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

Ceremony: Libby Hill Park

Reception: Amuse Restaurant in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

It’s difficult to really see, but there is a beautiful honeycomb pattern within the white space, letterpressed. Their dear friend, Sarah Pratt, made them and she did a fabulous job!

Being from Richmond, I’m embarrassed to say that I had never been to the Linden Row Inn. It has HUGE rooms with incredible tall windows right in the downtown area.

I love the elegant black and white color combination that Gillian found in her flowey dress.

The items she was planning on carrying with her to make sure she stayed absolutely beautiful:

Gillian’s best friend Stephanie made the birdcage veil to match the wedding dress.

Aaron’s grandmother made his boutonniere and her bouquet! Anemones are one of my favorite flowers so I was in awe when I saw them used in the day’s florals.

Attention all guys! Please forgo renting an ill-fitting tux and simply use a suit that fits perfectly. That way, you have a great piece in your closet that will never go out of style.

I love Aaron’s face when he sees Gillian for the first time in her dress.

Libby Hill Park has the best view of Richmond that you’ll ever see.

The Bird and Her Consort played during the ceremony and you definitely need to book them for your wedding. Sooooooo beautiful.

Anemones floating in the fountain=perfection.

Could Gillian be any prettier!?! She glows with happiness.

The Mini Cooper was on loan for some joy riding from Gillian’s mom but how great is it that it matches their color scheme!?!

A guest brought their loveable dog, Rupert to the ceremony dressed in a tux. He was a happy pup.

Time to head on over to the reception at VMFA.

Guests were treated to what was recently voted as “The Best Food in Richmond”. The modern space of Amuse definitely fit Gillian & Aaron’s style to a T.

Many years ago, the museum began a massive expansion that took a really really long time to complete. I used to love going there when I was little but always remembered construction and parts of the building blocked off. Well, this was one of the first weddings they’ve had in the new wing and I couldn’t have been more excited to see it. It truly is a gorgeous work of architecture that is once again a landmark in Richmond.

It was apparent that Gillian & Aaron put so much thought into everything…there were several types of desserts to please every type of guest. Nicole Lang of Dollop made all of the desserts (AMAZING too!)

Yum!

We set up a little photobooth with polaroids and everyone had tons of fun with it!

Oh gosh, I love this moment.

Aaron’s grandfather, Pop-Pop delivered the first toast and he was grinning from ear to ear. Love it.

Oh yes, this really happened. haha

Rather than cutting a big cake, they opted for cutting a little whoopie pie.

shot with portra 400.

I recently did a mini shoot for Janie Medley’s amazing florals and here are some snippets from it. Can you believe she found these peonies at Whole Foods!?!

shot with kodak portra 400

Wedding gown: Bella Rosa

Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaid in Richmond

Planner/Stylist: Merriment Events

Reception Venue: Country Club of Virginia

Florals: Flower Girls

Hair: Meredith at Red Salon

Invitations: Dabney Lee ordered through By Invitation Only

Corey’s hair was very “classic Richmond”.

Her grandmother’s expression was so wonderful as Corey put on her dress.

This is one of my favorite photos from their wedding!

The vibrant & fresh colors in Corey’s bouquet definitely fit her personality to a T.

Gray’s paisley bowtie and cumberbun were a unique approach to the classic tux.

They were such a beautiful bridal party!

Gray’s brother sang the songs to the first dance, Father/Daughter, and Mother/Son dances. He was amazing!

As the evening continued, guests were treated to sliders & fries as well as grilled cheese & chocolate chip cookies.

I have the BEST time watching guests dress up and have fun with the photo booth. I love my job!

…and they’re off to an incredible honeymoon!

shot with portra 400 for about 90% of these.

shot with portra 400

Carly is marrying Paul in October and I knew after their engagement session that I just had to photograph Carly some more. She has eyes that I imagine the Greek Gods having. Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Every girl needs a great photo of themselves:)

xoxokatie

shot with fuji 400h

Sara is someone who I’m really happy to have become friends with. She is also someone that I could take photos of all day and never tire. There’s something about her that I find so interesting and for that she is a bit of a modern day Muse for me.

Happy Monday!

xoxoKatie

I think I want to get a large print made of the image below on the right.

shot all with fuji 160s and 400h

This was one of my favorite weddings from 2010 and you may have already seen it on Weddings Unveiled Blog but I wanted to do a full post on it.

Venue: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

Planner extroadinaire: Merriment Events

Florals: The Flower Girls

Cake & Pies: Sweetest Thing Bakery

Makeup: Avenue 42 Designs

Ceremony Musicians: Jonathan Vassar & The Speckled Bird

These are two of THE cutest people I’ve ever met. So in love. So young. So fun to be around. I can’t wait until their wedding in March. Chris MADE the blanket below for Rachel…did I mention how cute they were?

shot with fuji 400h

Andrea is one of those girls where the moment you meet her, you want to be best friends with her. She is actually already married but her dress is very special to her since it was her mom’s and then Andrea’s friend tailored it to suit Andrea’s style a little better. This was shot entirely in film and I feel as though that is more & more the direction I’m going in for everything. I haven’t picked up my digital camera in months and it feels SO good to slow down and focus on getting exactly what I want.

Thanks for checking these out!

xoxoKatie

Andrea is holding a photo from her parent’s wedding where her mom is wearing the same dress.

The photo on the right (below) was shot with white pantyhose over the lens. It’s different than I expected but I love the rich outcome.

Love her Marc Jacob’s shoes!

Also, I forgot to mention that is was 27 degrees outside that day! Can you believe how amazing Andrea looks in such cold weather!?! I wish I was her.

Shot with fuji 400h