Kelly & Brian

Preparations, ceremony, portraits and reception

Lydia’s Mountain Barn, Stanardsville, VA

June 2019

Perfect Summer Nights

Summer weddings in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are always a treat and something of a gamble. Days are full of warm sunlight but the chance of an afternoon shower is always around the corner. I left lovely Richmond, VA early to make it on time to the cozy and stunning cabins at Lydia’s Mountains. The day was long and hot but at the center of it were Kelly and Brian, a couple so dynamic and charming that it almost defies description. From Kelly’s warm and gentle laugh to Brian’s incredible sense of humor, their incomprehensibly kind and helpful wedding party, to their warm welcoming families – well, this was simply a perfect day in spite of the summer shower at ceremony time.

I’m often asked what it takes to capture great wedding photography. Is it how you pose? Is it the photography gear? Is it the wedding dress, the shoes, the rings, the tux…? What if you won’t know what to do in front of the camera? Should you look at me? Should you smile or just ignore the camera? What I say in response is no, no, none of that matters. What matters is that you’re happy. That the person you’re marrying fills you with love and joy, and that you’re willing to let that joy explode out of your face. Just be happy. Be happy, and your pictures will be perfect.

Kelly and Brian, I toast to your inspiring happiness. May it light your way always. Thank you for everything.