Katie Stoops Wedding Photography

So, a few months ago I received an email from PDN (Photo District News) saying that someone (STILL have no idea who) nominated me to apply for the Rising Stars competition. I remember reading it over & over & over because I simply couldn’t believe it. With the help of some critical eyes, I submitted a brief portfolio to them. Then, a month ago….a month ago (it’s been torturous to not tell) I found out that I had actually been chosen. I still can’t believe it. Honestly. To the person that nominated me…I will FOREVER be thankful.

Back in college I would read PDN (and still do!) admiring all of their featured photographers. To be included in this incredibly special collection of photographers seemed so far off but I had hoped that, one day, it would happen. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of my work-you’re like family to me.

xoxoKatie

Dress: Pronovias

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Florals: Pat’s Florals (love love love them!)

Church: University of Virginia Chapel

Reception: The Darden School at the University of Virginia

All shot with Fuji 400h or Ilford 3200

Venue: The Clifton Inn

Dress: Melissa Sweet from Priscilla of Boston

Shoes: Nina

Bridesmaid dresses: Ann Taylor

Florals: Sean Cossette of Beehive Events

Hair & Makeup: Lora Kelley

Band: Liquid Pleasure

The applique petals made Erin’s dress seem so light and airy, which was perfect for such a hot day.

Erin is on her way to see Paul for the first time!

Paul’s reaction was the best.

I am a total sucker for succulents. They’re modern, beautiful, and scream Summer.

Fresh lavender growing everywhere, with the heat causing the scent to drift through the air. Divine. Isn’t Erin gorgeous!?!

Two of the sweetest guests of the day:

Lemonade & peach sangria greeted the guests at cocktail hour.

The tables are all set for dinner:

Now, I am so happy to have grabbed this brief moment before it passed (below on right). Paul & Erin were practicing their first dance while guests enjoyed the Clifton Inn’s amazing food.

Grandpa sure knows how to dance!

In addition to a petite wedding cake, a dessert table was designed and little hands loved everything on it.

The grandson hugging his grandmother in the lower left of the photo makes me love this shot…tons.

Guests were given the personalized bottle of wine from the Charlottesville area labeled with a photo from Erin & Paul’s engagement session.

kodak portra 400 was used for 90% of these.

shot with fuji 400h

shot with portra 400

These two can laugh their socks off…as you can see. They truly make one another the happiest person in the world. For their engagement session, we spent the afternoon in Charlottesville, VA at UVA and then onto King Family Vineyards. As a photographer, you don’t particularly love the rain BUT I think it just makes it a cozier, more intimate feeling session. At the vineyard, the fog hugged every mountain which made me feel like I was back in San Fran. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding at UVA next month!!!

Thank you so much for checking these out!

xoxoKatie

(all shot with fuji 400h)

I’m about to depart for a bridal shoot in Miami (helllllo warmth) but I wanted to leave this gorgeous wedding that hasn’t been shared yet. Jenny & Stan were married last Summer at her amazing childhood home outside of Charlottesville, VA. It was a day that I will always remember! Enjoy & have a great week everyone!!!

xoxoKatie

Jenny gave all of her girls their choice of necklaces to wear. I couldn’t get over how beautiful this one was.

I love this moment between Jenny and her mother & sister.

Strawberries were a huge part of the wedding day. Apparently, Jenny’s mom went into labor with Jenny while she was out picking strawberries one day so it’s carried through Jenny’s life.

Stan’s J Crew linen suit was the perfect choice for a Summer’s day & don’t you love how different his boutonniere is with the little wild strawberries!?!

The ceremony was held in a field across from Jenny’s childhood home.

The flowers in Jenny’s hair were handmade and made out of porcelain!

Dancing in the street-cutest flowergirl EVER.

Cocktail hour in the gardens of Jenny’s home. So beautiful and relaxed.

Charlottesville wine is a must in Virginia!

This Sperry tent couldn’t have been a better choice. I love the little flags that are at the top of their tents. Can you imagine anything other than these farm tables? Perfection.

A Pimento’s food is to die for AND pretty.

Strawberry shortcake was a great choice-lite for a hot evening night.

TOAST!

I love how Stan is admiring his wedding band.

For several days prior to the wedding, Jenny & Stan made strawberry jam to give guests as they departed.

I was beyond happy to have this wedding included in the last issue of Weddings Unveiled:

Planner, Designer, & ALL Florals: the incredible Shawn Cossette of Beehive Events

Food: A Pimento

Bridal party: J Crew

Sperry Tent: Skyline Tent Company