Thankful is an understatement for these incredible couples who let me be a part of so many intimate and joyful moments! 2022 wedding season featured a TON of familiar faces, plus new venues across Virginia and dream vendor teams. I’m so excited for a few new Richmond Wedding venues close to home next year! Here’s the round up of the year, 62 galleries delivered, 19 Wedding Days, 35 Engagement and milestone sessions, 8 branding sessions, 5,551 miles driven to photoshoots, and countless images delivered and shot. Seriously ain’t nobody have time to calculate that. I’m so honored to be documenting these milestones and makes choosing favorites to share almost impossible. To celebrate all of my wedding clients I created a round up post with a few fun superlatives and highlights from this unforgettable year!

Biggest Wedding Venue: Kelsey & Justin | Venue: Dover Hall | Planning: Elle Loren Co | Flowers: Fleure Studio |H&MU: Brideface | Dress: Lovely Bride DC
My very first wedding at Dover Hall, was filled with getting lost down the maze of corridors, stopping for photos under nearly every archway I would see, and being in awe of this incredible couple and their adventurous lives! Kelsey and Justin’s simply elegant style was the perfect compliment for this castle estate outside of Richmond. Their courtyard ceremony and portraits in front of the grand ivy wall will be some of my all time favorites!

 

Rainy Day Rockstars: Rachel & Thomas | Venue: Ashton Creek Vineyard | Florist :Vogue Flowers |H&MU: Alicia Jaboory |Dress Tiffanys Bridal

This wedding day is one I will tell stories about for years! Rain or shine, this couple was set on an outdoor ceremony in the beautiful Virginia scenery! After a stunning sunny morning of portraits, the clouds suddenly rolled in 10 minutes before their ceremony. They decided to embrace the elements and opted to have their full ceremony outdoors getting showered by the heavens. Rachel and Thomas never let the smiles leave their faces and dried off in time for a lively dance floor!

Most Photographed Dress: Avery & Dylan | Maymont 1000 Westover | Makayla Baxter Coordinator | Florist: Annette Tomes | H&MU: Hailey Stein and Avenue 42 | 

I’ve had the honor of photographing a few bridal portrait sessions through the years, and beyond just the amazing chance for some solo portraits, there are a ton of benifits to these session! One thing no-one every talks about, is just how unnatural and clunky it can be as a bride. Your flowing veil and often heavy dress require help with EVERY LITTLE THING…from putting on your shoes, going to the bathroom, fitting through doorways, walking down stairs, and can often feel like an out of body experience. Luckily Avery got a little extra practice maneuvering in her dress! When it came time for her private first look and vows with Dylan she was able to focus on the moment and show off her stunning style with ease! Keep scrolling to see a few favorites of Avery’s stunning lace gown and one of my favorite Richmond Weddings this year!

Closest to Home: Catherine & Michael | The Broadberry | Florist: Kings Moments | Dress: lulus |

Getting to photograph Catherine and Michaels micro wedding was such a wonderful surprise at the beginning of 2022. We’ve all known each other for years after attending Lynchburg College together and Catherine and were field hockey teammates back in our prime! Their wedding day was by far my shortest commute, and the Broadberry Concert Venue made for the perfect intimate backdrop in Richmond. I loved getting to document their vows and a few newlywed portraits at the VMFA for their personal cozy wedding day!

   

Coldest Wedding Day: Jessica & Neil | King Family Vineyard | Catering/Coordination: The Local | Florist: Hedge Fine Bloom | H&MU: Cameron Carson | Blue Sage Bridal Dress

Jessica and Neil were one of my many couples who were forced to push back their wedding plans due to the pandemic. By the time their official celebration finally came around, they had a last minute guest list change with the pregnancy announcement of their baby in 2022! King Family Vineyard was the most perfect venue for a foggy and cozy winter wedding! The string lights and fireplace were the perfect backdrop for their indoor ceremony and even braved the cold to capture the amazing Crozet landscape.

 

Most Bubbly Wedding Couple: Maria & Ben | Castle Hill Cidery | Planning: Jenny Keen Greenery & Grace | Florist: Cultivate Event Co | H&MU: Avenue 42 | Dress: Essence of Australia | 

From the first time we talked, I knew they were my kind of couple! We instantly connected over their easy going love of adventure and fur babies! Every moment of their wedding from the getting ready jitters to the post ceremony smiles were filled with joy. This couple has the most contagious positive energy, and I’m so thankful I’ve gotten to connect with their welcoming families for multiple weddings this year!

