A couple in formal attire walks hand in hand on a paved path, smiling at each other. Theyre in front of a historic stone building with large windows, surrounded by greenery. The woman wears a white gown, and the man is in a black tuxedo.

Richmond Wedding Photographer

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September 20, 2019

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monumental church & vmfa richmond wedding – mary catherine & peter

I shoot most of my weddings in Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill, so it was really great to get the chance for a change of scenery and head up to Richmond for Mary Catherine and Peter’s Monumental Church & VMFA Richmond wedding a few weeks ago.

You’ll see from the photos that there was quite a variety to the look and feel of each of the settings throughout the day. From the getting ready at the salon and the hotel, through to the ceremony at the Monumental Church (built in 1814) and the reception in the Marble Hall of the VMFA, it really was a photographer’s dream.

As always, I took a very photojournalistic approach to photographing this wedding; no direction or staging, just letting the day itself flow naturally. The only time I stepped in was for the portraits of the couple, their friends and their families. Mary Catherine and I had been in touch a lot in the run-up to the event and I knew that portraiture was an important part of her vision for her day, so she had done a great job of allocating time for us to get those photos, both before and after the ceremony.

During the reception too, we were able to head out into the grounds of the VMFA just after dinner for some photos as the sun set. I had travelled up to Richmond earlier in the week to scout out the location, so I knew exactly where to go to get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible. It’s all about getting the highest quality variety of photos in the time I am allocated. In this case, we weren’t outside for more than 15 minutes or so. At the church earlier, too, we took about 30 minutes or so after the group photos to make some cool images incorporating the unique Greek-Inspired architecture of the Monumental Church.

On top of that, we were able to do a lot of ad hoc group portraits in the VMFA using the artwork as a backdrop. Each group requesting a photo was asked to select a different piece of art and it was a lot of fun to do. Kind of a mobile photobooth with artwork instead of funny hats!

Congratulations to the happy couple and big thanks to the team of pros behind the scenes, who were:

Ceremony: Monumental Church, Richmond, VA | Reception & Catering: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA | Florist: Vogue Flower Market, Richmond, VA | Hair & Makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad, Richmond, VA | Band: Mr. Potato Head, Raleigh, NC | Bride’s Dress: Carine’s Aisle, Washington, DC | Veil: Carine’s Atelier, Washington DC | Groom’s Tuxedo: Nordstrom, Washington DC | Invitations: KP & Co. Calligraphy & Design, Westchester, NY | Assistant Photographer: Erin Henderson, Wilmington, NC

Here are my picks of the pics from this gorgeous day. Enjoy!

