Crystal Reyns Photography: Wood Wedding l Richmond, Va Wedding Photographer

Saturday was the PERFECT day for a wedding!! This year I have decided to do weddings a little different to offer my brides more, and allow me more time for detailed shots. :) We arrived to Celebrations at the Reservior about noon. The wedding ceremony was at 4:00 pm. Lauren had everything set out for me, and the wedding site was already beautiful as all the vendors were setting up. I was so excited to see everything coming together perfect for Lauren and Chris.

Lauren was straight into hair, while her bride-maids were getting their makeup done. Everyone was SOOO excited and happy, I knew it was going to be a fantastic day, with a great group of people.

When her Dad arrived, it was the first time I met him and he was so excited. I had discussed with Lauren and her mom, Karen, about doing a first look with her dad, since Lauren is an only child, and Mom and Dad's little girl; they were all for it. This was my first look as well, it was a surprise to Dad as well, he hadn't seen her dress or any bridal portraits. EEEEKKKK!!!

After the bride and groom opened their amazing gifts to one another, we got Lauren dressed and ready to go see Dad, get your tissues out for those images, I was in tears just setting them up, such a touching moment with so much love all around.

Now it was almost time for the ceremony. The clouds had set in to block the sun, PERFECT because it was getting rather hot in the sun. The guys lined up, you could see the nervousness on Chris' face. And it was the big moment the time for his soon to be wife to walk down the aisle, and when they opened the door you could see him fighting very hard to hold back tears. Lauren is amazing gorgeous inside and out, and she was just glowing walking down to her husband with her Dad.

A friend wrote a song just for Lauren and Chris, it was touching. Rings were exchanged. A wine box ceremony was performed; this was the first I had ever heard of one of these. It wasn't ceremony candle or sand, but the bride and groom wrote a letter to one another to why they love them, and what made them fall in love with one another; they both put their letters in the wine box and open it in one year to be read on their anniversary. How cool is that?

The big kiss was on its way, and you could see the love and excitement on everyone's face!

BAM!! They are now husband and wife, now its time to celebrate!!

Their reception was a lot of fun, perfect first dance, full of smiles mother and son dance, and an AWESOME father and daughter dance, no lie he wins most awesome dad ever award.

The night ended with a sparkler goodbye, all smiles from everyone.

CONGRATS LAUREN & CHRIS!!!

Have so much fun on your honeymoon!