If there was a way to imagine the perfect Southern wedding, this is most likely how I would do it. It was the most perfect day, the most beautiful venue, and the most fabulous couple. One of my favorite things about this day is the fact that Andrea really listened to my advice on time lines for the wedding day. I helped her plan the time of the ceremony, time of photos, etc. I’m no wedding planner by any means, but I do know a thing or two about lighting and timing your wedding properly to get the most beautiful photos. Andrea took my advice on everything and because of that she was able to get some photos that I am very proud of and also her day was a lot less stressful because she trusted me. I LOVE THAT. I feel like when my clients completely trust me, that’s when they get the absolute best photos and a much smoother wedding day. I’m not a photographer who just takes a check and sits back and doesn’t care. I really take pride in ALL of my work and genuinely care about all of my clients. It’s so important to me that every single one walks away in LOVE with their photos and their memories.
Andrea and Blake are so beautiful! I actually met Blake years and years ago when we worked out at the same gym… it was SO cool when Andrea contacted me to shoot their wedding and I found out her fiance’ was Blake! He is such a genuinely nice guy and I always knew he would end up with an amazing woman. I was not mistaken! Andrea is so lovely and so creative and fun!! She has great style and I have been so excited to shoot their wedding since we met. We had the opportunity to shoot their engagement photos a couple of months ago at Nottoway Plantation which you can see here. It was so fitting since their wedding was also held at this beautiful Southern location. We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather — everything was perfect! Please enjoy a few of my favorites from their wedding day.
Andrea and Blake, thank you thank you thank you… from the bottom of my heart, for trusting me. Not only with documenting your day, but with allowing me to give my advice. I appreciate it so much and I hope you will forever cherish the photos and the memories. xoxo
Kali, of The Plantation Florist created all of the floral arrangements for the day including Andrea’s beautiful bouquet.
This was the most creative outfit I have seen a bride wear on her wedding day while she gets ready. So cute!!
Love all of the shots with her mom. Andrea made for a stunning bride!
Deirdre captured the following shot of Blake as he waited for Andrea. They opted to do a “First Look” and see each other before the ceremony. BEST DECISION YOU CAN MAKE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY.
I think Blake was impressed. ; )
After they spent a few intimate moments together, I shot a few photos of them for another 15 minutes. I absolutely love having the time to take more photos of the bride and groom without feeling the pressure of needing to hurry up and get to the reception. Love the First Look!!
Another GREAT reason I love the First Look… is that we are able to do all the bridal party photos before the ceremony as well. And if you know ANYTHING about weddings, you know that as soon as the wedding is over, the bridal party is SO ready to get to the party. No one wants to stick around and take photos so being able to do the photos ahead of time is truly one less thing anyone has to stress about.
Andrea and Blake ordered a guestbook of their engagement photos. LOVE! This is such a great way for your friends and family to see your favorite photos from your engagement shoot and plus is a great keepsake for you after the wedding! Guests are able to leave notes instead of just a signature.
The beautiful cakes were designed and created by Fairy Dust Cakes. I discovered that she makes ALL of her cakes CUSTOM. No two cakes look alike. Love it.
Love the shots Deirdre got at this angle:
While I shot from this angle:
Haha love this!
I love this set up at Nottoway, because it feels like they are royalty! And on your wedding day, you SHOULD feel like royalty.
Right after the ceremony, we shot a few family portraits while I still had beautiful light outside.
And then we took about 10 minutes to take a few more photos of the happy couple.
Because Andrea and Blake did a First Look, they were still able to enjoy their cocktail hour with guests. If they had not done a First Look, this would not have been possible. First Look scores again!
As the sun set, guests shifted from the plantation to the reception room and the atmosphere was nothing short of romantic.
Blake and Andrea entered their first dance as husband and wife.
Love this shot D captured.
As Andrea’s father gave a speech, she looked on admiringly.
I absolutely adore how much Andrea loves children.
As the guests gathered outside to see them off, the couple took advantage of that moment to share their last dance together.
And they lived happily ever after!
