Stephannie was radiant the morning of her wedding. Just as every bride should be...after all, she had planned it that way. :) And I love that she planned to have her hair done in one of the most beautiful spas in all of Colonial Williamsburg.  When I arrived, the signature scent of lavender lemongrass and soothing music was playing softly in the background.  It created the perfect atmosphere to capture a few shots of the brooch adorning the back of the bride's elegant French Twist.  I almost didn't want to leave this cozy paradise, but she needed to finish her makeup and get dressed, so we trekked to the Williamsburg Hospitality House to meet up with the bridesmaids.  While my assistant and I were busy with the details and candids, Grant was having fun with Eric and the guys. And I do mean fun! Girls are inherently much more involved in the rituals of getting ready, while the guys just barely manage to show up dressed. So while I'm usually having to hurry the girls along so we can have a few shots together, Grant gets to take all the time in the world with the guys on their own little photo adventure. And it was an extra visual bonus that the groom, Major Eric Mahovsky, arrived in his fine dress blues. 

For the ceremony, the 18th Century Style interior of William & Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry - Chapel had perfect light streaming through its tall windows, as Stephannie walked arm in arm down the isle with her mom and Dad, to meet Eric, the man of her dreams.  As Grant captured everything from the ground floor, I rescinded to the balcony to capture their ceremony from yet a different perspective.  The shiny black and white checkerboard floors were a bonus too.

Once the amazing Catholic ceremony and full Mass was complete, it was time for the reception.  We knew the upscale Opus 9 had been reserved for their family and guests; what we didn't know was how amazing it was inside.  Colorful walls, and dark wood were the perfect compliments to huge floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the dining rooms in glorious light.  It was a delightful and comfortable atmosphere for guests to wine and dine as the couple made their rounds to each table.  In the background, the sounds of 4 expert Jazz musicians kept an upbeat mood that just wouldn't have been quite as perfect had the couple hired the average wedding DJ.

Perfect light, perfect sounds and the perfect setting ushered in the the close of a most perfect day. Stephannie and Eric... enjoy your sneekpeek!