Elsa and Carl’s engagement session was such a dream. We hoped the weather would be the same for their wedding- a nice breeze, temperature in the 70s and partly cloudy! Boy did we get lucky!!! The week leading up to their June wedding in Blacksburg was full of storms and humid weather. I was nervous because the ceremony time was during prime storm hours!! Summer weddings can be so tricky because storms are unpredictable. The weather was completely in our favor!!!! I could not have had a better day. 

Elsa and Carl’s wedding reminded me of why I am eternally grateful to have found my passion for photography. Meeting a couple like Elsa and Carl feels like a privilege that I am not deserving of. I have no words to describe their relationship with Christ and each other. It was simply beautiful and inspiring. Their ceremony and vows had me in tears. Many go their guests came from all around the WORLD. Literally. Japan, Jordan, Florida, Canada, Louisiana is to name just a few places. Guests traveled over 6,000 miles to be there for Elsa and Carl’s big day. Some who traveled from Japan were only in America for 48 hours. I was blown away to learn this! I think it speaks volumes to the impact that Elsa and Carl have on peoples lives. 

Throughout their wedding day, I saw how much family meant to them from the ceremony, to toasts, to Elsa visiting her Grandma who couldn’t make it to the wedding. Elsa’s Grandma, unfortunately, was unable to be at the wedding so Elsa started her day off with visiting her. We drove with Elsa’s Mom, Ali, to the assisted living facility with Elsa’s dress in the back of the car. Elsa changed into her dress in her Grandma’s room and walked out into the common area where her Grandma was sitting. 

Her Grandma was blown away and the expression on her face chokes me up every time I think about it. To be a part of such a meaningful and special moment is why I love what I do. This moment was emotional but beautiful. 

The rest of the day was equally touching. The German Club Manor was a beautiful venue to get married at. The girls got ready in the cutest guest house. As soon as I walked into the door, I was embraced with kindness! Elsa and Carl’s wedding will always have a special place in my heart. The newlyweds are now off honeymooning in Maine before they head back to Japan!!

Thank you, Elsa and Carl. Being a part of your wedding was an honor! Not only were you two so welcoming, but so were your friends and family. I know you two have impacted so many lives, including mine. I send my very best (oh and Go Noke!!!)!

I had the HARDEST time culling through images to blog… So here’s just like 200 favorite images… Happy scrolling!!!

They incorporated Mount Fuji, where Carl proposed, into their rings!

Nothing better than the dads teaching the groomsmen how to tie a tie…

Side note: this group of groomsmen knows how to work the model walk and how to jump (you’ll see what I mean in a bit haha)…

 

 

Insant tears in my eyes…

Elsa and Carl wanted five minutes of alone time after their wedding to take it all in… I LOVE this

And here’s the jumping picture… Requested BY THEM! What a fun group.

Both Elsa and Tessa went to Roanoke College!!! Go Noke!

The happy newlyweds!

Dancing in wedding dresses. Does it get much better than this?

Even a short veil makes for pretty pictures!

The handsome groom!

Cocktail hour!

Name a better newlywed introduction… I’ll wait…

Me too.

Also me too.

Some of the guests of Japan put on a skit for everyone. It was priceless!!!

And the guests danced the night away at the German Club Manor…

And off they go!

And this sums it all up…Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Fast.

A big thank you to all the vendor’s that made this wedding day so special!

Dress Designer | Rebecca Ingram

Dress Purchase | Chantilly Lace

Florist | Stonecrop Farms

Ceremony/Reception | The German Club Manor

DJ | DJ Bobby Hash

Catering | The Element Catering

Bridesmaid’s Dresses | Etsy:  thedanityard

Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations | Shutterfly

Favors | Second Story Coffee Roaster

Second Shooter | By Grace Studios