It takes something most don't possess to turn a big ol' field in the middle of the country into a ridiculously beautiful wedding venue. But that's what Kate and Daniel and their families and friends did to the field of their very generous friends. Way out where no one could hear them, they tied the knot, then partied under the big stars. And the cicadas even left them alone, mostly. I'm about to make you jealous you didn't get married here:
We started the day about 40 miles north in Charlottesville.
It was both hilarious and terrifying to photograph Kate's friends putting her contacts in. Kate was, as always, an incredibly good sport about the whole thing, even as she teared up.
We made the trek, then it was time for the bride and groom to see each other.
Kate and Daniel were married on a private residence near the town of Lovingston, Virginia. Their friends graciously lent them use of the house, but everything else occurred on the expansive field in front of the property.
There was even a small lake in the background for us to use as backdrop for portraits.
Kate is one of those epically happy people - always cracking up and giggling. Makes my job easy.
Could they have picked a more beautiful setting and set-up for a wedding? Apparently this incredible wood-planks-and-doorframe ceremony entrance piece came from Craigslist! I mean, seriously, look at this.
Go time.
Kate and her dad had a long way to walk.
The Virginia countryside is a really beautiful place for a wedding.
My kind of detail shot. It was a very windy day, but it helped to cool things off.
Cicada (I think)!
I freakin' love this image - managing to sneak a bit of street into family formals. Truth is, this was probably a happy accident when I was just testing exposure.
Their friend from South Korea couldn't make it, but she sent a life-size cardboard cut-out in her place, which, obviously, is awesome.
Smoking cigars because it's the country and you can do basically anything you want.
The wind prevented my backdrop from going up, but while it was still light out, Nature provided an even better one.
It was a bit too hot to dance much at first, but luckily Kate and Daniel had the forethought to provide cornhole and bocce ball to entertain their guests.
Somebody brought moonshine to the wedding.
Congratulations guys!
Kate and Daniel's vendor team:
Getting ready venue: Sleep Inn, Charlottesville
Ceremony and reception venue: a friend's field
Flowers, decorations, ceremony setup, uncounted pretty things: Daniel's mother and grandmother
Caterer:
The Barbecue Exchange (Kate highly recommends!)
DJ:
Ran Henry
Officiant: Rev. Rachel Cornwell, Woodside United Methodist Church, Silver Spring, MD
Cake:
Chandler's Bakery
Kate's beautiful dress: Ann Taylor
Bridesmaids dresses:
eShakti (love this store - good for lots of non-wedding dresses too.)
Heather got ready in this fantastic room with beautiful old mirrors. Victoria Stiles did an amazing job with hair and makeup.
While Frantisek was in the main house.
True story, our daring, animal-loving bride survived a spider attack in this very spot. No spiders or humans were harmed in the making of these images.
Here's another true story: I saw all these kids looking adorable playing with an iPad. Then I saw an ant carrying a dead spider (more spiders!), so I attempted to pry them away from electronics. It worked! (And just in case you're wondering, H&F, yes, I included the ant-carrying-the-dead-spider in your image set.)
Go time.
Heather and Frantisek made their big we-just-got-married debut wearing Kate and William masks. Hilarious!
Receptions at Rosemont Manor take place in the Carriage House - a lovely clean space with plenty of A/C. Heather and Frantisek decorated with big white chinese lanterns, big floral centerpieces and tables with animals, not numbers.
Let me take a sec to publicly shout out to my more-or-less full-time second shooter Julia. A number of the images in this blog post are hers (including the one below) and she totally killed it at this wedding. We've been working together since early this year and I'm so glad to have her on board for many of my 2013 weddings!
Sometimes there's a good image in the room where they put your food. And while I'm doing public shout-outs, so many thanks to Celebrations Catering - one of the best meals I've had at a wedding!
Heather's parents really cut a rug.
Congratulations guys!
Heather & Frantisek's vendor team:
Ceremony & reception venue: Historic Rosemont Manor
Caterer: Celebrations Catering
Cake: Taylor Made Cakes
DJ: Rusty Bialek for DJ D-Mac & Assoc.
Florist: L'Artisan Lily
Hair & Makeup: Victoria Stiles
Heather's beautiful dress: Vera Wang
Frantisek's dashing suit: Hugo Boss
We actually ate at this lunch counter, so it's more than a prop.
Engagement photo-ception?
This is a used car dealership. It was Rachel's idea, don't look at me. Okay, you can look at me for the running. They're running from a terrible salesman...?
Sometimes you have to do trespassing to get the right scene.
Congratulations you guys! See you in October!