I first met Katy almost a year to the day before her wedding, as a bridesmaid in Ainsley & Neil’s Virginia estate wedding. We chatted during the reception about her recent engagement and she introduced me to her fiance, Mike. They were still in the early phases of planning, before they even decided on an exact date and venue, and we were already talking about her photography coverage! I continued to e-mail with her over the coming weeks as she struggled, like so many brides do, to find a date that worked around, oh, you know, life!! They were factoring in her sister’s graduation/finals/out of state internship all while trying to juggle her thesis and find the perfect outdoor spot! Finally, they stumbled upon Riverside Weddings in Fredericksburg and Katy worked her magic with the owner to obtain an April wedding date, despite not typically opening until May! 

Like so many of my recent weddings, the forecast taunting them with heavy rains in the days leading up. Knowing they had a tented reception, we were all just hoping it could hold off until after the ceremony so we could enjoy the view. Their romantic first look went off without a hitch and we rolled through portraits with no problems. The skies remained overcast throughout the day, threatening to burst at any moment, but before we knew it, Katy was being walked down the aisle by her father without a drop insight. Her uncle was able to gift them with a beautiful bird release as the final icing on the cake. Eventually, it did rain, but guests were too busy dancing the night away to even notice! 

Katy & Mike, through all our e-mails, I feel like I’ve gotten to know you so well over the past year and am going to miss hearing from you regularly! Thank you for being such kind, adventurous people – I still don’t know how I got you in that canoe!! Hope you’re enjoying stunning Costa Rica! 

A huge thank you to these vendors for making Katy & Mike’s wedding amazing! And to Leah of Feather & Oak Photography for being an awesome second shooter!

Ceremony & Reception Venue | Riverside Weddings by Clore
Invitation Suite | Printable Press
Florist | Blushing Blooms Floral Design
Favors | 6 Elm Designs
Catering | Foode
DJ | DJLA Events
Bridal Boutique | David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire | Men’s Warehouse
Officiant | No Ordinary Ordained