I'm a published wedding and portrait photographer located in a small town outside of Charlottesville. In addition to capturing beautiful images, I love spending time with my family, am freakishly good at word games (Hey Wheelmobile!), love an ice cold can of Coke or Dr. Pepper, know every line to Hocus Pocus and can never pass up a Chick-fil-A waffle fry or a trip to HomeGoods.
In his speech, Katie’s dad said he “loves the way Adam loves Katie” and I admit, I do too. During their wedding day at the Pavilion on Lakeland Farm, their love for each other way on full display. They laughed, occasionally cried and made their day their own, which is something I always love. From the subtle Harry Potter touches to the Pittsburgh Cookie Table (yes please!) and amazing array of food options (I’m still in awe!), they made sure their wedding said “Katie and Adam.”
After being helped into her dress, Katie had the sweetest first look with her dad in front of the Pavilion before meeting up with Adam on the bridge over the pond for their own first look. There were smiles, laughs (especially when Katie showed off the pockets in her dress) and a few little tears as they shared some pre-ceremony moments.
Their outdoor ceremony was beautiful and in the most perfect spot on the property, overlooking the fields and the rolling hills. It was complimented by the wooden arbor adorned in greenery and the sunflower and yellow rose florals created by Amy Marie Events, who also served as the wedding planner. White lanterns donned the aisles and guests were able to stir up a breeze with custom paper fans created by Adam.
Inside the reception space, and outdoors on the patio, were tables adorned with shades of blue, white lanterns, sunflowers, candles and on cocktail tables, geometric gold glass candleholders that subtly linked in with the Harry Potter “Always” cake topper. The feeling of the arbor outdoors was brought inside with greenery adorning the chandeliers and the sweetheart table which was complimented by candles and yellow flowers in bud vases.
Outside guests enjoyed Jenga and cornhole. Inside, they danced the night away to a variety of songs including some ’90s hits (which I always love).
However, what may have been the most amazing thing was the food. There were meat options, vegan options, pasta options and more. And let’s not forget the Pittsburgh Cookie Table. Katie was born in Pittsburgh and Adam is from about an hour north of the city, both have since relocated to Virginia, but they brought some of their hometown to their wedding with an amazing array of cookies, all made by family members. No one knows the exact origin of the cookie table (seriously, I googled), but many believe it’s a tradition that started during the Great Depression when families couldn’t afford wedding cakes which required expensive ingredients and instead substituted homemade cookies. Now, the cookie table is a tradition for Pittsburgh natives and often done in addition to a traditional wedding cake. Plus, perhaps the best part of the tradition is that bags are provided for guests to take cookies with them. That’s a wedding favor that will never go out of style.
Vendors:
Venue: The Pavilion on Lakeland Farm
Dress: David’s Bridal, Woodbridge
Hair: Alexis Suzanne Bridal Hair
Makeup: Jordan Simpson Makeup Artistry
Groom’s attire: Giorgio Fiorelli purchased at Wood’s Menswear
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groomsmen’s Attire: Jim’s Formal Wear
Planner/Florist: Amy Marie Events
DJ: Harmany DJs
Cake: Chandler’s Bakery
Catering: Champagne Taste Catering
Invitations: Shutterfly
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