After Laura and Caleb’s engagement session, I knew I was in for a treat with their wedding. These two are hilarious together, fun to be around and really enjoy giving each other hell…in the most endearing way, of course. Their wedding was held On Sunny Slope Farm and it was filled with sunshine, raindrops, laughter, love and lots of friends and family.
Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Spicer!
On the day of their wedding, Kimberly and Greg meandered the same farm land without catching a glimpse of each other pre-ceremony. They were equally giddy and pleasant, eager to see each other and say their vows under blue skies. The wedding took place on a family friend’s farm in Linville, Virginia. Kimberly and Greg created a very thoughtful event that was a comforting representation of the two of them. Their day was complete with hand-touched goodies like dried flower bouquets, bow ties made by their friend Morgan, a beautiful painted watercolor tree/guestbook by their friend Marcia, a precious mini wooden bride and groom set painted by the groom and centerpieces made with tree bark collected by the bride and groom on their many hikes together. Even our post-ceremony couples photos included a hillside hike that made them both beam with joy. (Yes, the bride was happy about hiking up her wedding dress and tromping through dirt. That’s because she is awesome.) But it wasn’t just the decor that had personal meaning, they had a ceremony duet by Maggie and Jordan, who both attend their church, a ceremony led by the bride’s step father, a solo by the groom’s father, hand-churned apple cider that turned into team effort, dinner by local favorite A Bowl of Good, a cake baked by the bride’s uncle and iced on the spot and live music by local band Many Nights Ahead to keep the reception lively.
From start to finish, guests smiled and hugged and celebrated their joy. To close the evening, everyone gathered outside while the couple attempted to light a paper lantern as the wind gusts picked up. There on that hill in Linville, we all stood together under millions of stars as the groom’s father began singing “This Little Light of Mine”…and all the guests joined in. It felt very symbolic to hear this beautiful sound coming from their loved ones, surrounding them, in the complete darkness.
And of course….a few of my favorite sillies!
I arrived at Barren Ridge Vineyards a few moments before the bride and groom. And I’m glad I did. Otherwise, I would have missed the arrival of the soon-to-be-wed couple who casually strolled in the back door, wedding dress in hand, wind blown hair and beaming, relaxed contentment settled into their eyes. At first sight of their freshly decorated tables they both became vocally excited and thrilled that it was here. Their wedding day was finally here. They rushed to different rooms to change and in a few short moments they were embracing and celebrating once again. The wind carried the time away as we wandered around the hills and vines of the vineyards with a Dalmatian in tow. Their family joined and later their friends and before we knew it the sun left the sky and guests enjoyed an epic first dance, a wonderful gourmet meal, smooth wine, toasts, stories, and lots of dancing. Congrats and cheers to you both, Amy and Kelly!
Cupcakes & Cake: The Cupcake Company | Dress: Kathleen Temple, Tailor | Custom knitted shaw: Knitting Savant |Caterer: TASTE. | Florist: Joy Shank Coakley of The Weekend Florist | Venue: Barren Ridge Vineyards
I’m convinced the Whistleman boys wake up with sneakers on because surely they hit the ground mid-sprint each morning. What a pleasure it was to meet up with these two fast-paced bundles of energy…and the parents that keep up with them(!) for a family mini-session on Storybook Trail. The sun was low in the sky and kept saying good night as our session continued. But I managed to get some shots and a decent workout. Successful evening.
I had a fun time meeting with the Lehman Family on a beautiful patch of their family-owned land in Singers Glen. Their cute son has the deepest, darkest eyes I have encountered to date! Below are a few of my favorites from our session.
I met the Layman Family one brisk Friday evening after school. The park had not yet become busy with families so we took advantage of the tucked-away and beautiful Timberville Park. Little Owen wooed me with his silly faces, Madison was polite and gave me her super sweet smile. I’d say this is a pretty decent way to start off any weekend. 
On my way to the Blosser’s home for their family session, I got lost. And right after that, I lost cell service. And soon, I would lose daylight. After zigzagging around Fulks Run, Virginia for nearly thirty minutes, I found their home tucked away on a beautiful patch of land. As the sun began to settle in for the night, their three dogs greeted me with barks while darting circles around me. The baby, Harper, stared at me for a few minutes…then fell asleep, right on her daddy’s chest. The whole evening was perfectly imperfect, just the way I like. What a sweet little growing family!
Brandy Somers Photography 