Sneak peek: Emily and Bryan’s whimsical rustic wedding

sneak peeks

Nov 12

This past weekend, I had the honor of photographing Emily and Bryan’s wedding at their plant nursery in Clarksville, Virginia. Nestled among the golden hues of fall, their day was a beautiful reflection of who they are — quiet, thoughtful, and utterly unique.

Emily and Bryan aren’t the kind of couple who relish the spotlight. In fact, they booked me for just three hours, wanting a photographer who could document their story without making them feel like the center of attention. My goal was to make them feel comfortable while capturing the quiet beauty of their love and the magic of their day.

A venue as unique as they are

Their nursery was the perfect backdrop, blending rustic charm with a whimsical twist. Fall leaves in fiery oranges and deep reds framed the ceremony, creating a natural canvas for the rainbow floral arrangements. Emily’s best friend designed the florals, and they were breathtaking — vibrant pops of color that added a joyful energy to the day.

The ceremony itself was intimate and sweet. With rows of chairs set up among the plants, their loved ones gathered in quiet anticipation. In the front row sat a trio of VIP guests — Emily and Bryan’s three beloved dogs, each sporting a matching dusty blue collar. Watching them sit patiently as their humans exchanged vows was one of the most heartwarming moments of the day.

Focusing on the details

Throughout the day, I focused on storytelling, allowing the moments to unfold naturally. From the candid laughter during the pre-ceremony preparations to the quiet glances Emily and Bryan shared during their vows, it was a privilege to document the essence of their relationship.

The couple chose to forgo many traditional posed photos, and I think that made their gallery all the more special. It felt authentic — photos that captured their personalities and their deep love for one another without forcing them into the spotlight they so humbly avoid.

A celebration of love

Emily and Bryan’s wedding was a reminder that weddings don’t have to fit a mold. They didn’t need grand gestures or elaborate traditions to make their day meaningful. Instead, they focused on the things that brought them joy: their love for each other, the beauty of nature, and their furry family members.

As I worked on these sneak-peek photos, I couldn’t help but feel so grateful to have been a part of their day. Emily and Bryan, thank you for trusting me to tell your story. I hope these photos bring you as much joy as your wedding brought to everyone lucky enough to witness it.

Here are just a few of my favorite images so far — more to come when the full gallery is ready!