When I arrived to the Confluence Resort, I found Julia and Rush in their gym clothes putting finishing touches on the reception site…together! Yes, they were hanging out together just a few hours before their wedding. At first I was a little surprised, and even a little worried. But after I got to know them a bit more as the day continued, it totally made sense…and I admired them for their laid-back attitudes and genuine joy for each other. Julia and Rush didn’t stress about anything and they weren’t worried about following rules. And boy, were they awesome to work with because of all that! Not only will Julia and Rush’s awesomeness stick out in my head, but also Julia’s DRESS! OMG! A blush ball gown with a sweetheart neck and lace overlay!?! It was BEAUTIFUL, a dream to photograph and it fit Julia perfectly! Definitely a JFP fave. 🙂 One last thing to note about this wedding is the DOGS! If you’re a dog lover, you’re going to love this wedding, and this post. Julia and Rush consider their two dogs their “fur babies”, so Christine (my awesome second shooter for the day) and I made sure to capture their dogs as much as we could. They were very present during the wedding day and Julia and Rush were so happy to have them. What a cute little family they make. 🙂 Enjoy my MANY favorites from this awesome southern West Virginia wedding!!!

 

A new favorite bridal detail shot! I just love the soft prettiness of this!

 

The dogs even had some bridal details to wear… 🙂

 

Fun fact: All the bouquets were made by bridesmaids Mary and Sammy! After seeing their work at three other weddings, I told them they should start a floral business!

THE DRESS!!!

Bridesmaid Sammy and Mary’s husband Tyler (did their wedding last year!), working hard on the bridesmaids bouquets…

First dog picture of many in this post. 🙂

Time to hang with the guys…

Rush likes to fish!

 

Brothers!

Lots of sweet doggie moments coming up!!

 

They couldn’t get enough of Julia and I couldn’t get enough of their sweet moments together. 🙂

The dogs stayed very close while Julia got ready…

Christine’s view…

LOVE these next moments with Julia putting on her shoes, looking lovely in that dress, next to the window light and stealing some kisses from her dogs. 🙂

 

 

Time for the first look!

 

Christine’s angle on the left and mine on the right…

Thanks for this wonderful shot, Christine!

Oh my goodness, they’re so cute and so fun. 🙂

 

Mary and Sammy also helped make this archway look florally beautiful!

 

What a fairytale-like ceremony space…

With a beautiful view!

 

The dogs were very present during the ceremony, too! And so well behaved. 🙂

Lovely shot by Christine!

Gracie planted her butt on Julia’s dress during the ceremony and it was the cutest thing. 🙂

One of my favorite pictures from the day!

Julia and Rush didn’t exchange vows. Julia has a wedding band, but Rush has a special tattoo instead.

Love this capture by Christine!

 

Family of four!

Beautiful bouquets!

 

Julia and the dress! AH!

Another favorite for me. 🙂

Then we ventured down below the rock formation where the ceremony was held. Julia told me about this spot but I had no idea it would be like this! A little challenging to get there, but Julia and Rush were up for it! And Christine and I had a field day photographing them! What a dream!!!

Pretty sure this one needs to be printed on a HUGE canvas for my office wall! 🙂

 

I captured the one on the left and Christine captured the one on the right!

 

Another portrait by Christine! 🙂

Brides! Please take note: Julia not only climbed down to this spot, she also SAT IN IT! Even with her gorgeous gown, she wasn’t afraid of getting a little dirty for the sake of good pictures. We ended up with beautiful portraits and a dirt-free dress! 🙂

 

 

And lastly, the reception details…

What a cute little set-up!

CUPCAKES!! I love sweets at weddings! 🙂

 

I love pictures of people taking pictures. 🙂

Here’s a look of Rush’s special wedding band tattoo…

 

Special shoutout to these people! On the left is Trevor, Kara and Henry. I’ve photographed them FOUR times, including Henry’s birth almost three years ago. It was so good seeing them again! And on the right is a recent JFP couple, Angie and Scott. They had a beautiful wedding and are such a sweet couple. 🙂

Such a sweet first dance between these two…

 

Julia and her dad were just as sweet. 🙂

Epic end-of-the-night shot! Whoop whoop!

 

What a fun and fabulous wedding! Julia and Rush, thanks for being awesome, and for inviting me to Hico, WV! I could work with you guys every week! Let’s do it again in the near future. 🙂 CONGRATS you guys!!!