An Intimate Wedding in Virginia - Kristy May Journal

I never dreamed, after I photographed my last wedding before the pandemic lockdown began, that it would be 3 months before I’d photograph a wedding again. Or that that wedding would be in a totally different state from its original planning!

But things change. Nothing is “normal” this year. But we must go on and make the most of what we have. Because the important things still matter: friends, family and being together. Our vision may change, but we must keep moving. I jumped at the chance to drive a few extra miles to photograph this 10 person wedding. (They are planning a larger gathering in October at the original venue)

The bride and her best friend, who drove up from Florida with her dog, Charlie, got ready in a converted barn. Her original dress was still locked-up in a bridal store and so they ordered several ready to wear dresses. Some did not arrive in time, but this lovely gown from Jenny Yoo sold by BHLDN did. The bridesmaids (though some were missing due to work etc) wore a blue convertible dress by Two Birds. Due to the church rules, the bride’s mom creatively fixed a shawl over her shoulders for the ceremony.

The couple married in a Catholic Church in Virginia near the bride’s parents home. Their ceremony wasn’t much different than a typical one except there were few guests and the church had social distancing tape all over the pews. Everyone in the wedding party had a role in the ceremony.

After the ceremony there were photos, a video of well wishes from virtual guests, and a dinner catered by the bride’s parents. The weather was perfect and the day was relaxed and joyful. There was a barn cat named Dick, and tractor and fresh salad from the garden. The couple had monogrammed koozies and cups designed by the bride and simply bearing the year on them. (At the time of ordering they weren’t sure what to put on it! Fitting!)

We took photos all over the farm and had a fantastic view of the Blueridge Mountains. At the end of my time there, the couple were surprised with a Fudgie the Whale cake by Carvel with a custom photo cake topper created by the groom’s sister.

I’m looking forward to celebrating with the couple and the rest of their guests! (I think the term “sequel wedding” is starting to be used for these celebrations. But I like “marry now, party later” too.)

Note: I wore a mask when inside and closer than 6 ft from the couple or guests. The families in these photos were isolating prior to the wedding, but posed for a photo with matching masks the bride’s mother made at the church to commemorate the times.