Since Melissa and Kevin had won an engagement shoot from another photographer at a bridal show they had gone to, I didn’t get much of a chance to get to know them before their wedding day. In the end, that didn’t matter, since Melissa and Kevin were great fun to be around and had a wonderful wedding a Stevenson Ridge.

Stevenson Ridge is a beautiful bed and breakfast here in Fredericksburg with several different homes to stay at. Their reception hall is wonderfully restored with original wooden trusses and a huge fireplace. The room is spacious but cozy and provides for an excellent evening.

Melissa and Kevin were a joy to work with and really the pictures speak for themselves. Congratulations Melissa and Kevin

Some of the most enjoyable weddings I get to do are the ones of friends and coworkers who trust me no matter what. It was the case when my coworker Scott asked if I would do his wedding last June and we had a ton of fun. So when two of my coworkers got married, I knew things would be a piece of cake.

I’ve known Carrie and Ron since starting at Northrop four years ago and they are both easy going people. We all work down in Dahlgren, VA and it seemed almost appropriate that they get married at Dahlgren Chapel. Which, for some reason, is in Boonsboro, MD. But no matter. Carrie and Ron had a small ceremony with loved ones followed by a reception at The Gauntlet in Fredericksburg the following day. There was plenty of dancing and gambling, fun had by all.

Congratulations Ron and Carrie!

I was across the pond, while Megan, Alex, Michelle and the rest of the bridal party were getting organized for the next set of group photos. One of Alex’s groomsmen started to give Alex a boost as if to launch him into the air but they stopped, laughed some more. Alex turned and yelled to me “Are you ready? I’m only doing this once.”

Doing what once?

I didn’t say that.

I said “Yeah, I’m ready!”

And then this happened:

It’s the expressions that really do it for me. From the first shot where no one really knows what is happening, to the last where everyone’s mouth is on the floor. It’s this kind of excitement that really pushes a wedding day above and beyond.

Amazing!

One limo ride back to Fredericksburg and it was on to start the celebration for Megan and Alex. The venue was Fredericksburg Square, a beautiful building in downtown Fredericksburg which I have been fortunate enough to have worked at before. Dinner went by quickly and soon everyone was on the dance floor having a great time. The money dance later the evening must have left Megan’s head spinning. The guests did their best to keep Alex away from his bride but with the help of his groomsmen they were able to make their exit. In all, a spectacular wedding.

If you missed it, you can find part one here.

After shooting their engagement session, I knew Megan and Alex were going to have an outrageous wedding. I didn’t realize I would have to break it up in to two blog posts to best show their big day though. I usually try to keep wedding day blog posts within one post so as not to go overboard but it was hard not to with this wedding.

It was an overcast day which matched Megan’s mood as she arrived in a limo to Old House Vineyards. Their dog, Kaida, had gotten out of the house and despite Megan running after her (with her veil in her hair!), Kaida was off to her own adventure. While friends and family searched, Megan and her bridesmaid continued with their day, keeping good spirits. I am happy to report now that Kaida made it home.

The ceremony was set on a little island in the middle of a pond at Old House Vineyards, accessible by a thin bridge. Later, as I walked backwards taking Megan’s picture as she walked down the aisle I thought ‘I wonder how deep the pond is’ and ‘This may end very badly’. The guests arrived and the day started with exhuberance and joy. Afterwards, the entire wedding party had a great time being silly and playful during the portraits. We had jumping, a football huddle and the groomsmen pretending they were in West Side Story. Thanks to Michelle, my second for the day, for helping round everyone up and keeping the fun from getting out of control.

With this as a start, it was hard not to imagine the reception being just as enjoyable.