Sarah and I stepped out our the car at King Family Vineyards and the cold hit us like a slap in the face. Although we had only driven about 15 miles from the ceremony site, the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees into the upper-30s, and the frequent gusts of wind weren’t helping. We knew we were only a minute or two ahead of the bus transporting Andrew and Ellen and their wedding party, so we immediately rushed into action finding the right location with the perfect light for their portraits. As if the temperatures weren’t enough of a motivation to work quickly, the day’s schedule had been a bit delayed, and we were only about 15 minutes from sunset!

 

However, just like with the rest of Andrew and Ellen’s wedding day, even the abbreviated session and cold temperatures couldn’t interrupt their joy! These were marathon-running, Patagonia mountain-hiking people that we imagined were just as comfortable in their wedding attire as in 60L backpacks. As we ran through their wedding party photos in record time and moved into their husband-and-wife portraits, Andrew and Ellen danced through King Family Vineyard’s open fields like they didn’t have a care in the world. As they dipped and spun and cracked jokes with us, Sarah and I were reminded of their engagement session last August when they did the same in Shenandoah National Park. Apparently, freezing temperatures or otherwise, nothing had changed about the way they looked at each other or the way Andrew held Ellen in his arms as they danced.

 

Andrew + Ellen,

Wow – your wedding day was such a beautiful testament to the love and steadfast devotion that you two have for each other – and for the Lord. The prayers of your wedding party and toasts that your best man and maid of honor gave only reinforced what we already knew about you two: that your marriage will be a partnership rooted in your faith and full of adventure and growth for you together. As we should have known with you two, everything we did together had a twist of adventure to it. From almost getting attacked by a bear during your engagement session to your nearly-frozen wedding day portraits, you certainly kept us on our toes at all times! And we’re so grateful for it. We sincerely wish you two the best of luck settling into a new city – and into the joys of married life – together this winter 🙂

 

With love,
Sarah + Hunter

 

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Of course, their day (and our images) would not have been possible without this incredible creative team!

Photographers: Hunter and Sarah Photography
Reception Venue: King Family Vineyards
Ceremony Venue: Trinity Presbyterian Church
Wedding Coordinator: Willow + Wildflower Weddings
Catering: Have Food-Will Travel
Officiant: Tim Henderson
Florist: Flowers by Rose
Band: The Groove Motive
Transportation: Albemarle Limousine + Easy Riders Bus Company
Rentals: MS Events

 

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If you’d like to learn all about the Hunter and Sarah wedding photography experience, or reach out to us about your own upcoming wedding, head over to our wedding website HERE!