Weddings Kelsey Schwenk Weddings Kelsey Schwenk

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

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Weddings Kelsey Schwenk Weddings Kelsey Schwenk

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

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Weddings Kelsey Schwenk Weddings Kelsey Schwenk

Rachel & Will | Timeless & Elegant Southern Wedding | Gassaway Mansion | Greenville, SC

Gosh, where do I begin? This couple, their community, their style, venue, vendor choices...I mean, you get the picture -- pun intended. I’m sure you remember Rachel from her elegant, timeless, and basically ethereal bridal session at the Biltmore in Asheville and the good news is she’s back on the blog and her new husband is with her.

Gosh, where do I begin? This couple, their community, their style, venue, vendor choices...I mean, you get the picture -- pun intended. I’m sure you remember Rachel from her elegant, timeless, and basically ethereal bridal session at the Biltmore in Asheville and the good news is she’s back on the blog and her new husband is with her.

Rachel and Will held their wedding in Greenville, South Carolina at Grace Church Downtown before heading over to the glorious Gassaway Mansion for their reception and I loooooved how they were all over their day. Well of course they were, they were the one’s getting married, right?! But at the sake of being redundant, not all weddings reflect the couple because couple’s often choose what they think they should instead of what they actually want. You want cake? Great, have cake. Don’t want cake? Awesome, have pie...or ice cream (and make sure I’m there cause Pie and ice cream is #praisehandsemoji). Simply put, you do you. But I’ll get off my soapbox and back to Rachel and Will.

When I think of these two I think of classic - the kind of classic that stops time because it is timeless. The kind that consists of red lips and classic cars and begs to be shot on film because the texture and colors will outlive all trends. Outside of their eye for style, their love of family and community was evident by not only the amount of people present but also by the amount of tears shed by everyone; including me. As you see this wedding unfold, you’ll see that tears weren’t hard to come by because the ceremony started with Will singing to his bride before she walked down the aisle and continued with a foot washing portion where the whole congregation sang and prayed over the couple.

After the ceremony we headed over to the mansion and were able to be in the same car as the newlyweds and those intimate photos in the car are some of my favorite. The rest of the night everyone danced, Will sang, toasts and more tears were made, and then they rode off in their cream convertible; a fairytale ending for this classic couple.

VIEW THE FULL GALLERY HERE

PENTAX 645NII | Fuji GA645 | NIKON D810

PORTRA 400(+1) | FUJI 400H | HP5 + 3 | MASTIN LABS

THE FIND LAB


VENUE | Grace Church Downtown & Gassaway Mansion
FLORALS | Gassaway Mansion
CAKES | Brick Street Cafe
HAIR | BeCCA Logan
MAKEUP | Bloom Hair Lounge
CATERING | Gassaway Mansion
BRIDAL GOWN | poinsette bride
BRIDESMAIDs | poinsette bride
Men's Wear | Jos A Bank
CINEMATOGRAPHY | Knotted Arrow
DJ/Band | Finesse
Transportation | Morrow Motors
Invitation Suite | William Arthur

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Weddings Kelsey Schwenk Weddings Kelsey Schwenk

Annaliese & Ben | Chic Urban Wedding | LongView Gallery | Washington D.C.

At the risk of sounding cliche, Annaliese & Ben’s wedding was a dream. But for real.

This couple is dynamic in every sense of the word. They make everyone who crosses their path feel loved and accepted for who they are. We were extremely fortunate to connect with them through Anne, one of the Groom’s sisters, who is also a photographer and part of the same network that we’re in. It’s things like this that make the internet world feel smaller and like a true community.

At the risk of sounding cliche, Annaliese & Ben’s wedding was a dream. But for real.

This couple is dynamic in every sense of the word. They make everyone who crosses their path feel loved and accepted for who they are. We were extremely fortunate to connect with them through Anne, one of the Groom’s sisters, who is also a photographer and part of the same network that we’re in. It’s things like this that make the internet world feel smaller and like a true community.

It should go without saying that I’m so happy that we did connect because these two are just as kind as they are stunning -- attentive to their family, community, and the animal world. Direct proof of this was the inclusion of their beloved dog, @rescue_charlie in as much of their wedding day as possible.

Charlie, in his dapper tux, was part of the first look that melted hearts in the heart of DC and the wedding favors were coffee beans from Dean’s Beans appropriately named β€œRescue Charlie’s Good Boy Blend.” However, he wasn’t the only intentional thing about their day. Anna’s brother was the priest who married them and as a sweet surprise, during his toast, presented them with a framed Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis.

After photos at Meridian Hill and the ceremony, we headed to LongView Gallery for the chicest reception space I’ve ever seen. Hanging greenery highlighted the head table and the gallery art kept the modern twist on the space -- keeping it minimal but classy. We capped the night off with macarons, dancing, and an epic sparkler exit. Thank you for having us capture your day, we’re still cheering for you two...and obviously Charlie.

VIEW THE FULL GALLERY HERE

PENTAX 645NII | NIKON D810

PORTRA 400(+1) | FUJI 400H | HP5 + 3 | MASTIN LABS

THE FIND LAB


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