Angela Newton Roy Photography

There are so many things I love about Jennifer and Ben’s wedding at Tuckahoe Plantation in Richmond, VA. So many moments from the day that still stand out to me months later. It was beautiful, relaxed, and full of love. From the beginning, Jennifer and Ben made it very clear how they were truly the best of friends and that what mattered most was marrying each other. I often hear this from my couples and it couldn’t make me happier! It was a day full of emotion. One of my favorite moments was their first look. I could tell how genuinely excited they were to come together in that moment, and how they were able to relax with each other for a bit before the festivities began. Jen was escorted down the aisle by her brother, Jeff (I had the honor of photographing his wedding early last year). To see the pride he beamed as he brought her to Ben was truly special. As was the moment that Ben walked over to shake her dad’s hand after she met him at the altar. You could tell Ben was committing to him to take care of his daughter by the sweet and loving look he had in his eyes. They each shared poems they had selected for the other, ready by members of the bridal party. This brought both of them (and me!) to tears. It was a really beautiful moment and one that you could tell meant a lot to both of them. After their tear-filled ceremony, they dug up a bottle of bourbon they had previously buried behind the altar – a Tuckahoe Plantation tradition! This ensured it wouldn’t rain on their day (and we had gorgeous weather for sure!). Ben is an artist and made a special tag for the bottle so they would find it easily.  After everyone in their wedding party took a swig, it was time to party! I loved that Jen changed in to sandals for their reception! She is so laid back, down to earth, and fun! Their first dance and parent dances echoed this. For Ben’s dance with his mother, they chose a faster song and were out there twisting and dancing away! Everyone enjoyed a wonderful menu by A Sharper Palette that was modeled after the cuisine at Edo’s Squid – the restaurant of Jen an Ben’s first date and one of the best in Richmond if you ask me! Guest later enjoyed several incredibly delicious homemade pound cakes with various toppings for dessert. They were set out on an old tree stump on the plantation grounds and were such a different, tasty, southern spin on the classic wedding cake! From the gorgeous view, to the beautiful flowers by Strawberry Fields Flowers & Gifts, to the wonderful coördination from Everything But Your Groom, the day was truly perfect. It always means so much to me when I get to photograph multiple weddings for a family, and to be with the sweet Pleasant family for a second time was truly an honor. Jennifer and Ben, it’s so clear to everyone who was present that day how much you love each other, and I thank you for allowing me to capture your wedding day story! It was really special!

 

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Tuckahoe Plantation | Wedding Planner: Everything But Your Groom – Keith and Pam Andes | Florals: Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds | Hair: Autumn at Red Organics | Make-up Artist: Adam Eubank, JAK Salon | Bridal Gown: Dessy | Jewelry: David’s Bridal | Bridesmaids Attire: Heartstring Things (Etsy) | Cake: Lori Porterfield | Catering: A Sharper Palette | DJ: Layman, Sound Enforcement | Assistant Photographer: Melodie Ann Photography | Assistant: Kristine DeCillis