I had every intention of blogging Anna and Matt’s wedding yesterday. Heck, even thought I could blog their engagement session AND wedding together in one post! But the life of a stay-at-home, small-business-owner mom, photographer and wife had other plans. So I’m a day late. But better late than never, right!?! 🙂

Anna and Matt had a beautiful wedding on January 3rd. It was just after the holiday season so there was still a hint of Christmas in the air (and in the decor of their reception…see below!). And of course, it was cold…and ICY! While I was having breakfast that morning, I found out via Facebook that the interstate was closed! WHAT?? That’s the road I need to get to the wedding! The icy conditions were so bad that they shut down a main highway for a good part of the morning. I tried not to freak out and THANKFULLY the road was reopened shortly before I left. And thankfully, the icy conditions weren’t expected to stick around. Oh the woes of a winter wedding!

Some of the things I remember most about Anna and Matt’s wedding day were the black bow ties (so classic!), Anna’s beautiful bridal portraits and the pop of red throughout the day. Oh and Anna and Matt. 🙂 They are such gems. So sweet, so friendly and so calm-spirited, with a touch of spunk and fun here and there. They were just wonderful to work with! Here are my favorites from their wedding…

These jewelry shots are some of my favorite detail shots to date!

Because Anna and Matt got ready in the same hotel just down the hall from each other, I could easily hop between the two and take their getting ready pictures as needed and when able. Such a convenience!

My second shooter Kristin captured the shot on the right! She was tucked in a corner with very limited space, but was still able to pull off some nice pictures. 🙂

Look at all those ladies in red!

I could not stop taking portraits of Anna! SHE WAS STUNNING! And so classic. There are so many favorite bridal portraits coming up!!!

HUGE FAVORITE!!

Love this classic getting ready shot of Matt!

And definitely a new favorite groom portrait!

Bride and groom. 🙂

And these next bridal portraits of Anna…they’re pretty awesome, too!

DEFINITELY LOVE THESE TWO PORTRAITS!

I love a good grandma moment!!

Their ceremony was held in the “library” at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, WV. I’ve photographed a handful of weddings at this venue and I’m not going to lie, this room is HARD to shoot in! It’s not a large space, there are no side aisles, it’s covered in dark wood and there are no windows. But it’s a very intimate spot and the lights do help create a moody, romantic atmosphere…

Kristin stayed back with the bride to capture these moments. So thankful I asked her to do so! 🙂

Kristin’s angle!

There were so many subtle, sweet moments between these two during the ceremony…

They hung a mistletoe right above the ceremony spot!

Their smiles. 🙂

There was so much prayer and worship during their ceremony and it was powerful!

Married moment!

We headed outside for some pictures and thankfully the entire wedding party was on board! It was a cold one!

I was able to snap SO MANY portraits of Anna and Matt in the time we had. There was plenty of time, but I tried to move quickly since it was so cold. And they did so wonderful considering the circumstances!

Anna rocking her serious face, just like she did during their engagement session!

Love this black and white portrait of the new Mrs.!

Anna took advantage of the cold weather and wrapped herself in a fur coat! Love this bridal accessory on winter brides. 🙂

The girls also had some fur to keep them warm!

This is a favorite of the guys. I love that it shows class, but also fun. 🙂

And to round out the fun and formals, I asked the group to gather around this wonderful window light and get serious. 🙂

And of course I encouraged some fun, too!

Oh, just Matt. Looking dapper and classic. 🙂 I’m a big fan of the black tuxedo with bow tie after this wedding!

And the beautiful bridal portraits just don’t stop with Anna!

Candy canes for the guests!

Love this first dance picture. 🙂

DJ Paul McGrady asked everyone on the dance floor to smile for the camera! 🙂

See, I told you they had some spunk and fun in them. 🙂 Matt wowed the guests for sure!

Another good grandma moment!

Matt and Anna chatting with grandma while Anna’s parents look on. This happened naturally and I’m so glad I caught it!

Anna and Matt did a candy toss!

I try to give my couples both natural-light and flash images from their reception. The DJ’s colored lights and the subtle lights in the room helped with that during Anna and Matt’s reception…

Another spunk and fun performance from Matt!

One last song…

And a non-sparkler exit to end the night! I love that they didn’t use sparklers, by the way. Sparklers seem a bit over-done and they aren’t the easiest things to coordinate for a reception exit. I think the petal-throwing worked nicely here!

Anna and Matt, thanks for having me…and for being awesome clients! I really enjoyed your wedding day and I hope you’ll enjoy your pictures forever! I think your sweetness AND spunkiness are both displayed very well throughout. 🙂