Where to even begin with this couple … Let’s start off by saying that Debbie wore that Blush by Hayley wedding gown as if she was hired to model it! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I cannot wait to update my website this winter and sprinkle these photos of Zack and Debbie in my portfolio!!! Haha! 🙂 They embody beauty inside and out by the love and joy they share for life. I recognized that early on, but especially during their engagement session in DC. As we walked around, they were incredibly personable and overflowed joy, although it was chilly and super early in the day! I realized that this is “so Zack and Debbie” because on their wedding day, it was important that they had that one on one interacting time with their guests during the reception. How special is that?! Their values were in line with what can be the best but also the craziest day of your life! The hours seem to fly by fast, but it was as if Zack and Debbie hit pause and were able to absorb the people, atmosphere, and the moments happening around them. I felt that and I’m sure everyone else did as well! 🙂 Check out their special day below!!!

ZACK & DEBBIE’S WEDDING DAY

Prepping for Forever.

As soon as I walked in to greet Debbie, she was BEAMING with that beautiful smile she seems to always wear. 🙂 Hair and makeup were finishing up, which obviously meant a champagne toast was in order (duh!). Haha! And quickly following, the bridesmaids got into their burgundy gowns that got me into the fall spirit! Contrasting the striking burgundy colors, Debbie kept her details clean and simple with neutral color tones. I obsessed over her Mrs. Box because I had never seen the gold plated box top with a customized monogram before. 🙂 It photographed beautifully!!! As soon as Debbie put on her dress, we were all in absolute ‘AWE!’

Everything came together just as she envisioned it. After years of waiting, it was finally their time to tie to knot!!! Joy and tears overcame the moment and she danced around like a princess in the bridal suite. So cute! Before her and Zack’s first look, she opened a card and a gift from Zack and couldn’t hold back the tears from his words of excitement to marry his best friend! It was clearly mutual the way they both loved each other because when it came time to meet with Zack for his photo time, he couldn’t wait to see her! 🙂 Before then, he opened his gift from Debbie and had to stop. After walking away several times to hold back the tears, he eventually came back to the present and pulled out a muffin. As he wiped tears off his face while laughing, he explained to his family that the muffin was one of the first thoughtful gestures Debbie surprised him with when he was going through a hard time. It circled back around to their big day as a remembrance of where their relationship started. There was always love and I think they both knew early on where their future was taking them. <3

The First Look.

We were looking forward to the first look because there was so much emotional buildup happening beforehand. 🙂 They couldn’t wait!! As soon as Debbie tapped on Zack’s shoulder, Zack leaned over in disbelief! He could hardly believe that he was blessed with Debbie to call her his wife! The feelings were absolutely mutual as Debbie couldn’t hold back her tears either. <3 I feel like we could just stop here and admire how cute they are together… Haha! After regrouping, they welcomed their cute pup, Dany, for her closeup with her parents. 🙂 It wouldn’t be a wedding without their fur baby, of course! Haha!

Their Best Friends.

It’s always fun taking photos of the B&G with their besties!!! Fortunately, it seemed like everyone had fun during this part of the day. 🙂 Even the darling flower girls!!! They were precious in their garland crowns and fluffy white dresses, hugging each other. My heart couldn’t stop melting every time I glanced at them in front of my camera. 🙂 The girls wore long burgundy gowns that really made the color theme pop! Debbie’s florist did a great job with the bouquets and the men’s bouts balancing the whites and burgundy color tones. Most importantly, beyond the details, I loved seeing the happiness the wedding party had for Zack and Debbie!! <3 During this time, photographing the wedding party was the final countdown for Zack and Debbie to be Mr. and Mrs. officially! They could hardly wait to head to the church!

The Ceremony.

Nerves set in a little bit. There was no doubt at all, but there’s something a little nerve-wracking being in a formal setting like a ceremony. Debbie held to her father’s arm and walked down the long aisle to Zack, eagerly waiting for her at the altar. 🙂 After her father gently kissed her on the cheek and gave her away, the ceremony began with scripture from the Bible, reminding us how to love each other. <3 After the vows and ring exchange, they were finally pronounced HUSBAND AND WIFE!!! Right after Zack brought her in tightly for their first kiss, Debbie held his arm as they walked down the aisle and began to tear up. They were both so happy after waiting so long to make it official! 🙂 My heart skips a beat every time I see the photo below!!! Gosh, they are so special!

Zack and Debbie’s Cherishable Moments.

Photographing Debbie and Zack was a dream. <3 They were down for anything at any time and that really made my “work” a piece of cake!! Bluemont Vineyards has veryyyy steep hills on the property, but even in their wedding attire, they didn’t let a little work out hold them back from having photos taken with pretty views! 🙂 I had a tough time selecting which photos to share with you all because I could easily share their entire gallery. 😉 HAHA!

The Details.

Many guests enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere, especially after the sun began to set and left a painting of colors in the sky. 🙂 Inside the barn was a beautiful set up of twinkle lights, candles, sweets, and rustic/fall decor! Oh, and we cannot forget the tributes for their love for Dany, their pup! They had a dog treat bar and even a cocktail sign with their signature drink called “The Dany Delight!” Haha! So cute! A bar off to the side was covered in a selection of little bite-sized treats and on the way out the door was a donut display for their family/friends to enjoy after the party ended. I also appreciated the photos they had from their engagement session sprinkled around the room — One of my favorite sessions!!! 🙂

The Party.

Like I said in the introduction of this blog post, they really value one-on-one interaction with their loved ones and put that as a priority. After being introduced into their party and enjoying a slow first dance together as husband and wife, they took the microphone to show gratitude for those who came to share their special day. Zack made sure to lighten the speech by sharing that he ripped his pants earlier that day. HAHA! And following dinner, they continued the fun by playing the “shoe game.” After everyone got to know them even better after ther game was done (;)), they took time to go around the room to chat with their guests. They enjoyed listening to family and friends tell stories from their childhood years as well as their first interactions with Zack and Debbie together as a couple not just within the private conversations but also through the toasts. The night was filled with laughs and DANCING! The wedding party was ready to kick off the dancing by line dancing to the Macarena! And it worked. 🙂 Haha! The dancing led the night to the last dance and Debbie and Zack were they were sent off with sparklers and family surrounding them. The perfect way to end and remember a magical day!!!

THANK YOU, Zack and Debbie, for having me photograph your engagement session and wedding day! I feel so blessed that my business brought you two into my life. <3 I could go on and on how you’re a bundle of joy to be around … It was a real treat being by your side on your wedding day!!! Thank you for everything and I hope you’re enjoying the newlywed life! XOXO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!!

Reception Venue: Bluemont Vineyard
Ceremony Venue: St. John the Apostle Catholic Church
Hair: Tress Hair Co.
Makeup: The Highlight Makeup Artistry
Caterer: Savoir Fare Limited
Florist: Event Studio
Baker: Signature Sweets By Amanda
DJ: Digital Sound Service
Videographer: Shutter and Sound
Stationery: Minted
Dress Designer: Blush by Hayley