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!

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Andrew and Joy were married on Saturday. It was the kind of wedding that gave you a glimpse of the love and commitment they have for each other, something so deep you can hardly describe it or put it into words. As always it is wonderful to photograph a love like this.

The drive to Richmond was easy to meet Andrew and Joy. As I drove I talked to a friend about the pictures I would be taking, dreaming up locations and images that I wanted to capture. I haven’t had the chance to do many shoots in urban locations so I was looking forward to the variety. We met outside of their now rehearsal dinner location at a wonderful restaurant called Europa and started heading in the direction of a Richmond landmark. It was a perfect spot that Andrew and Joy scouted out the day before and I loved working the city name in to the images.

They were complete naturals. As we walked over to the location, we talked about their wedding, growing up in the Richmond area, and how they met. The camera started clicking and it was easy to see their love for each other.

We headed to several other spots throughout the city and there was so much to work with we could have shot for hours.

See what I’m talking about? Just lovely, and I can’t wait for their wedding. May is going to be gorgeous for them. I asked Joy to write something up about the wedding and what her perspective is at this time, so here is what she has to say:

Andrew and I knew from the beginning that we wanted a smaller wedding with just about 40 to 50 of our closest family members as guests. We have been together for almost four years now and wanted to share this day with those who were closest to us. My mistake was thinking that the wedding planning would be quick and simple because of this but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I quickly learned that the only thing that really changes about wedding planning with the number of guests is the number of invitations that go out. Never the less it has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life.

Now, just a short 5 months away from the big day I truly feel that it will turn out to be everything I dreamed of for one very important reason….the list.

I made a list very early on of what was most important for me to have on my wedding day and I think every bride does even if she keeps it in her mind. Just a mental note at least of what things are really important to you. For me, having great photos to look back on was at the top. Sure the dress will make you feel like a princess for a day, the musicians will sound as if you stepped into a grand ballroom in your palace, and the flowers that you pass as you walk down the isle will lead the way to your prince charming. But when it’s all said and done and all you have is a memory, what will be most important is being able to look back on that day and feel it all over again. Anyone can take a picture but I think it takes a true photographer to see the emotions of that day through a lens and preserve them on film. Which is why finding a great photographer was so important to me. Luckily for me I did, and I’m sure once our special day has been captured on film, she will share some of that with you.

This afternoon I went over to Richmond to shoot Joy and Andrew’s engagement session. It was wonderful to meet them and once again I’m so thankful for the people I get to work with! Photogenic and fun – what more could you ask for? Look for more soon from the whole session – really, I am getting caught up on a lot of things this week and they will be soon after.

On another note, how is everyone recovering from thanksgiving? Too much travel, food, family… or maybe not enough? I had a great time with my parents in town and they went back to Michigan this morning after a breakfast of pumpkin pancakes. Food was a main part of the weekend, but thankfully I had the motivation to run both friday and saturday which can be hard for me to do when I want to spend time with family. Now that Thanksgiving is done I can’t believe Christmas is around the corner. How did it come so quickly? I better crack down and finish my Christmas shopping and planning for all of the trips I have coming up. Let’s see, I’ll traveling within Virginia for a wedding, to Maryland for a wedding, to Michigan for Christmas, New York for New Year’s and a wedding (not NYC, but Rochester), and the Nashville TN for Imaging USA. Can’t wait but I definitely need to make plans and lists to make sure I am ready and stay on schedule. I also can’t wait to see everyone along the way and if anyone is interested in Michigan or New York sessions while I’m there let me know now so I can plan ahead!