Samantha and Michael had a backyard, spring wedding on the mountaintop near Wisp Resort. They planned for everything to be outside, but the threat of rain resulted in a tented ceremony and reception. Thankfully, there was still plenty of dry time for us to complete all of our outdoor portraits, and really enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.

Their guests cozied up in the vacation homes and were able to walk just steps out their back door for all the festivities. (If Brian and I had to do it all over again, I think we may do something similar. :)) Samantha’s choice of bold, lush colors like black velvet and deep fuchsia paired so well with the rose gold details. Even Michael opted to wear a pink tie. It was a well thought out day with some meaningful toasts that truly helped capture the special relationship that Samantha and Michael have.

Fun fact: Samantha and I met while she was doing makeup for one of my 2017 brides! I was so excited and flattered to hear from her after she got engaged. Thanks for keeping me in mind, Samantha! 

Samantha decided on faux florals and designed the bouquets herself!

I found the good light downstairs for their getting ready moments so almost all details and finishing touches were taken in the same room…

One of my favorite getting ready moments to capture: A candid, casual shot of the groom tying his tie, adjusting his watch…

And now it’s Samantha’s turn to stand in that beautiful window light! 

So many gorgeous, happy smiles that day. 🙂

Time for the first look! I don’t have many couples choose a first look these days but in Samantha and Michael’s case, it saved the day! After their ceremony, we had JUST enough time for family portraits + wedding party portraits, and then it poured! By the time the rain let up, we were well into the reception and had very little daylight. If it hadn’t been for their first look and bride-groom portraits before the ceremony, we wouldn’t have captured any of these portraits…

Showing off those black velvet shoes. 🙂

I love Samantha’s soft smile look!

Look how the wind swept her hair! I’m pretty sure I shouted “You can’t pay for that kind of wind!” as this was happening. 🙂

And now for the ceremony details…continued DIY by Samantha and her crew…

One of my favorite things to capture on the wedding day: Post-ceremony smiles!

Now for these lovely ladies…

I especially loved the ribbon detail on these bouquets…

We didn’t have time for the groomsmen pictures before the ceremony, but because of our room-for-wiggle timeline, we were able to take them after. BUT the rain clouds were coming and the sprinkles had started! High fives to these guys for making their portraits happen in five minutes!

Someone made him laugh. Just look at the guy on the far left. 🙂

You marry at Deep Creek, you’re gifted DCL wine glasses! Perfect!

This was the first weekend I started my keto-inspired, low carb, low processed sugar diet. Anyone that knows me well knows I love candy AND the cake and goodies at wedding!