Kim and Mike rescheduled their “big wedding” for next summer, but decided to still move forward with an intimate ceremony and dinner at Stoneleigh Golf Club in Round Hill, Virginia. It’s such a pretty space with a cozy, historical feel. I had driven through some patches of rain on my way, but the sun started to peek out once I got there. Mike and the guys were walking around getting a few last minute details with the music set up, and Kim and the girls were upstairs hanging out, looking through some old photos of Kim when she was little, and also watching the weather radar…
Stephanie, the super sweet coordinator at Stoneleigh, came up to talk to Kim, along with the officiant, letting us know that we had about a 10-minute window to have the ceremony outside, so it was noted to make sure everyone was ready and accounted for in their seats by that time, so we could move forward with the ceremony without it being under the tent or inside the dining room. :)
Kim was wearing the cutest romper! I couldn’t get over it and loved it so much! She rocked it and looked so gorgeous! She topped it with a beautiful blush skirt and her veil, which was pinned with bobby pins from her grandmother’s wedding, as her sweet mom Betsy was telling us… and was ready to head outside for her First Look with Mike… I just love her smile! Literally everyone, the entire day, was smiling and laughing, with hearts full of FUN and joy… It was so refreshing and special…
These two are just SO CUTE… They just do their thing and have fun together… Mike turned around to see his girl and of course loved every inch of what he saw! We hung out under the trees for a pew portraits as it started to drizzle, and their precious baby girl Blue joined us too… She was so excited to be there for her mommy and daddy’s wedding day, and loved hanging out getting snuggles and lovins from everyone too. :)
We all headed to the ceremony site within the “dry window” of time before a major storm was set to hit… And just as Kim’s mom and brother were halfway across the lawn to the aisle, with Kim and her dad not too far behind them, the heavens opened and down came the rain!!! Kim threw her hands up and said we’re goin’ for it!!! And go for it, we did! It was POURING and I mean POURINGGG… Haha!! Everyone was laughing and smiling the entire ceremony, including me! I couldn’t change lenses or do what I’d normally do, but that’s when we just roll with the punches and make the best of it, and that is what we did! It was SO fun and something I’ll never forget… haha! The joyful hearts this group had was so inspiring to me! The ceremony was short and sweet, but special and intimate, and just as it ended and we began to make our way to the tent for cocktail hour… the rain let up, but only a little!
Everyone headed underneath the tent to grab a beer and a towel, enjoy a few appetizers, and hang out together, debriefing and laughing about what just happened! Everyone was SOAKED! After a few drinks, the rain stopped in time for us to take a few family shots… and that was even MORE fun and hilarious… this group was an absolute stitch… Each with warm hearts and happy spirits. :)
Then, it was time to head inside for dinner!
It poured again for about an hour as it got dark, but when it cleared, we took a couple golf carts to an overlook on the course and got a few epic shots in while the clouds were all moody and crazy after the storm… EmKay, Kim’s friend from college, drove me in a cart, and Kim and Mike were in front of us. It was dark so we were using our cell phone lights to see as we made our way back to the club house.. it was a hoot!
When we got back, Kim’s dad and a few friends gave speeches and roasted Mike a bit, which had everyone in stitches… till it was time to cut the delicious Blackberry Buttercream cake and call it a night… (I loved watching Blue hang out during the reception with her own little food and water bowls near her mommy and daddy, and just laying listening to everyone have a good time… SO cute…)
I’ve already told Kim and Mike that I now consider myself a family member, and I hope they don’t mind! I can’t WAIT for next July to get here so we can have fun all over again….
Wishing these two nothing but the absolute best, and am so grateful to have been part of their special day… Cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs!