“Dundie” Awards Series | Virginia Wedding Photographer
We made it. That’s how I feel about navigating the uncertainties this year has held, taking the biggest and most uncertain leap by quitting my job, and tackling our BIGGEST wedding season yet!!! This year has forced us to grow outside out of comfort zones in many ways but man it’s been rewarding to work with all these incredible couples, turned friends 🙂
And I love this time of year because I get to share all my favorite moments, not just pretty photos- nothing wrong with just sharing all the pretty things but for me, there is so much more to weddings than pretty things.
So to honor all my couple’s hard work to plan their weddings & elopements, the special moments, the sweet but salty tears, all the little details, and joy at all my EH weddings this year I present to you:
The 2021 EHP Dundie Awards
If you are new here and you’re wondering what the heck a Dundie Award is, let me explain.
First you need to know I have a serious love and obsession with the show: “The Office” (the ‘Merica version). I have incorporated little things from this show in my business in a few ways.
For example, my “Nice To Meet Me Monday” series (a blog series where I share about my family, things we are up to, home reno projects, and fun things about James and I) is inspired by a quote from Date Mike (Season 6 Episode 20) ! I also quote Kevin in my bio HERE!!
So it’s only fitting that my very own superlatives series be inspired by this show as well. The boss on this show (Michael Gary Scott) hosts an awards ceremony at their local Chili’s restaurant and hands out trophies to his employees. These awards are random and funny such as: Whitest Sneakers Award, Hottest in the Office Award, the Don’t Go In There After Me Award (haha Kevin), etc.
In Michael’s eyes these awards are an honor to receive but the employees only go for the free food & drinks haha! If you haven’t seen these episodes you gotta check them out (Season 2 Episode 1; Season 7 Episode 21).
Maybe one day I can host an in person event at Chili’s and hand out actual awards??
DM me on Instagram and let me know if you’d be down for this?!
I have been discussing the top contenders for each award with my secret panel of judges (yes my mom is one of those judges haha). And added some categories that fit the year and because of that… It’s our biggest awards post yet!! I am so thankful for these new friendships and can’t wait to see where life takes all them next year!
Its crazy to me that this year is already over but I am so grateful for all my 2021 couples!
So now it’s time to reveal the
2021 EHP Dundie Award Winners
The “Elegant Bridal Portrait” Award goes to:
Carleigh
This award goes to the first bridal portrait that popped in my head when I thought of this award! I remember Carleigh dropping her eyes and looking like a legit angel as the cold wind blew her veil & dress so beautifully (& sent cold chills down her spine)! Can you believe it was like 30 degrees in this photo?!
She looks so peaceful, regal, and elegant.
Reception Venue: The Plantation on Sunnybrook
Dress Shop: New Fangled Bride
The “Bridal Bouquet” Award goes to:
HaDiya
This wedding was extra special for James and I to be a part of!! It was a wedding completely FREE to my sweet couple Truvell & Diya! All the vendors gave their time & services to give back after the craziness this world has seen. But while this wedding was different to be a part of, I have to admit this bouquet was surprisingly my favorite to photograph!!
The unique blooms and that bold yellow really pops in these photos!! I’m surprised because yellow isn’t a favorite color of mine… but this bouquet has me giving yellow a second a chance!!!
Venue: Rillhurst Farm
Planning: Tilly & Teal Weddings and Events
Florist: Endless Creations
The “Family Heirloom” Award goes to:
Emily
This handkerchief was Emily’s Great-Great Grandmother’s that her mom passed down to her on her wedding day! Her mom gifted her this framed letter along with the handkerchief so Emily can keep this with her until it’s time to pass it to her daughter!
I love the legacy behind such a gift as this and as soon as I shared their wedding blog post I knew that this heirloom would win this award this year!!!
Venue: Wintergreen Resort
The “Wood Flowers” Award goes to:
Kaylynn
I love photographing beautiful bouquets but when I find out the flowers aren’t real I’m always skeptical because sometimes the quality of “fake” flowers takes photos from a high end feel to well… not so high end. Which no bride wants that!! But Kaylynn told me about her flowers and I was so excited to see them!!
She invested in wood flowers and hand dyed them herself! I told her how proud I was of her because that’s hard to do. But I knew she had this award in the bag because look how beautiful they turned out?! I love all the unique textures and types she included too!
Colors: Dusty blue, sage, plum, navy, blush
Venue: Avon Hill Lodge
Coordinating: Weddings by Savannah Hope
Florist: Sola Wood Flowers
The “Ring Box” Award goes to:
Beth
I love a good ring box. But this year was the first year I was able to play around with a triple decker ring box!!! Beth spoiled me so much with her details but her ring box really made these detail photos pop for me. PS: you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on a ring box!! I’ll link some of my favorites on Amazon:
Venue: Virginia Mountain Vineyards
Rings: Kay Jewelers
Invitations: Minted
The “PJ Squad” Award goes to:
Jordan
Well first of all these ladies were so much fun. Like seriously!! Everyone was so supportive, kind, beautiful, and such a joy to work with. Jordan spoiled them too with these elegant and custom made PJ’s! The colors fit Jordan’s blue color scheme for the day and what girl doesn’t look good in white & pastel colors?!
Want your photos to stand out and spoil your girls at the same time??? Skip the corny “bridesmaid” labeled mugs & things and go for these customized pjs so they can use them again and again!!!
Wedding Colors: Shades of blue
Ceremony Venue: Barn at Edgewood
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist: The Posh Pair
Wedding Dress Shop: Bridal and Formal Cincinnati
Bridesmaids Dress Shop: Dear Cleo
The “Groom Swag” Award goes to:
Keith
This award for sure had to go to Keith this year! He even brought some of these to their engagement session to give a little preview into their 20’s themed wedding! We love photographing all of our EH Groom’s unique style. Whether that’s a hat, watch, pipe, tie of some kind, favorite drink, etc.
Keith definitely brought out all the stops for his wedding day, James did a fantastic job styling all of these (I’m so proud!)!
Theme: 1920’s
Venue: Hunting Hills Country Club
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
The “Best Bro’s” Award goes to:
Tim
Don’t even get me started on the wild & fun times we had at this wedding!!! We LOVE working with fun and laid back bridal parties & just the right amount of crazy haha!! Tim and his guys were exactly that! James was talking about these photos on the drive back home (I think he was just as excited about it as they were doing this haha).
So this was another award I knew was a solid pick!!! Are your groomsmen this wild??? We welcome the wild & crazy posing ideas *after* we get the traditional ones of course! 😉
Theme: Fall Boho
Venue: Avonlea Farms
Coordinator: Jess with Avonlea Farms
Florist: Flower Dreams Boutique
Groom & groomsmen attire: Jos A Banks
The “Bride & Her Besties” Award goes to:
Abby
I follow all of my brides on instagram when they officially book because I love experiencing life with them and it helps me learn what’s important to them! Watching how these ladies love & support Abby before the wedding day was so sweet to see! I can tell how much her besties love and support her through this season of life and as she started her teaching career! So I knew this group of ladies deserved this award!!
Venue: Triple J Farms
Dress Shop: Ashley Grace Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
The “Sassy Wedding Dress” Award goes to:
Ariana
This award has a few different meanings behind the name. One the bride with the best model look, I mean Ariana is killin it right?! And the second is what I would consider sassy… the swish and flick on that train! That’s right! The classic twirl and movement in a wedding dress.
I love photographing weddings that move so well and Ariana’s dress is one of my favorites I’ve ever photographed!!! That paired with her beautiful veil, she deserved this award!
Venue: Sinkland Farms
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Manes by Lyons
Dress Shop: New Fangled Bride
The “Walk In My Shoes” Award goes to:
David & Carleigh
This has two meanings to it. The first one is of course her dainty & elegant ballet slips. And two, this wedding looked different from what they had imagined when they were first engaged. C0vid restrictions were unfortunately still heavily affecting Virginia but that’s not even the hardest thing they had to overcome. David’s father passed away a few months before their wedding.
I don’t know if I could have been as strong as he and his family were that day. But I know his dad was lookin over them because their wedding day so beautiful! While it is sad they had to say goodbye, they will see him again one day when we meet our Lord! 🙂 And I will forever remember the joy and love these two shared with their family & friends at their winter wedding!
Reception Venue: The Plantation on Sunnybrook
The “Sharp Dressed Man” Award goes to:
Connor
I love it when the groom brings some awesome accessories and dresses up in a classy suit! His class ring, cufflinks, and tie gave this look some personality and a little step up from just your typical formal wear. Plus my favorite suit colors are this color blue & grey!!! Connor you nailed it!!
Ceremony Venue: Barn at Edgewood
Florist: Colonial Florist and Antiques
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist: The Posh Pair
Wedding Dress Shop: Bridal and Formal Cincinnati
Groomsmen and Groom Attire Shop: The Black Tux
The “First Look with Your Besties” Award goes to:
Tim & Caroline
When we were first talking about first looks these two wanted to keep it traditional. But then Caroline mentioned something that we’ve actually never done before. A first look with your bridal party… but reversed! Tim surprised the girls and Caroline surprised the guys! This group of friends are so close which made this moment so sweet!!
This isn’t for every bridal party but when you’ve all been friends for this long it just makes sense to set aside time to do this with your besties!! PS: I am still obsessed with these beautiful boho fall colors, Caroline!!! 🙂
Venue: Avonlea Farms
Coordinator: Jess with Avonlea Farms
Florist: Flower Dreams Boutique
Hairstylist: Adele Bloom
Makeup Artist: Lauren Pearce Beauty
Dress shop: Labella Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Groom & groomsmen attire: Jos A Banks
The “Man’s Best Friend” Award goes to:
Chloe
I love this award because hello. Dogs. But this year I had so many pups to choose from!!! But I had to choose Chloe because she literally had a part in Dakota & Allison getting together!! Not to mention all the cutest little cameos Allison planned throughout the wedding!
She’s also one the most well behaved and obedient dogs. Dakota & Allison are amazing pawrents and it shows! So this award goes to them and their girl Chloe!
Venue: Triple J Farms
Coordinating: Anna Underwood
Dress Shop: Here and Now Bridal
Groomsmen & Groom Attire: Dress by Amanda’s Touch
The “Cutest Kiddo” Award goes to:
Truvell & HaDiya & their sweet baby girl Averie
I actually met sweet Averie on a facetime call with her mama before the wedding day and could tell she was so golden! I have worked with young families before through family sessions years ago and family formals on wedding days so I can recognize a well behaved baby when I work with them. Averie was so good before, during the ceremony, and during the reception!
In fact, one of my favorite moments from Truvell & Diya’s wedding is when they held Averie during their dance! I just love that sweet photo!!! So Averie won this award hands down this year and I’m so glad we were able to work with them!
Venue: Rillhurst Farm
Planning: Tilly & Teal Weddings and Events
Florist: Endless Creations
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Kadedra Vaughan
The “Sweetest First Look” Award goes to:
Connor & Kaylynn
If you’ve been following me for awhile now you know I LOVE first looks! And I had so many A M A Z I N G reactions to choose from for this award. But Connor’s reaction kept coming to mind! I even made a GIF of his reaction! So while so many EH Grooms this year could have won this one, Connor, its all you!!
We even made this into a GIF!!
Venue: Avon Hill Lodge
Coordinating: Weddings by Savannah Hope
The “My Girl” Award goes to:
Jordan
This is one of my top 3 favorite awards to give out because I myself am a daddy’s girl! And I knew as soon as we left Jordan & Connor’s wedding that Jordan would win this award this year! Between the sweet gifts, the daddy daughter first look, and their surprise dance during the reception, I knew she deserved this one!
And they definitely were the coolest dance of the year especially when Jordan’s sisters joined them at the end! Jordan thanks for such fun memories, you earned this award for sure!
