Elissa & Steve | Rustic Lexington, Virginia Wedding

Rustic Lexington Virginia Mountain Wedding When you see them together, it just makes sense. That photo up there is a perfect representation of Elissa and Steve. They have this awesome mutual respect for each other no matter what, and they both look at each other like they're right there in the moment but also looking into the future.

They met in Lexington, Va., where Elissa went to school and Steve is from, but during the course of their relationship, they've lived just about everywhere else ... which tells you how dedicated they are to each other.

"We spent two years driving three hours each way back and forth between Lexington and Washington, D.C. [where I had moved for a new job] to see each other until, in a moment of sweet recklessness, Steve quit his job and moved up to D.C. so we could be near each other," Elissa said.

Around the same time, Elissa was accepted to Stanford Law (yes, she's a smart girl!) and Steve convinced her that she had to take the opportunity, so off they went to California.

"I think I most admire how steady he is," Elissa said. "I have always seen him as this grounding, peaceful force—he knows what is important to him, he prioritizes the things he loves, and he goes after them  quietly and capably."

Steve may have a quiet presence, but there's nothing quiet about how he wants his future to go with his new wife. When asked what he's most looking forward to in this new life? "Having a partner to explore the great, wide open."

I think that's pretty perfect. :)

(Just a little warning: You'll want to grab some coffee and get comfy cozy with this post. There are SO many details and portraits and I just couldn't narrow it down. :) Plus, you'll probably need the caffeine to keep you scrolling! Or you can watch their slideshow at the bottom of the post, complete with their first dance song!)

Rustic Lexington Virginia Mountain Wedding

I loved the way Elissa planned her morning: Just her and her family taking their time to soak in the beautiful day and get ready. It wasn't rushed or stressed or fussy.

Rustic Lexington Virginia Mountain Wedding

After the salon, it was off to the Middleton House to get ready ...

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Alright, I need to pause for a moment here and tell you about Elissa's dress. Isn't it gorgeous?? Her mom MADE it! It's so intricate and feminine and ... I just can't believe how talented she is! Elissa danced her whole life and this dress was definitely the perfect dress for a ballerina.

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Elissa's family is so close. I loved getting to hang out with them and feel their warmth all day!

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Um ... yes. Gorgeous bride, gorgeous dress.

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They exchanged gifts and my husband, Nathan, hung out at Steve's house while I stayed with Elissa.

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So many sweet moments throughout the day.

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Bethany Lutheran Church is set back on miles of farmland with a view of mountains in the background. Yep, Lexington is gorgeous.

Rustic Lexington Virginia Mountain Wedding

So beautiful ...

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That's a favorite up there.

And Nathan took this one below. He's getting good!

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OK, another favorite up there on the right (and it's Nathan's!). You two are just so sweet together.

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Then it was off to the charming House Mountain Inn for the reception. Get ready for detail overload ... most of which was DIYed by Elissa's mom, Lorna.

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Lorna collected silverware from estate sales so that everyone could have a unique piece at their place setting. I think that's brilliant because then you get to reuse it!

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A perfect end to a perfect night ...

Rustic Lexington Virginia Mountain Wedding

 Nathan and I had such an amazing time in Lexington, and we feel so blessed that we were able to document Elissa and Steve's wedding. These families and all their friends were incredibly welcoming (we actually kind of felt like part of Elissa's family!), always asking how we were and making sure we had what we needed. This photography journey has taken me so many places, but this ranks right up there at the top as one of my very best experiences. I smile every time I think of those mountains. :) THANK YOU to every, single one of you. And Elissa and Steve, we will be bugging you for a visit one of these days. So much love to you two!

To see more from Elissa and Steve's perfect rustic, mountain wedding, click here to view a SLIDESHOW or watch it here:

Ceremony: Bethany Lutheran Church Reception: House Mountain Inn Florists: Carol Herbt (reception flowers), Pamela Morgan (bridal bouquet), Sweet Williams Florist (church flowers) Hair and Makeup: Encore Salon Bakery: Country Confections DJ: King Studios Bride's Dress: Her talented mom, Lorna Hanson! Tuxes: Calvin Klein Paper Goods: DIY (along with most of the other details you see) Transportation: Lexington Limo

Elissa & Steve | Rustic Lexington, Virginia Wedding Sneak Peek

Ohhh, you guys. I don't even know where to start with this one. I mentioned yesterday that Nathan and I traveled to Lexington, Va., to shoot Elissa and Steve's wedding over the weekend. Elissa and Steve entered my giveaway last year. Alas, they came in second but they still booked me, and I have been looking forward to this wedding ever since! Elissa and Steve are fabulous, and their families made us feel so welcome, like just another part of the family! I have never been so impressed with a group of people before! They are all so kind, generous, intelligent and talented. I wish we lived closer so we could see them all the time. :)

I'm counting down the days until I can show you this entire wedding, but here's a little peek in the meantime.

Rustic Lexington Virginia Mountain Wedding

April Goals

Lexington Virginia Wedding Photographer_0001 Well, March wasn't my favorite month, but I loved the way it ended. Nathan and I traveled to Lexington, Va., for an amazing wedding this last weekend. The whole experience was SO wonderful—from the bride and groom and their families to the weather to the reception details to the B&B we stayed in. That picture up there is the view from Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast. If you're ever in the Lexington area or passing through to D.C., you absolutely need to check it out. I can't believe how beautiful it is out there! Nathan and I started contemplating whether or not we should move. ;)

So, after an awesome weekend in Lexington and a quick but fulfilling Easter dinner with my family, I'm ready to tackle April. Here's to hoping I do better with my goals than I did in March:

Professional

  1. Finish editing February wedding and send vendor discs.
  2. Shoot all March weddings and stick to my new two-week turnaround on each. (So far, so good!)
  3. Submit at least one March wedding for publication. (Excited about this!)
  4. Clean up my office each day after office hours are over. (Hahaha ... really epic fail.)
  5. Rent the markiii to see if it’s worth the buy (Eeeee!). (Rented it, loved it. EXCEPT for the focusing in low-light situations. Those of you that have rented the markiii or own it, do you experience this?! It makes me nervous ... )
  6. Blog every weekday. (All but one!)

Personal

  1. Read three books (Fine Art Wedding PhotographyBread & Wine, The Scent of Rain and Lightening).
  2. Finish my office and blog it! (Come on office chair that I’m waiting on!)
  3. Clean two more boxes out of our junk room.
  4. Cook at least 2/week.
  5. Work out 4/week. (Being sick for two weeks kinda set me back on a lot of stuff. Hopefully April will be better!)
  6. Stretch each night before bed. 

And my April goals:

Professional

  1. Get completely caught up with all March and April weddings so I can go into May with a clean plate!
  2. Research the markiii a little more (i.e., figure out why low-light focusing was such a problem).
  3. Clean up my office each day after office hours are over.
  4. Research Two Bright Lights and potentially join.
  5. Blog every weekday.

Personal

  1. Read two books (The Scent of Rain and Lightening, Eight Girls Taking Pictures)
  2. Finish the guest bedroom (and hopefully blog it)!
  3. Get OUR pictures taken!
  4. Cook organic, natural food at least 2/week.
  5. Clean two more boxes out of our junk room.
  6. Work out 5/week.
  7. Stretch each night before bed.