Wedding: Justin + Shannon at Mount Ida Farm

11/7/2019

Mount Ida Farm Wedding Photography | Charlottesville, Virginia

This was such an amazing day on so many levels that I honestly don’t know where to start!!! Justin and Shannon were married last month at Mount Ida Farm in Charlottesville. Central Virginia had just reached peak foliage season, and the mountaintops were ablaze with color. The views from the property were truly breathtaking! Charlottesville is beautiful at all times of the year (I’m a little biased after living there, I know!), but the fall is especially magical!

The forecast for the wedding day was nonstop rain for the whole week leading up the big event. The morning started off with a downpour, but the cloudy skies parted come early afternoon just in time for Justin and Shannon’s first look!! The sun was shining and the day was perfect! Mount Ida is a gorgeous venue with so many beautiful spots, and I’m so glad we decided to drive down to the gazebo for these photos. Their ceremony was held on one of the property’s highest points, Thomas Ridge, over looking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Go look at those photos and tell me that view is not something out of a dream!!

The most incredible part of the day, though, had to be capturing these memories for one of my oldest friends! Shannon is a dear friend that I’ve grown up with since elementary school (also attending high school and college together!), and capturing these memories for her and her family was truly the highlight of my year! I’ve also known (and loved!) Justin since they started dating 6 years ago, and I’ve taken photos of them together at multiple sorority events at UVA. From the first few times I met Justin, I knew there was something special about him. We didn’t even get to talk much, but I had this gut feeling that Shan had found a keeper. I could tell he cared about Shannon’s friends and was truly interested in what they said. He also had this magnetic personality that drew people to him, while never actually seeking attention. And, of course, he absolutely adored Shannon. Still true today, his ever-present smile and friendly demeanor immediately puts all those who meet him at ease. I quickly realized that he was Shannon’s other half! Shannon is the most caring, thoughtful and empathetic person I've ever known. She lights up every room that she walks into!! Justin and Shannon share so many of the same wonderful qualities, but the one that stands out to me the most is their kindness. These two live their lives showing love to those around them. They put others first, they include everyone around them, and the joy in their hearts overflows into all aspects of their lives. They are gracious and caring and so appreciative of every little thing. They are amazing role models. I cannot wait to watch them become parents, because their kids are the luckiest little humans in the world!!

That said, I hope everyone enjoys this incredibly gorgeous wedding day of two of the most beautiful humans I have ever had the privilege of knowing!

Foxtail Cottage made this gorgeous floral comb for Shannon!!

My heart!!! Two of my favorite people right there!!!

The sweetest moment.

Grooms deserve awesome getting ready pictures, too!! JT, you look great!!

Shannon gave Justin the best wedding gift - cufflinks that look just like their dog, Otis!

GQ COVER!!!

One of the best spots for a first look I've ever seen!!

I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING!!

Goals, goals, goals!!!

This couple and this venue made my creative dreams come true!!!

SO obsessed with these bouquets!! Foxtail Cottage hit the ball out of the park!

The most beautiful bride I've ever seen!!!!!!

Not a bad place to say "I Do"!!!

Grandma Shirley is a local celebrity and made her way down the aisle in style!!

THEY'RE MARRIED!!!!!!

I love this candid shot. The first few minutes alone as husband and wife, taking it all in!

Every detail was planned perfectly, and Marilyn from Just A Little Ditty made sure the day ran so smoothly!!! I cannot thank her and her team enough!!