Meredith and Sean were married in a romantic Airlie wedding in Warrenton, VA this summer and it was one of the most heartfelt and personal celebrations of the year. I was so honored to spend the big day with their family and get to capture all of the special moments with those they loved most.

As most of you know, I became a mom last year to our beautiful baby boy and at the start of this wedding season, I noticed a shift in the way I was approaching wedding days. Ask any couple I’ve worked with and they would tell you that I’ve always LOVED getting to know and be part of their family for the day. However, seeing as so much of my relationship is spent working with just the couple themselves throughout the planning process that they, naturally, were always my biggest focus on a wedding day. But over the past few months, I’ve been trying to equally focus on incorporating their families in more photos than just formal portraits — for those “in between” moments are sometimes the one that really mean the most. So rather than just getting the perfect shot of mom zipping up a bride’s dress (which I do still want/get!), I want to also want capture mom smiling as she walks up to her daughter; or the way mom lovingly touches her arm between shots; or how she gives her a little squeeze when they embrace.

This was the perfect wedding for this transition period because from the moment I first started chatting with Meredith, I knew family was a big part of her life; she did, after all, trust her sweet mom Debbie to make the call of whether or not we would be a good fit! As we begin finalizing details for the big day, I could easily see just how many personalized elements she was working in to each and every part…. from details like her grandmother’s necklace, her grandfather’s tie, and her mother’s broach, to her hand embroidered ring bearer pillow by her aunt and the monogram inside Sean’s tux… everything was planned to a “t” in the most thoughtful way possible. Meredith even decided to forgo getting ready with her bridesmaids in honor of including her mother, aunt, cousin, and grandma — a tradition which I absolutely loved. The entire day was such a heartwarming experience and only reaffirmed this new direction I want to take my priorities.

Thank you to Meredith, Sean, and both of your families for allowing me to capture such a special occasion. And remember, go Dukes!

A huge thank you to these vendors for making Meredith & Sean’s wedding amazing! And to Emily Marie Photography for being an awesome second shooter!

Ceremony & Reception Venue | Airlie Center
Coordinator | White Pumpkin
Hair & Makeup | Modern Bridal Studio
Florist | Flower Gallery of Manassas
Cake | Eloise’s Pastries
DJ | Musical DJs
Invitation Suite | Shine Wedding Invites
Bridal Boutique | The Bridal Room
Dress Designer | Eddy K Dreams
Groom’s Attire | Trunk Club