July 20, 2022

Caroline & West 10/16/2021

“To love is to recognize yourself in another.” – Eckhart Tolle

According to their wedding website (spoiler alert, they get married), “Caroline and West began not meeting, starting with their childhood, living just neighborhoods apart. Still, they never met. Then, later, they overlapped, at the University of Richmond, while Caroline was working towards her teaching license, and West was attending UR Law School. Still, they never met. Finally on an October night, during Caroline’s first year teaching art, and West’s first year practicing law, they met. West agreed to stop by Caroline’s house for a drink on his way to dinner. It was the perfect blind date. They then spent the next several days together going to Halloween parties and concerts, and the rest is history.”

From their [finally] “meet cute” in 2018 until their “I Do” in 2021, their courtship has been full of travel, adventure, and fun.

The Engagement

Caroline & West wanted to take a creative approach to their engagement session. So in addition to their engagement photos, we worked together to create a short film showcasing their love. As the lovebirds shared a special picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway, West serenaded his love with his own rendition of “If I Needed You” by Don Williams.

We met up with the couple back on the Blue Ridge Parkway for their engagement shoot. It was a special day celebrating this couple’s lifelong love.

The Bridal Portraits

Caroline’s bridal portraits were taken on the family farm where she and West would be married. There’s something special about capturing a bride in a space that has been in her family for generations.

The Wedding

Caroline & West were married on October 16th at 4:30 pm in the afternoon.

The Venue

Caroline & West’s family farm in Nelson County Virginia was the perfect setting for their wedding celebration.

The Details

Caroline told us that she wanted her wedding to have a romantic elegance with a tiny hint of a rustic farm vibe.

The Bridal Party

Caroline’s 10 bridesmaids looked gorgeous in their mauve, blush, and burgundy David’s Bridal ensembles. West’s 10 groomsmen’s dapper suits complimented the bridesmaids perfectly.

Caroline & West’s fathers played a special role on their wedding day. West’s father served as his Best Man.

The Bride & Groom

The best things in life are worth waiting for. And after 3 years of dating, Caroline & West’s wedding day was everything they wanted and more.

Caroline shared sweet moments with her parents before making her way down the aisle.

The Ceremony

Caroline & West’s afternoon ceremony took place in a beech tree grove on the family farm. As guests were seated, they were welcomed with music from a string ensemble.

Caroline entered in a horse and carriage and then met her father to walk down the aisle as West watched in awe.

Instead of a traditional unity ceremony, Caroline & West opted for a tree planting ceremony. For other unity ceremony ideas, check out our Unity Ceremonies blog.

The Reception

After the gorgeous outdoor ceremony, it was time for Caroline & West’s 200 guests to get their party on. And not to be left out, Caroline & West had carriages ready to transport their guests on the property.

The reception was complete with laser lights and glow sticks. As the evening chill began to set in, Caroline added a gorgeous fur coat to her wedding day ensemble.

We love when we’re able to capture the progression of a specific event at a wedding (hello, first look snaps). Caroline gave us the perfect progression of a boquet toss, and we couldn’t end this blog without sharing it with you.