Wedding at Sunny Slope Farms in Harrisonburg VA {Richmond VA Wedding Photographer}

Wedding at Sunny Slope Farm Harrisonburg VA www.sarahkanephotography.com

Weddings are all about celebrating new beginnings, love, family, and friendships and Allison & Dave's wedding had it all! Sunny Slope Farms in Harrisonburg VA was an absolute dream location set on a rolling mountain with breath taking scenes in every direction. Don’t even get me started on the details! As I drove up the mountain I knew this wedding was going to be nothing less then fabulous. As I walked into the reception tent through rustic barn doors (yes, the tent had barn doors) passing hay stacks, mums, pumpkins, burlap and lace, mason jar mugs and an old fashioned tub strung with lights filled with ice and drinks, I was giddy with excitement. I wanted to run outside, begin twirling in circles, with my arms stretched out singing, “the hills are alive with the sound of music”, but I didn’t think that would go over too well, so I refrained. Still drunk over the decor I made my way to the room where Allison was getting ready. As I opened the door I was greeted by the tunes of one of my newly discovered favorite bands (not new just new to me) The Head and the Heart. Could this day get any better? In deed it could and it did. Allison was stunning in her Oleg Cassini wedding dress and her side braid decorated with baby’s breath. The entire bridal party’s bouquets were made of brooches and were out of this world gorgeous!!

brooch wedding bouquets www.sarahkanephotography.com

Allison & Dave did such an amazing job incorporating so much of who they are into their planning which included the most unique surprise unity ceremony I’ve ever seen. Some couples light a candle, some combine sand, Allison & Dave, well they chose a different approach. One of the many things this couple has in common with one another is the love of micro brews, so they chose to pour a "half & half" which is a beer containing half Harp & half Guinness. Dave poured the Harp and Allison poured the Guinness then they each took a sip! It was pretty sweet! There were so many things that I loved about this wedding, but the best moment for me was when Dave saw Allison walk through the barn doors to greet him at the alter (which was a shed like structure containing only a floor and frame). Allison & Dave chose to do a first look before the ceremony, so he had already seen how beautiful she looked in her dress. One may have expected less emotion when he saw for the second time entering the ceremony, yet he was filled with even more emotion. This just shows how much of his lover for her is beyond Allison's beauty!

I was so grateful that the family requested guests refrain from taking their own pictures during the ceremony and that they remain seated as Allison walked toward Dave "down the aisle". Traditionally everyone rises to watch the bride enter. As a photographer this is a total nightmare because the bride is now blocked by everyone. Often the only way to get a clear shot is to run in front of the bride which is so intrusive and I try at all costs never to do, so this made me very happy! I was even more elated when their officiant stepped out of the way when Allison & Dave shared their first kiss as husband and wife! I wanted to run up and give him a big hug!! The first kiss is one of the “must have” pictures and 9 times out of 10 it consists of the bride, the groom and the officiants head, so major props to Harry of Sunny Slope for removing himself and allowing Allison & Dave to have the moment captured with just the two of them!

I could go on and on about how awesome everything was, but I know you are anxious to get to the pictures, so I will mention just one last thing that made this wedding so special and made me want to get married all over again and have Allison & Dave plan my wedding. During the cocktail hour Allison’s friends from childhood, twin brothers Sean & Glen Sutor, played the most beautiful irish music! As a musician I had so much appreciate for their talent, but you didn't need to be a musician to recognize that.

Allison & Dave thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of the beginning of your life together as husband and wife! It was such an honor. I wish you both a lifetime of endless love and happiness together!