the Market at Grelen! The moon hovered right over the ice cream stand … YES! They had homemade ice cream!!! They offered honey vanilla and brownie chocolate flavors. 🙂 Yum.

I love their playfulness, even though they said they were going to behave. 😉 HA!

They didn’t think they were going to find the buried bourbon … it was like a hidden treasure! But they found it thanks to a photo on Taylor’s phone when they first buried it! AND, most importantly, they were blessed with perfect weather!!!

This was a super fun bunch who loved singing and dancing!!!

As they sang “Take Me Home,” Taylor caught her brother tearing up at the end of the song! Sweet memories.

<3!!!!

YAYYYY!!!!

Gosh, Alex and Taylor!!!! THANK YOU so so so much for having me a part of your wedding!!!! I could not be more happy for you both. <3 I hope you enjoy this preview from your incredible day! XOXO!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this day so special!!!

Prepping Venue: Boxwood Villa

Venue: The Market at Grelen

Wedding Planner: Bride and Joy 

Hair and Makeup: Avenue 42 

Caterer: Shawn’s Gourmet Catering

Florist: Good Earth Flowers 

Baker: Sweethaus 

DJ: Nate Clancy from imthedj.net

Videographer: Nugen Media 

Stationery Designer: Elli Design

Dress Designer: Hayley Paige from Annalise Bridal 

Officiant: Sully Carter 

Rentals: Bride and Joy