Meeting Lachelle and Steven for the first time over coffee was fun and natural. They were so warm and genuine that it felt more like a reunion than a consultation and I was instantly all smiles and eager to help them.
Steven had proposed to Lachelle on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you want a beautiful moment in a beautiful and natural location then it’s hard to beat the Parkway. Then again… this is Virginia… it’s always beautiful!
I was so happy to know that they wanted an engagement session. It’s a wonderful chance to take some time to celebrate their love for each other and a relaxed and (usually) quiet setting. I loved the ideas that they had about wanting a natural setting and I had a few locations in mind. We decided on using the natural backdrop of Sherando Lake and then another spot nearby… and it was amazing! They were so happy with the location, how their portraits turned out and the whole process… and I was ecstatic for them! This is what the session was all about!
Their wedding day was set for December, just a few days before Christmas. Their ceremony was to be held in Waynesboro at the Seventh-day Adventist Church and then move to the Red August Farm for the reception. Now, I know that I said that it was December but that didn’t matter. The warming glow from these two was contagious and made the chill of the day seem to go unnoticed. The day started with a first look at Red August Farm. A moment between the soon to be husband and wife that it’s precious and intimate. Very few people ever get to see this happen first hand but it’s always big smiles, big hearts, big hugs and occasional tears of joy.
Moving on to the church for final touches and ceremony preparation, I was able to get ready and grab a few quick but beautiful shots of the bride and she and her bridesmaids touched on the details of their outfits. Though we were confined to a fairly small space, the portraits turned out gorgeous! We all moved into the main room of the church, which I think is called the ‘nave’, to take the formal group photographs and prepare for the ceremony. Steven’s father was directing the service and wedding his own son and future daughter-in-law. What an honor!!
Smiles filled the room, a few happy tears and congratulations all around once the groom kissed his bride. Such a milestone in any persons life and I love being able to share and externalize these moments for them!
By the time the reception was underway, the light outside was fading but the joy and love inside were not. The celebration would continue on for several hours more but for Lachelle and Steven — I guess that they’ll never stop celebrating.
All the best to a wonderful couple!
