Rachel & Carey: Fall Wedding at The Planter’s Club

the blog:

Last Friday, I pulled up to the home where Rachel & Carey were getting ready for their Suffolk wedding and was immediately greeted by Carey and some family friends. Warm smiles and eager handshakes welcomed me, accompanied by impeccably calm, cool, and collected demeanors, and Carey ushered me upstairs to where Rachel was getting hair & makeup done.

When Rachel greeted me in her getting ready space, with the hair + makeup artist nearby putting finishing touches on, Rachel was her delightful self, ready to dive into any and all photos. She welcomed me with a gift bag for both me and one for my second shooter, and expressed again how much she’s loved our partnership of working together throughout this wedding planning process.

Let me tell you a little bit more about Rachel… This bride has been such GOLD to work with this last year! The biggest compliment you can give your wedding photographer is trust. And Rachel exuded that quality in her interactions with me from day one! She so clearly communicated and talked through her desires and wishes for their big day, all the while emphasizing her love for my work and trusting my area of expertise and being willing to bend and shift things to have the best outcome all around. Her repeated affirmation of what she loved about my style as a photographer and their engagement session photos helped me make their wedding photos even more perfect for them! I’m so thankful when given brides like Rachel to trust and work WITH me in bringing their wedding photography dreams to life.

Carey as well was such a kind soul to work with! Every interaction I had with him was full of humility and willingness to do whatever was needed, from engagement shoot poses to keeping the smiles going during family portraits at the wedding… Carey was not only a good sport but also a team player to consider others and go out of his way to be helpful and kind! Not only an incredible groom but a stellar human!

His son was his best man!

First Look… so special!!! Along the James River, in Suffolk VA.

Rachel’s amazing man-of-honor was THE BEST wingman all the throughout the wedding day, but especially in these pre-ceremony moments!

Cannot get over Rachel’s bouquet from Pollard’s Florist!!

Their wedding commenced at The Planter’s Club, a Hampton Roads venue along the water in Suffolk, Virginia. We enjoyed PERFECT weather (72 and sunny!) with family and friends, ending the night partying hard after dinner with mini bundt cakes and grilled cheese late-night snacks, among other party treats! I laughed and cried alongside Rachel & Carey, failing to hold it together when Rachel’s Dad gave his toast, emphasizing the special remembrance of Rachel’s Mother who passed away in years prior. I could tell this wedding union was special to so many, as most guests stayed to the very end of this Friday night celebration!

Married!!!

Party time!!!

The Planter’s Club, beautifully put together!!

Nothing Bundt Cakes, always a winner!!

Rachel & Carey, it was an honor to be part not just of your wedding day but of the process that led you to husband and wife. Thank you for entrusting me with such a pivotal role in documenting your love from engagement photos onward! I can’t wait to see where marriage takes you and the people you two will continue to smother with kindness and love, together as the wonderful duo you are!