You all are in for a treat! This reception/party was one I (and the onsite vendors) will never forget! 🙂 As I was writing this blog post I had to listen to “That was a Crazy Game of Poker” by OAR to reminisce the fun energy of the evening! Before I tell you everything about Tim and Carina’s special day, I want to bring it back to when I met them at their engagement session last fall. There are two words that come to mind when I think about these two — Real and adventurous! Sure, when I think of someone who lives out in Colorado, they must love the outdoors and be adventurous. Not always the case, but they do!!! And I laugh when I think back to their engagement session… Carina mentioned how much she loves trees and how they would love to climb and even hang upside down off a tree limb! I didn’t know that Carina was secretly marrying Spiderman at the time!! 😉 If you want to check out their fun Manassas Battlefields engagement session on the blog, check it out HERE!

Almost exactly a year after their engagement session, we met again, but this time at the beautiful Big Springs Barn in Lexington, VA. Tim and Carina could hardly wait to celebrate their big day with family and friends, and I could hardly wait to photograph all of the action! I didn’t really know what to expect, but now I’m convinced every wedding needs a “crazy hour!” Haha! Besides their fun reception craziness, I loved Tim and Carina’s ceremony. It was simple, yet meaningful, especially when they opened up their vow book to reveal their hearts. These two were meant to be, and I’m honored to have been a part of their day by documenting the start of their forever love story. <3

TIM & CARINA’S WEDDING DAY

They ended up with the most beautiful fall day at Big Spring Farm!!! Everyone admired the property from the trees (you know Carina loved that!!), to the beautiful pond, rolling hills, and the rustic vibe of the barn and surroundings.

Just admiring her Watters gown, we knew it was going to be a “twirlable” dress! She was so excited to get dressed up and see Tim for their first look!!! A couple of things while she was getting ready — Carina is a down to earth, real, simple girl! Some of the many qualities I admire about her!!

Carina was SO excited about her dancing shoes!!! She was ready to break some moves on the dance floor before the reception started. Haha! I love the fun surprise on the bottom of her shoes!

I love moments with parents. <3

Carina’s mother gifted her Tiffany’s earrings and a beautiful necklace. Something to hold onto forever and pass down for generations to come. <3

As soon as Carina tapped Tim on his shoulder for him to see her, he immediately grabbed her in for a hug. I can feel the loveeee!!!

Carina surprised herself by tearing up during the first look. <3

GOSH!!! They are so stinkin’ adorable together!!!

One of many favorites!!!

Tim is completely enthralled by her. I love you can see it in these portraits!!

This car is so special to Carina and the family. It was her grandfather’s car, who she cared and loved so much! I’m glad he was there in spirit. <3

Carina! You’re GORGEOUS!!!!

This group was so much fun!!!

Carina wanted a leaf tossing photo, but the summer temps decided to linger around longer than anticipated. We decided to do toss green leaves anyways, and laughed when we thought it looked like spinach! We can make that a thing in wedding photography, right? Promote healthiness — A healthy marriage? HA!

As guests walked into the ceremony, they were encouraged to stop by the Oathing Stone and bless the couple as they start this new adventure as husband and wife.

As the ceremony started, Carina and Tim surprised guests with a song from Star Wars. I photographing their reactions as they recognized the music. 🙂 Carina looked beautiful!!

Carina again surprised herself when she was overcome by emotions while reading her vows to Tim. <3

Tim’s vows were from the heart and made so many people cry. But my favorite part was at the very end, he said, “To conclude my vows, I want to reference my favorite coffee mug, ‘Yoda one for me.'” HA!

YAYYYYY!!!!!

That beautiful light!!!! And you know that because Carina lovessss trees, we had to find the best tree spots. 🙂

Gosh! So many favorites!!!

This is hilarious! Carina loves trees so much that her dress tried becoming one!

Perfect.

Stunning, Carina!! Also, I love that Tim and Carina took some time to practice their first dance. 🙂

This backdrop. <3

THIS BACKDROP. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

Like a princess on her wedding day! <3

I love the simple greenery on the chandelier!

Instead of the traditional cake, Tim and Carina wanted to serve their guests little pies and cakes. Now I’m excited for Thanksgiving!!!

This party crew knew how to bring in the party!!! HA!

They are precious together!!!

The Dayton crew!

We made this group photo happen!!! YES.

I think these guys were ready to drive after this song! HAHA!

The Hokie crew!!

Then… at 9 p.m. the crazy hour started. This meant late night snacks, fun hats, and CHAOS!! The“Hora Loca” is a Peruvian tradition to catch guests off guard right when the reception would typically start winding down. Out of nowhere, an alarm gathered guests and hats were tossed in all different directions. It was a big raging party until the last song!!!

Oh, and power hour???!!?!? OF COURSE.

My favorite part of the night.“That was a Crazy Game of Poker” by OAR turned on! They gave all of their guests a deck of cards to throw in the air and go CRAZY!!!

Carina had to find the Ace of Hearts – Which, of course, she did!!! 🙂

And that is how you throw a party!!!!!

THANK YOU, Tim and Carina, for having me document your engagement and wedding day!!! I am soooo glad my business brought you two into my life! I hope to come out to Colorado one day and take on some sort of tree climbing adventure with you. 😉 HAHA! Maybe not trees … but a mountain sounds great! I am so thrilled for you and know that you’re going to have a fun married life together!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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

Venue: Big Springs Barn

Wedding Planner: Barbara Mollica

Hair and Makeup: Erica Toney with Brides By E

Caterer: Southern Inn Catering

Florist: University Florist 

Baker: Sweet Treats Bakery 

DJ and Lighting: Hey DJ Bobby 

Videographer: Clear Vision Videography 

Stationery: Staccato Stationery 

Dress Designer: Watters 

Officiant: Josh Scott

Transportation: Mountain Valley Transport