There’s something special about that first wedding of the year. It’s normal in Virginia when the weather gets cold and the trees get bare that sessions become less. I only shot one winter wedding this year and did a few sessions here and there but the majority of my time was spent on the back end of my business like most winters. So by the time this wedding came around, I was SO excited and ready to be shooting. Sarah and Jonathan were the best couple to start my season with.

Sarah and Jon met at work back in 2011 and Sarah remembers thinking to herself as he was giving a presentation, “That guy is so cute but what is up with his 1950s hairstyle and blue suede space shoes?” Haha! As the months went on, they got to know each other a bit better through work functions and happy hours. In 2012, on Halloween, everyone dressed up and Jon went all out and shaved his head to play the part of Walter White from Breaking Bad. Sarah wasn’t at work on Halloween so when she saw Jon the next week, she wondered if he was sick and got a little upset. Thankfully the situation was explained and Jon quickly picked up on the fact that he might want to start growing his hair back out. Sarah started noticing she was developing quite the crush on this guy.

They started becoming more intentional when they noticed they were spending a lot of time together. There was one particular night where it seemed to take a more serious turn when they lost track of time at a bar in D.C. and were the only two left sitting there late into the morning. Jon ended up asking Sarah out on their first official date after that and before they knew it, three years had passed and Jon was on one knee.

Sarah has been an event planner for ten years so she had a little bit of a plan for her proposal and wedding but can you blame her?! Sarah knew because of their hectic jobs, they had to be smart about the time of year they got married, meaning a timeline was in the works. Jon knew he had until July 1, 2016 to propose in order for things to pan out for the vision Sarah had for her wedding. Although Sarah was a bit suspicious on July 2nd when Jon planned a boat ride in the 1000 Islands where her family has a house, the proposal went down without a hitch and Sarah walked away with a ring on her finger and a fiancé.

Their gorgeous wedding took place at Mount Ida Farm and I can honestly say it was perfect. There were so many special moments that brought me to tears. I don’t cry often at weddings but when Sarah danced with her dad during their reception, I was a mess. There are so many moments at weddings where I just think to myself how meaningful these images will be to the people in them and how important it is that I capture all the special people there. So with that being said, I am THRILLED to have Sarah and Jon’s day on the blog today and share those special moments with you!!

Venue | Mount Ida Farm — The Lodge

Dress | Blue by Enzoani

Florals | Foxtail Cottage

Makeup + Hair | Eye Do Makeup & Hair

Planner |  Hunter & Company

Band | Inside Out

Catering | The Local

Calligrapher | Just Write Studios

Invitations | Double Click Designs

Reception Draping | Blue Ridge AV & Lighting

Rentals | MS Events

Bridesmaid Dresses | BHLDN

Groomsmen Attire | Tuxedo by Sarno