A storefront with large windows showing a hair salon interior. People are visible sitting and getting their hair styled. The salons name is displayed on the glass, alongside the words Glam. Grace. Gather. The exterior is brick with green trim.
View through windows into a bright hair salon, showing customers seated in chairs, receiving hair styling from stylists. The salon has large mirrors and well-lit vanity stations.
A makeup artist is applying cosmetics to a seated woman in a salon. The salon has bright pink and white decor, with a large photo of a woman drinking from a teacup. The scene is visible through a window from the street.
A bride sits smiling in a salon chair, covered with a cape, while three women stand around her, chatting and laughing. Another person is seen styling hair at a station in the background. The setting is bright and cozy.
A black and white image of three men preparing for a formal event. The central man helps another with his cufflinks, while the third man adjusts his own shirt. They stand in a softly lit room with a couch in the background.
A black and white photo of a person wearing a dress shirt, adjusting cufflinks on the cuffs. The background is dark, highlighting the contrast of the shirt. The focus is on the hands and shirt detail.
A man with a beard, wearing a white shirt with a loose bow tie, sits in a chair holding a drink in one hand. The image is in black and white, creating a dramatic and contemplative atmosphere.
A grayscale image of an older man helping a younger man adjust his bow tie. Both are dressed in formal wear, standing in a room with plain walls, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The older man is smiling.
A man in a suit with a bowtie sits in a dimly lit room, holding a wooden box in one hand and an object in the other. He has a beard and a corsage on his lapel, gazing thoughtfully at the object.
Three men in formal suits are in a room. One man is seated, wearing sunglasses on his head, while the other two stand. One standing man adjusts his watch as the other holds a drink. They appear to be preparing for an event, possibly a wedding.
Two people stand in a dimly lit room, looking at an elegant dress hanging in front of a bright window. The silhouette of the dress is illuminated by the light, creating a warm, serene atmosphere. Both individuals appear dressed for a special occasion.
A black and white image of two women in a room. One woman helps the other with her wedding dress in front of a window. A couch, coffee table, and shoes are visible in the room. The scene is calm and intimate.
A bride and her bridesmaids stand in a softly lit room, sharing a moment of laughter and conversation near a window. The bride wears a flowing gown, surrounded by her friends in elegant dresses.
A person wearing a flowing dress adjusts a high-heeled shoe on their foot. The scene is softly lit, highlighting the delicate fabric and elegant shoes with bows. The carpet is visible beneath them.
A bride in a white gown stands in a dimly lit room with her bridesmaids gathered around, adjusting her jewelry. The group is preparing next to a large window, and elegant decor is visible, including a sofa and framed artwork.
A bride in a flowing white dress poses with a bouquet of white flowers. She stands on a checkered floor with a backdrop of a white brick wall adorned with green vines and potted plants.
Smiling woman with blonde hair and elegant earrings, wearing a white sleeveless dress, looking to the side. The background is blurred greenery.
A bride in a white gown stands with six bridesmaids in gray dresses, each holding a bouquet of flowers. They are smiling and standing in front of a white brick wall adorned with greenery.
A person in a suit walks toward a neoclassical building with tall white columns and a triangular pediment. The building has an open iron gate in the foreground and is surrounded by greenery. The sky is overcast.
Five men in tuxedos stand in a line, displaying colorful and playful socks. They are outdoors on a brick path, with greenery and a white building in the background.
Black and white photo of six men in formal suits with bow ties, standing in front of a white wall with windows. The man in front has a beard and hands in pockets. All are smiling, posing for the picture.
A man in a dark suit and bow tie stands on grass in front of a white wall. He has a beard and is wearing a flower boutonniere. The image is black and white.
Three people in formal attire are interacting outside a building with columns. An older man with gray hair is shaking hands with a younger man, while a woman with curly hair looks on and smiles. Additional people are seen in the background.
A group of bridesmaids in elegant dresses and the mother of the bride in a lace gown walk up stone steps. They carry bouquets and some items while a blue-and-white bus is parked in the background.
A group of six people dressed in formal attire stand in a line outside a building with columns. They appear to be at a wedding or formal event, engaging and smiling as they wait.
A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle on the arm of an older man in a tuxedo. Guests stand in pews, watching the procession. The scene is set in a church with white wooden pews and dark wooden floors.
A bride and her father walk down the aisle towards the groom, who stands smiling with his groomsmen. The setting is an elegant wedding ceremony with floral decorations and marble walls.
A wide-angle view of a wedding ceremony in a small, bright church. The bride and groom stand at the altar with their bridal party nearby. Guests are seated in pews, filling most of the hall, while some people stand on the upper levels.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a kiss at the altar during their wedding ceremony. Guests are seated on either side, with floral arrangements adorning the aisles. The scene is set in a classic church interior.
