Jeff & Chrissy's Old Town Manassas Wedding

"There once was a man from Nantucket...", to quote the comical and oh-so compassionate father of the groom as he began a toast to the couple. The culmination of personalities that adorned the private room at Carmello's, a restaurant in Old Town Manassas, Virginia, to witness the marriage of Chrissy and Jeff spoke volumes about this couple. Although they were all new faces, they opened their arms and welcomed me as if I were one of their own. And by the time I'd left, I felt a little piece of myself linger behind with them and they continued the celebration. And it all started when I walked into the bride, Chrissy's, hotel room just a few hours earlier.

I had never met Chrissy in person prior to her wedding day (I was referred by Elizabeth, one of Chrissy's bridesmaids whose sisters I'd been long time friends with). But ever since our first correspondence, I felt a connection with her, like we were old friends. I write this post as a bride-to-be myself, in very similar shoes as Chrissy (figuratively... not the same shoes as pictured below). 

I could relate to every situation we discussed and knew I just had to be a part of this wedding. For Chrissy, for Elizabeth, and for myself. And I couldn't be happier that Chrissy ultimately asked me to do the honor of photographing her wedding.

I must warn you, that the photos that follow are full of love, fabulousness, and, to take it back a few decades... like, TOTALLY AWESOME, DUDE! 

 Every bride must have precious mementos to make her day that much more memorable. Chrissy carried a beaded bag (seen hanging from the jewelry box mirror) that her mom also carried on her wedding day.

Gorgeous jewelry completed her ensemble.

And of course, the rings!

Chrissy is so photogenic, I never even had to prompt her for a "natural" pose.

 Showing off the final look to her girls. A beautiful bride, ready to make her way to the wedding location!

 Carmello's of Old Town Manassas provided a nice intimate venue for the day's affair.

 The bride and groom left no reason to doubt they worked diligently to create a wedding and reception full of details with just enough whimsy to make them Pinterest worthy! They even made their own peanut butter balls (that I was all to happy to eat when the groom's dad offered one up)! One of the ring bearers carried these signs during the precessional.

 A vintage-style suitcase was used for guests to leave cards in.

 Even the Bride & Groom's table had plenty of character.

There were photo props, which proved a popular display later in the day, as well as a Rubiks cube and, yes, that IS a container full of more peanut butter balls!

And perhaps the cutest display for guests to find their seat I've seen yet...

But the show must go on, and go on it did! The ceremony was short and sweet, with personalized vows and a speech by the officiant, Chrissy's uncle, that certainly brought forth the waterworks. And all that were present witnessed the groom vow to cook, clean, and keep his mouth shut... Kudos to you, Jeff. Kudos to you! And perhaps my favorite part, they not only sealed those vows with a kiss, but a hug so affectionate it made me want to hug the stranger standing behind me. Yes, I was definitely choked up... their friendship is very obvious and reminds me of my own relationship. And I am a firm believer that lasting relationships have a strong friendship at their core. 

There was much support from friends and family on their big day...

It was all fun and games... and then they were photobombed by... wait for it...

President Obama himself! (hehehe) AND...

The groom's DAD!

The food looked delicious, and the desserts were so great at Carmello's that the couple decided to forgo a traditional wedding cake. Nonetheless, a great time was had by all.

But before the first dance, I snuck out with the wedding party (and their great sunglasses!) to grab some fun group shots down at the old train station.

The newlyweds had some memorable moments, their first as husband and wife.

Then we hit the tracks (and borrowed the skateboards of some teenage boys passing through!) to capture the great personalities in this group.

Back at Carmello's the new Mr. & Mrs. Hoye lead us to the dance floor where they share their first dance to Tim McMorris's "Overwhelmed". Let the sobs commence... Yes, I made a beeline for my car after that! But not before catching one last precious photo...

The flower girl looking on admiringly at the couple as they dance. The groom would break away from his new wife just moments later to dance with their admirer as the bride shared a dance with her step-dad.

Chrissy and Jeff... you are everything a great couple should be. Compassionate, full of grace (but not graceful, as the bride's uncle would point out), caring, giving and most importantly, FRIENDS! I wish you nothing but the brightest future and am truly honored to have been included in such an important role in your wedding. Thank you for opening your hearts to me allowing me to experience one of the most important days of your lives. I truly am overwhelmed by you both! 

Credits:

Bridal Hotel Suite: Hampton Inn Manassas

Wedding & Reception Venue: Carmello's

Bride's Gown and Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo of Springfield, VA

Bridal Party Makeup: Cynthia Garrett of Earth Diva Designs