Ceremony Venue: Barn at Edgewood
Videography: Abby Bostian Visuals
The “Romantic Elopement” Award goes to:
Chris & Anna
These two eloped on the Blue Ridge Parkway and everything came together so well! I started photographing elopements in 2020 and was a part of a few more this year but their mountain top view is what came to mind immediately for this award!
The view at this overlook paired with the surprise picnic made these portraits some of my favorite from the entire year! I mean look at her dress blowing in the wind!!
Location: Mountain Top Elopement
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Lindsey Songer
The “Early Love Birds” Award goes to:
Chris & Kristina
This is a new award this year because we had our first ever morning ceremony!! Was it weird going home by 1pm after a wedding? Yes. Was it amazing??? Also yes!! We had the best time with these two and they helped us (mainly James) overcome our feelings towards mornings haha
Venue: Salem Chapel Venue
Florist: The Hip Tulip
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Cami Joy Stylist
Dress Shop: Caryn’s Bridals
Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey
Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Banks
The “Newlywed Night Owls” Award goes to:
Braxton & Emma
This is another new award because this was our very first New Years Eve wedding!!! That’s right, we rang in the New Year with these two and their friends & family! And boy was it was it a party! And the fact that I stayed awake for the whole thing is what I’m proud of (my bedtime is like 9pm).
While I’m an old lady at heart, I would totally do this again!! It was so much fun. And maybe I want to do another one because I love the name of this award haha! 😉
Blog coming soon, but enjoy a sneak peek 😉
The “Grand Ceremony Entrance” Award goes to:
Cole & Francesca
This award is always a wildcard because so many weddings have beautiful aisles and entrances!! But my memories of Francesca walking down this epic staircase is what came to my mind! This entire wedding day was so beautiful but it definitely was a show stopping moment when Fran & her dad came down those stairs!
Venue: Ivy Rose Barn
Planning: Top Shelf Event Service LLC
Florist: Hand Tied Creations & Planning
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Locks & Lashes
Dress Shop: Lovely Bride
Groomsmen Attire: Celebration Bridal & Tux
The “Sweetest Surprise” Award goes to:
Keith & Tiffany
I knew this moment would take the cake because of his dedication! Have you seen those hilarious Flowermen trending in the wedding world??? Well we hadn’t seen one in person until Keith & Tiffany’s wedding! And let me just say, he nailed it!! I can still hear Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic as I see these photos!
Theme: 1920’s
Venue: Hunting Hills Country Club
The “I Swore I Wouldn’t Cry” Award goes to:
Wes
So Wes was SOOOOO close to winning the Sweetest First Look award but this award is new and it’s inspired by a quote from Wes & Jess at their wedding!!! Because he swore he wouldn’t cry and well… Jess has pictures to prove it. So I will be making this a yearly award because I have a feeling Wes isn’t the only EH Groom to say these words!!
Venue: Boxtree Lodge
Planning: Top Shelf Event Services
Florist: Hand Tied Creations & Planning
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Brittany with Indulgence Salon & Spa
Dress Shop: Newfangled Bride
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
The “Wow! That’s MY Wife” Award goes to:
Dakota
This one is another classic award every year and it’s another favorite!! I love awarding this to the quiet and more reserved grooms. The grooms that hide their emotions from most everyone but when it comes to their bride, they can’t hold them back!
And that is Dakota to a T! I love his reaction at their first look and their ceremony! Maybe the first look is what brought on those tears as Allison walked down the aisle??
Venue: Triple J Farms
Coordinating: Anna Underwood
Florist: Kroger
Hairstylist: Heavenly Hair by Makaela Hurt
Makeup Artist: GorgJESS by Jessica Hall
Dress Shop: Here and Now Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Dress by Amanda’s Touch
The “Rain Ain’t A Thang” Award goes to:
Cory & Evan
Sorry to all the other couples who also experienced rain but Cory & Evan had this award nailed down since May! And even though it rained hard throughout the entire ceremony, this couple and their guests stayed out in the rain!! It takes a certain type of person to not freak out about the rain and that’s why my most laid back couple won this award for overcoming the challenge of a storm on their wedding day!
