But for Elena and Sifan, their University of Virginia and Common House wedding last month was the perfect blend! As a couple who met during their time at UVA, getting married in the UVA Chapel was a no-brainer. And yet their intimate wedding was also perfectly suited for the cozy event space at Common House! And after the fact, Hunter and I marveled at the pure variety of portraits we were able to capture of Elena and Sifan after their ceremony. In front of the Chapel, on the Lawn, walking the Downtown Mall, Common House’s Rooftop — even some intimate imagery lounging together inside Common House’s main space!

It isn’t often that we get to photograph a wedding that incorporates two of the most iconic locations in Charlottesville.

But to be honest… this wasn’t what set Elena and Sifan’s wedding apart in our minds. It was what happened after dinner ended and they cut their cake: karaoke! Elena and Sifan opened up their reception with a literal duet: Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”. And from there, their guests took turns belting (and sometimes rapping) everything from “Country Roads” to Chinese Hip Hop! And all the while, Elena and Sifan cheered their close friends on who were brave enough to take the stage.