One thing I like about having this blog is not only the opportunity for you to get to know me through my writing and images, but you get to know the people I photograph. I know for a fact that Joy has enjoyed reading the stories of other couples and seeing the images from engagement to wedding, so I’m excited that it’s time for me to share her and Andrew’s wedding!
From the time that I first talked with Joy, and then photographed her and Andrew for their engagement session, I could tell that I was photographing a couple that had something special. They are people that are genuine, real, and so in love. When I arrived in Richmond to document their wedding I was immediately welcomed by their family and friends and it was obvious to me why Andrew and Joy were the people they are. I can only say it was wonderful to be a part of this day and I have to admit I even cried a little behind my camera while I was photographing the speeches. So let’s start at the beginning with some of the gorgeous details…
The reception took place at James River Cellars Winery, in Richmond Virginia and to get there a vintage Rolls-Royce (I’m not actually sure that’s the car – correct me if I’m wrong) transported and Andrew and Joy in style. Joy’s dress was fabulous and the lace at the bottom was stunning. It’s oyster color was complemented by copper-gold heels she wore.
Birds were a decorating theme throughout the wedding and the cake topper was an adorable felted set. I’ve never seen a pear shaped ring that is more beautiful than Joy’s and I absolutely love it. Word on the street is that Andrew designed it – or at least picked it out for Joy. Either way kudos to you Andrew on a job well done.
I guess it’s at this point that I should tell not only the best story from Andrew and Joy’s wedding, but one of the best stories from any wedding. It goes something like this:
We arrived at the winery to take pictures, and I quickly saw a row a trees next to the driveway. Noticing the ivy on the trees and the gorgeous greens I suggested Andrew and Joy stand next to them. I’ll add that at this point we are right next to the winery building – not at all off the beaten path. Joy took her time, since you saw the shoes she wore, and gracefully took her place under the trees. Andrew joined her, and just as we were ready to start shooting, his uncle came over to us and said “that’s poison ivy you’re standing in.”
*gasp* (In my head I’m thinking not only did I just ruin their wedding, add to a more stressful day and successfully cripple them for their Italian honeymoon… but they’re going to hate me)
Joy and Andrew moved out of the ivy (not all of it was poison ivy – but some of it was) and seemed unscathed by the event. The reassured me that it would be okay and that they couldn’t tell if their was poison ivy in their either. We decided praying for them was the best decision and did the only thing we could do: move on. A few days later on their honeymoon, Joy commented on the preview post on my blog from their wedding and let me know they were poison ivy free and were enjoying their time in Rome!
That last one is so mysterious and romantic. To see the full story of Andrew and Joy’s wedding visit their proofing gallery, and watch the slideshow below. Joy has become a blog follower (along with a few family and friends I hear!) so it’s time to leave her and Andrew some love and let say hi or let them know what you liked about their wedding – I know they won’t have any problem getting a free 16×20 print!
by Mary Dougherty
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