Venue: The Seclusion
Planning: Julie Rupert
Florist: Bloom by Doyle’s
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Studio Style Spa
DJ: Bobby Hash
Dessert: Rookies
Catering: Pumpernickel Pickle Catering
Bartending: Tabby’s Bartending
Dress Shop: BHLDN
Invitations: Truly Inspired Paper Co
Groom Attire: Hive and Colony
The “We Just Got Married” Award goes to:
Christian & Anah
This is another favorite of mine! You can’t stage this shot, you can’t tell a couple what to do or how to react. It’s just that moment of pure joy and love when you realize you’re married! Their reaction is priceless. This photo of Christian & Anah below is exactly what I think of when I read about the joys of marriage in the Bible!
God created marriage to give an example of His love for us! In today’s culture its often forgotten but couples like Christian & Anah and moments like this one pictured below is exactly what reminds me of God’s grace & love through marriage!
Venue: Taubman Museum
Planning: Andrea Ferris Events
Florist: Flowers by Gloriosa
DJ: DJ Flex with RSP Entertainment
Lighting: Lighting Ninja
Catering: Blue Ridge Catering
Dress Shop: Ava Clara
Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
The “Show Me The Bling” Award goes to:
Jacob & Savannah
This is another new one and I think it might have to be reoccurring because I LOVE these spontaneous candid moments! They did this pose for a guest originally but then I swooped in and grabbed one! The way the verse frames them is perfect too (fun fact: James and I had this verse displayed at our wedding!).
Ceremony Venue: Tresca on 8th
Florist: Fleur by Heather
Catering: Small Batch BBQ
Hairstylist: Sarah Prescott
Make-up Artist: Ashleigh Cascio
Spray Tanning: Sunkissed by Bethany
Wedding Dress Shop: Ashley Grace Bridal
Ring Shop: Blue Nile
The “Marry Me… Again” Award goes to:
Brant & Cassie
This is an exclusive award I had to make for Brant & Cassie because I was actually apart of 2 different wedding celebrations for them! They were another wedding deeply effected by C0vid but they decided to get married in 2020 anyway but in SECRET!!! So to show off both ceremonies I wanted to share this special award for their hard work in planning 2 weddings!!!
Elopement Venue: Craddock Terry Hotel
Venue: West Manor Estate
Planning: Jamie with Entwined Events
Elopement Florist: Fleur by Heather
Makeup Artist: Annabelle Johnston Makeup
Florist, DJ, Dessert, Catering: Entwined Events
Elopement Dress Shop: Ashley Grace Bridal
Dress Shop: Songbirds Bridal & Formal
The “Cool Kids” Award:
Adam & Kala
When your couple asks for a unique and weird photo with their bridal party… you give them exactly what they want!! HAHA!! I LOVE this so much so they win the Cool Kids award because let’s be honest, you have to be cool, fun, weird, and committed to create a photo like this! And I hope in the future other bridal parties will be this cool too! 😉
Venue: Alturia Farm
Planning: Amanda with Southern Charm Events & Planning
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Janie with Virtue Salon
Dress shop: Bridal Elegance
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Groom & groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse
The “When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip” Award goes to:
Cole & Francesca
So many of our couples can do this more advance pose but when I thought of this award the only photo that came to mind was this one. The floral arch, the reception backdrop, the perfect dip kiss, I mean… its perfection!
Venue: Ivy Rose Barn
Planning: Top Shelf Event Service LLC
Florist: Hand Tied Creations & Planning
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Locks & Lashes
Dress Shop: Lovely Bride
Groom’s Attire: Celebration Bridal & Tux
The “Veil Goals” Award goes to:
Carly
This was another difficult award to pick the winner! I was able to work with so many brides that had beautiful long veils this year! My favorite veils are light weight, not heavily sequenced, and longer than fingertip because those are the ones that make photos like these!! And they don’t even have to be expensive (I will link one on Amazon that works beautifully!).
