When Brittany came home from a trip to Spain, she was welcomed with a dinner at Jake’s on Main in Danville, VA…that would unknowingly include her future husband. Brittany’s dad met Bill through their shared love of mountain biking and decided that Brittany and Bill would make a fabulous couple so they invited him on over to Brittany’s welcome home dinner.
Brittany and Bill’s wedding was gorgeous with so many different elements and textures to the day. It all started at the family home that Brittany grew up in. Brittany boldly decided to get ready on her front porch, braving some bitterly cold temperatures. The outdoor dressing room was genius…providing beautiful organic light and a landscape of vibrant fall colors.
Having wedding photographs with Bill at her family home was important to Brittany, so they decided to have a First Look session. While a First Look is a hard and personal decision, I love the intimate and peaceful moments it allows us to capture before the organized chaos of the wedding commences. Between the extra time and Brittany and Bill’s enthusiasm to do anything I asked of them, we left Danville with some gorgeous images.
For the wedding, we caravanned south to Willow Oaks Plantation in Eden, NC, where the clouds had darkened and a back-up tent was ready to pitch just in case it started to rain. Brittany and Bill were thrilled that they didn’t need it and were able to exchange vows on the terrace in front of the looming storm that miraculously held off until Bill kissed the bride.
Rain started falling but Brittany grabbed an abandoned mink coat, threw it on and we stayed outside to get some incredible post ceremony shots in the stormy background. I adored how Brittany’s big personality curled up perfectly with Bill’s reserved one and how their ease with each other shone through their photographs.
Brittany’s impeccably chosen details at the reception defined rustic elegance, creating a romantic and cozy setting for their super fun friends to party the night away. One of my favorite details of the day were the cut log plate chargers that Brittany’s dad cut himself. Before they made their big departure, I pulled them outside for a couple of last shots…the stormy clouds had given way to a perfectly clear star-filled sky.
Bill and Brittany both told me that the most important part of their wedding would be sharing their love with their large families and close friends and for everyone to have fun. Even the unpredictable weather didn’t trip them up, making Brittany, Bill and their guests such a pleasure to photograph.
Congratulations Brittany and Bill!
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