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.)
As always, Julia did a fantastic job.
Leah and Mike planned plenty of time for me to take them to the barn and back, scooping up all the little scenes and cutesty bits around the property.
We made ample use of this window.
Look at these classy people.
They provided lawn games and snacks for their guests to enjoy before the ceremony...
... while the rest of the folks got ready.
Flower girl down!
Dot, who owns the place, performs the wedding ceremonies.
Leah and Mike really pulled out all the stops for wedding decor. Leah's mom is a florist, so they had some crazy beautiful flowers going on, too.
Julia's shot. I love her.
I'd never seen this before. They played the "shoe game" where the band leader asked them a bunch of questions like "who's the better cook?" and things. They held up the shoe of the person they thought was the winner of the question.
And then Mike had to prove he's the better dancer.
Okay so I totally love Julia but now I'm going to throw her under the bus. I asked for a nice photo incorporating the various dessert plates Leah and Mike had collected, and this is what she gave me. I love it, I really do, but definitely not what I had in mind. Then again, I'm sort of obsessed with showing the structure and behind-the-scenes of weddings. I love photos of the caterers carrying off the cake or if they have to move tables and chairs - showing the bits that are otherwise meant to be hidden. Like a dirty half-eaten dessert able.
Mike has been waiting for this shot for more than a year. I hope he likes it!
Their guests just kept waving the ribbons long after Leah and Mike had run through them.
Congratulations, you guys!
Mike and Leah's hardworking vendor team:
Ceremony and reception venue: Silverbrook Farm
Caterer: Market Salamander
Florist: Lavender Fields
Band: The Bachelor Boys
Dessert spread: Shugar Shugar
Leah's gorgeous and unique dress: Wedding Atelier (NYC)
Mike's dashing tux: Indochino
Hair and makeup: Ammara Rana