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
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
Jackie & Dan | Sierra Vista Engagement | Forest, Virginia
It was just a week ago that we were traveling across the country to Seattle and Vegas for weddings and babies. While my body is still adjusting to the gloriousness of switching time zones, I am beyond thrilled to share this engagement session today.
It was just a week ago that we were traveling across the country to Seattle and Vegas for weddings and babies. While my body is still adjusting to the gloriousness of switching time zones, I am beyond thrilled to share this engagement session today.
The night before we flew out of town, Jackie and Dan brought their A-game to Forest, Virginia and let me tell you, this shoot made me want to do every single engagement session at Sierra Vista. The evening was relaxed, the sunset was amazing, and these guys were so incredibly joyful. Wrap that up in a cozy yellow blanket, and you’ve got a major win.
Jackie and Dan, hanging out with you two felt like catching up with friends and we can’t wait to celebrate with you in New Jersey later this year!
