Richmond Wedding Photographer: Sara + Matt, Part Two

Confession: I always dreamed of having my wedding reception at an art gallery or museum. There is just something so elegant and sophisticated about celebrating a wedding surrounded by timeless paintings, sculptures and tapestries. After an afternoon of bow ties, lovely ladies in silk and lace dresses and a breathtaking church, I couldn’t think of a more fitting venue than the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to carry on Sara and Matt’s celebration. This wedding is the true definition of a traditional stunner with a big ol’ dose of take your breath away pretty.

Speaking of take your breath away pretty. Doesn’t the museum entrance make the perfect backdrop for this classy crew?!

John and I loved the bright, modern colors inside that set the tone perfectly for a night of dancing, fun and laughter.

Loved Sara and Matt’s grand entrance!
Matt’s mom was having the time of her life dancing with her son, but she did eventually hand him back over to his new bride.:)
I love how the youngest guests got the party started!
Sara’s father offered a heartfelt toast to the newly weds and even presented them with a very special Wedgwood gift from his personal collection.
A few of my favorites from taking Matt and Sara into the gallery…
We love a crowd that can cut a rug!
Sara and Matt: It was such an honor not only to share in your special day but to preserve it for you as well! I hope these memories live in your hearts forever because I know they will for us! We hope you had a fabulous time sailing around the Caribbean, and please drop us a line next time you decide to vacation out west!
Un abrazo fuerte,
Natalie
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Wedding Photography: Natalie Bell Photography | Ceremony Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church | Reception Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Floral Design: Dan Porter | Cake: Olivia Terrill | Band: In Full | Dress: Jim Hjelm | Make-up: Avenue 42 | Hair: Avenue 42 
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Richmond Wedding Photographer: Sara + Matt

I’m so excited to share Sara and Matt’s beautiful wedding day at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.  It’s full of all of my favorite ingredients in a wedding:  a couple full of the sweetest love and tenderness for one another, incredible friends and family that cheered and joyfully cried right along with them, an incredible venue that was perfectly appointed with some beautiful pieces of art, personal touches woven in to include beloved family members, gorgeous floral design delicately interspersed with whimsy, a menu full of heartwarming, nourishing goodness, a rockin’ band that kept us all on the dance floor late into the night, some of the most adorable & heartbreakingly sweet kiddos I’ve seen at a wedding ever, and just great people all around!!!  I loved that theirs was my first wedding of the season too – I’m counting on it being a harbinger for more wonderful and inspiring moments to capture in 2013!

Thanks to John for capturing these awesome images of Matt and his groomsmen!

I had so much fun hanging out with Sara and her girls before the wedding!

Loved these ladies!!

The beautiful bride!

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is one of the most beautiful church’s we’ve ever shot in. It was like walking into a European cathedral!

What a great ride! Sara and Matt had a trolley waiting for them and their bridal party to take them from the church to the reception.

We’ve got so much more to show off from Matt and Sara’s spring wedding at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, so join us tomorrow as we unveil the gorgeous reception!

Un abrazo fuerte,

Natalie

 

Charlottesville Engagement Photographer: Laura + Josh

Meet Laura and Josh!  We met up this past fall for their engagement session at Ash Lawn-Highland. I have to say, as much as I am LOVING the color and warmth of spring, I also really enjoyed pulling up these images again and being reminded about everything that I love about fall. Isn’t there just something super romantic about the overcast sky, the bare trees and these two love birds in their cozy sweaters? Just looking at these photos makes me want to whip up a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle by the fire.:)

The best part of the day, however, was getting the chance to know Josh and Laura more and seeing how they laugh and smile at each other in a way that shows how much they truly get each other. You can tell by the way that Josh looks at Laura that he’s completely smitten with his wife to be. I love that look. It’s my favorite thing to capture between two people.

One of my favorite spots at Ash Lawn is this long tree-lined road that takes you up to the property. It’s always the perfect place to start a session. Leaves or no leaves – it just never disappoints!

I just loved Laura’s cute beret and matching sweater. It also looked great against Josh’s grey argyle!

Love this black and white series….

Of course we couldn’t resist playing in the leaves!!

So fierce. Love it!

Laura and Josh: August can’t get here fast enough! You two make me smile whenever I think about our time hanging out, and it’s torture waiting for your wedding at the end of the summer! I enjoyed every single second of getting to know you; never forget how special your love is for each other! Thank you for inviting us into your story!

Un abrazo fuerte,
Natalie

 

 

Richmond Bridal Portraits | Sara

I love everything about this portrait session. The bride, the dress (Jim Hjelm, btw), the classic Richmond home, the back porch that just exudes southern charm, the embodiment of all things lovely. What the perfect way to begin the spring season!

Can’t wait to show you the wedding!!

Un abrazo fuerte,

Natalie

Charlottesville Engagement Photographer: Veronica + Brian

Boy oh boy has April been a busy month for us! I was really hoping to blog WAY before this point, but between our trip to Spain (more on this later!) and shooting a wedding in Richmond (more on this later, too!), this is really the first chance I’ve had to sit down.

Well, I can promise it will be worth the wait because today I have Veronica and Brian’s fabulous UVa engagement session. We had the perfect fall morning to wander around Grounds, and after spending just a few hours with these two, I already felt swept up by the ways that they loved each other and anticipated each other’s needs. Brian is a true gentleman, and it’s obvious that he would do anything for Veronica. Both are comfortable and at ease with each other, and if you ask me, that’s a love worth falling and fighting for.

First up, the classic architecture of UVA’s Colonnade…

I love this series along the garden wall with the red berries glimmering in the background.

Won’t Veronica make the most beautiful bride!?

A few more near Alderman library….

Brian and Veronica: June cannot come fast enough! We had such a wonderful time with you two, and we can’t wait for the wedding! Until then, take good care of each other.:-)

Un abrazo fuerte,

Natalie

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