 

The Most Familiar Faces at one wedding: Julia & Cutter | The Bars of Kanak | H&MU FBJ Weddings | Florist: William Florist | Dress: Urban Set Bride
I first met Julia and Cutter, a few years ago before I had even moved to Richmond. Over the years we’ve discovered so many mutual friends, played on intramural sports teams together, and I’ve photographed multiple of their friends or families weddings! Their wedding day was such a joy to document with so many familiar faces and the ease of getting to photograph these incredible friends special day! I may have gotten more emotional than usual when I saw Cutter’s face watching Julia walk down the aisle. Their cocktail hour was filled with games, and mingling the spacious lawn at The Barns of Kanak. With their summer wedding timeline we had almost a full hour to enjoy the golden hour for portraits, and take dozens of family and friend portraits with their amazing guests.

Most Bold and Colorful wedding day: Marjory & Duncan | Keswick Vineyard | Coordination: One Moment Events |Olivera Floral Design |  Rentals: Paisley & Jade | H&MU: Enlightened Styles | Dress: Ava Laurenne |
Everything from the vibrant summer greens, and the storm clouds rolling in gave the most incredible backdrop for Marjory and Duncans wedding vision (although I’m sure they would have passed on the mid day rain shower) the fresh glow of the vineyard during sunset was perfection! The color pops in their flowers and decor are some of my favorites of the entire year. From the pink couches, floral explosion reception style, and signature cocktails all matched the vibe!

      

Most Custom DIY decor: Becca & Will | Castle Hill Cidery | Planning: Lane Stewart Events | H&MU:Captivating Complexion & Kourtney Morgan | Dress: Amsale & Rita Vinieris | The Local Catering | Moo-thru Dessert|

Becca and Will’s wedding day featured handcrafted details starting with their champaign wall seating chart, created by the brides dad. Plus Becca designed a multi-piece stationary set, koozies, and bar signage that perfectly complimented their neutral and gold color palette. The show stopping reception space at Castle Hill Cidery, features a panoramic wall of glass doors, that highlighted the romantic candles and floral masterpiece hanging from the ceiling. Plus a dress change right before their reception allowed for stunning golden hour portraits and a surprise second look with her new husband.  Truly every aspect of this day was magazine worthy!

    

Best Outfit Change: Julia & Jack | Fleetwood Farm Winery | Planner: Farr Ever After Events | H&MU: Jasmine Palma & Lexi Higgs | Florist: Shelleys Florals | Dress: Annalise Bridal

From the very first time I met Julia and Jack for their engagement I knew their wedding would be a blast. These two are constantly laughing, full of inside jokes, and can pull off that model look effortlessly. Their wedding featured emotional first looks, military traditions and Julia’s simply sophisticated style! If her streamline dress and dream worthy floor length veil weren’t enough, she even pulled off a jumpsuit outfit change to make sure she could properly enjoy the dance floor!

Largest Wedding party: Natalie & Doug | Montfair Resort Farm | Coordinator: Mahogany Hill Weddings | Florist: Barnswallow Blooms | Dress: Tiffanys Bridal 

You would think shouting directions to organize a group of 26 adults would be stressful, but not with this amazing crew! Natalie and Doug brought together the most wonderful wedding party, who made portrait time a blast! The pops of color against the amazing mountain backdrop were perfect. Of course we even snagged a few portraits with their fluffy fur baby! Despite the toasty summer weather we managed to capture all of the dreamy details at Montfair Resort Farm without getting too sweaty!

  

Best Last Minute Ceremony Flip: Deia & Matt | King Family Vineyard |  Jazmin Portnow: Anyvent Planning | Willow Branch Flowers | H&MU: Veil Bridal Co & Pixie Bomb Beauty | Ladies of Lineage Bridal Dress|

Late July weddings mean two things, hot temps/humidity, and the always looming threat of a summer storm! I’m so thankful for the foggy mountains that allowed for this couple to capture dreamy romantic portraits through the changing weather all day!⁠ When the on and off rain showers set in for the afternoon, the incredible team at King Family and coordination from Anyvent Planning and stunning florals from Willow Branch Flowers were able to rapidly transform the covered ceremony space into the dream backup plan!

    

Most Creative Portrait locations: Kelsey & Eric | The American Hotel | Michelle Annese Coordinator | H&MU: Locks and Lashes Lynchburg | 

Kelsey and Eric’s wedding day in downtown Staunton featured so many unique portrait locations, from their getting ready space in the historic Hotel 24, to their chapel wedding and reception at the American hotel. We were able to wander the city with the most fun overlook views for golden hour! I just love the character and charm of the exposed bricks and industrial elements that give this wedding day a fun twist from my usual mountain backdrops!