But this portrait spot with Carly & Alex was the first to come to mind when I thought of the veil goals! And its also appropriate that we were at a Cathedral for these portraits 😉
Venue: Hunting Hills Country Club
Planning: Carley Elizabeth Weddings
Florist: Flowers by Gloriosa
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Azario Salon
Lighting: Lighting Ninja
Videography: Michaels Video
Dessert: Priceless Cups and Cakes
Catering: Hunting Hills Country Club
Dress Shop: Bridals by Lori
Rings: Finks
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Groomsmen Attire: Mens Wearhouse
The “Twirl Me Baby” Award goes to:
Braxton & Emma
This is of my favorite portraits from Braxton & Emma’s wedding! Their getting ready location had these gorgeous pillars to work with while we were taking cover from the rain. And I can still hear Emma’s laugh as Brax twirls her!! So I had to give this one to them!!
Wedding coming soon to the blog, but enjoy these sneak peeks for now!
The “Adventurous Ones” Award goes to:
Justin & Emily
I knew these two were adventurous when one, they eloped on top of a mountain and two, they wanted climb into a ski lift for a few portraits!! I love it when couples want to get creative with their passions because it doesn’t make your photos so cookie cutter!
Venue: Wintergreen Resort
The “Disney Princess: Cinderella” Award goes to:
Savannah
This is another top 3 favorite awards because I’m a Disney fan and because I think every bride deserves to feel like a princess on their wedding day! Savannah absolutely won this one the moment she asked “Can we recreate a Cinderella moment on the stairs?
She’s my favorite princess” Um the answer will always be HECK YESSSSS!!!!! All of her portraits give me Cinderella vibes!! So of course, Savannah definetely won this one!
Ceremony Venue: Tresca on 8th
Florist: Fleur by Heather
Hairstylist: Sarah Prescott
Make-up Artist: Ashleigh Cascio
Spray Tanning: Sunkissed by Bethany
Wedding Dress Designer: Stella York
Wedding Dress Shop: Ashley Grace Bridal
The “Gettin Dirty” Award goes to:
Adam & Kala
Get your mind out of the gutter! Just kidding haha! This award is new this year because we had never had the chance to photograph this tradition before! It is probably the most fun tradition of the ones we’ve photographed. And I love that they can have the rock (that marked the spot) as a keepsake for their home!
Theme: Rustic Elegance
Venue: Alturia Farm
Planning: Amanda with Southern Charm Events & Planning
Pastor: Bil with Tiny Chapel Weddings
DJ: DJ Kane & RP Express
Catering: Mosaic Catering & Events
Cake: Aubrey Lambert
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Janie with Virtue Salon
Photo booth: Pix R Us
Dress shop: Bridal Elegance
Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie
Groom & groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Zola
Rings: Verragio
Favors: Ethereal Wedding Gift
The “Golden Hour Glow” Award goes to:
Wes & Jess
This one is one of my favorite awards because this is my favorite time to shoot! And I will never forget that sweet candid shot we got of Wes & Jess sitting in the back row of their ceremony enjoying a few drinks before entering their reception. No one knows the sweet words said except them.
And if that’s not the whole reason for golden hour portraits than I don’t know what is!! I love these sweet portraits and especially the top right!! Jess you are glowing friend! 🙂
Venue: Boxtree Lodge
Planning: Top Shelf Event Services
Florist: Hand Tied Creations & Planning
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Brittany with Indulgence Salon & Spa
Dress Shop: Newfangled Bride
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
The “It’s In The Details” Award goes to:
Cole & Francesca
Francesca & Cole take this one!! And really its because they overcame so many challenges the WEEK of the wedding (aka multiple vendors canceling on them!!!!) And despite the unfortunate cancelations they pulled this entire day together with the help of their day of coordinators!! All of their details really came together and I loved playing with all the pretty pops of color!!
