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2017 Wedding Faves & Babes | Best of Weddings

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The volume is cranked up. Over the beat that’s vibrating our windows, we shout, “How much you wanna bet THIS is the new wedding song of the year?!”

If your dad doesn’t want to cry during the father/daughter dance, Fly Me to the Moon is a great choice. If he does want to cry Butterfly Kisses, I loved Her First, or My Little Girl will do it.

If you want something sappy, but elegant, 1,000 Years is totally fine to walk down the aisle to. Taylor’s Shake it Off will inevitably woo your guests onto the dance floor. And “Perfect,” is…well, perfect.

Do we ever get sick of it? nah. You do you, boo. 

And since we’re about to head into a new wedding season, today is one big shoutout to our sweet, sweet couples from last year! No couple is the same. And we hold unique memories with each of you. More than that, We. Miss. You.

You are the reason we do this.  Thank you for trusting us with your love story!
**Yes this is long, you’ve been warned!**

PattengalePhotography StLouis Photographer Boho Wedding AlternativeBride Elegant RichmondVA Vintage Romantic BestofWeddings 0004

Ashley & Sawyer || A Rose Gold Wedding – Winery at Bull Run, Virginia

  • Every single time Bruno Mars’ “Treasure,” plays we literally envision your epic, choreographed first dance all over again. That song will never be the same…you slayed that dance floor!
  • The kindest Father of the Bride we’ve ever met. Truly, felt like friends with your sweet families.
  • Best bold bridal makeup award.
  • Annnnnnd, despite the 32 degrees outside you said yes to pictures outside.
  • (Also, Stephen and I had only been married for two weeks, so the feels were v real as we celebrated with you!)

More of their wedding, here!

Alyssa & Taylor || A Dusty Blue & Organic Wedding – Historic Mankin Mansion, Richmond, Virginia 

  • Your First Look had us all in a puddle of mush. Your tenderness with each other and the “WOW,” that escaped Taylor was just perfection.
  • Not a dry eye in the place when you two met each other in the aisle and finished walking to the alter together. That and the tree planting. Too much.
  •  Nothing short of intentional, personalized details that were simple, raw, & elegant.

More of their wedding, here!

Mike & Adrienne || An Intentional & Rustic Wedding – The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, Pennsylvania

  • The most elegant, little Inn nestled within the rolling hills & countryside of Pennsylvania.
  • Your bridal party was the perfect mixture of sweet and hilarious. Also, the dance floor was alive.
  • That moment when your dads gave toasts that had everyone roaring and on the edge of their seats…
  • So many cool conversations about classic jazz with Adrienne’s dad and always being offered food & wine by, what felt like, every Gruccio family member. We love Italian families!

More of their wedding here!

Christine & Brandon || An Intimate, Destination Beach Wedding – New Buffalo, Michigan

  • Our memories begin long before the wedding day (sister’s wedding perks) but one favorite memory has to be the moment we found THE beach and THE perfect hipster airbnb together.
  • The calm, quiet house as everyone glanced about: hearts full & eyes blurry. You could hear a pin drop. And then dad lost it as he gave you your bouquet.
  • The moment you walked down the aisle to Chariots of Fire.
  • Watching the two of you realize: No more long distance goodbyes. Just hellos. *More tears*

More of their wedding here!

Cody & Katie || A Blush & Sage Green Summertime Wedding – Rensselaer, Indiana

  • So much gushing when your bridesmaids saw you for the first time. It was magical.
  • Cody crying openly as you walked down the aisle. From that moment on, you never left his side and he never stopped gazing at you. No more flights, no more distance. You said hello to forever.
  • Taking romantics in our little hometown was not only full of nostalgia of those growing up years, but was now also a new beginning.
  • The dance floor was THE place to be. 

More of their wedding here!

David & Andrea || A Joy-Filled Multicultural Wedding (+ Mexican Crazy Hour) – Richmond, Virginia

  • Both of you Never. Stopped. Smiling. And if you weren’t laughing you were teary eyed. Goshhh.
  • A live Mariachi Band & that vintage green car. Enough said.
  • When you asked if we could start “Crazy Hour” an hour early. Um yes. And then bam, every guest had a mask, feather garland, and / or glow sticks. Also, every single person, including the three year olds, danced like it was their job.
  • It didn’t even matter that we couldn’t speak Spanish. We were part of the family.

More of their wedding here!

Ryan & Laura || An Industrial, Fall Wedding – Brookside Gardens, Kansas City

  • Again, our memories began long before the wedding (another sister’s wedding) but being a part of the “I said yes to the dress” texting thread was a massive highlight.
  • All the personal touches – From video messages of those unable to be present and exchanging love letters, to books, books, books, and so much amazing swing dancing, not a detail was missed. Also, tacos & donuts.
  • Landing a flip during your first dance…speechless.

More of their wedding here!

Miriam & Daniel || A Romantic St Louis Wedding – Missouri

  • Just before the First Look, it all became very real. You looked at me and asked, “Will you pray with me?” I put my camera down. We held hands & I’ve never felt so honored.
  • The way you two calm each other, encourage one another, and love with a graciousness that is unparalleled is absolutely inspiring.
  • Meeting your hippie grandma on the dance floor and watching you cut the cake with a sword was nothing short of epic.

More of their wedding here!

Hannah & Thomas || An Elegant Wedding at Historic Seven Springs Manor – Richmond, Virginia

  • The entire day was one marked with simple joy. Everything was in place. Everyone was laid back, happy, and so kind.
  • Your First Touch choked us up so bad we had to make sure we kept taking in-focus photos. When you separated, neither of you knew that the other one broke down crying. At the same time.
  • Digging up the bourbon with your bridal party & then romantics among wild flower laden fields was just the best thing ever.
  • Family style dinner, you breaking out into an epic dance during the mother/son dance, and surprise sing song toasts from the bridal party are just a few moments that reflected the closeness of all those celebrating with you.

More of their wedding here!

Mariam & Jay || A Glamorous Persian Wedding – Richmond, Virginia

  • Persian glam meets sophisticated elegance – if it could be embellished it was.
  • Your sweet momma helping you into your dress, partaking in her share of walking you down the aisle and then again celebrating you during the Knife Dance – smiling and laughing throughout it all.
  • Driving you around in the golf cart during those first “we’re married” feels

More of their wedding here!

Mark & Julia || An Elegant Bohemian Wedding – The Piper Palm House, St Louis Missouri

  • It was as though we could hear your heart pounding. He was there waiting for you. I fluffed your dress. And then it all became very real. He was yours. And you were his. From that moment on, everything changed. No one could wipe those smiles of pure joy from your faces.
  • Vintage tablesscapes, fun photo booths, and donuts = nothing short of fun for your guest’s experience.
  • Jimmy Choo shoes & Ed Sheeran. Enough said.

More of this wedding here!

Indeed, last year’s weddings were full of personal touches, intimate moments, and authentic reflections of each couple’s love stories.

We can’t wait to continue the adventure through anniversary sessions and upcoming travels!

Pro Tip: Click over to the individual wedding posts for full vendor lists & more details from the day. Or you can view all our weddings, HERE under the “weddings” category. 

Always,
–Tara (& Stephen)

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