After meeting Janie and Collin for coffee before their engagement session, their wedding quickly became one of my most highly anticipated events this fall. Virginia Crossings Hotel didn’t disappoint – it was the perfect venue for these down-to-earth souls, and I swear it has to be the coziest venue for a chilly November wedding! After searching for a venue with on-site accommodations for all of their out of town guests that still felt tucked away from the busy city streets, the Virginia Crossings Hotel made things super convenient for Collin’s Marine Corps buddies who were flying in from out of state while still making an elegant impression. (Wait til you see their fireplace ceremony site!)
Really looking to capitalize on the elegance of their venue, Janie had her dress custom made by A. Cherie Couture in order to put her personal signature on a designer-inspired wedding gown. The lace and beading details on her sleeves was so intricate, and paired so timelessly with her navy velvet Louboutins.
Getting ready photos were really important for Janie and her maid of Honor – they’ve known each other for over 20 years, and Janie was that maid of honor at her wedding just a few weeks ago on October 5th. It must have been SO fun to enjoy being engaged and planning at the same time as your best friend, so you know that I had to come through with the cute photos.
Aiming for a soft, romantic atmosphere to enjoy with their guests, Janie and Collin chose to say “I do” in front of Virginia Crossings’ green marble fireplace filled with white pillar candles. While they couldn’t have the roaring fire they originally dreamed of, the intimate ambiance from the candlelight filled the room almost reverently.
To bring their introvert’s dream of a ceremony vision together, Janie and Collin’s officiant asked everyone to silence their phones for an unplugged ceremony before the processional began so that all of the guests could be fully present in the moment with the couple. A guest joked with me at the end of the ceremony that it had been really easy to unplug when there was so much to focus on between the ring exchange and the couple’s German Sheppard (who acted as a flower girl!) softly sneaking in between them during their vows!
How could you be mad at a face like this!
Including your dog on your wedding day is a must in my book! Janie and Collin had their pup double as a flower girl, but even if your venue doesn’t allow pets indoors we can still make sure to set aside time for photos with them. I highly suggest asking a loved one to bring your dog to you for photos immediately following your ceremony. This ensures that your loved one won’t miss any important events (like your ceremony or being announced into the reception!) but still gives you plenty of time for all of the formal photos that typically take place during cocktail hour.
If you really want some extra oomph, your florist can alter a flower crown design to make a floral collar for your pup too! I’m not saying photos with your dog will be your favorite ones from your wedding….. but it’s a pretty dope Christmas card photo if you ask me.
If the fireplace or pet-friendliness of Virginia Crossings hotel weddings haven’t sold you, the sunlight peaking over this old ivy-covered wall absolutely should. As I gathered everyone together for wedding party photos, the sun really showed off as it drenched the open green area in the warmest golden light I’ve ever seen for November. Janie and Collin must have cashed in on their karma points BIG time!
I mean COME ON, you guys!! It was SO hard to leave this gorgeous sunlight behind and rejoin the reception, but these two had been looking forward to breaking it down on the dance floor for over a year. Who am I to hold you back from the Whitney Houston karaoke marathon of your dreams?
After getting their completed gallery, Janie emailed me back absolutely thrilled with their images.
“I can’t begin to describe how much fun we had with Kyra at our wedding! Throughout the whole planning process Kyra was always supportive and helpful, and when the big day finally came I knew we could trust her to take care of us. She captured our wedding day so beautifully and was so much fun to have around. She helped keep me calm while getting ready, corralled my massive 18 person bridal party like a pro, and gave us gorgeous photos to help us remember how loved we are by everyone there. All of our guests loved her and couldn’t help showing off on the dance-floor. We can’t believe what a wonderful job she did, and I will absolutely be recommending her to all of my friends. Thank you so much, Kyra, for all your hard work and for being so wonderful”
If you’re looking for more cozy vibes, Kelsea and Bradley’s Sky Meadow State Park engagement session is right up your alley!
