A Rustic Chic Summer Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer
After 8 years, Angel and Nick finally got married at their Wedding at Arbor Haven last weekend! I originally met Angel and Nick two whole years ago. Last May we had their engagement session, and I also got to meet their pups Simba and Tassa! I love my couples that plan their weddings early, but it really stinks having to wait so long to see them again! Unfortunately COVID-19 forced them to postpone in May, and we’ve just been counting down the days until their new date. Finally, it was their wedding day!
Immediately, I was blown away by Arbor Haven’s getting ready spaces! The bridal suite was decorated beautifully, and had a huge TV for Angel and her bridesmaids to put playlists on. There was plenty of space for everyone to hang out and give gifts, and gorgeous lighting! The groom’s suite was absolutely decked out with whatever you could need to keep a group of guys busy for the day! Nick and his best man, Ryan, had a pool table, poker table, bar, and arcade to help keep them busy!
Angel and her bridesmaids had a morning full of laughter as they got ready for the day. It was clear that Angel had read her Bridal Guide top to bottom, and was so prepared with every detail! She even kept the details bag that I had sent her so long ago as a booking gift. She put so much time and care into planning everything, and it really showed! There were also so many gifts to share! Angel got Nick a leather belt to wear for the day, with a special little message from her etched into the leather. Nick gifted Angel a stunning engraved necklace! Nick also gifted his mother, Beth, a stunning charm bracelet which she wore for the day. However, Angel’s gifts to her mother and grandmother were just so touching.
Obviously, everyone has different levels of emotionality and how they show it! My own mother cries and cries. I know if I give her a handwritten card and she DOESN’T cry, I’ve messed up somewhere! Angel’s mother, Tina, and her grandmother, Alice, are also the type to tear up pretty easily. It was absolutely fitting for Angel to gift them with embroidered handkerchiefs! As they were opening their gifts, the waterworks started flowing. They laughed through the tears about how they needed a tissue, even though that was their gift! They loved the handkerchiefs so much, they didn’t want to use them, and instead wanted to keep them clean and frame them later. It was such a sweet moment, and such a great gift!
After all of the gifts, it was time for Angel to get into her dress! When Angel was ready for buttoning, the “oohs” and “ahhs” started immediately from her bridal party! Angel looked absolutely stunning in her dress. The lacing on the back of the dress was so beautiful! All of her jewelry, details, and veil paired together so well for a beautifully elegant look. Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony! We couldn’t have asked for better weather, as the rain cleared and the clouds gave way just enough for some beautiful light.
Nick was absolutely beaming as Angel’s father, Stephen, walked her down the aisle, and the ceremony began. Their officiant shared not only wise words about love, but also some great laughs! When it was time for Nick to put Angel’s wedding ring on her finger, he struggled at first. Their officiant joked about how this was just symbolizing that anything they do in marriage might be twice as hard for Nick than it would be for Angel. As Angel quickly slips Nick’s ring on in one try, he laughed, “see?” as guests giggled along. Angel and Nick were left with the reminder to look back on today as the day they loved each other least, as their loves continues to grow more and more throughout their lives. Angel and Nick were finally Mr. and Mrs. Mccoy!
After the ceremony, Nick, Angel, and their wonderful bridal party got together for some portraits. Arbor Haven has a special barn for portraits that we had to get a shot at! After all of the fun bridal party portraits, it was finally time for some, “just married, portraits! I just love how these two interact with each other so naturally, and feel so comfortable with each other! Of course, Nick is the absolute best at bringing out Angel’s gorgeous smile. I just can’t get over how they look at each other! These two absolutely rocked their portraits, and I had quite a difficult time finding just a few favorites to share for their sneak peek!
As they entered their reception, Nick and Angel’s first dance was so much fun! They looked beautiful as they strutted around the dance floor. When these two are together, I don’t think it’s possible for them not to smile! Afterwards, Ryan, The Best Man, and Courtney, the Maid of Honor, shared some touching speeches of their friendship with Nick and Angel. Angel’s Parents, Tina and Stephen, stepped up to remind everyone that 8 years ago, Angel bet her father $20 that Nick was the man that she would marry. He called her up to come and get her $20! The wonderful speeches left everyone laughing, along with the absolute fact that Nick and Angel were a match made in Heaven.
Angel and her father shared a touching father-daughter dance, and then Nick and his mom shared their dance! After all the traditional dances and the cake cutting, dance floor was opened. Let me just say, their friends and family really know how to dance!! Guests had a fantastic time, and even opened up a dance circle or two to dance through. As the night came to an end, everyone excitedly lined up for the sparkler exit! If this is something that your venue allows, I highly suggest having a sparkler exit! They are just so much fun, and give you some amazing photos. Angel and Nick walked past all of their guests cheering them on and congratulating them, as they hopped into their car and ended the night.
Congratulations again Mr. and Mrs. Mccoy!
Wedding Vendors:
Dress: Dress designer is Stella York, purchased from Ashley Grace Bridal – https://ashleygracebridal.com, @ashleygracebridal
Florist: Thompson’s Westwood Florist –
tammyp@mccarthygroupflorists.com, @westwoodflowers
Ceremony Venue: Arbor Haven –
https://www.arborhavenweddings.com, keri@arborhavenweddings.com, @arborhaven
Wedding Planner: Marissa Lowe,
https://www.speventsva.com, marissalowe@speventsva.com, @simplyperfecteventsva
DJ/ Entertainment Services: Chris Gayler, of Bunn Dj Company –
https://bunndjcompany.com, chris@bunndjcompany.com, @bunndjrva
Videographer: Joe Ryan Media – @JoeRyanmedia
Cake: Kenya Bundy of Sugar Heads – https://sugarheadsrva.com,
bigmammacaters@gmail.com, @sugar_heads
Catering: Big Momma’s RVA – http://bigmammasrva.com/,
bigmammacaters@gmail.com, @bigmommasctering
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulu’s, https://www.lulus.com, @lulusweddings
Groomsmen and Groom attire: Generation Tux –
https://www.generationtux.com, @generationstux
Invitations: Sienna Mail – https://www.siennamai.com/, @siennamailinvites
