Moriah & Mickey | Timeless & Magical Wedding | Bella Rose | Lynchburg, Virginia
You know that feeling when you go to an event, sit next to people you don’t know, run out of small talk in 5 minutes, and can’t wait to leave? Now take that feeling and flip it on its head because this wedding was the exact opposite of that…
You know that feeling when you go to an event, sit next to people you don’t know, run out of small talk in 5 minutes, and can’t wait to leave? Now take that feeling and flip it on its head because this wedding was the exact opposite of that. Now add to that the most delicious Fall day in Lynchburg, Virginia where the sun brings its warmth during the day and the sunset ushers in the perfect amount of Autumn chilliness.
Then throw in the mix Bella Rose, a wedding venue tucked away while simultaneously being close to both Forest & Lynchburg alike. And if you thought we were done building this wedding, you’re wrong, because the stars of the show, Moriah & Mickey literally waltz right in like they were supposed to be there (and they were because it’s their wedding). This was the second wedding I’ve photographed Moriah as she was a bridesmaid in her sister’s wedding at West Manor a couple of years back. They’re the kind of people that you want to be family with even though you just met them.
Moriah & Mickey’s wedding was both classic and magical. Not classic in a stuffy, don’t touch this piece of art way, classic in the timeless, romantic, Audry Hepburn kind of way. From her pearl earrings, to that timeless updo, to all her design choices, not to mention that little blue Tiffany’s box Mickey gifted her before their first look (which yes I totally cried at) it was absolute perfection. Emotion-filled, incredibly fun, and communal.
I mean, we did their engagement session at Disney World (more to come on that), so that should give you an inkling of just how magical and down to earth they are and tell you how deep their love for Disney is.
Moriah, a literal Disney princess, wore an amazing ball gown from Ashley Grace and her bridesmaids slayed in their Renzrags dresses. As she walked down the aisle, Mickey lost it and so did everyone else. And you will too as you scroll down so it’s just like you were there. After they danced the night away, they exited under sparklers and ran to the honeymoon treehouse located on the property. Can it even get more magical?
Basically, we love this wedding, we love this couple, and we’re low-key trying to be adopted into the Thompson family.
Sony a7Riv | Mitakon 50mm .95 | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 | The Archetype Process
Photographers | Kelsey & Nate
Venue | Bella Rose
Flowers | Bella Rose Floral & Design
Wedding Planner | Entwined Events
Wedding Dress | Justin Alexander from Ashley Grace Bridal
Alterations | Sew Savanna
Tuxedos | Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses | RenzRags
Hair & Makeup | Behind the Brush Makeup Artistry
Favors | JF Chocolat
Videographer | Hannah Eve
Ellie & Caleb | Inspired & Intimate Wedding | Atelier Studio & The Virginian | Lynchburg, Virginia
I’ll alllllways cherish a wedding that captures who the couple is; and, surprise, that’s exactly what Ellie & Caleb’s wedding was. Even though it was the beginning of January with a bit of snow still lingering, they brought the sunshine and ushered in spring to their wedding. Ellie & Caleb had to change their date and plan multiple times due to COVID-19, so when it came to the final plans, they knew what they wanted and rolled with it – and it was dreeeamy.
I’ll alllllways cherish a wedding that captures who the couple is; and, surprise, that’s exactly what Ellie & Caleb’s wedding was. Even though it was the beginning of January with a bit of snow still lingering, they brought the sunshine and ushered in spring to their wedding. Ellie & Caleb had to change their date and plan multiple times due to COVID-19, so when it came to the final plans, they knew what they wanted and rolled with it – and it was dreeeamy. All of the vendors were great to work with – especially a floral designer & wedding planner I already knew. (Never underestimate the network of vendors that vendors have!)
The bridal party got ready in a stunning, sun-light filled house 5 minutes from their ceremony and reception, which gave us the sweetest getting ready photos and some beautiful bridals. We headed to Atelier Studio for their ceremony and it did.not.disappoint. The backdrops at Atelier are dreamy and editorial, and easily one of my favorite parts capturing this wedding. I mean, did you even see that pink backdrop?! During the ceremony, communion had all of us teary eyed as we watched Caleb serve Ellie communion and pray over their marriage and new family.
After their intimate ceremony, we popped over to The Virginian Hotel for the reception at the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks nostalgic Downtown Lynchburg. The tables were set with colorful goblets, vibrant flowers, and little hints of color and texture in every detail. The family shared sweet goodbyes as the couple drove off into their forever.
Basically, if I could do this wedding over and over again... I would. Which means someone else should, no, needs to get married and use the backdrops at Atelier and have me capture their wedding. Cheers to Ellie & Caleb, thank you for bringing sunshine into the winter months with your gorgeous & beautiful wedding.
The Find lab | Fuji 400h | Portra 400 | Hp5 | pentax 645n | Nikon f6 | Sony A7riv
VENUE | Atelier Studio & Skyline
Coordinator & FLORALS | Max & Dexter
HAIR & Makeup | Cami Joy Stylist
CATERING | William & Henry
BRIDAL GOWN | Celebration Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS | ASOS
CINEMATOGRAPHY | Alyssa Swedick
INVITATION SUITE | Hannah Gwaltney
We're Moving! | Kelsey & Nate Move to Forest, Virginia
I’m not sure what the bigger news is: that I blogged, or that we’re moving to Virginia. Why the move? Part of living out our values is creating a habitat for our family, for our children to grow and thrive. A safe haven for them and others needing respite to experience peace and refreshment. We’re constantly fighting to be intentional and unhurried in a culture that promotes busyness. To help combat our own inclination for busy, we want to live in an environment that aids in deep breaths and togetherness. Even more, it sets us up to give to others what cannot be bought — peace, rest, restoration, and love…
I’m not sure what the bigger news is: that I blogged, or that we’re moving to Virginia.
