The days & weeks leading up to their Thursday wedding had Jess & Jeff in a frenzy. Tying up all of the loose ends planning for nearly an entire week of celebration for their out of town guests that were traveling from near and far. The weather forecast seesawing from brutal heat to ominous thunderstorms. But finally, through all of the planning, back-up planning, and triple checking, their day had finally arrived. Guests had touched down in the rolling hills of central Virginia, the rain clouds had staved away (at least for the time-being) and Jess was getting primped & primed at The Farmhouse at Veritas. She read letters from sisters, mothers & friends and finalized details out of the corner of her eye while the makeup artist mascaraed the other. Her sister zipped her dress, and her friend helped her slip on her cowboy boots. With daisies in her hair and pearls brushing the illusion neckline of her dress – Jess was a vision. The perfect combination of rustic elegance. We took a few (hot) moments in the sun to stroll through the vineyards for portraits before I headed to the wedding venue.
This coin purse was a gift from Jess’s soon-to-be sister-in-law! I just loved the playfullness of it & the colors matched their day perfectly. Jeff had Jess’s rings custom made by a jeweler in San Francisco where they met!
It was surreal driving up the road to Panorama – Just 2 years, 2 months & 4 days earlier, Kevin and I had become husband and wife on this beautiful farm & Jeff had been there to capture it. I was giddy with excitement that I was getting to photograph my own photographer’s wedding at our venue. But also, no pressure, right?! I had a lot to live up to! Jeff was running around directing this vendor, placing that detail. Making sure everything was perfect. Their golden retriever, Cooper, lay on the cool concrete of the dressing room. Jeff stole away to the restroom to write his vows – the only place he could be left to peace & quiet, and more importantly, the only place with air conditioning ;). We found out during the toasts that Jeff had asked Jess’s dad 4 years ago for permission to marry his daughter, and after 10 years of dating, Jeff had a lot to say! Jeff fastened his grandfather’s cuff-links chuckling at the feeling of being on the other side of the camera lens.
Jess walked down the isle and her expectant groom beamed as he saw her for the first time. The rest of the day was a blur. Personally written vows, beautiful readings & a close friend as the officiant led to an intimate ceremony in the shade of a small grove of trees. Cooper even joined them as they processed out as husband and wife!
I love how Jess couldn’t even pretend to hide her joy!!
I loved the mis-matched chairs at the head table & the mixed china at each place setting!
Jess’s dad hand painted eggs for the guests’ favors – a tradition that has been in their family for generations! 
Jess made 15 flourless chocolate cakes for their guests to enjoy – it was delicious!
First Dance: You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne 
During the father-daughter dance, the storm that had been building across the mountains finally let loose. Rain poured in sheets, blowing horizontally into the venue through the open windows and doors. Thunder cracked and lightening danced across the sky. Leaky spots in the tin roof had the DJ holding an umbrella over himself! The impressive storm didn’t dampen the dance floor, however, and the venue owner drove me up the hill to capture a surprising sunset beneath the storm clouds.
After swinging to Wagon Wheel, the newlyweds were sent off into the (now eerily calm) night. Jeff made these glow sticks himself using LED lights & bubble tea straws! 
Jess & Jeff – I cannot thank you enough for flying me clear across the country to capture your wedding day. I feel so honored to have been the one to tell your story and I know you have many more years of love & adventure ahead of you. Don’t be a stranger to the west coast – it misses you! Congratulations!!
Shout out to the all-star team of vendors Jeff & Jess assembled!
Venue: Panorama Farms, Charlottesville, VA // Catering: Roadside Chive // DJ: Derek Tobler // Florals: Cville Blooms // Rentals: Real Southern Accents // Officiant: Michelle Rai // Photographer: Meredith McKee Photography
