Essential Sunshine Photography

We have been anxious to show you the wedding of Heather & Charlie. These two are amazing and love each other so fiercely you can’t help but smile every time you are around them. They were married at the gorgeous Primland Resort in Meadows of Dan, VA. If you remember, we traveled up there this past spring to shoot their engagement session and that time spent there just made us more excited about the opportunity to go back and explore this hidden gem. The staff was exceptional and really made Heather & Charlie’s wedding one for the books.

They were set up in these fantastic suites that overlooked the property. The guys did the typical getting ready routine consisting of some reminiscing , a little drinking and lots of laughs.

Hello men!! These guys knew how to work it. Don’t you love the different color ties. Such a great idea!

I could go on all day about the beautiful details that Heather & Co. put together for the weekend. I seriously love the calla lilies in the girls bouquet.  Lesa from Cana Mt. Airy Florist did an exquisite job.

I’ll let the following photos do the talking but I do have to mention the delicious chocolate covered strawberries that flanked the cake. YUM! I am still thinking about them.

The ceremony was an emotional one and it all started with the walk down the aisle. Such a sweet moment.

Bens favorite!

Can you spot the ring bearers trying to open the ring boxes they are holding. Such curious boys.

 

MARRIED! 

After the ceremony they released two doves in honor of their union. Heather told me that the doves will fly back to their home even from 2 hours away (by car). They circled the property for a bit to find their bearings and then off they went.

You know the saying that the people you choose to surround yourself with are a reflection back on the type of person you are. Well, Heather & Charlie surrounded themselves with the greatest group of friends. The bridal party were troopers. Although it was only the beginning of October it was one of the first cold days we have had around here. Add to that being on top of a mountain with lots of wind and I am surprised we were able to get everyone to not only pose for the picture but actual have fun doing it. You guys rock!

LOVE! They really were such naturals in front of the camera.

GORGEOUS BRIDE ALERT!  My favorite on the left.  Heather, you are stunning!

First dance time. They were all giggles and smiles throughout their dance.

The mother/son and father/daughter dances were emotional. It was touching to watch.

Then the party got rolling. This is the first time we shot a wedding that featured a caricature artist, Brian Vasilik, and I loved it! It was so fun to watch him work throughout the night. Plus it added a nice level of entertainment to their reception.

I could photograph Heather’s ring ALL DAY LONG. It just makes me speechless.

Of course, lots of dancing fun was had till late into the night. Even the kids were still up and celebrating.

Heather & Charlie – you guys are fantastic. We love being a part of your special day and can’t ask for better clients and friends. Lots of love and congratulations! S&B

You may remember Catherine & Paykon from their engagement session we did last fall. We meandered around campus for a fun filled session. For their wedding we continued where we left off at their engagement session and were able to shoot at a few more key campus spots for their wedding. We started at The Inn at Virginia Tech where the boys got ready and where the reception was held later that evening.

Catherine’s nephews helped the guys get ready for the day…that is until the raindrops on the window distracted them.

There is just something special about a bride putting on her wedding shoes. Beautiful.

Craziness ensued when Paykon couldn’t find his cummerbund. Thirty minutes of searching and it was finally found.  It is supposed to go on your head, right?

Work it ladies!

The ring bearer and flower girl were quite the pair. Too cute! Isn’t that bow on her head adorable!?

Love how they are looking at each other here. So sweet.

MARRIED!!!!!!

Now this is what I call a jumping shot. The guys really went for it.

Giving a little attitude.

Such a cute couple.

As Tech grads it is basically a requirement to get a shot at the Pylons. Just amazing,

While we were taking pictures the shuttle back to the Inn left the bride and groom behind! Luckily it returned in time to get them to their reception.

The toasts got lots of laughs from all. The maid of honor, Kathleen, read letters that Catherine wrote to her in grade school.

I love this shot of Catherine with her dad. She is so happy.

Then the dancing got started. The Sugarhill gang’s “Apache” really got the crowd moving. DJ Earl was an excellent emcee.

More dancing topped off the evening.

