5 years ago if you would’ve told me I’d be the photographer at this girls wedding… I would’ve laughed in your face! Mostly because I hadn’t started photography professionally and because Missy and I met in the weirdest most unfortunate way! However, things change and we have become friends who really do have a lot in common. Like LOVING beautiful photos! I had the honor of photographing her Bridal Portraits and was so excited to photograph her wedding. To date, this was the FUNNEST wedding I have ever shot and was a nice little get away seeing as it was in Lexington, VA.  It was a cold, white, wintery day with several feet of snow on the ground.  I was ecstatic when Missy threw on some tall boots under her gorgeous dress and said “lets go!” … outside we went to do her and Patrick’s first look!  I LOVE when brides are down for anything and I’m so glad she embraced the snow and didn’t let it stop us from getting some beautiful photo’s. She mentioned a few weeks before the wedding that she had been wanting a snowy wedding and she got her wish — YAY!!

I took Patrick out front of the venue, with help from Shay Rybin, wedding planner and coordinator from Pinch of Charm Weddings.  He stood there waiting for Missy to arrive, and as she tapped him on his shoulder, he turned and looked at her with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen a groom have when he see’s his bride for the first time! He hugged her tightly, grabbed her hand, and kissed it in such a gentleman way that it would have made anybody’s heart melt! I remember saying “awwwww” from behind my camera as I frantically shot that candid and raw-emotion filled moment. Ahh, this is why I love this job! I’m surrounded by people who are so IN LOVE and I can’t think of a better way to spend my days “working.”

After the first look, and after all of our hands were blue and frozen, we went inside and it was ceremony time! We had a quick last minute change to the ceremony location due to the amount of snow Lexington received but Missy & Patrick rocked it out and it was still just as beautiful as ever! The reception rolled around and the photo booth was INSANE! So many FUN and hilarious people, gettin’ their photo on and having a blast while doing so. The dancing was just as insane… I’ve never seen a brides father get down the way Missy’s did!

I’m so so happy and honored that I was chosen to capture this perfect, beautiful day.  I wish nothing but health, love & a lifetime of happiness to you both, Melissa and Patrick! You two are meant to be – I can see it in the way you look at each other. Now go make beautiful babies!! XOXO!

Missy, I hope you always look at Patrick this way!