Most Packed Dance Floor: Rebecca & John | King Family Vineyard | Catering & Coordination The Local | Florist: Hedge Fine Blooms | H&MU: BrideFace RVA | Dress Alexia Bridal 

This amazing Fall wedding was absolutely one of my most lively groups (In all the best ways!!) From the pops of pink, outgoing wedding party, and amazing traditions. Rebecca and John’s wedding was filled with laughter and a few tears. Everything from the vibrant mountain backdrop, The stunning floral decor strung throughout King Family Vineyard was show stopping! Plus their reception dance floor was packed with live music, LED props and my new favorite indoor petal sendoff!

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Most Personalized Wedding Details: Jenna & Phillip | The Cliffton Inn | Coordination Events with Panache | Florist: Verde Natural Florals | H&MU: Cagney Shifflet & Mariah McKenney | Dress: Justin Alexander K&B Bridal | 

One of the biggest benifits to a smaller guest count, is the incredible flexibility to make your wedding day your own! Jenna & Phillip said their vows on a gorgeous Fall Thursday, surrounded by 15 of their closest friends and family! They incorporated Celtic traditions, and nods to their relationship like the live string band playing romantic Disney classics as they walked down the aisle. One of my favorite features was their custom cocktail hour with a signature bourbon tasting. Plus the incredible multi-course dinner in the wine cellar. Keep scrolling through to see more of this vibrant couple!

   

Longest Reigning Relationship: Sabrina & Greg | King Family Vineyards | Planner: Mary Elizabeth Events | H&MU: Locks & Lashes | Florist: Willow Branch | Dress: Justin Alexander |

Sabrina & Greg have the most incredible decade long love story, with hilarious photos of them at high school dances together, to years of long distance, cross country moves and a beautifully supportive family. I loved getting to hear the stories of their journey along the way and their giddy smiles seeing each other finally dressed as bride and groom. Plus getting to be reunited with some of my favorite past couples during the celebration made their Fall wedding feel far from work!

 

Bet Fall Foliage: Melanie & Tommy | Keswick Vineyard | Planner: Barb Wired |Verde Natural Florals | H&MU: Lou Stevens |

Oh my gosh, where to begin with this wedding! Melanie and Tommy have to be one of my most athletic couples and their incredible adventures and life with their fur babies have been so fun to follow. Their wedding day was at the peak of Fall with an array of colors throughout the grounds of Keswick Vineyard. With the time change for winter fast approaching, we were soaking in every bit of golden hour. I had already told them numerous times “okay, last photo” and just as we wrapped up for cocktail hour, the trees illuminated with the perfected diffused light and I just HAD to sneak under the veil for a few final shots. ⁠Scroll through the color pop favorites below!

 

Most Unique Reception Traditions: Henry & Jessie | New Kent Winery | Florist: Whitehall Flower Farm | H&MU: Unveiled on Site Beauty | Dress: Vivid Bridal Boutique | 

Like many of my couples this year, Henry and Jessie were traveling from out of state for wedding planning. Since we weren’t able to do a formal engagement session, I was BLOW AWAY by just how natural and stunning they were in front of the camera during portaits! We instantly felt like friends and their wedding came together with so many unique elements, like my new favorite, books as table decor! The most special was the Chinese Tea Ceremony, to honor and pay respect to the families of the couple. Plus my first ever rapid fire table photos that were both hilarious and effective as a way to document portraits with all of their guests. Finally the night ended with late night tater tot and hot chocolate bar.. yes please!

 

Most Likely to Name a Signature Cocktail after their Dog: Alex & Peter | Early Mountain Vineyard | Melissa Rice Venue Coordinator | Colonial Florist |H&MU: Avenue 42 | Dress: The One Bridal Salon |

I got to photograph a whole lot of fur-babies this year, and although it’s impossible to pick a favorite. I can easily say that Alex and Peter’s “child” Murphy was not excluded from the celebration! Lucky he wasn’t at all camera shy since we got some extra practice during their engagement session. During the wedding Murphy got to join in the wedding party portraits, first looks, and even as an adorable wedding favorite magnet, that currently lives on my fridge. Swipe to see my last wedding of the year and the perfect December weather for portraits at Early Mountain Vineyard.

To all of my couples from 2022,  I can’t wait to be real life friends and stalk on instagram forever! To all of my assistants, second shooters, editors, small biz friends, thank you x1290808! Your support makes this crazy dream career as a business owner so much more manageable! As always, send me a message if you see any inspiring images and want additional vendor recommendations or more details about working together in 2023!

For a recap of last years weddings check out the 2021 superlatives HERE!