Theme: Copper & Navy Fall Wedding at Ivy Rose Barn
Venue: Ivy Rose Barn
Planning: Top Shelf Event Service LLC
Florist: Hand Tied Creations & Planning
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Locks & Lashes
Dessert: Evies Bistro & Bakery
Catering: Bella Events and Catering
The “Fine Dining” Award goes to:
Cory & Evan
I am feeling deja vú with this award because another Seclusion wedding won this award last year! Maybe because couples that book the Seclusion go for the “epic host” type reception?! The details and thought that went into planning all of this still amaze me! Julie (with Julie Rupert) did a fantastic job putting all this together for Evan & Cory too!! And they even included their pups Chip & Max with their drinks!
Venue: The Seclusion
Planning: Julie Rupert
Florist: Bloom by Doyle’s
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Studio Style Spa
DJ: Bobby Hash
Dessert: Rookies
Catering: Pumpernickel Pickle Catering
Bartending: Tabby’s Bartending
Dress Shop: BHLDN
Groom Attire: Hive and Colony
The “Pinterest Worthy Cake” Award goes to:
Nick & Ariana
I love cake (well I love ice cream more but I do love a good piece of cake). And Nick & Ariana’s cake immediately came to mind when I was picking this award! Not only was it delicious it’s so beautiful (I love how simple it is and yet it’s a showstopper with that pop of color)!
Venue: Sinkland Farms
Florist: Green Designs
Cake: Dulcecorazón7
The “Draw Us Like We Are Married” Award goes to:
Brant & Cassie
Ok I wish more people would do this at weddings!! This is one of my favorite things at receptions. It actually reminds me of our wedding back in 2015! So of course I had to give this one to Brant & Cassie, just look at their reactions to their drawing!! 🙂
Venue: West Manor Estate
Planning: Jamie with Entwined Events
Favors: Caricature Drawings by Jed Mickle
The “Party Rockers” Award goes to:
Christian & Anah
This was probably the EASIEST award to pick out of all them! I think that will be pretty obvious once you scroll through a few of my favorites from this large gallery of open dance floor photos! When Anah & Christian told me they were gonna throw a party I didn’t realize just how serious they were!
They have easily surpassed any dancers we’ve photographed before!! I mean they gave us some backflips, the worm, choreographed groomsmen dance, Enter Sandman (Go Hokies!), and the coolest Grandparent lead Greek Dances!
Venue: Taubman Museum
Planning: Andrea Ferris Events
Florist: Flowers by Gloriosa
DJ: DJ Flex with RSP Entertainment
Lighting: Lighting Ninja
Catering: Blue Ridge Catering
Dress Shop: Ava Clara
Rings: Gem-International & Manly Bands
Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
The “Tale As Old As Time” Award goes to:
Noah & Abby
This award is given to the couple who has a first dance that reminds me of my favorite Disney Movie: Beauty & The Beast! It usually means there’s a big chandelier of some kind and, of course, includes a twirl of some kind just like Belle! Noah and Abby fit this perfectly!!! Plus to be pun-y Abby’s new last name is Bell… So theres that 😉
Venue: Triple J Farms
Planning: Weddings by Lori
DJ: DJ Al
The “Em’s Favorite Dessert” Award goes to:
Cory & Evan
I love ice cream. Like it’s my truly my favorite dessert whether it’s July or August or January haha! And only ONE wedding had it for their reception. And they even had my FAVORITE ICE CREAM SHOP of all time: Rookies! It’s local to Lynchburg (& now Roanoke) and it’s to die for! Cookies & ice cream= perfection. And you already know we took a few minutes to grab these fun photos!!
Venue: The Seclusion
Planning: Julie Rupert
Dessert: Rookies
The “Made Emily Cry” Award goes to:
Taylor & Beth
This is a new one. And honestly one other bride pictured below could have also won this award! This year was our biggest year yet and it was so different being spoiled by my girls so much! One of my favorite things in life is taking care of other people and surprising others with unexpected gifts.
