I have been waiting for Fall to show itself since the beginning of September. Now I realize that it was waiting for Emily and Mario's wedding to make it's grand entrance. Pulling up to Chanteclaire Farm in Friendsville, Maryland was like something out of a movie. Rolling clouds, rod iron gate, and a tree lined gravel road put us in a dreamland right away.  There were more than a few times that Shawn and I BOTH teared up during Emily and Mario's day. The first was when Mario read Emily's card. Her words to her soon-to-be husband were sweet and personal (and they didn't end up picking the same card, which Emily had low-key worried about :P). The second moment that got us was the first look between Emily and her dad. These few minutes ALWAYS get me, especially when dad let's his tears flow. Lastly, the part of the day that got me real good was when we were pulling away from Chanteclaire Farm. Reflecting on the day and the great energy from everyone made me feel so happy for Emily and Mario, I couldn't help but let a few tears fall! These two made this day incredibly sentimental and full of love. Yes, love generally does appear in a wedding day. But what Emily and Mario brought wasn't just love for each other, it was love for every single individual that a part of their day. They have a way of making every person they come in...

Oooookay, people, are you ready for this?! We've seen DIY weddings and we've heard the 80's music, but very rarely do the two join forces. That is, until Leise and Chris's wedding at Celebrations at the Bay. Where the bay, 80's neon, and Journey culminated into a really wonderful ceremony and reception.  Leise and Chris went above and beyond to treat their guests to a fabulous day. They both worked on so many DIY elements to make the wedding really theirs. A lot of times, we think "do it yourself" is to save on costs, but in reality, it's because stores don't specialize to our brains. Making exactly what we want is sometimes easier and makes the day an even bigger treasure. Leise put together so many large scale items such as the centerpieces, the welcome canvas, the photobooth, and their love story sign! Outside of the DIY, there was also the special favors that were brought from the Phillippines all the way to Pasadena, Maryland. Leise's parents carefully traveled with tons of mini guitars made out of seashells that were so unbelievably beautiful. They even thought of us, and gave us our own mini wooden guitars. It was sweet and unexpected! I may or may not have teared up when I opened the gift <3. Speaking of tears, the surprise that Leise got for Chris during the ceremony was COMPLETELY amazing! Leise wrote to me about two weeks that she had arranged for two singers...

What better way to end the 2017 season than with a snowy wedding?! I don't think there is a better way, to be quite honest. I am a big fan of snow and have been dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding forever. Most people think that any sort of moisture in the air during a big event is awful, but no! Snow is grand, and when combined with an adorable chapel in Catonsville, it's perfection! Leah and Kevin could not have asked for a more beautiful day. Start to finish these two had everything timed out and orderly. It's not everyday that a bride and groom run ahead of schedule, but when they do, it's heaven! One of my favorite details of the day was that a lot of the bridal party consisted of couples. To me, that showed a great bond between each and every one of their friends. They are all so close (and hilarious); it was an absolute joy getting to see them all stand up next to Leah and Kevin.  Ever since their engagement shoot over the summer, I knew these two had great things planned for their day. If you're having trouble remembering, they played in the river! If that doesn't show you how awesome a couple is, I don't know what will. But, as everyone says, you can plan a lot, but you can't plan the weather. Fortunately for Leah and Kevin, I think they both DID plan this weather, haha! The air...

Fall has been having a difficult time deciding if it wants to be around or not. There's been a slow change to the trees, but still 70 degree weather! I'm not mad about it, though. Especially when it makes the view from Amanda and Jim's wedding absolutely breathtaking. I'm convinced that Mountain Branch Golf Club was created for the Fall. The overlook, the trees, the red and stone building - it's total perfection! It all works so well with the orange and yellow of the season.  Amanda and Jim couldn't have asked for a greater day to exchange vows. Dare I say that it was almost too warm on November 3rd? Nahhh, I won't! Everything worked so well in their favor, considering the rest of the weekend was gloomy skies. Besides their expert date picking, I need to talk about the decor they had. These two put a lot of hours into picking and creating their chic decorations. Jim created their centerpieces by hollowing out wooden stumps, then sealing and testing to make sure his craftmanship was on point. Their vision came together incredibly well, and it's because they worked together to create a dream like reception space. Okay, the time has come where I dedicate an entire passage to the epicness that was the reception. First of all, Amanda and her friends can dance. Every time Shawn and I thought they were taking a break, an N'SYNC song would come on and they'd all be back out there...

I'm blown away by the celestial greatness that is Brittany and Dan's wedding. Seriously, they had the most unique vision for their day, and they rocked it. This was our first time at the Historic Savage Mill Manor, and it could not have been a better introduction. Everything about this venue is perfect. There's a handsome groom suite, a gorgeous ceremony backdrop, and classic great room for the reception. It offers everything a couple needs all within the walls of the manor.  Now, I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous leading up to Britt and Dan's day. Their ceremony was going to be at night, and that was a first for us! We've done portraits at night, but never a whole ceremony. It was hard for me to visualize how it'd all work, and I must have practiced different light setups 100 times. Walking into the Manor, though, the most incredible feeling came over me. I was ready to push myself creatively and embrace the uniqueness. Oh, and Shawn was cool as a cucumber, per usual :P. This wedding worked so friggin' well. Their entire evening was incredibly celestial, from the ceremony under the stars to the constellation seating chart. Brittany even gifted her bridesmaids with necklaces that represented their zodiac symbols. Everything just clicked for this wedding. Brittany and Dan's didn't overwhelm with their details, and they didn't underwhelm them either. It was truly an (inter)stellar night! By far, my favorite part of the evening was the ceremony...