Spring Wedding at Amber Grove Inn

Dylan & Charity l Richmond, VA

Dylan and Charity were married at the gorgeous Amber Grove Inn in Chesterfield, VA. Every little detail was so well thought out and I enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful finishings.  Between their gorgeous centerpieces to their Duck Donut bar, every single aspect of their wedding day was a perfect example of the two of them! 

Throughout their ceremony you could see the pure joy in their eyes as they shared their vows. I am so excited for not only Dylan and Charity but I am so happy for Lillian! 

Thank you so much Dylan and Charity for allowing me to photograph your big day! I couldn't be more excited for you two!! Best wishes for a long and beautiful like together!

Thank you Remy Thompson Photography for all of your help!! 

Venue/Catering: Amber Grove Inn
Bride's Flowers: Serena Rose Flowers
Donuts: Duck Donuts


 

Winter Engagement Session in Downtown Richmond

Amanda & Jonathan l Richmond, VA

I received an email from Amanda the week after she got engaged.  We have followed one another for some time so it only felt right to be considered to be her wedding photographer! I not only felt like I knew her already, we shared some common interests (our deep love for starbucks double shot on ice) but I also felt so much excitement when I saw she was officially engaged.   I of course was bursting at the seams with the thought of photographing her wedding and was crossing my fingers and toes that their date would align perfectly with one of my last 2018 spots!  And thankfully it DID!!!  

Amanda and Jonathan met because of their favorite coffee shop barista.  True story.  She thought they would be a perfect match and eventually the two went out on their first date.  That is where it all began! When you are around these two you can't help but get why the barista thought they would be perfect together.  They both are so much fun to be around!

Amanda enjoys running (she runs more miles in a day than I have all year... true story) and because of her long runs she had great ideas for locations to use to photograph their engagement photos!

It all turned out so wonderfully and I truly can't wait for their big day! <3

Take a look at just SOME of my favorites!

Jessica & Sam l Engaged

Yay!! I am so past due on sharing this amazing session! The rain wanted to ruin our plans but we didn't allow that to happen! 

It was so wonderful working with these two! We shared many laughs and I truly can't wait for their big day next May! 

Shelby + Sean

Gary Melcher's Belmont Estate l Fredericksburg Va Wedding Venue

Shelby and Sean.  These two truly fill my heart with so much happiness.  To see these two together is not only heart warming but they are SO fun, some of the most hilarious, outgoing people you will meet.  

I met Shelby through my Mom and I instantly felt as if we had been friends for years.  We talked via email and set up their time to take their engagement photos in Henrico, Va.  I finally was able to meet Sean as well and I enjoyed his outgoing, personable attitude.  He asked me a lot of questions and was free to share with me (again I felt as if I had known him for years), I guess thats the journalist in him.  It is awesome to meet two people who selflessly share themselves with you and genuinely care and want to know more about you. That isn't something you find in a person so easily, especially in two people who happen to be getting married to one another! 

Their wedding day was filled with so many laughs, a little heat and a STUNNING venue.  Belmont Estates offers so much as far as portrait options! The beautiful main home, staircase, stone walls and gorgeous flower beds. It was as I get to say so much, a photographers dream! The reception had a golf inspired theme which was simply adorable! Each fine detail was absoutely perfect.  At the end of dinner Shelby's father surprised the bride and groom with a video he spent many hours creating.  I don't think I have laughed that hard ever in my life.  :)

I hope you guys enjoy some of my favorites from Shelby and Sean's big day! 

To one of my sweetest, most fun couples... I am so thankful to call you both friends! I wish you so many years filled with laughter and blessings! I know you guys have so many great times ahead! 

A shout-out to the vendors who contributed to this day:

Venue: Gary Melcher's Belmont Estate
Bride's Gown: Purchased at Sealed With a Kiss in Richmond (made by Justin Alexander)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang
Groom/Groomsmen: Mens Warehouse
Cake: Mimi's Sugar & Spice
Dj: Wess Suitt with RVA DJ
Videographer: Michael Mason
Flowers: Jane Guerin Flowers

Jason + Kristin

Whispering Pine Plantation Wedding l Amelia Wedding Venue

I was lucky enough to run into Kristin before Christmas of last year in Pottery Barn Kids.  I was buying books for my kids for Christmas and she was out shopping with her Mom.  I heard "oh my goodness are you the one who owns Blessed Beginnings Photography???"

We immediately hit it off and talked all about life, jobs and my business.  She kept repeating "one day when I have a big event like getting married or giving birth to a baby... you are MY girl."

I laughed and was seriously over the moon excited that she said that.

Little did I know she would hold that promise.  The morning after she was engaged my phone rings.  A number I had never seen before and I happen to have some quiet time in my car heading home from an out of town engagement session so I answer. "OMGGGG ALYSHA IT IS KRISTIN I JUST GOT ENGAGED LAST NIGHT OMG YOU HAVE TO BE MY PHOTOGRAPHER!!".

Thankfully I was free for the day she chose.  And all the stars aligned.

Kristin is the most loving, sweet, hilarious, expressive and down to earth person you will meet.  I don't know how anyone could not instantly love her.  Her heart is huge and her love for Jason is undeniable.  Because Jason and Kristin live out of state I was unable to meet Jason until the day of their wedding.  He has this sweet smile, one of those smiles that is so genuine and warm.  You can tell upon first meeting he is just as kind as Kristin and without hesitation I can say these two were truly made for one another.

Their wedding day was GORGEOUS.  A cool day for July and the most amazing overcast (a photographer's dream).  The weather channels had been calling for rain for days and not just a slight chance, some were saying 100% rain. Even with that scary of a prediction for your wedding day, the weather man was WRONG :)

They chose to be married in an intimate setting with their closest family and friends at the beautiful Whispering Pine Plantation in Amelia, Va.  Y'all, this location is STUNNING.  A photographer's dream.  When I pulled up to the venue I immediately got a Notebook inspired feel.  A long driveway that led up to a beautiful home with wrap around porches and open fields for miles. Kristin and Jason shared a intimate ceremony with the most beautiful, heartfelt words by their friend and pastor.  The ceremony left me in tears at one point by the beauty between these two.  The maid of honor sang a gorgeous acoustic worship song as they shared communion and prayed together.  I can't begin to make this stuff up, just simply beautiful.

Kristin and Jason you two are an example to so many and the love between you two just radiates.  I am so happy to have been able to share your day with you and to now call you both my friends.  I wish you many many years together and so many blessings to come.