So so thrilled to be sharing Stephanie and Ryan’s classic Willow Oaks Country Club wedding with you today!! This wedding was my last wedding for 2019 and it was one of my favorites for so many reasons!!
I hadn’t seen Stephanie and Ryan since their engagement session 8 months prior and as I was heading to Richmond the morning of their wedding day I felt like I was on my way to a long overdue visit with a friend!
When I first arrived at the house where Stephanie and her bridesmaids were getting ready that day, it felt like I was walking into the most fun girls day. Hair and make up was just about complete taking place in the dining room beside the bridesmaids hanging out around the couch laughing in matching robes with cookies and snacks. Everyone was so warm and welcoming from the moment I joined. Each gal (including Stephanie!!) was relaxed and calm, but very obviously excited for the day ahead. After shooting details, it was time to head to Willow Oaks where Stephanie and Ryan would be married.
Ryan and his groomsmen were already there playing a round of golf before the festivities began. Once everyone was settled in at the venue, Stephanie stepped into her gold gown and all of her bridesmaids gushed over the fact that this moment had finally come. Her mother finished lacing up the back of her gown and a bridesmaid buckled her gold point toe heels to complete the look. In the next room over, Ryan grinned with pride as he straightened his bow tie and perfected his look with heirloom cuff links.
We soon headed outside for a first look with Stephanie’s dad and everyone around was in tears in that moment. From there, I met with Ryan again to prep him to see Stephanie for the first time. He and Stephanie chose to share a dance together during the first look and I was so excited for these two to have genuine time together to savor each other and the day for what it was.
After fluffing her gown, Stephanie walked over to Ryan to tap him on the shoulder. He was speechless as he turned around to see her as his bride for the very first time. He immediately pulled her in and their embrace was strong, but so gentle at the same time. Ryan tucked his face into her neck with his arms wrapped snug around her as they lingered in that moment together. He pulled away with a smile as he asked her to turn around for the full effect. Their song began to play and as they swayed back and forth together, I could see such passion and joy between them for all that was ahead.
Bride and groom portraits led way to welcoming the bridal party for portraits. All of Stephanie and Ryan’s favorite people surrounded them showing their support with laughs and hugs and a few tears as the clock ticked closer to “I Do”. That moment finally came and their parents were teary eyed as Stephanie and Ryan vowed forever together and locked in their promises with the sweetest kiss that ended with the biggest smiles.
The most golden sunset portraits were the perfect way to capture that “just married” feeling Stephanie and Ryan were basking in. After portraits, these two were welcomed in as the new Mr and Mrs with a roar of claps and cheers. The rest of the night was the best celebration amongst friends and family, full of hugs and laughter and dancing. It was the perfect ending to an amazing day.
Stephanie and Ryan- I can’t thank y’all enough for welcoming me into one of your biggest moments in life! Honestly, it was an honor! What an absolute joy to get to know the relationship you share together- so playful and so caring, timeless and strong. As you walk into the next chapter of your lives together, I want you to know I am so happy for y’all and so excited to see what the future has in store for you. Your wedding day was beautiful and I was thrilled to be a part of it, but I also must say that I am grateful for your kindness and friendship through months leading up to this special day. Sending you lots of hugs and congratulations again!!
Thank you to the amazing vendors that made this day so beautiful!
Hair and Make Up: FBJ Weddings, https://www.fbjweddings.com
Florals: Katy Bonomo
Cake/Sweets: Nina Pohlman, duchessofpastry@gmail.com*
Catering: Willow Oaks Country Club, http://www.willowoakscc.org/, SBirckhead@willowoakscc.org*
Bridal Gown: Purchased from Bliss Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung, purchased at Bella Bridesmaids
Grooms Attire: custom Alton Lane
Groomsmen Attire: Peter Blair
Venue: Willow Oaks Country Club, http://www.willowoakscc.org/
DJ: Frank with Bunn DJ Company, https://www.bunndjcompany.com/
Invitations: Minted
Wonderful pictures, Abby did such a great job!