It was barely a month before Sarah and Ben’s fall Castle Hill wedding, and the final timeline STILL was not set. But this wasn’t some oversight from their wedding planners. Sarah and Ben were still undecided on whether or not to do a first look! We had discussed a first look when we first met them more than a year ago. And it came up again during their windswept engagement session this past spring. We sent countless emails back and forth as they deliberated, but Ben was still concerned that the first look would diminish the experience of seeing Sarah for the first time during their ceremony. In the end (with some gentle nudging from us), they decided together that — what they gain in time spent with their friends and family after the ceremony — made the first look worth it. Even if it could diminish the ceremony. But on their wedding day, it did anything but!

Ben and I set up for the first look beneath a fiery yellow tree, a couple hundred yards far from the Castle Hill tasting room. Since we were a ways away, I could see Sarah and Sarah walking from the venue well in advance. The moment I told Ben that Sarah was coming, he began to tear up. By the time she tapped him on the shoulder, the tears were already flowing! In our post-wedding video call, Ben shared that this moment — the first look they almost chose to skip! — was their favorite part of the entire day. And a few hours later (even after spending the early afternoon taking couple portraits, family, and wedding party photos), they were still nervous for the ceremony. When Ben stood at the front of the aisle and saw Sarah again, this time as his bride-to-be… Well, let’s just say it didn’t ruin any of the emotional impact of that moment!

Sarah and Ben,

You two are such genuinely kind hearted people. Not only were you incredibly gracious with Sarah being very pregnant during your engagement session, but the gift you gave us for Theo had Sarah crying halfway home from the session! Even on the wedding day, we could see your heart for all your friends and family surrounding you. You cared so deeply and so obviously for each of them, even on a day that was all about you two. We feel blessed to have met you two, and to have been a small part of your fall Castle Hill wedding. We hope to see you two again someday!

With love,
Sarah and Hunter

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A huge thank you to the incredible creative team!

Photographers: Hunter and Sarah Photography
Venue: Castle Hill Cider
Wedding Planning: Kelly McCauley with The Local
Bride’s Dress: Studio I Do Bridals (Virginia Beach)
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Studio I Do Bridals
Wedding/Engagement Rings: Either Ore Jewelers
Floral Design: Bloom Charlottesville
Catering: The Local
Cake: Apple Cider Donuts from Carter Mountain Orchard
DJ: Melody & Company Entertainment
Hair: Citrine Bride
Makeup: Allured Artistry
Officiant: Melanie Insley (friend)

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Want to like to learn all about the Hunter and Sarah wedding photography experience? Want to reach out to us about your own upcoming wedding? Head over to our wedding website HERE!