I had been looking forward to this wedding day for years! I first met Caroline and Drew almost 10 years ago at Lynchburg College and throughout our time working together for their wedding, we quickly moved from acquaintances to clients to amazing friends! Last Fall I flew out to Colorado to photograph their engagement session which was it’s own adventure you can read about HERE! But when it was finally time to celebrate their wedding back in Virginia, I couldn’t wait!

Like most couples, Caroline and Drew dreamed of a sunny, spring day, surrounded by the mountains in Lexington VA. However what we got was a frigid, rain filled wedding, covered in fog…we quickly learned that rainy day weddings run in the family! So it must be good luck! This change in scenery could have ruined the vibe immediately, but these two were never phased! Their beautiful venue at Irvine Estate featured the perfect covered porch to allow for photos outside with a peek of the mountains, without getting soaked!

If the weather changes weren’t stressful enough. With travel restrictions around the world, the Best Man was also stuck in another country, unable to attend in person. Luckily the wedding party pitched in for a “life-sized” cardboard cutout to carry around the entire day! This couple was beyond special in so many ways! Drew has the most genuine and contagious personalities. He took time to speak to every guest and vendor and let them know how much their presence meant to him! And Caroline was the most laid back, fun loving, and warm hearted bride! She wasn’t phased by the last minute location switches, 40 degree mountain breeze and didn’t hesitate running through the rain in her full tulle skirt and Kate Spade Keds!

Together these two had the most amazing wedding day surrounded by cross country friendships, family stories, and even featured one of my new favorite wedding features! Following their intimate first look, Drew and Caroline exchanged their handwritten vows to one another, in private, ahead of their ceremony. They were able to laugh, cry, and hug without the watchful eyes of their guests. Most couples don’t even get 10 minutes alone on their wedding day! This personalized addition was the perfect way to get out the pre ceremony jitters and give Caroline and Drew a few more minutes to soak in the day!

The night ended with all of their guests serenading the bride to the song “Sweet Caroline” and snacking on some delicious dessert from Pronto Gelato! I have so many favorite moments from this day! Keep scrolling for an inside look!

Ring and invitation detail shot at Lexington Virginia wedding Wedding detail shot in Lexington Virginia Wedding shoe detail shot in Lexington Virginia Dress detail shot at Lexington Virginia wedding Bride prepares for wedding ceremony at Irvine Estate First look with bride and bridesmaids at Irvine Estate Bride opens box before wedding ceremony at Irvine Estate Bridesmaids peek out window to view first look between bride and groom in Lexington Virginia Mom cries before wedding ceremony in Lexington Virginia First look with bride and dad at Irvine Estate First look with bride and groom at Irvine Estate Bride and groom share private vows before wedding ceremony at Irvine Estate Bride and groom kiss at wedding in Lexington Virginia Bride and groom pose with bridal party and cardboard groomsman at Irvine Estate Virtual groomsman calls on FaceTime before wedding ceremony at Irvine Estate Groom and groomsmen posing before the wedding at Irvine Estate Bride and bridesmaids smiling before the wedding at Irvine Estate Bride and groom kiss at wedding in Lexington Virginia Bride and groom hug at wedding in Lexington Virginia Bride and dad walk down the aisle at Irvine Estate Groom watches bride walk down the aisle at Irvine Estate Bride and groom say "I do" at wedding ceremony in Lexington Virginia Bride and groom celebrate saying "I do" at wedding ceremony in Lexington Virginia Bride and groom cuddle in the rain in Lexington Virginia Bride and groom kiss in the rain at Irvine Estate Bride and groom laugh in the rain at Irvine Estate Bride and groom kiss above the lights at Irvine Estate