This wedding venue must have the best of luck with incredible sunsets! Or maybe it’s my couples because Graham and Rachel had a gorgeous evening for their Skyline Drive engagement session earlier this year!! It was so appropriate that they chose the Shenandoah National Park as their engagement session destination since they initial connected over their love for National Parks. Who would have thought that goofy math jokes on Tinder just to see guys reactions would connect Rachel to her future husband?! These two were absolutely meant to be, and I know I’m not the only one who thinks this. <3 I’m so glad we had the opportunity to connect during their engagement session before the big day! If you missed their incredible Skyline Drive session, check it out HERE!!!

Since their engagement session, the months flew by, and we finally had the opportunity to catch up a month ago. 🙂 They were SO excited for their whimsical and colorful fall wedding day at the Market at Grelen!!! We had no idea that fall was going to arrive as late as it did, but I’m glad we had beautiful yellow hues in the trees for their portraits! 🙂 What was also incredible was the sun came out during the moments that completely caught us in a state of “awe,” as you’ll see below! But their joy and love for one another shines even brighter in these portraits! I love their pure happiness and enthusiasm for each other as well as their loved ones. I’m so glad they stumbled across my work online so we had the opportunity to connect! 🙂 They are SO incredibly sweet and absolutely darling together!!!! Check out their day below!

GRAHAM & RACHEL’S WEDDING DAY

I was excited to return to the Market at Grelen on a beautiful October day!!! 🙂

The men were pretty excited to wear these Star Wars themed cuff links! They are so fun!!!

And Rachel was even more excited to wear these fun, sparkly heels for the party!!! They are definitely party shoes!!! Haha!

Rachel was SO excited to put on her BHLDN  dress!!! It’s so timeless!!!

Rachel gave a sweet letter to her mom to read before the ceremony, and her mom couldn’t start reading it without tears already flowing. Awe!!

After Rachel had a moment with her folks, it was time to see Graham! And Graham’s breath was taken away when he saw his stunning bride!!!

Rachel was overwhelmed with tears, but as soon as they exchanged letters, the tears flowed even more! It was so sweet!!!

Graham and Rachel, you guys look GOOD!!!!!!

I love how this dress picked up in the wind!!!! BEAUTIFUL! <3 <3 <3

Then we gathered the troops together for photos! Clearly, it was a good time!!!! Haha!

Love this photo!!! You all nailed it!

As you know, the men were excited about their cuff links, but they were also VERY excited about their socks!!! Haha! Had to show them off. 😉

Gorgeous, ladies!!! I love the burgundy shawls against the blue/periwinkle colored dresses!

So darling!!!! <3

Graham and Rachel held an intimate wedding in a tucked away garden at the venue. During the processional to Rachel’s entrance, the Star Wars theme song came on. So perfect!!! Graham was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw his bride for the second time that day. <3

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.

Song of Solomon 8:6

It was beautiful hearing Rachel’s vows to Graham. Before diving into her promises, she talked about the first time she met Graham, and how she had so much hope for him. She knew the Angels were on her side as she walked up the staircase to him. Her story was so descriptive and gave me chills hearing it! She’s an incredible story teller!!!

I love how their vows corresponded together and tied in a little playful banter, including dealing with each other’s passions for Disney, legos, and Star Wars. HAHA!

YAY!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3

The titles, “husband and wife,” looks great on you two!!! 😉

 

Soooooo much joy!!!!!!! <3 As we prepared to jump on a kubota, I warned Rachel that she needed to bundle up. I quickly picked up that Rachel and her family love sparkly things!!! HAHA! They pulled out this blanket for her to bundle in as we made the trek up the hill. I’m glad she was able to stay comfortable as we ran around. 🙂

We had beautiful light!!!

Love these!!! Haha!

GORG.

One of my favs!!! 🙂

We then made our way to the reception to start the party!!! 🙂

S’mores and campfires?! YESSSSS. One of my favorite fall activities!! 🙂

I love that Rachel chose a Disney song for their father/daughter dance! 🙂

Rachel’s father wrote a sweet, personalized poem for the two of them. <3

It was PARTY TIME. This crowd didn’t hesitate to jump onto the dance floor!!!!

Rachel’s lab friends! 🙂

Graham’s friends knew how to get down … and master the twirl! 😉 HAHA!

I love capturing little moments around the room, even if they aren’t on the dance floor. I found Graham’s grandparents slow dancing by themselves next to their table. 🙂 So sweet!

Sing-along songs are the best!!! 🙂

And so it “Shout!” HAHA!

Graham’s parents knew how to get dowwwwwwn!!!!!!

Haha! I love this!!! Also, this South American cinnamon rice milk drink, “Horchata” is SOOO good.

As I was taking photos of guests enjoying the campfire, I looked down to see how tiny their marshmallow sticks were and thought it looked painful. They all laughed about the challenge of not burning off their hands! HAHA! When I came back around later on that evening, the guests had much larger marshmallow sticks. I guess this crowd got the shorter end of the stick. 😉 <= See what I did there? Haha!

YESSSS!!! Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” was their final song! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Such a fun day with these two!!!!

THANK YOU, Graham and Rachel, for a great and fun day to photograph!!!! I cannot believe it came and went by so fast, but I love reliving your day through these photos. 🙂 I cannot wait to share the entire collection with you!!! XOXO!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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

Venue: The Market at Grelen 

Wedding Planner: The Hive Wedding Collective 

Hair: Event Hair by Lauren 

Caterer: Harvest Moon Catering 

Florist: Gloriosa 

Baker: Sweethaus 

DJ: TD Layman Sound Enforcement  

Stationery Designer: Felix Doolittle Paper Source 

Dress Designer: BHLDN 

Officiant: EQ Events