Catherine & Paykon – we enjoyed spending the day with you. Congratulations & Best Wishes!!

 

I am excited to share this wedding with you. Jenn & Mark are just wonderful and made us feel comfortable from the moment we met them. Their wedding was beautiful. Lately, we have had a great deal of heat and thunderstorms but Jenn & Mark lucked out. Their day, while still hot, was beautiful and the storms stayed away. One of my favorite things about their wedding was that no details were missed. You’ll see soon all the thought that went into the details.

Jenn purchased these hangers for herself and her bridesmaids from Etsy. What a great idea! It really makes the dress pictures so much better. The hangers that always come with wedding gowns are just ugly and bulky. So yay to Etsy! This compass was a gift form Jenn to Mark. It is engraved with his initals. Mark’s son Sam also has a smaller version.

Jenn stitched these handkerchiefs for Mark, her mom and Mark’s mom. So sweet! What a great memory and keepsake of Jenn’s thoughts as she embarked on this big journey with Mark. I especially love what she wrote on her mom’s.

Mark helping his son, Sam, get ready for the ceremony. Sam’s little tuxedo was a mini version of his dad’s.

As big Yankee fans, Jenn arranged it so Sam walked down the aisle with this baseball glove strung with the rings instead of a traditional pillow. Mark had no idea he was going to do that. From the look on his face he was pleasantly surprised.

LOOOVE the look Jenn’s brother Rick is giving her here.

My favorite moment of the ceremony was when Jenn said her own vows to Sam. I have to admit that I about lost it here. It was sweet and heartfelt.

Mark grew up in this church and when he was a young boy he would throw paper airplanes from the balcony during mass. As a tribute, they had a paper airplane fly down once they were announced husband and wife.

Mark just got this convertible a few months ago and it was the perfect getaway car.

As it often happens our timeline was cut short for photos but we did manage to knock out a few before dinner was served. Jenn & Mark just worked it out. I love the look Jenn is giving Mark in the first one.

My favorite! I just love their expressions.

Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs.!! See that globe hanging from the light during Mark & Jenn’s first dance? That’s Joe. Sam made it and named it accordingly. Gotta love creative kids.

Ah! Can I have 2 favorites? Ben picked this one as his favorite so I guess I’ll let him have it.

Where do I even begin with all of the details!!! The food from Plantation Creations Catering at The Plantation at Sunnybrook was AMAZING! They served it family style (great idea!) and it probably goes down in the top 3 best meals we have ever had at a wedding. As you can tell from the menu it was southern food at it’s finest. As if the food wasn’t enough they had a candy bar for their guests to enjoy.  How cute are the favor boxes for them to take it home in. See, told you no detail was left unturned.

The florist did an amazing job with all of the flowers. See the flowers with the ribbon that says “you will marry your soulmate”? Instead of just having one toss bouquet Jenn has a bunch of smaller bouquet with ribbon on it telling the single ladies future. Clever idea! And lastly, instead of a traditional guest book they had a guest wishing well. Guests wrote down words of advice, funny notes, etc. picked a sticker with a number on it to coordinate the year in which they would like Jenn & Mark to read it and dropped it in the well. They will have years of entertainment in reading their guests notes. Seriously clever!

A few shout outs that helped make their day possible: Flowers by Creative Occasions Florist, Cake lovingly made by Sweet’s Sweets, Reception at The Plantation at Sunnybrook.

As a gift to Mark before their wedding Jenn delivered to him this 35 year old scotch. The shot on the left is what it looked like at the start of the reception….on the right was what it looked like near the end. I think it was enjoyed.

Jenn, you are beautiful!! Such a radiant bride. <3

You know I love rings in candy and being from Hershey I couldn’t resist the Kisses! Yes, I am posting two ring shots but I checked it’s allowed.

 

The reception had something for everyone. There was seashell listening….

Nintendo playing….

 

And, of course, dancing!!!!

What a great send off!! These sparklers are a fun idea to go out in style!

Congratulations Jenn & Mark! We loved being a part of your special day. Much love.