Well Beth & Taylor flipped it around on me and gave me the SWEETEST home warming gift AT THEIR WEDDING (we just moved into our new house the week of their wedding and they remembered that in the midst of all the wedding planning)! Like Beth stopped partying at her own reception to find this and give it to me.
I was tearing up in person but honestly, I cried on the way home from this day because of this! It was a good cry, because I was just overcome with emotion that I’m really living the dream! Working with couples who truly care like I do fuels my soul and I will forever remember this moment! Thank you so much again Beth & Taylor (& Jack Jack)!! Love you guys so much!
Venue: Virginia Mountain Vineyards
The “Save The Last Dance” Award goes to:
Christian & Anah
I know another dancing award going to Christian and Anah!! But can you blame me?! I wanted to brag on my dancers of the year one last time and show you part of their first dance and then the last dance. I love it when we are there to capture such a sweet moment at the end of a wedding day.
Those quiet moments while your guests are prepping for the sparkler exit seem to last both hours and a few seconds. But we highly recommend it because one look at that sweet candid shot and two it’s a time you two can soak up all the feels from the day and create a core memory to keep forever. I know it sounds sappy but if you know, you know.
Venue: Taubman Museum
Planning: Andrea Ferris Events
Florist: Flowers by Gloriosa
DJ: DJ Flex with RSP Entertainment
Lighting: Lighting Ninja
The “Getaway Car” Award goes to:
Chris & Anna
This award is going to the man who brought not one but two forms of transportation to sweep his bride away after the ceremony! Chris even helped me stage the photo by moving his car and motorcycle where I wanted them for the photo! I LOVE the shots of Chris helping Anna into the car! I’m a sucker for a classic black and white photo!
Location: Mountain Top Elopement
The “Say Bye With Bubbles” Award goes to:
Chris & Kristina
I had a few different couples exit their wedding with bubbles this year but these shots from our morning ceremony wedding really pop!! You can see the different colors in the bubbles much easier during the day and I really love how these turned out because of that! And I wasn’t trying to get them out of focus originally but this happy accident actually made for a really unique photo!! Now I keep at least one blurry bubble photo from all my other weddings!! 🙂
Venue: Salem Chapel Venue
The “Happily Ever After” Award goes to:
Alex & Carly
This is our FAVORITE exit photo of the year!!! Is Alex slightly out of focus? Yes. Is it really close up on them as they leave? Also yes. But what makes this our favorite? The look of excitement on their faces as they leave their wedding. You can’t teach someone how to fake those reactions. That’s genuine!! And it goes to show that a photo doesn’t have to be in super crisp focus to capture the emotions- saying that to myself more than anyone!
Venue: Hunting Hills Country Club
Planning: Carley Elizabeth Weddings
The “Em’s Favorite Couple” Award goes to:
All My 2021 Couples
I don’t meant to be too corny or sappy but….this was a wild year guys. Some couples had to reschedule their wedding due to the pandemic and some unfortunately couldn’t have the day they’d always dreamt of. But ya know, no matter what, I’m glad they boldly stood up for their marriage and overcame challenges this pandemic has continued to bring to this industry.
To our EH couples,
James and I are so honored to have been by your side through this season of life! It brings us so much joy to see all your prints & canvases on the wall, beautiful albums (& parent albums) and sweet texts from you even months after your wedding! It feels so good to know our hard work has been worth it 1000%!!! We are so excited to see you again when we are able to host another in person event for all our EHP Couples and can’t wait to see where life takes you in the years to come!
Love each and every one of you!
Emily & James
So tell me, what award is
your favorite??
And share this post if you know one of the winners!!
Until next time,
*Please note: This is purely just for fun and not a competition. The winners do not receive cash, physical or cash prizes, or physical rewards for winning. However, they do get the bragging rights that come along with their title. Winners must have been EHP couples who were married in 2021.*
*Some links are affiliate links which just means I get a little something if you click the link and purchase the item!! It’s no extra charge to you, but it does help me if you’d like to buy what I link!*
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