St. Michael's Church, The Omni Richmond Wedding // Irene and Darrell

From June 27, 2015

Peggy & I met Irene and Darrell at the Richmond Wedding Experience Bridal show in January.  We immediately hit it off with Irene and her now mother in law and before the end of the show they brought Darrell, who was off checking out other vendors, back to meet us .  We later met up with Darrell, Irene and this time Irene's mother.  This family has an inviting nature that puts everyone at ease. 

The wedding day was no different.  If either Irene or Darrell were nervous you would have never guessed it.  We had a great time getting photographs prior to the ceremony between making sure the groom didn't see his beautiful elegant bride and missing the episodes of rain which made things interesting.  As you can see below, the BRIDE got caught in one... actually two rain storms.  Both times she laughed and kept smiling.  Luckily we had checked the weather ahead of time and prepared with nice big umbrellas that then became fun props for the bridal party!

Peggy and I love what we do.  Every wedding we photograph is an opportunity to watch something beautiful unfold.  Irene and Darrell's wedding was by our standards perfect.  I probably harp on it too much but to me a wedding is about the people.  The decor, dress and venue are always important and this wedding was no exception.  St Michael's Church and The Omni Richmond Hotel were absolutely gorgeous as were the dress, flowers and overall decor.  But I'm sorry, that's not the stuff that moves me the most.  When I reflect on any wedding, especially this wedding, I remember how transparent a couples love is for one another and the genuine, authentic, love they received from their friends and family on their special day.  Both Irene and Darrell's family and friends are simply fantastic people.  

When I look at the images from this day I'm drawn into how I felt taking them.  Both Irene and Darrell were so gentle with one another.  They were quite shy at first but once they turned away from the camera I could tell all they saw were one another.  Thats it for me, that's how I define success.  When a couple has become lost in one another and forgets we're there, Peggy and I have done our jobs.  When I look at an image I don't see hairs out of place or a tiny little skin imperfection, I see a soul.  I see love and I see tenderness.  Granted, those things should be placed in an attractive setting with "good" light etc ( :-) ) but it's my goal and my opinion that the emotion transferred in an image is what makes it beautiful and special.  When I look through these images I see that abundantly.  I see a couple who is so truly in love surrounded by people who truly love them! 

Special thanks to the following vendors for contributing their special touch in such a beautiful day:

Church: St Michael's, Bon Air Va

Reception Venue and Catering: The Omni Richmond

Salon: Flirt

Dress: Alfred Angelo's, Glen Allen Va

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse

Jewelry: Adolf Jewlers

Flowers: Vogue Flower Markets

Entertainment and Lighting: Black Tie Entertainment

Cake: Appletree Cake Company