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Gold and Evergreen Winter Wedding: Renee and Blake

Being the kind hearted girl that she is, Renee spent the better part of her friendship with Blake trying to set him up with her girlfriends. Several sorority formals & date functions later, Renee finally asked him to be her own date! That very afternoon, the two met up with friends at Castle Hill Cider & joked that it would be a beautiful place to get married. A few months later, they returned to Castle Hill for a date before Blake moved away with the Navy & he told Renee he loved her. Low and behold, a mere year and a half later… here we are again!

The stars aligned when Renee & I connected to talk about shooting her wedding – I was planning my #tourdebebe2016 so I would be bopping around the southeast in December visiting my sisters. I have know Renee since we were sorority sisters in college & was overjoyed when all of the puzzle pieces came together! I arrived in Virginia a couple days beforehand to spend a little time with my mom before I headed up to my old stomping grounds of Charlottesville. Renee had sent me peeks at her venue style board & links to their airbnb where they were getting ready – I knew the day would be gorgeous, but man was I blown away! The thing that made the day even more beautiful was the utter JOY on Renee’s face the entire day & that undeniable magnetic love between her & Blake. It was freezing cold during their sunset portraits, but I could have photographed these two lovebirds for HOURS!

Girls were bustling around the house (mansion) when I arrived, finishing up hair & make up, all dressed in flannel. Renee’s mom greeted me with a huge hug & offered me food the minute I walked in the door. The day was off to a great start. ; ) Renee stepped into her dress with just her mom & opened the gifts from her groom-to-be. Blake’s getting ready scene was a little less serene over at Castle Hill – but I’ll tell ya what, I do love a good “yes ma’am” from these proper southern military boys! Renee & Blake’s first look was priceless – both held back tears as they wrapped their arms around each other. Bridesmaids dressed in all different gold sequins joined for bridal party portraits, carrying the most stunning bouquets filled with evergreen, roses and berries. Renee & the girls gathered in prayer as they awaited the ceremony. The ceremony took place in the venue’s loft as the sun began to set over the trees. One of Renee’s bridesmaids sang Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing as Renee & Blake shared communion together, and finally, they were pronounced man & wife!

I loved all of the military traditions that Blake & Renee included in their day (both of them serve the Navy) like the sword tunnel entrance to the ceremony & cutting the cake with the sword. I learned that I was in fact able to sing the Kappa Delta & UVA songs while taking photos, and the boys quickly followed with their Naval Academy cheer. Beautiful speeches, dances, and a sparkler send off later, I drove home with a huge smile on my face (it hadn’t gone away the entire day). I also made it home in time to watch the Sounders (via Facebook live?) win the MLS cup in penalty kicks so yeah, I’d say it was a pretty darn good day. Congratulations, Renee & Blake – I am so so glad I got to capture your marriage – wishing you two so many happy years & adventures together!! xoxo (AOT)

Venue: Castle Hill Cider, Charlottesville, VA // Rentals: Real Southern Accents // Planner: Evelyn Keys // Florals: Melody Davis-Roberts // Setup & Coordination: Family & Friends //Hair & Makeup: Brittany Bailey // Photographer: Meredith McKee Photography

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I believe in all things bright, happy & colorful! Specializing in capturing the JOY of life's greatest adventures!

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