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

Love

Getting Ready for a Suffolk Wedding

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.

Gold wedding bands resting on the couple's dark floral invitation for The Planter's Club in Suffolk

White pointed-toe bridal heels with pearl ankle straps surrounded by red roses and orange petals

Flat lay of the invitation suite with pearls, rings, and burgundy flowers on white linen

Pearl necklace and diamond engagement ring draped across the dark floral wedding invitation

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.

Black and white moment of the man of honor buttoning the bride's lace gown

A Bride Who Led with Trust

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.

Bride smiles as her man of honor fastens a pearl necklace before the ceremony

Over-the-shoulder view of the bride's pearl necklace and low updo in black and white

Bride in a sheer lace long-sleeve gown gazing toward the window light

Two hands hold a pearl necklace strung with a gold ring pendant

Bride slips a pearl bracelet holding her rings onto her wrist

A Kind and Humble Groom

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!

Groom in a burgundy three-piece suit smiles down while clasping his hands

Close-up of the groom's gold watch, dark tie, and jewel-toned boutonniere

His son was his best man!

Groom shares a smile with his son and best man outside a stone entryway

The groom's son and best man pins a boutonniere onto his father's lapel

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!

Groom waits with hands clasped facing the James River before the first look

Man of honor carries the bouquet while walking the bride to her first look

Bride in a long veil approaches the groom from behind on the wooded riverbank

Groom turns and breaks into a smile at the start of the riverside first look

Groom beams at the bride during their first look along the James River

Groom smiles warmly at the bride as they face each other among the trees

Groom kisses the bride's hand during their first look by the water

Couple stands together on the sunlit riverbank, the bride holding a vibrant fall bouquet

Bride and groom nearly touch noses beneath her flowing veil at the river's edge

Bride and groom lean forehead to forehead over her orange and burgundy bouquet

Bride and groom smile at each other framed by tall trees at the river

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

The bride's Pollard's Florist bouquet in sharp focus as the couple nuzzle behind it

Bride and groom smiling side by side with her bouquet, water glistening behind

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!

Wooden ceremony arch topped with fall flowers overlooking the water at The Planter's Club

Groom walks the petal-lined grass aisle past seated guests at The Planter's Club

Bride carrying her bouquet is escorted down the petal-lined aisle as guests watch

Guests seated on white chairs watch the waterfront ceremony under the floral arch in Suffolk

Bride and groom exchange rings with the officiant beneath the flower-topped waterside arch

Married!!!

Bride and groom share their first kiss under a flower-topped wooden arbor beside the water

Newlyweds smile beneath a vibrant fall floral arbor, groom in burgundy suit, bride holding her bouquet

Bride smiles with her colorful bouquet in front of the wooden ceremony arbor at The Planter's Club

Bride shown from behind, open-back lace gown and train, framed by the waterside floral arbor

Close view of the bride's lace gown back and bouquet of burgundy, orange, and white blooms

Bride looks down smiling at her fall bouquet of dahlias, roses, and ranunculus

Bride wraps her arms around the groom's shoulders, laughing during waterfront portraits in Suffolk

Bride and groom smile at each other closely, showing his burgundy three-piece suit and boutonniere

Black and white portrait of the groom kissing the bride's cheek beside a white railing

Party time!!!

Bride sips a cocktail while holding her bouquet aloft during cocktail hour on the lawn

The Planter’s Club, beautifully put together!!

Reception hall at The Planter's Club set with round white-clothed tables, chandeliers, and a balcony

Table centerpiece with candles, greenery, and fall flowers around a blue table number six card

Nothing Bundt Cakes, always a winner!!

Tiered display of Nothing Bundt Cakes with a red velvet bundt cake on top

Close-up of a frosted red velvet bundt cake above tiers of mini bundt cakes

Guest book table with framed engagement photos and gold pens on a glass-top console

Memorial table of framed family photographs honoring loved ones at the reception

Black and white view of the couple's first dance as seated guests look on

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!