I have been SO ready to share this post from the moment that I took these images last year, but blogging it was one of those projects that I wanted to really commit to and deliver in the best way possible.  With my perfectionist tendencies, I kept putting it off waiting for the ‘perfect time’.  However, Ive decided that today is the day because this is too gorgeous of a shoot to sit on my hard drive for another minute longer without being shared with the world!!

When Erin Bacon of Laurel Wedding Co first reached out to me, I knew she was a gem!  She is a wedding planner shuffling back and forth between PA and Va working with sweet couples all along the way (and a newly wed now herself!!).  She is also working with Stratford Hall as their event planner and, at the time, was looking to connect with other local wedding vendors.

I was so honored that she reached out to me for their preferred vendor list and we immediately scheduled a coffee date one morning to meet in person!  The moment I arrived, we totally clicked and I was greeted with the biggest smile and a warm hug from Erin. Gratitude filled me as we began to chat because it is always such a blessing to connect with other wedding vendors with big hearts.  I adore the people that seek joy above all else, want to serve their clients well, and strive to make others feel loved on.  Erin encompassed all of those things so I basically adored her from the start.  I left that meeting feeling like I not only made a new professional connection, but also a new friend!!

Erin and I began to chat more over the coming weeks and became eager to work as a team.  From there, putting together a styled shoot became our top goal!  We spent months emailing each other and putting together the best vendors that would bring our vision to life.  Full disclosure- I say “our” vision, but Erin was the real rockstar with the heart behind the vision!!!  She paired together the perfect, classic look that would compliment Stratford’s natural beauty!

The day finally arrived for the shoot and, spoiler alert, we were totally rained out… So we rescheduled.

And then that day arrived and a massive snow storm hit Virginia in the middle of March after spring had already made an appearance.  You can imagine our surprise, as well!  

So we rescheduled again!!

Luckily, third time is a charm because that day went off without a hitch!!!  We shot for hours starting in just one of their amazing event spaces.  This room in particular is FILLED with natural light from wall to wall windows that showcase a private woodsy landscape.  After that, we shot all around the grounds of Stratford to capture a few of the many favorites the venue has to offer.  And when I say “many”, imagine the amazing full page list that Erin has tucked up her sleeve for all the greatest photo spots!

I’d go on about everything I love about this shoot, but I’d really rather you take a look for yourself.  You guys!!  Here it is!!  

A Classic Spring Styled Shoot Featuring Stratford Hall

All of my favorite images are below and I hope that you’ll fall in love with Stratford Hall’s beauty with every moment spent here today.  If you’re newly engaged and planning a wedding, I can not recommend reaching out to Erin enough.  I swear you will love her and you’ll be blown away at all that Stratford has to offer their couples!!  

And!  If I can just add that as a wedding photographer, I personally think this venue has SO MUCH to offer for your wedding portraits.  There is so much beauty tucked around every single corner of the grounds.  The great house, the gardens (which are newly renovated and gorgeous!!), the wide often fields, tall trees, beach access, cliff views.. Seriously I could go on!  If you’re looking for an amazing venue thats sure to not disappoint in your wedding images, you’ve found it!  Remember- your images last a lifetime!!  Make sure to choose a venue that will showcase the amazing day that you’ll be spending so much sweet time planning!!  And now please scroll below to see what I mean!!! 🙂

Thank you SO MUCH to all of our kind, amazing vendors that helped make this shoot as perfect as it was and for being so gracious in understanding Virginia weather and our need to reschedule so many times!!!

Venue: Stratford Hall

Planning: Laurel Wedding Co

Photography: Abby Hudson Photography

Florals: Jane Guerin Flowers

Cake: Sorby Sweets

Dress: Ava Laurenne Bride

Hair and Make Up: Bobby Pins and Blush

Models: Katie and Chris Myer