They were HOT. And I’m not just talking about Amanda and Dave and their chemistry together. I’m talking about everyone. Bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, children, guests…. The heat and humidity that has been suppressing Virginia was joined by a derecho (go ahead, look it up – I had to!) that came through Friday night and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the area, including the wedding venue. Wait, what?! Yes, the venue had no power, and the temperature was to reach near 100 that day, with high humidity, and somehow food also needed to be served. But Amanda didn’t put all her effort into planning and also design all her wedding florals to not have the show go on. (Yes, she created all her own bouquets and arrangements – but more about that later!) From her demeanor at the (thankfully air-conditioned) hotel, she didn’t give away signs of stress at the current situation. She was to marry her high school prom date, and nothing else mattered.
With 3 generators brought in to run the kitchen and power the tent lighting at Strong Mansion, the evening couldn’t have been more beautiful and magical. Somehow the weather felt a little cooler and the humidity felt a little lower, and Amanda and Dave and all of their guests celebrated with smiles and laughter all evening long.
This bouquet? Yes, Amanda made it! When she told me she created all the flowers for her wedding day (including the table arrangements), I was expecting, well…smaller. Not these amazingly full and incredible pieces of art. Amanda designs and creates wedding florals as a side job, and she decided she would make all of her own for her own wedding. When she told me she hadn’t been sleeping much the few days prior to her big day, I finally understood why! How incredible is this bouquet?!
The look in Dave’s eyes are that of a man truly in love…
(Yes, Amanda created this centerpiece for the escort card table too!)
The grounds of Strong Mansion made for some amazing portraits…
Amanda and Dave, you belong on the cover of a magazine!
Ohhh, you two….!
Amanda and Dave, thank you so much for having me share in your incredible day – I couldn’t have spent it with a more amazing couple than you! xo…
2nd Photographer: Maria Vicencio
Venue: Strong Mansion
Hair: Katie Dunn
Makeup: Lorie Ulloa
Florals: Amanda!!
Cake: Yia Yia’s Bakery
Caterer: Better Events Catering
DJ: Maynard Edwards
Lighting: Perkins Productions
Katlyn - Love the tented reception! And the colors!
Katlyn - Love the tented reception!
maria - GORGEOUS!!! you are brilliant. that is all. xo
megan beth - She did THOSE flowers by herself?! holy hell. Girl has got some skills!! Love this wedding, and that is one GOOD LOOKING BRIDAL PARTY!! 🙂
Erin Glackin - I absolutely LOVE every single picture!! Amanda and Dave, you looked amazing and I could just tell in your pictures how much you adore each other!I wish nothing but the best for you guys!!! xoxo
Courtney Reese - beautiful!! Strong mansion is one of my favorites venues 🙂