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In the photography business, you tend to attract clients that like the same things you do. After all, your pictures are just an expression of how you see the world, so if people like your vision, chances are it’s because it matches THEIR vision. Throw in a few common interests like running and food, and you’ve got buddies waiting to happen. Such was the case with my little friend Melanie, who is one of those people that you like to be around because it’s just hard to be unhappy around her. She literally lights up a room – and I knew it would be no different on her wedding day at Hampstead.

The rustic, but elegant wedding combined old and new. The bride’s bouquet (by Southern Wedding Designs) incorporated modern touches like succulents, but the brooches decorating the stems belonged to Melanie’s grandmothers.

The Badgley Mischka shoes were a new twist on a vintage fabric, and the Reem Acra gown had just enough glitz without being fussy.

Another thing we bonded over was losing our dads at a relatively young age – she had mentioned that the necklace she was going to wear for the wedding was a special sentiment between her and her dad, so it was fitting that her mom be the one to help her put it on. Dad wasn’t the only one who got a little tribute though – Melanie also wore her mom’s veil.

In the meantime, Will and his men were just down the street at The Tipping Point, enjoying a very manly pre-wedding snack of beer and Zapp’s chips. Little did he know, the sight of his lovely bride would nearly blow him away. 🙂

The signage from Erin Shae Weaver’s Etsy shop and mason jars of flowers along the aisle added rustic flair to the ceremony at the bocce pavillions, while The W Brothers string trio added classic elegance.

In honor of her father, Melanie walked halfway down the aisle on her own, then her stepfather met her at that point to escort her the rest of the way. It couldn’t have been more perfect, since her stepdad built the arch that she and Will would be married under.

The cocktail hour featured drinks of course, along with freshly shucked oysters. And at the the center of it all? Custom cornhole boards, made by the groom’s father and the bride herself!

While the guests enjoyed a round or two of cornhole, Mary Sanders of Mary Me (the super duper wedding planner) turned the ceremony space into a lovely reception area, ready for a fabulous meal from Jennie Weller Catering:

The cake (from Vickie’s Cakes) had a very special cake topper – the same one was used on the cake at Melanie’s grandparents’, parent’s, and aunt’s weddings!

Melanie & Will – I hope your Punta Cana honeymoon was everything you hoped for, even though you (Melanie) didn’t get your long run done. 🙂 See you soon when we “get lucky” in Virginia Beach!

Venue: The Bocce Pavillions at Hampstead

Wedding Planning & Design: Mary Me

Wedding Gown: Reem Acra

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Makeup: Lush Makeup Art

Floral Designer: Southern Wedding Designs

Ceremony Music: The W Brothers

Catering: Jennie Weller

Cake Designer: Vickie’s Cakes

Band: Cornbred