Still, it’s appropriate to give both of those things their moment. *Celebratory pause for blogging* and now, on to Virginia.
Saying goodbye to our house in Charlotte after we walked through it and bawled our eyes out from the memories.
The Backstory
Near the end of 2020, with Nate’s job at Till Agency being completely remote and my continuous travel to VA for weddings and photographing family and engagement sessions, we re-evaluated our life in Charlotte and asked “what’s keeping us here?”
I mean there’s incredible benefits of living in a major metropolitan area. We’re in the midst of 7 different Targets, 5 movie theaters, 2 Trader Joes, and 1 international airport. However, the main reason we’re in Charlotte right now is because of family. Which, by the way, is a good enough reason to move/stay anywhere and that principle happens to be part of our family values. So why the move then?
Because, another part of living out our values is creating a habitat for our family, for our children to grow and thrive. A safe haven for them and others needing respite to experience peace and refreshment. We’re constantly fighting to be intentional and unhurried in a culture that promotes busyness. To help combat our own inclination for busy, we want to live in an environment that aids in deep breaths and togetherness. We know this will not only help our children, but our marriage and family thrive in this season. Even more, it sets us up to give to others what cannot be bought — peace, rest, restoration, and love.
In short, our current location and space isn’t as conducive for us to live out these values in this season. I hope it’s clear that this isn’t what everyone should do right now. Heck, we won’t always occupy the space we’re moving into because our next step after this is to find land (like lannnnnd) and build. But this is what benefits us most in this season; just like North Carolina did these past 4 years.
We’ve been out and about for a month and visted Sarah Pascutti and she grabbed these treasured photos on Sullivan’s Island.
SO. We’re moving to Forest, VA into an already redone 1880’s farmhouse on the most beautiful, peaceful, and still 2 acres. The cows are our neighbors and I’ve imagined our kids climbing in and playing under the giant weeping willow and running down the tree-lined driveway. We also have a vision for how to make the space our own and I’m honestly excited for those projects. Aside from the house itself, there are mountains there -- “Hills” for my West Coast Friends -- which are incredibly grounding for me. (Don’t worry, still an Anna Maria Island beach girl at heart forever and ever. and ever.) AND we have community. It’s been 4 years since we moved from our Downtown Lynchburg Loft to NC and our community is still strong there -- another incredible treasure that cannot be bought. Lastly, Kelsey & Nate is still rooted in VA and I cannot TELL you how excited I am to keep growing our business, serve more families & couples, and use our property for photo locations.
gIDEON rain & afton Mercy — we were privileged to bring both babies home to our first house
Afton at 2 weeks old and again at 2 years old celebrating a pandemic birthday while waiting for her brother to be born
Some General Q & A’s
Will we miss our family?
Are tankless hot water heaters the best? If you don’t know, you’ve never had one and I can’t answer this question without crying.
Will we ever visit North Carolina?
Absolutely. We still have family, weddings, friends, family, counselors, an airport, Madewell, fave restaurants, and did I mention family there? Right now I’m driving on 29N at least once a month so we’ll just flip that and reverse it.
Can you take our photos?
HECK YES. I’d love to. Contact me here and let’s get you set up!
Can we visit you?
Again, heck tankless hot water heaters yes. We’ll be adding onto the house after we move in so we’ll have a completed and separate guest space for you. Another one of our values is hosting so having a place for you is v important to us.
How did you find this slice of heaven house?
Through our incredible realtor & friend Johanna Calfee. We’ve known Johanna for years and even traveled with her to Thailand to do photo/video work for Freedom 424. When you go around the world with someone, you get to know them pretty well so it was an easy decision to work with her to find this amazing place that never went on the market -- that’s how good she is.
Well friends, if you live in Virginia, we’ll most likely be seeing you soon. Mainly because there’s one Target. If you have more questions, drop them below and I’ll answer!
Much Love,
Kelsey & Nate, Afton & Gideon, & Henry
Demi & Chance | Engagement Session | Charlotte, North Carolina
The story of Demi and Chance began in High school, but, and some would say more importantly, the story of Demi and Kelsey began 3 years ago in an abandoned field in Lynchburg, Virginia. I realize that sounds sketchy but it's not. I was taking photos for my sister and brother-in-law to announce their pregnancy and Demi was completing a senior session. We brought too much confetti to handle so we recruited Demi and she showed her confetti throwing skills like a boss.
The story of Demi and Chance began in High school, but, and some would say more importantly, the story of Demi and Kelsey began 3 years ago in an abandoned field in Lynchburg, Virginia. I realize that sounds sketchy but it's not. I was taking photos for my sister and brother-in-law to announce their pregnancy and Demi was completing a senior session. We brought too much confetti to handle so we recruited Demi and she showed her confetti throwing skills like a boss.
From there we started running into each other all over town and connected over photography, healthcare, and dogs. She even babysat #ourdoghenry and then got a sweet Schnoodle of her own. Fast forward to last August when Nate and I moved to Charlotte, then Chance did (for his own job, not because of us) and then Demi eventually moved as well. You see where this is going, right? We call this friendship fate and we're okay with it. Plus, it meant that I got to celebrate with Demi in person after their engagement this Spring!
It also meant that I had the incredible honor of photographing their engagement session at Champagne Manor. A seriously beautiful venue located in Monroe -- the outskirts of Charlotte. The weather was perfect, they were perfect, and their dog Winston was perfect which means these photos are perfect. So what're you waiting for?! Take a look! We're so excited for you Demi and Chance and I can't wait to stand next to you as a bridesmaid and celebrate your wedding this year!!
