I had the honor of shooting my friends Dawn and Tennent’s wedding in the mountains of Virginia. These two are some of my closest friends, so this wasn’t just a wedding to photograph, it was a party I got to be part of. Their vision was simple. They wanted the whole day to feel like one big, joyous celebration with their families.

And that’s exactly what happened. The day was full of energy, love, and a little bit of chaos. Their private vows and first look happened out by the pond where duck decoys were set up, and Tennent even wore a pheasant feather bow tie. Every detail tied into their love of the outdoors and gave the day a personal, playful touch.

They also hired the barbecue restaurant that Tennent photographs for to cater the wedding. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bride and groom walk into a kitchen and hug the catering team before this one. That kind of joy and connection with the people who made the day special was so authentic and memorable.

Everyone was in on the fun, from grandparents cutting loose to cousins photobombing every shot. Doug even decided to breakdance on the dance floor even though he had never breakdanced before. It was messy, fun, and absolutely perfect.

Capturing a wedding like this is all about timing and anticipation. You have to be ready for spontaneous hugs, surprise shenanigans, and moments that no one planned. For Dawn and Tennent, every frame told a story of joy, friendship, and family coming together to celebrate like there was no tomorrow.