October 3, 2017

Michael & Katie’s Charlottesville, VA Wedding

Katie and Michael were college sweethearts at the University of Virginia. So when they decided to have their wedding in Charlottesville, it made perfect sense.   As John and I landed in Charlottesville for the wedding, there was an instant since of happiness and calmness.  I love Charlottesville.  My family lived there shortly when I was young and John’s sister, Judy,  has lived there for several years.  So every once in awhile we are able to return for a visit.  When Katie and Michael asked us to photograph their wedding, at the beautiful Mount Ida Farm, in the rolling, winery hills of Charlottesville, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Though this old farm is everything you could want for a barn wedding, the absolute thing that made this wedding so amazing, was Katie & Michael.  They are two of the sweetest, kind and fun people to be around. That evening every tear filled speech given, reconfirmed that everyone else felt the same way.  They really, truly are a very special couple.

Katie, her mother Trish and their wedding planner, Garden Rose Event & Design, worked magic on this already stunning barn and outdoor wedding gazebo. The day began with  preparations in a perfect bride’s room. When the amazing flowers were brought in by Barnswallow Blooms, it was like the icing on the cake for this elegant space. While Michael and the guys had a room that had just enough rustic to fit the guys needs as well.

The ceremony was held in a gorgeous gazebo overlooking a pond, that reflected all the beauty surrounding it. As the guest entered the ceremony location, there were wooden signs welcoming guest and stating uplifting quotes.  There were also gold lanterns, beautiful programs and a water station for everyone to enjoy. The wedding began with the parents and wedding party entering from the long staircase that led from the main house.  Once Katie was at the top of the stairs for her entrance, you could feel everyone take a deep breath.  Just watching her (escorted by her father Jim) make her way down that beautiful staircase, now an aisle, was just stunning.  Not only was Michael waiting for her at the “alter”, but also his father, who was marring them!  Now when it comes to vows, we have heard many.  Some are traditional, while others are more heartfelt. These vows were like nothing we had ever heard. So incredibly beautiful and thought out.  They were really a true testament, to what they were promising to each other. Then there’s the communion they shared together. I love the sweetness and sincerity of those moments captured. (Insert a big  heart emoji here 🙂 ) Oh, this ceremony was so very special.

Following the ceremony there were lots of hugs and tears, and then we went right into portraits. Because Mount Ida is so beautiful, we simple stayed right around the area. Not having a lot of time, John and I captured the groups and then he headed to the barn to capture the reception details, while I spent a little quite time with the couple.  Once we made our way to the barn, we stopped to visit with the magnificent Clydesdale horses.  How nice is it to have these amazing animals at your venue?! As you entered the barn reception,  there was a table that showed the couple’s passion and that in Lou of favors, where their donation would be given.  Then you see the grand head table, adorned with so many candles and abundant flowers, that it looked like something from a styled shoot or magazine.  Through out the barn reception,  every detail was thought of and incorporated, as it soften the rustic and charming feel of the space. The meal was catered by Harvest Moon Catering and was outstanding!

I could go on and on about this very special wedding and how much we love these people, but I think I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking!   Thank you again and again, for the pleasure of sharing in your wedding day!

Wedding Planners-Garden Rose Event & Design

Dress-Nola by Maggie Sottero

Dress Boutique-Urban Set Bride, Richmond, VA

Earrings-Lindsay Marie Design

Shoes-Vince Camuto, Imagine Collection

Venue-Mount Ida Farm

Catering-Harvest Moon Catering

Stunning Florals-Barnswallow Blooms

Sweets-SweetHaus

DJ-Sound Enforcement DJ Service

Mount Ida Farm Wedding Michael & Katie exchanged sweet letters before the wedding ceremony. Big brother Seth…I love how close these siblings are.

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