Katie Stoops Wedding Photography

I want to start 2012 off with one of my absolute favorite weddings from 2011, which also happens to be in this year’s Southern Living Weddings issue (woohoo!). Heather & Addison are truly soulmates and anyone in their presence can feel that. It was such a joy to photograph their big day that took place at Addison’s family home, Tuckahoe Plantation, in Richmond, Virginia. To read all about the incredible details and their love story, run to your nearest Barnes & Nobles and grab Southern Living!!!

By the way, if you EVER have the chance to work with Amber & Emily from Amber Karson Events…you must do it. Their work & professionalism is definitely on a different level. You won’t know what you did without them!

Cover shot by Iain Bagwell

Heather learned how to letterpress so she could make their invitations!

Rather than giving her bridesmaids jewelry that they would probably never wear again, Heather had an artist make each girl a necklace that reflected their personality.

The bridesmaid dresses are from J. Crew

Addison’s mom & her friend created all of the florals! A lot of the flowers used were sourced directly from the Plantation’s grounds.

Parisian elements, such as these white cafe chairs, were used throughout the entire day since Heather & Addison had their first date in Paris.

Addison’s dad sang a beautiful song during the ceremony.

Heather’s dad married them! The entire day was just so personal.

Lemonade and a snip & sip herb station were available to guests during cocktail hour. Guests could cut their own herbs (grown from the Plantation’s garden) to put in their drinks. So tasty and summery!

Loved how some of the trees created a little nook for the tables placed around the large garden area.

No one says that groomsmen have to 1) match & 2) rent suits. Addison & his groomsmen all wore their own suits which are comfortable and fit correctly. Addison’s was made by Hugo Boss.

Animals were everywhere. I was in heaven!

Man, I love these two!

Hand calligraphed by Betsy Dunlap seating cards were hung from a drying rack with herbs & flowers

Picture perfect!

These macaroons were given to guests the night before at the rehearsal dinner as a “thank you”. I love how everything is tied together with that beautiful Parisian style blue print. The macaroons were made by Petites Bouchees.

Boxwoods are good for many many things.

The greens were from the Plantation’s garden & Addison’s brother raised the chickens for the dinner; while barbeque brisket was brought in from Stacy’s in Texas (their favorite eating spot there). For dessert, they decided upon Heather’s mom’s chocolate pecan pie with ice cream rather than a traditional cake. D-lish!

Doesn’t this look so inviting!?

When Heather was 15, she restored this turquoise Mustang with her dad and it’s the car her & Addison left for the evening in.

(shot with Fuji 400h)

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

shot with fuji 400h and ilford 3200.

ilford 3200

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.