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.
I first spoke with Tacorra less than a month before her September Arbor Haven wedding. Her photographer had fallen through and that person’s loss was absolutely my gain. Tacorra and Dwayne’s wedding was beautiful and featured my favorite color–mint. Plus, I always love an Arbor Haven wedding day. The owner, Keri, is fantastic. She really cares about her couples and serves them well which is so important.
Tacorra and Dwayne’s wedding was a long time coming. They met 11 years prior through his sister who was also friends with Tacorra. He asked his sister for the digits of her friend and they’ve been together since. He proposed by a local Christmas tree in December 2019 in front of their close friends and family which was perfect because Tacorra is a big Christmas fan.
Their early September wedding was a huge celebration with family and friends. It also featured lots of fun, personalized elements. Mint and gold were used throughout the reception space and a fun extra punch of color came via hand sanitizer bottles with Grogu covers. So cute! Guests also received bride and groom favor boxes and enjoyed signature cocktails–a Cosmopolitan for Tacorra and an Incredible Hulk for Dwayne. Plus, Tacorra and Dwayne incorporated his love for the Miami Dolphins with a custom vest for him and custom garters for her. They also had not one, but two wedding cakes and who doesn’t love multiple cakes?
Here are a few of my favorites from the day.
Venue: Arbor Haven
Dress: David’s Bridal
Hair/Makeup: Ulta
Groom’s Attire: Joseph Abboud Custom Tux from the Men’s Wearhouse Collection
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal Beloved Collection
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Westwood
Coordinator: Keri Walker
DJ: DJ Hurrikane
Cake: Shaquana Walton
Catering: A Taste of Elegance
Invitations: Ann’s Bridal
Favors: Hobby Lobby and Amazon