Samantha and Chris had a beautiful Bandit’s Ridge wedding last month. The weather was warm, but gorgeous with bright blue sunny skies and the most perfect evening late summer, early fall light. However, maybe the most radiant thing was the huge smile Samantha had throughout the day. She was the epitome of a happy bride, laughing and smiling with her groom and their son, bridal party, family and guests.

I first met Samantha and Chris last fall when we captured their engagement session near the Dominion Club in Richmond. She loves Hocus Pocus, fall and blooming spring flowers which are all of my favorite things, too. Plus, she’s one of those people that it’s almost impossible to not smile around. It’s something she shares with Chris, too. You can just tell they have a deep love for each other.

It was obvious a lot of thought and planning went into their wedding day. Navy blue dresses and table accents were paired with yellow sunflowers and white roses. Samantha’s bouquet also featured baby’s breath and tiny blue flowers. The rustic elements of Bandit’s Ridge were pulled in through wooden slabs and mason jar centerpieces, but a touch of elegance and romance was added by using a variety of china plates on gold chargers. Samantha and Chris also paid homage to Chris’ love of fishing through a guestbook using tiny wooden fish, a fishing themed groom’s cake and tiny etched lures on the groom’s wedding band.

During the ceremony, which was again beautiful, they were totally photo-bombed by the venue’s cat, Spaz. He walked right down the aisle and started greeting guests. It’s not everyday that your wedding has a feline guest greeter.

After dinner, which featured tons of options including grilled chicken and fried catfish, guests danced to a variety of tunes including 90s favorites (always my jam). I think Chris may have even surprised his bride by excelling at the Cupid Shuffle. Guests also enjoyed Jenga and tic-tac-toe outside near the barn which was setup for cocktail hour.

If you’ve never been to Bandit’s Ridge, the barn is a horse barn with a great hayloft type door upstairs. I was super excited when Samantha and Chris wanted to use the loft for photos. They’re some of my absolute favorites. I’m also always a fan of outdoor string lights. I wonder what my neighbors would think if I just start stringing them up outside my house. That’s how much I like them.

As I figure that out, enjoy some of my favorites from Samantha and Chris’ Bandit’s Ridge wedding.

 

 

Vendors:

Venue: Bandit’s Ridge

Planner/Coordinator: Brooke Engel Events

Dress: Bridal Elegance

Bridesmaid dresses: Bridal Elegance

Groom/Groomsmen: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Eden’s Floral Designs

Make-up: Richmond Make-Up Artist

DJ: DJ Goddess

Catering: Fodrey Catering

Cake: Katherine’s Confections

Invitations: Zazzle

Favors: Etsy