Small, Intimate, and Special

A sweet moment between newlyweds in formal attire against a sunny outdoor backdrop.

A wedding cake topper featuring a sparkly heart design with small decorative roses.

A floral wedding invitation with wedding rings placed on top showing event details.

Close up of hands holding pink roses with bridal jewelry and white lace dress details.

That's what Tonya and Marc were looking for when we met to discuss their wedding in August 2021. For their special day, they knew what their priorities were - to be surrounded by their closest family, to have their vows captured, and to have a variety of photos with those they loved the most!

I was so thrilled to be the one to do all those things and more for them on their wedding day. I met with them in August of 2021 for their wedding in April 2022 - definitely always best to book far in advance! I spent months getting ready, planning their family portraits, and just getting so excited for their big day.

Small and simple is always a classic and beautiful way to go, especially when the venue picked is as stunning as Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond VA!

A bride in a lace wedding gown stands on a brick path surrounded by spring foliage.

Pink tulips blooming in a spring garden with soft bokeh background.

Ornate classical stone urn decoration with tulips blooming in foreground at formal garden.

A tender moment between a couple at an outdoor garden wedding ceremony.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden conservatory with vibrant tulip gardens in springtime.

Tonya looked absolutely stunning in her lace wedding dress.

She was also sporting a very special, sentimental item - a ring from her grandmother. How sweet!

Elegant white wedding dress train flows along brick garden path.

Close up of delicate pink roses held in hands with wedding ring and jewelry.

Delicate pink fabric rose with pearl necklace on light background.

Wedding portrait in a spring garden setting.

White lace wedding dress hanging on wooden door in natural light.

Marc was dressed in a complimentary grey with blush boutonniere made of wood - how neat is that??

His groomsmen - his two sons - were dressed similarly and stood by his side as he said "I do"

Pink rose boutonniere on gray suit lapel with matching bow tie.

Groom in light gray suit adjusts pink bow tie while smiling outdoors.

Wedding party in gray suits and flowing dresses pose on brick path in garden setting.

Close up of light gray suit with pink bow tie and floral boutonniere.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with wedding party in gray attire on brick patio.

The Vows

I always struggle not to cry when the vows are being said. It was doubly hard not to break into tears while hearing Tonya & Marc's love being expressed in their own words, especially when Tonya started crying! So beautiful, I still get chills!

Emotional wedding ceremony moment outdoors with bridal party in gray and pink attire.

Bride in strapless lace gown wipes tears during outdoor ceremony.

Exchange of rings during outdoor wedding ceremony with bride in lace gown.

Joyful moment during outdoor wedding ceremony on brick patio.

Wedding ceremony on brick patio with officiant and wedding party in gray attire.

Newlyweds share first kiss during outdoor garden wedding ceremony.

They were surrounded by their amazing family every step of the way. Every single person was so nice and so welcoming to Chris and I as we captured their moments together. There were lots of laughs, lots of smiles, and lots of love!

Wedding party in coordinated gray and pink attire pose on garden path.

Wedding party poses in a garden setting with blooming spring flowers and brick pathways.

Bridesmaids in pink dresses hold bouquets while posing with bride in garden setting.

Wedding party members gather for formal portrait in front of glass building and garden.

Wedding portrait featuring light gray suits and lace gown against garden backdrop.

Three wedding attendants pose playfully on brick pathway in garden setting.

Wedding party sharing emotional embraces during outdoor celebration.

Wedding party members chat and laugh together in garden setting wearing pastel attire.

Heartfelt embrace shared during outdoor wedding celebration in sunlit garden.

Emotional embrace captured during wedding celebration with pink flowers visible.

Tender moment shared during wedding celebration in garden setting at sunset.

Marc loves the Love sign that the Botanical Garden houses and knew for sure he wanted a photo there. His wish was my command!

and of course I love the little details. The wooden guestbook that they can hang, the corresponding chocolate kisses and sign, their rings, the cake - there wasn't a part of this wedding that wasn't perfect!