This was my first wedding of the busy season for 2015. Erica booked me well in advance and her husband Scott revealed to me that she made the photography decision even before choosing her wedding dress! Photography was important to Erica and I couldn’t have been more pleased to hear that on her wedding day. Knowing that she wanted to spend time on her pictures and invest in that part of the wedding day made me feel appreciated and somewhat free. I knew that I could take tons of pictures and ask them to stand in multiple locations…and they wouldn’t mind. I also never felt the need to rush because it was just Erica and Scott…no wedding party! All fun and formal picture-taking was spent on them as a couple. What a special treat! 🙂

Their wedding took place at a barn in Moundsville, WV. I had never been to Moundsville before and was pleasantly surprised by its inviting and quaint atmosphere. The ceremony spot was probably my favorite. The grass was green, a wooded area served as the backdrop and the space was easily and beautifully decorated by purple spring flowers. And the weather was wonderful! It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold. The sun peeking in and out from behind clouds made lighting a little challenging at times, but I was thankful for some warmth and glow.

Erica and Scott’s wedding seemed to be the perfect start to my busy wedding season! Enjoy my favorites. 🙂

Erica got ready in the barn’s lower level where there were no windows! AH! A nightmare for a natural light photographer! Thankfully, Erica was okay with my idea of getting ready next to an open door that allowed lots of pretty natural light to flow in…

Erica’s bouquet was a show-stopper! Everyone loved it!

This was an impressive up-do! I LOVED The braid!!!

While Erica was finishing getting ready, Kristin and I headed over to a nearby hotel to hang out with Scott and his friends. Erica warned that they were goofy, and boy, they didn’t disappoint!

Back to the barn to get Erica in her dress…

Erica was stunning right from the start!

These were taken by my second shooter, Kristin! I love the angle and the light coming in on Erica’s face.

Do you see mom in the background? I love unposed moments like this. 🙂

I always try to take advantage of the bride putting on her shoes…makes for a nice purposeful bridal portrait!

So beautiful! Erica was stunning and I love the light in this picture!

On her way to the first look!

Not without stopping for a few outdoor bridal portraits first. 🙂

Kristin snagged these while I waited behind Erica…

I love Scott’s reaction before he even sees Erica! 🙂

After they shared a few moments together, we dove right into bride-groom portraits! I liked how the energy between Erica and Scott was immediately fun. 🙂

This is Kristin’s shot…one of my favorites from the day! 🙂

Kristin and I scoped out the grounds around the barn before we started and chose this spot for their first look…mostly because of the willow trees. 🙂

One of my favorite bride-groom portraits from the day!

Such a nice mix of serious and fun within these portraits!

After we were done with bride-groom portraits, we headed back to the barn so Erica and Scott could relax and freshen up before the ceremony. But Erica’s nephews and niece were waiting for a chance to snap some pictures with the beautiful bride…

How sweet is this picture! He was ready to dance. 🙂

The beautiful ceremony spot…

Scott made the arbor! Wow!

The barn was red! Awesome. 🙂

“Hurry up I want cake!” HA! I’ve not seen a sign like this at a wedding yet! 🙂

Erica’s grandma married them…how sweet! 🙂

The sun was in for half the ceremony and out for the other half! It definitely made lighting and color correcting hard, but that’s what will make me a better photographer, right??

Time for more bride-groom portraits! The sun was setting and the light was glowy and warm. I was so thankful for this extra time with just Erica and Scott. We really were able to take advantage of our time together…

Favorite on the right!

And another HUGE favorite of mine! 🙂

My second shooter Kristin suggested this spot for some bride-groom portraits and I loved it! Thanks Kristin! AND Erica didn’t mind trekking through some mud and dirt to get to it, so thanks to Erica, too! 🙂

Favorites!!!

Because I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of this beautiful bride!

Scott waiting while we finish up Erica’s portraits. 🙂

And lastly, the reception! Erica admitted she didn’t have a creative bone in her body and was very thankful for her mom and sister who put everything together for she and Scott! They did a wonderful job decorating…especially with all the purple touches!

A handmade backdrop for the “photo booth” area!

I quickly made friends with these little boys. Maybe because they were cute…or maybe because I was missing my little Jack!? 🙂

I love that Kristin captured this shot of me! 🙂

The “photo booth” area was a big hit!

Everyone wanted a chance to be a little goofy… 🙂

A photo bomber, of course!

Aahhh…definitely a great way to start the busy season! Thank you so much for such a wonderful wedding experience, Erica and Scott! You two were so fun and friendly, and I really appreciate you putting such a high priority on your pictures! Let’s take more pictures together in the future. 🙂