When I arrived to Hermitage Hill Farm and Stables, the first thing I did was ask where Fay was so I could give her a big hug and check in on her. Want to know where I found her? In the reception space, fixing flowers and setting up tables! This DIY bride planned and designed her wedding from start to finish. Literally. She knew what she wanted, set her mind to it, and executed her dream wedding day. The only thing we didn’t account for was Hurricane Florence. Flo definitely didn’t send in a RSVP, and she successfully made every September 15th bride count their blessings. For Fay though, she welcomed her with open arms and knew nothing could ruin her special day. She found the positives in everything, and I like to think that’s why Flo stayed far away.

On Monday before their big day, every weather station was trying to predict where Hurricane Florence’s projected path would take place. And for a good while, they had the storm heading straight toward North Carolina and then turning in towards Virginia. At one point it was predicted that Central Virginia was going to get 20 plus inches of rain! WHAT!? It was a crazy week and I can only imagine how every bride was feeling on the days leading up to their wedding day! Because nothing was set in stone. Not one person knew where this storm was headed and that’s never reassuring.

Do you want to know what really happened though? No rain. (A little drizzle here and there, but no rain until the sun went down!) And the ceremony? It was OUTSIDE. No one even considered this to be an option. Fay and Rob even rehearsed their wedding ceremony in that indoor option. But on Saturday morning, we stalked the weather, and Fay made the decision to have her dream wedding outside where she wanted it all along!

From getting ready with the girls to the reception, Rob and Fay’s wedding day was perfect. Rob and Fay could not be more in love with one another, and being there to witness their marriage was truly a gift.

Fay and Rob – you two are the kind of people everyone loves being around (including your photographer!), and I consider myself so lucky that I got to be a part of your wedding, and even more lucky to call you guys my friends! It was such a pleasure to be around you and your families and to witness such a celebration!