Wedding: Josh + Kara at the Woman's Club of Portsmouth

7/27/2017

A Blush, Navy and Gold Wedding at the Woman's Club of Portsmouth | Portsmouth, VA

It was a hot day on Sunday. Like, HOT hot. Honestly, it was probably the most humid day of the year so far! That didn’t phase Josh or Kara, though! They looked absolutely perfect ALL DAY (how, guys, how?!). We took multiple breaks from portraits to cool off and dry off, but yeah, that was mainly for me :) I think I speak for everyone, though, when I say that having the ceremony indoors was the most thoughtful detail of the day. Thankfully the Woman's Club of Portsmouth is one of the most beautiful indoor ceremony venues in Hampton Roads, and it does an incredible job of helping to bring the outdoors in. The ballroom that hosts the ceremony and reception is engulfed in beautiful light via large windows on three sides, boasts a high a-frame ceiling with chandeliers, and is surrounded by beautiful trees in varying shades of green.
I’ve been excited for this wedding for a while, but especially since Josh, Kara and I were in Williamsburg last month for their engagement session (<-- click here to see it!!) They were so comfortable with each other and being in front of the camera, and I knew that the wedding day wouldn’t be any different! They always exude joy and love, and especially when they’re together - exactly what I hope for all of my couples! I am so blessed to know them and to have had the opportunity to witness this incredibly special day in their lives.

Some of my favorite memories of the day were all of the “first looks” that Kara got to do. She didn’t let anyone (besides her mom and sister) see her dress until the wedding day, leaving a lot of people not only waiting anxiously to see her all done up, but to see the dress for the first time too!! She got dressed with only her mom and sister present, did a first look with her bridesmaids and then was able to do the same thing with her dad. After that, it was time to see her groom and we had a private first look for the two of them on the back lawn. Each of these first looks were so sweet in their own way, and I can't wait to recommend this idea to my future brides!
Another thing I enjoyed about this day was our sunset portrait time. It had (finally!) cooled off, the light was gorgeous and Kara and Josh were so sweet and full of laughter. I absolutely love this time with my couples because besides having me and my team there, the newly weds have this time to be “alone” - away from the craziness of the reception and the hundred or so people that they want to see and talk to. This part of the day forces them to relax, focus on one another and soak in their wedding day. There isn’t a timeline, there’s no place to rush to - they can just enjoy the first quiet moments that they’ve had since they said “I do”.

I hope you enjoy my favorites from Kara and Josh’s wedding day!!!

How stunning are these invitations?!

Kara's gift from Josh!

I am absolutely obsessed with the fit of this dress. Wow!!!

No on had seen her dress before!! I love the idea of keeping it a secret from everyone :)

Josh's gift bag from Kara included a book, "Stuff Every Husband Should Know", a tin of Altoids and a quarter. Josh's face says it all!!! But actually, she gave him an incredible video compilation the night before of people saying what they loved about him - how adorable is that?!