My second big wedding of 2021!!! Things are opening back up and FINALLY weddings are happening. Jessica and Andrew (I have a lot of Andrew’s this year) pledged forever at Whitehall Estate in Bluemont, Virginia. For late May, though, the weather wasn’t that pleasant, but we made it work! I was so so thankful we were able to complete all formal portraits outside before the ceremony. Portraits – the bride explained – were the most important to her and the thing she was looking forward to the most on her wedding day.

A lot of beautiful elements went into this wedding, especially the pocket squares for the groom and groomsmen. Sadly, Andrew lost a groomsmen in 2020 and wanted to honor him at his wedding. The pocket squares had “G” embroidered on them – the first name of the groomsman. On our final call before the wedding day, Andrew told me about these squares and wondered what we should do for portraits with them. I took a moment before I responded, “Why don’t you each help each other with your pocket squares as if Greg is looking out for you?” And that is what they did.

Jessica and Andrew each wrote each other a letter that they read before their first look. Andrew’s reaction was PRICELESS and was a fan favorite on Facebook when the bride’s step-mom posted the sneak peek of it on her Facebook page.

What I love the most about Whitehall Estate is that you can make the space your own indoors. Since the ceremony was quickly moved inside, it was as if nothing changed with the plans. It was a gorgeous ceremony, filled with emotion and love. Seeing Jessica smile after a long year of planning a wedding during the pandemic made me so happy. I usually communicate through emails with my brides, but Jessica? We texted each other quite a bit and even swapped favorite animal Instagram accounts.

After the cake was cut, the bouquet was tossed, the couple were off to their honeymoon! Such a great exit as well and yay for the rain holding off for that moment as well.

Congratulations, Andrew and Jessica! I am going to miss you both, but I am so excited to work with you on your wedding album.