Virginia Wedding : Katelyn + Michael

The girls laughed and squealed upstairs. In Katelyn's childhood room. A room filled with a mix of her life, both past and present. The walls are covered with pictures, most of which include Michael. On her drawer–underneath a thin plexiglass, sits a picture of Michael in junior high, and hand-drawn sketch of the picture. In pencil.

Katelyn and Michael in childhood. Katelyn and Michael in high school. Katelyn and Michael in college. K&M. These letters are marked on her wall.

The wedding day was nothing short of perfection, topped with a dollop of southern charm. The James and Alsop families have been friends for years, gone on family vacations together, helped grow their Sparta, Viriginia church together. The wedding day was a culmination of what had been in the works since childhood. Katelyn addressed her guests at the end of the night and thanked everyone for their love and support throughout the years. The gravity of the moment struck her–quick as a firefly–and she confessed she never thought the boy she wanted to go to prom with would later become her husband. And the crowd cheered.

KK and Michael…where do I begin with you two?! Our friendship has spanned beyond than the wedding planning process and the flurry of 10.10.10 emails. I have a lump in my throat as I write this because I couldn't be happier for a more beautiful, giving, and amazing couple. And I'm not the only person who feels this way. Everyone you touch becomes smitten with everything you are. It's magical. Enjoy Italy (or, as JD would say, Italia!) and be sure to splurge in life's most fabulous pleasures. Much Love and Appreciation… j*

The wedding was held at Katelyn's home and along the way we spotted signs as far away as six miles…Katelyn is a planner…and always has a smile on her face…

Katelyn loves teal. Okay, that's an understatement. She LOVES teal. This color, peacock feathers, and vintage elements were used as the framework for her backyard wedding reception….

Katelyn's bridesmaids hold a special place in my heart….I walked into the day and they made me an unofficial best friend…and I love them for it!

I was extremely excited to work with Janie Medley of JM Flora…we've corresponded through the years and I only dreamed of working with such an amazing lady. When I found out Janie was the wedding florist, I did a happy dance.

Katelyn's veil resting on her momma's wedding vows…

I don't remember what I was saying, specifically, during this picture, but I think it was something along the lines of Augh!….GORGE!…Love it!!!

Moments before the First Look…

Katelyn and Michael opted to see each other before the ceremony to allow for plenty of time for photos….this being my first Southern wedding, I couldn't have been more thrilled…

Katelyn is a wedding photographer so we discussed the advantages of seeing her groom before the ceremony…based on Michael's reaction, I'm quite sure Katelyn can confidently tell her brides how perfect it is to see each other beforehand…

And then Katelyn poured on the hot sauce…my angle…

JD's angle…and, Michael…you're so handsome I can barely handle it…

This light? I wanted to bottle it and carry it home with me. It makes me wanna be southern. Badly.

After formal pictures, we headed to Katelyn's daddy's church in Sparta…it was standing room only and the church ladies arrived early to save seats for the biggest event of the year…

After the ceremony, a classic car awaited the couple and–as a surprise–Michael's dad drove them to the party…

I vote this picture as cover for their wedding album. Just saying…

One last picture back at Katelyn's orchards…

Now, to say Katelyn is detail-oriented would be an understatement. In every capacity. Her mother revealed that their family basement had become Katelyn's wedding factory and for a year she collected items to display at her wedding. She literally transformed their backyard into a grand affair…filled with personal touches…

Again, many thanks to Janie Medley for florals and Anna Burke Events for helping create a perfect day…

The First Dance…

One last picture to close a perfect night…

To see more of Katelyn and Michael's backyard Virginia wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!