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
Deyo Family Session | Forest, Virginia
After the rain cleared, we headed outside to their beautiful backyard to get photos that I think are the epitome of Summer. I will forever love how carefree and fun this session was and how happy I am that they have photos that mark this time in their lives.
We had been married for two weeks, had just moved from Vegas to Lynchburg, Virginia, and I was on the job hunt. If you want to have large transitions all at once, that’s definitely one way to do it. During this time, I interviewed for an admin position and Adam Deyo became my boss and family acquaintances turned into friends. Eventually I quit my job to do photography full-time and Nate actually swapped scenes with me to work with Adam in the same department. The only reason we live so far away from this incredible family now is well, because we moved to Charlotte.
The day of the session, it rained – typical Lynchburg – but that didn’t matter because we knew we wanted to get some lifestyle shots around their beuaitul farmhouse and I love how they turned out! We hit rooms that had a lot of natural light and Kelley wanted to make sure we captured their beautiful ordinary – things that they normally do like hanging out in the kitchen while she prepped dinner.
After the rain cleared, we headed outside to their beautiful backyard to get photos that I think are the epitome of Summer. I will forever love how carefree and fun this session was and how happy I am that they have photos that mark this time in their lives.
*For photographers – because I wanted to shoot color inside under low-light conditions, I did use a mix of digital and pushed film for the inside shots along with black and white film. Both mediums served me well in this session!
So, We're Moving!
We didn’t expect this to happen so fast so we’re sad about the things we didn’t even realize we’d miss. It’s like even though hearing people chew is my NUMBER one pet peeve (To the point where I get angry), I find myself saying, “Lynchburg, I don’t care if you chew with your mouth open, I still love you!”
We’re moving to Charlotte, North Carolina.
We didn’t expect this to happen so fast so we’re sad about the things we didn’t even realize we’d miss. It’s like even though hearing people chew is my NUMBER one pet peeve (To the point where I get angry), I find myself saying, “Lynchburg, I don’t care if you chew with your mouth open, I still love you!”
Yesterday Nate and I talked about how there wasn’t time to mentally prepare for all of our “lasts” here. That if we had known that it was our last time at the Market, our last snow day, the last time our community group met, or the last time enjoying our favorite meals with friends then we would’ve savored those times more. But maybe there’s a sneaky lesson in there – not the cliché live every moment like it’s your last – but live in every moment because that’s where joy is found. In the ordinary moments that are so familiar, they are often overlooked. When we learn to embrace, pause, and welcome them, we’re freed up to live in joy.
Lynchburg is all our marriage has known. I mean we moved 2 days after we got married! Lynchburg is where we grew our business – where we met incredible #kncouples and were privileged to celebrate the start of their marriages. It’s where #ourdoghenry joined our family. It’s where people we love live.
The great news is that Charlotte is the ONLY airport that Lynchburg flies to aaaaand if you play your cards right, you might get stuck there. Now, you’ll have a friend to call when you do.
When are you leaving?
Okay take a deep breath with me. We’re leaving tomorrow – as in Saturday. Nate starts his new job on Monday so as soon as this post is up, I’m going to finish packing the kitchen.
That’s not enough time?!
I KNOW. But we’re still okay with it. It’s been about 10 days since we were 80% moving and 5 since we were 100%. If we had any doubts that this isn’t what we’re supposed to be doing, I would protest. But we know that we know that we know that this is our next step.
Will you be back?
You can’t keep us away from this little slice of off-highway heaven. Again, people we love live here and we still have sessions and weddings all over Virginia. AND there’s a workshop that I’m over the moon excited about.
Will you still run your business here?
Absolutely! Since I have sessions, I’ll be back up for a week at a time until December. So my “goodbye” is drawn out and I’m okay with that. We’ll still service Virginia (Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, DC) while expanding to Charlotte. SO – if you know people in Charlotte, start sending them our way!
And The Ordinary Workshop?
So glad you asked! It’s still happening and you can early-bird it and sign-up here!
Where will you be living?
We’re moving in with our favorite 16-month-old, Linus. My sister Kathryn and her husband Drew have so graciously opened their home to us while we search for a new #schwenkspace. This makes transitioning so much easier because we’re not forced to reactionary buying. It also means that we get to be a part of Linus’ growing up and that is invaluable. We’re also looking for renters to take over the best loft right on Lynchburg’s Main Street – you can e-mail me here if you’re seriously looking!
What will you be doing?
I’ll still be doing this! Families, couples, weddings, and film photography – that won’t change! We’ll still do wedding films (as in video) as well! Nate will be working full-time at Elevation church managing the social media for Elevation Worship. I’m incredibly excited and proud of him as he continues to grow his gifting and passion for communications and marketing.
And finally, why Charlotte?
Because it’s the happiest place on earth! Just kidding – that’s the beach. We knew we wanted to stay on the East Coast because being close to family is a priority for us no matter where that is. (Check out this article that solidified our thoughts last year) Moving further north was not an option because winter. We wanted to still be able to service VA with our business and live close to an international airport. When Kathryn and Drew moved to Charlotte, we already knew eventually we would make our way down to the Carolinas. I just never thought it would be this soon.
I’ve felt the feelings in a week I normally feel in a month; so if you catch me tearing up, you know why. We’re excited, incredibly hopeful, slightly overwhelmed with packing up our loft that we’ve loved so much, sad, and confident. We’re confident that this is our next step and new home. And really Charlotte isn’t that far…from anywhere because there’s an airport that has more than one airline which will be one thing we will NOT miss.
So if you’re reading this, chances are we love you and are grateful for you investing in our lives and we’ll see you soon.
Much Love,
Kelsey, Nate & Henry.
