Some couples radiate so much happiness that it’s impossible not to completely fall in love with them! Allyson & Andrew are that kind of couple, and being able to capture these special moments for them made me realize just how much I LOVE being a photographer.

I was so nervous we won’t be able to shoot their engagement session that day just because of how unpredictable the weather was – I mean that’s Virginia weather for you! But luckily Swannanoa Palace has a gorgeous covered patio and we were able to take most of their photos while waiting for the rain to stop. Allyson was wearing a beautiful flowy white dress with a light blue floral design that complimented Andrew’s stunning navy suit and brown shoes.

Despite how cold the weather was during their photo session at the beautiful Swannanoa Palace in Afton, VA – Allyson and Andrew looked absolutely stunning! Imagine wearing a beautiful flowy dress on a 40 degrees rainy month?!

My favorite part of the day was how relaxed and calm they were as I was taking their photos. During our discovery call, Andrew mention how they needed help with posing, but I didn’t have to do much for them as their love was radiating despite how foggy and cold it was. They looked so natural in front of the camera and they were basically just enjoying their time together as I capture the love that they share with each other.

Even though the weather didn’t turn out the way we expected it to be. We all had fun and make the best out of it. I’m obsessed with my 2023 couples and can’t wait to celebrate Allyson & Andrew in April! Let’s all congratulate the newly engaged couple and celebrate with them!

Not sure how you can use your engagement photos in your wedding? Check out my blog for more ideas!

Charlottesville has some amazing wedding venues, but this three wedding venues are few of my favorite wedding venues.

Charlottesville, Virginia, and the surrounding towns certainly have a great selection of vineyards that host weddings (and they’re all so beautiful it can be hard to choose!). Located in Crozet Virginia, just 15 min from downtown Charlottesville, is one of my favorite vineyards for weddings: Kings Family Vineyards. As you could probably guess by the name, the 327- acre property has been owned by the King Family for over 20 years. ). “It is a very fun family-oriented business, they genuinely treat everyone here as their family” – Juan Delfin (Event Coordinator). A truer statement could not have been said, I’ve met quite a few staff members at Kings Family including the owner and they were all incredibly nice and welcoming.

One of the best things about this venue is the scenery. Being located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this venue boasts stunning views of the vines and mountains (is there a better combination?!). And of course, in case of rain, the Kings Family Vineyards has a plan B & C so that your day can go on without a hitch. Another huge perk is the flexibility that they offer to couples. Couples are able to choose their own vendors with the exception of the caterers (those must be chosen off the preferred vendor list that the venue provides) and wine; since they are a vineyard they do require couples to use their wine for the reception, but it is at a discount. In addition, they do provide reception tables and ceremony and reception chairs so one less thing to worry about when planning!

King Family Vineyards offers you the perfect space for your wedding. The outdoor views stun and amaze. Indoors, you’ll find spacious rooms that feel both rustic and polished. The space can accommodate up to 200 people indoors with still having space for a band and generous space for a dance floor.

Trying to select your wedding venue can be one of the more difficult decisions you have to make during the wedding planning process! As a wedding photographer in Charlottesville, VA I’ve been to so many beautiful venues in the area and I want to help give some insight into these places to help make your decision just a little bit easier. Over the next couple of months, I’m going to be highlighting seven wedding venues in the Charlottesville, VA area – to kick off this series, we’re going to be talking about the beautiful Keswick Vineyard.

Perfectly situated 15 minutes from Charlottesville, one hour from Richmond, VA, and two hours from Washington DC, Keswick Vineyards is a great location if you have family traveling from all parts of Virginia to attend your special day. One of my favorite features of this location (aside from the stunning views of the vines), is the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

At Keswick Vineyards, couples have the venue for twelve hours so you have the space available as an option for your getting-ready photos, you can host your ceremony on-site, and still have hours left over for your reception. Their space can accommodate up to 200 guests and their package also includes tables, chairs, heating/cooling, and lighting so you don’t have to stress over hiring additional vendors for the necessities they also have an exclusive list of preferred vendors to help with planning (they do require that couples use their recommended caterer and DJ, but this is a plus as the DJ is already connected to the venue’s sound system and they already know and have been properly trained how to troubleshoot their system).

Keswick Vineyards offers stunning grounds so there are what feels like endless options for the ceremony location (the front of the estate is where most couples opt to do their ceremony). Since they are a fully outdoor wedding venue they do have a plan B in case of rain and have a big tent to transition the ceremony, cocktail, and reception. Something that stands out at Keswick from other Vineyards is that their tasting room is separated from the reception area so couples getting married have complete privacy and do not have to wait for the tasting room to close at 5 PM to start setting the room. 

Vineyards are beautiful and romantic locations that can help create a stunning backdrop for your special day. If you love the idea of a vineyard-style wedding Keswick Vineyard is a fantastic option. 

A special thanks to Lindsay Price Keswick Vineyard’s Wedding Event Sales Manager for touring me around the beautiful property!