Brooke Danielle Photography is a Virginia based wedding photographer.
brooke@brookedaniellephotography.com
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It was bitter sweet this past weekend as I wrapped up the season with my 16th & final wedding. Yes, SIXTEENTH! What an amazing wedding season it’s been, & I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding to wrap up the year with by celebrating Sara & Chance. I just adored this couple so much including everyone who took part in their celebration.
Sara & Chance’s wedding day started out in my own small town of Inwood, West Virginia. The morning started out with the most beautiful weather, but boy were we in for a treat later. I arrived at Sara’s parents house which is where Sara & her bridesmaids were getting ready. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with such warmth. Sara’s mother was so sweet in the sense that she was quick & eager to help me with anything I may have needed when it came to staging some of the detail shots. After spending just a brief time there, we headed over to The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley for Sara & Chance’s “first look.” Sara & Chance had decided ahead of time to do a first look, so that they could use the beautiful grounds at the Museum for portraits. Luck would have it, as we were driving to our destination the sky became almost black. We had been checking the weather periodically throughout the day & knew there was a 50% chance of rain at 2pm, so we knew we would have to move quick.
Once we arrived at the Museum, we began making our way to the gardens where the first look was going to take place. It became very windy as if a storm was about to push through, & it must have dropped 20 degrees (only in Virginia, right?). Poor Sara must have been freezing as she had a sleeveless gown on, lol, but her spirits were so high that nothing could ruin this moment. Sara & Chance shared an intimate first look, as Chance removed a blind fold so he could see his soon to be beautiful bride making her way towards him. Following their first look, we had a very chilly (ok, FREEZING) portrait time, & worked very efficiently to get as much in as possible before the skies decided to let loose! You would also never guess that it was windy & cold outside as Sara & Chance looked so calm & relaxed in all of their portraits- they were troopers!
As you could probably guess, the rain decided to throw a wrench in things. Luckily enough, the Museum was open & there weren’t many people inside which allowed us to use the upstairs area for bridal party & family photos. As much as I looked forward to taking bridal party photos outside in the gardens, I actually really liked using the inside of the museum. My only problem? Being limited on space. We still made it work, and I ended up falling in love with Sara’s bridal portraits!
Now making our way back to Inwood, we celebrated Sara & Chance exchanging vows at the absolutely beautiful Heritage Hall Banquet Center. This stunning venue is just minutes from my house, & this was the first time I had ever stepped foot inside the building. It was BEAUTIFUL! The venue supplied so many beautiful decorations, while the reception area was adorned with rows of crystal chandeliers. The blush pinks & navy blue’s complimented this wedding so beautifully, & I could not get enough of it’s classy decor. Sara & Chance’s ceremony was short, but sweet, & the best part of all was seeing Chance cry as he watched his bride walking down the aisle to him. Don’t worry Chance, for fear of embarrassing you I didn’t post those on the blog- but I wanted to! 😉 A lively reception followed, with toasts, dancing, a comical round of the “shoe game” between the bride & groom. The DJ with RS Entertainment claims that Chance won the shoe game, but I would like to know who was really keeping score 😉 Even if Chance did win the shoe game, Sara definitely won when it came to the cake show down as it was one of the messiest cake cuttings I’ve ever captured- lol. This was indeed one wedding I genuinely loved to be a part of, as this group made me feel like a part of their family.
Sara & Chance, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your special day. I wish you two nothing but the best as you begin this crazy journey as husband and wife!
*Special thanks to my 2nd shooter/assistant Sean Pullen for working with the groomsmen as well as capturing a variety of different angles throughout the day!
White-Allen Wedding Team:
Venue: Heritage Hall Banquet Center
Catering: Heritage Hall Banquet Center
First Look/Portrait Location: The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Videographer: Paul Shirley Productions
DJ/Entertainment: RS Entertainment
Cake: Sweet Tooth Bakery
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Floral Bouquets: Etsy
Photographer: Brooke Danielle Photography
2nd Photographer/Assistant: Sean Pullen
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I’d love to hear about your love and story and celebrate with you on your big day as your biggest cheerleader!