Talk about classy, fun, and elegant — Laura and Chris’s wedding weekend in Roanoke, VA had it all. We Philadelphia photojournalists were impressed! Rebecca and I arrived on Friday from Philadelphia International Airport to a rehearsal dinner at the classic O Winston Link Museum. Rebecca has a thing for trains (the woman has literally traveled from Philly to Quebec and back via Amtrak), so she was thrilled to learn that we’d be at a train museum the day before National Train Day! We couldn’t resist snaggin’ a few cute shots of the couple by the old caboose (see below). They run a part of the Norfolk Southern family.
And just in case we’d forgotten that Karen and Rick from 2008 showed us that a pork bbq could be classy, Laura and Chris reminded us again with some fabulous food for their rehearsal dinner from 3 Little Pigs BBQ. Immediately, we were made to feel like we were part of the family, talking cameras with Laura’s dad and chatting about adopting our next rescue dog with Laura and Chris.
We weren’t sure that Saturday could actually top the warmth and excitement of Friday, but it did. The ceremony and reception were held at the beautiful grounds of Sundara, owned by Patty Trostle. I’d be lying if I said we weren’t incredibly spoiled by the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the rolling green fields, and the blue sky that popped out just in time for Laura’s walk down the aisle.
What I love most about these wedding pictures is the vibrant colors. The flowers, c/o Kerry McCarty at George’s Flowers perfectly complemented Laura’s gown from White Dress by the Shore. And they certainly mirrored the colorful personality of Laura and Chris’s bridal party; including, Best Man: Marshall Chalmers, William (Will) Dichtel, Trey Pollard, David Merrick, Doannie Tran, Maid of Honor: Kyna Fong, Britt Craiglow, Nina Glass, Laura Gibson, Blair Ellis, with readers, Robbie Quinn and Matt Edwards.
While it did rain on their wedding day, it only did for 15 minutes. Besides, you wouldn’t know it from Laura and Chris’s reactions. They were so thrilled to celebrate their love that a few raindrops actually added to the fun, as you can see in the umbrella picture below. As we tell all our couples, when it rains, it rarely downpours for an entire day. With patience and ingenuity, we can seek out the patches of blue sky or just have a blast with oversized umbrellas.
The day’s elegance continued into the night, as Center Stage Catering provided some incredible food at the reception, with the sounds of the band, Soulercoaster, rocking the tent all evening with an incredibly versitle songs. It was a night of fun and frolick, and even Rebecca and I found ourselves cutting the rug a little bit. The wine from Puppie McCloskey of Andes Importers was freely flowing, and the guests seemed to appreciate it!
Laura and Chris, thanks for your love, which made capturing beautiful images of your wedding day a snap! Gus thanks you too for his box of goodies. He would have been there if we could have figured out how to stow him in our carry-on bags, we swear.
Finally, the Bride and Groom would like to thank coordinator Joan Niederlehner, Bob Wood at Earl Wood Printers for the invitations, Pastor Elizabeth Marie Melchionna, ceremony music by Julee Hickox, favors by Jamisons Orchard, bride makeup by Laura Bumgarner, Roanoke, Virginia, and of course, all of their friends and guests.
Thanks so much! It was an honor.
Best,
Bec & Joe
