Developer and Photographer | Amber Wilkie

Kate & Daniel | Charlottesville, VA wedding | In the country

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.)