Early Mountain Vineyards Wedding

Back in December, Kelsey, Ryan and I started talking about me photographing their wedding. I didn’t know much about them but I was immediately drawn to them when we met to do their engagement photos.

The Couple

Kelsey was awesome, outgoing, and hilarious. Ryan was so nice, very excited, and again hilarious. The two of them together just kept me laughing that entire session.

I learned a bit about the proposal – it involved an improv confession of love, Zorro, and a duel on JMU’s campus. Likely the most unique proposal I’d ever heard and I ate it up. I learned a bit about their story and how they met across the pond in London – even though they’d been in marching band together for a while at this point – and how it felt like love at first sight. And I learned about them individually and how they were hanging in there with long distance because Ryan was up in Ohio and Kelsey was in Virginia.

The Ceremony

Anyways, their wedding day was BEAUTIFUL. I knew it would be because look at them, but it was such a great day to celebrate them. Their bridal party was so kind and clearly was stoked about Kelsey and Ryan finally getting married. The families were so excited and had nothing but amazing things to say about the two of them. The venue (Early Mountain Vineyards) was stunning – and the weather held up to make a gorgeous outdoor afternoon ceremony come together.

Kelsey’s brother was the officiant and he did an amazing job. This ceremony was one of the most personal I’ve had the pleasure of photographing and I think that made it so incredible. Her brother did a great job at keeping the humor alive but also being very sentimental. Then Pal, the soon-to-be service pup that Ryan’s family is training, came down the aisle carrying the rings (and my heart melted because puppies). And then, it was nice to hear their vows. They both wrote their own and it was delightful to hear. And finally, while they were walking down the aisle as a married couple – their friends were singing for them! It was such a superb ceremony!

The Reception

Something I have to mention about this wedding is that everyone who spoke during the reception, Kelsey & Ryan, Kelsey’s maid of honor, Ryan’s best man, Kelsey’s dad and Ryan’s dad… there just is clearly no shortage of love for these two AND there’s no lack of laughter, either. Both the father’s had me absolutely cracking up… with Kelsey’s debt finally paying off and Ryan’s life story being told, I was dying. As far as the best man and maid of honor go, one again, so much laughter and so much love. And finally, Kelsey and Ryan gave an awesome hello/thank you little speech and it was clear that they were so happy to be celebrating amongst their friends and family.

A few times while I was creeping around with my camera, I heard Kelsey talking to her friends and she’d say things like “I’M A WIFE!” or “I’m Ryan’s wife!!” or “I FINALLY GOT MARRIED TO HIM!” and I was like… this is what it’s all about. Their wedding was definitely a big celebration of their love with tons of joy, laughter, and overall fantastic moments.

Enjoy these sneak peek images from their day!