You might recognize these two because they were recently on my blog from their April engagement portraits at Airlie! 🙂 I adore these two for several reasons. 1) Their love story is unique, personable, and perfect. 2) They give all thanks and glory to God for bringing them together. 3) The way they look at each other is as sweet as can be!!! 4) They are some of the kindest, most generous people! Emily’s older sister, Lindsay, even mentioned it during her speech. Generous with time, money, and love! Without a doubt, these two are set for life. <3

I love that their love inspires me every time I hear them or someone else talking about how it all began. 🙂 The second I got on the phone with Emily a few months ago, I could hear the enthusiasm and excitement in her voice! They really are best friends and have created their marriage to be based on a foundation of friendship. That’s the best kind, after all!!! Funny enough, I’m reading about the value of friendship in a marriage in “The Meaning of Marriage.” Great book by the way!! When Emily and James talked about their special day, they wanted emphasis on family and FUN! They put together details that fit into their burgundy, navy, and gold color scheme while keeping the natural, outdoorsy feel with greenery! I loved walking into their reception and seeing their engagement portraits on banners! GORGEOUS — A great way to decorate! Before I spoil too much of their day, check it out below!!!!

JAMES & EMILY’S WEDDING DAY

The fairytale day started inside the venue where Emily and her family were setting up for guests to arrive. It’s a lot of work to host a wedding, especially when you’re doing a lot of it yourself! But Emily was SOOOOO great with her organization that she made it seem like a breeze! I loved seeing the girls hanging out doing each other’s hair and makeup while jamming out to 90s music! Brought me back to the high school sleepover days with Emily’s older sister. 🙂

This Beauty and the Beast Mrs. Potts Pandora bracelet was given to Emily from James’ stepmom. It turned out James’ stepmom received it as a gift when she married Mr. Potts and she decided to pass along the idea to Emily when James popped the question. 🙂

Emily had the best experience at Ava Laurenne Bridal in Fredericksburg where she found the perfect dream dress!!! To make it even better, she had a family friend, Gaye Law, make alterations and the veil!

<3 LOVE!!!

So sweet!!! Emily gifted her mom a handkerchief with a sentimental message embroidered on it. What a beautiful keepsake!

Family moments. <3

Awe, I love this special moment between James and his mom. <3

WORK IT!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAH!!!! Everyone needs her as a flower girl!

Not a cloud in the sky! What a perfect day!!!

They did it!!!! YAY!!!

Emily surprised her sister, Lindsay, by announcing for the second time Mr. and Mrs. Raby when they walked down the aisle together. 🙂 So thoughtful!!! Lindsay couldn’t help but do a happy dance — So Lindsay. <3

After telling the guys to be careful with their groomsmen gifts, Lindsay’s husband cut himself… It was small, but still!!! At least everyone made it safely down the aisle. 😉 HAHA! And I guess it’s a pretty useful gift to have on hand because everyone had to walk through a hallway of boxwood. So if any last minute pruning was needed, the groomsmen were ready! 😉

This flower girl worked her role to a tee!

OH YES.

After the wedding party departed, we had some slow time together before joining the party down the hill. 🙂 One of my favorite parts of the day!!!

Gosh, Emily!!!! Your eyes are gorgeous! No editing needed for those baby blues to sparkle! 🙂 Or that might just be because you’re GLOWING!

Beautiful!!!

Love the way they smile when they look into each other’s eyes!

Get it, girl!!!! You’re stunning!

Looking GOOOOOOD!!!!! <3

One of many favorites!!!

Philadelphia cookie tradition!

That cake cutting set is perfect!

HEYYYY MACARENA!

They are precious!!!!

Lindsay has a natural ability to get in front of a large crowd and be completely impromptu while getting the room cracking up! I love her story about when Emily started seriously talking to James — Lindsay couldn’t believe that Emily was talking about her forever-crush! She said they were in the middle of a restaurant when Emily told her and Lindsay yelled, “JAMESSSSSS?!?!?!!? THE. JAMES. POTTS?!” Hahaha! Gotta love these sisters and their enthusiasm! <3

Lindsay — You nailed the speech! HAHAHA! I love you!

Mr. Potts had wonderful advice to share with his son and daughter-in-law on Saturday. He emphasized communication, love, and enjoying each other’s company! 🙂 Amen!

This should tell you how generous of a heart Emily has… On her own wedding day, she excused herself from not just her first dance with her husband, but for a second time that evening with her father to have her sister come up for her very own first dance and father/daughter dance!!! Lindsay fled off with her husband a couple of weeks ago (photos coming tomorrow!!!! AH!!!), so Emily wanted to make sure she had the “wedding experience!” Emily is a great listener too because she knew exactly which two songs to play from their childhood years of wedding planning dreams. <3 You can see how much it meant to Lindsay!

The dance floor opened, and friends gathered for an unforgettable night!!

AWE!!! I love capturing sweet, tender family moments!!!

James switched into his dancing shoes!!!! Haha!

I love these sisters!!!! <3 <3 <3

Thank you, James & Emily, for giving me the greatest honor to document your love story!!! I love your love story and YOU! I pray that God continues to bless you both through your marriage! CONGRATS!!! Enjoy this preview from your special day!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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

Venue: Boxwoods Celebration Venue
Hair & Makeup: PR Partners in Bristow, VA
Caterer: Papa Johns
Florist: Shelley Henson
Baker: Rachel Ward
DJ: Keep DJ Service
Officiant: Shaw Henson