Ever since I moved, I’ve been so excited to be a Richmond wedding photographer. AJ & Jordan’s wedding was my first Richmond wedding since I moved to the area. Alturia Farm sits right outside of Richmond amongst trees, fields, and gardens. I walked into the bridal suite and was greeted by an energetic group of bridesmaids who were ready to hit the dance floor! The first part of the day sets the tone for the evening and I knew immediately AJ & Jordan’s wedding was going to be one that no one could forget. The amount of love and excitement for these two is contagious!

Alturia Farm has a tradition of couples coming one month before their wedding date to burying the bourbon. This is my first time witnessing this tradition and oh my was it fun. The bride and groom, and their family and wedding party walked over to the site where the bottle was buried and cheered on AJ as he found the bottle! Everyone then took a shot of bourbon before the reception introductions began.

Burying the bourbon most definitely worked. During AJ & Jordan’s vows, thunder was quite literally booming nearby. I told my assistant if it started to rain to run back to the reception space to grab all my clear umbrellas. I was positive there was no way the thunderstorm was going to miss Alturia Farm but sure enough. the storm split and it never rained! It rained all around the area which made for a RAINBOW nearby later on! This portrait is one of my favorites!!

I could keep on going on about all the fun moments from this summer day. You’ll soon why they win the superlative for the best first dance. When it came time for the wedding to end, everyone, including myself, was sad that it was over! Hunter, the DJ, put on a great celebration that had everyone dancing and enjoying themselves to the fullest. Before AJ & Jordan’s limo arrived, they took the golf cart for one last private dance under the stars in a gazebo. They danced to “Die a Happy Man” and soaked up in peace the last moments before their forever started.

 

To AJ and Jordan, I can’t wait to see what this new chapter has in store for you! You two have been AMAZING to work with. I’m so honored to have been there for your wedding day and have been smiling ear to ear while working on your full gallery! For now, enjoy this glimpse into your magical wedding day- hopefully they will help clear up some of the post-wedding blues.

If every wedding is like this in Richmond, I think I will be a Richmond wedding photographer for life.

I love this idea! Instead of doing a sparkler exit, they had guests shower them with eucalyptus as they proceeded down the aisle!

AJ and Jordan wanted to enjoy their cocktail hour, as they should! Before the ceremony, we were able to finish all the wedding party photos so after the ceremony we just had family portraits!

And for the best first dance award… you’ll soon see why!

A light rain started to sprinkle at the perfect time! Right at the end of sunset portraits and while dancing inside began!

A special photo with 3 AE Brides!! Scarlet tied the knot last October and Brittany in September! These three met at JMU and it’s been a career highlight getting to photograph and know this friend group. They are all officially married which is exciting but makes me sad to know there won’t be a wedding in 2022 that I get to see all of them!

And onto the last dance…

Thank you to all the vendors who made this wedding a wonderful one:

Ceremony & Reception | Alturia Farm

Hair & Makeup | Cameron B. Carson

Dress Designer | Maggie Sottero Place

Florist | Claire Partin

Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie

Groomsmen Attire | JosABanks

Bridal Boutique | Church Street Bridal

Coordinator | Brandi Hulsey

DJ | Hunter Omohundro

Cake | Family Members, Pittsburg Cookie Table

Catering | Big Herm’s Kitchen

Getaway Car | Limousine

Invitations | Minted

 

I have loved photographing weddings near Richmond! Check out another one of my favorites HERE!