I met Emma and Christian last year at the Married in the Mountains showcase at The Barn on New River and we hit it off right away. I could tell by they way they teased each other and were relaxed about the wedding details we’d be a great fit. They were excited about how they met through a common love of White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and couldn’t wait to gift honey jars to their guests becase they met on Bumble.

They chose not to have a first look with each other, but Emma did have a sweet first look with her dad and her bridesmaids before the ceremony while Christian poured bourbon for his fellas and helped wrangle the littles.

The Barn has a magnificent flower garden for portraits and we were so excited to utilize it before the reception started. Not to mention the ice cream cookie sandwiches from Blue Deer. ;)

The four by four ride to the top of the mountain for sunset photos is a highlight for every couple .Not just for the beauty of the photos, but for the chance to savor the day together. As much as you love each and every guest, no one compares to the one the day was created for to begin with. It was so sweet watching them play around together and talk about how the day had played out. When the Mustang arrived to pick them up, we had to create a few fun memories! Let’s do it again soon you guys!

The Wedding Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Aja White

Venue : The Barn on New River

Coordinator: Caroline with The Barn on New River

Dress: Justin Alexander Signature

Suit Designer: Kenneth Cole at Men’s Warehouse

Rings: Diamond’s Direct

Hair: Jill at Shine Hair Lounge

Florist: New River Escape

Officiant: Richard Tidyman

Live Music: Mountain Peak Sound

DJ: Mountain Peak Sound

Catering: The Scarlet Hen

Bartending : Vintage Pours

Dessert: Blue Deer

Rentals: A&J Rentals

“When love is a habit, joy is a reflex”

— Bob Goff

Where do I even start with these two. After like 5 minutes of chatting on the phone, I knew we’d be besties for life. I couldn’t imagine another couple more suited to celebrating my birthday weekend with while capturing their special day! They are both total joy bombs who love the world with their whole selves. They said the hardest part of planning the wedding was going to be making sure every single person they loved had exactly what they needed and wanted. They weren’t worried about themselves at all! So completely genuine and compassionate. I just adore them.

And then of course after walking around downtown Old Salem with them at their engagement session, we had already shared all of our best adventures and future adventure plans…hopefully some together! We knew this was going to be such a fun year!

Fast forward to Haley’s Bridals on The Blue Ridge Parkway just a couple weeks ago!! Haley was already becoming a fast favorite human, then she introduced me to Boone! Her nephew is as much a Harry Potter Fanatic as I am and we pretty much left Haley, his mom Ashley and their mom Denise to fend for themselves on the shoot as we chatted about all things magic and muggles lol. When he showed up with a Polaroid Camera on the wedding day I knew who my next second shooter would be!

Side note…is Haley STUNNING or what?!?! I have been dying to share these images!

And then holy moley what a DAY! I couldn’t wait to shoot at The Barn on New River and it did not disappoint! What an incredible venue and I just adore their whole crew. Caroline is a freaking powerhouse coordinator who will make all the things happen, and Paula is just the sweetest venue owner you could meet, so very helpful and genuinely excited about her couples.

When I first spoke with Haley and Kurt about their day, it was evident immediately that the little details, heirlooms, and moments with their cherished people mattered more than anything. For something old, she had her bouquet wrapped in a 4th generation handkerchief passed down through her mother’s family. She had borrowed her grandmother’s wedding band to wear on her right hand. And since they love rival sports teams, her something blue was a Duke patch sewn into her dress. (He had a Carolina Blue lining in his suit)

When her Nana realized she wasn’t going to be present for the wedding, she made her a special book of notes and letters and drawings to send her love from afar and Haley had the whole room in tears as she opened it. Packaged with her Nana’s favorite yellow roses, her presence was felt immensely.

The fellas got ready at the cabins down the road and kudos to my girl Jenni for capturing the morning from Kurt’s perspective!

Don’t ever skip sunset portraits my friends…just don’t. (Or the opportunity to escape the party for a few moments to savor the day with your love)

When you can’t decide if you want a private last dance, a sparker exit, a champagne popping, lit balloons or a firework fountain for your final exit… DO THEM ALL! Seriously! WHAT an exit!! SO very happy for you guys!! Thank you for inviting me on your journey! I cannot wait for all the adventures we’ll share in the future! Cappadocia here we come!!

The vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Jenni Chandler

Venue + Coordinator : Caroline with The Barn on New River

Hair: Megan Matthews & Tami Smith

Make Up: Sarah Warrick

Dress: Maggie Soterro from Lasting Impressions

Suit: Stitched By Mitch

Rings: Ballerina Jewelers

Florist and Cake: Dandelions All Things Wedding

Officiant: Rebecca Maynard

DJ: Ben with Mohr Fun Events

Photobooth: Elation Digital