A black and white image of a wedding ceremony in a church. The couple stands at the altar with the wedding party on either side. Guests are seated in pews, and a small orchestra plays in the corner. The view is from the balcony.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during a wedding ceremony, holding hands. The bride is in a white gown, and the groom is in a black suit. Bridesmaids in gray dresses and groomsmen in suits look on, holding bouquets.
A bride and groom stand at the altar, holding hands and smiling. The bride wears a long gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit. Two groomsmen and a bridesmaid hold bouquets and watch. The setting is an elegant venue with marble accents.
A wedding ceremony in a grand hall with a blue and white backdrop. The couple stands at the altar flanked by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Guests are seated in wooden pews, observing the ceremony.
A bride and groom stand facing each other, smiling, during a wedding ceremony. The groom holds the brides arm. A person in a suit stands nearby, and another claps in the background. The setting is indoors with a marble wall.
A newlywed couple stands at the altar, the groom raising his fist in celebration while holding the brides hand. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on either side, clapping. The scene is set in a grand, marble-columned hall.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom walking together outdoors. The bride wears a long gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit. Theyre near a brick wall and grassy area, suggesting a garden or outdoor venue.
A bride in a white gown and groom in a black suit stand in a church aisle. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, while the groom holds a small black and white dog. They are both smiling.
A bride in a flowing white gown walks on a brick path while a groom in a black suit holds her train. They are outside a large, beige building with tall windows, surrounded by a grassy area. The atmosphere is serene and elegant.
A bride in a wedding dress stands on a staircase while a groom in a suit waits at the bottom. The image is in black and white, capturing a romantic and timeless moment.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom standing face to face in front of an arched window. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and both are silhouetted against the bright light coming through the window.
A bride and groom stand on an elevated platform, facing each other under a large window. The bride wears a flowing gown and veil, while the groom is in a tuxedo. The scene is set indoors, with dramatic lighting highlighting the couple.
A bride and groom stand on a balcony inside a dimly lit church, captured in a black and white photo. The interior features wooden pews and decorative columns, with soft light coming through the windows.
A bride in a flowing gown and veil descends a curved staircase, with soft lighting creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
A bride and groom share a joyful moment on their wedding day. The bride, in a white gown and veil, touches the grooms face as they smile at each other. The groom wears a black suit and boutonniere. The background is softly blurred.
A couple dressed in wedding attire embraces outdoors near a building with columns. The groom wears a black suit, and the bride wears a white gown with a long veil. Green foliage frames the image.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil stands on the steps of a grand building with tall pillars, holding a bouquet and smiling. The entrance is elaborately decorated with architectural details.
A bride and groom stand side by side in formal attire, posing on steps between large columns. The bride wears a long white gown and veil, holding a bouquet. The groom is in a dark suit and bow tie. The setting is grand and architectural.
A four-tiered wedding cake adorned with white flowers and green leaves. A figurine of a bride and groom tops the cake. The cake sits on an ornate silver stand, surrounded by lit candles and two crystal champagne flutes.
A couple dances together at a wedding reception. The bride is in a strapless gown, and the groom is wearing a dark suit. A tiered wedding cake is visible in the background. Guests are mingling near a staircase. The scene is in black and white.
A bride and groom dance in an elegant hall with tall marble columns. Guests seated at tables watch the couple, and the floor is polished, reflecting the light. The scene captures a formal wedding reception atmosphere.
A wedding reception in a spacious venue with stone walls. A band performs on a stage while guests in formal attire gather around circular tables. A bride and groom dance near a decorated cake on a table.
A couple elegantly dances in a spacious, marble-floored area, with tall stone columns around them. The woman wears a flowing gown, and the man is in a suit. Soft lighting highlights a modern art piece in the background.
A groom gently holds the brides hand as he places a ring on her finger. The image is in black and white, highlighting the moments intimacy and elegance. The bride wears a strapless gown, and the groom is in a suit.
A couple dressed formally stands by a pond with vibrant red glass sculptures and tall grass. Lush green trees can be seen in the background, along with abstract statues.
A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors. The groom wears a black tuxedo, and the bride is in a white gown. They stand on a path with green hedges and a large tree in the background.
A couple stands together outdoors. The man, wearing a black suit, embraces the woman from behind. She wears a light, sleeveless dress and earrings, smiling at the camera. Trees and a building are blurred in the background, creating a serene setting.
A couple in formal attire walks hand in hand on a paved path, smiling at each other. Theyre in front of a historic stone building with large windows, surrounded by greenery. The woman wears a white gown, and the man is in a black tuxedo.
A bride and groom are cutting a tiered wedding cake together. The groom is wearing a tuxedo, and the bride is in a white dress. The setting is an elegantly decorated indoor venue with guests seated at tables in the background.
A bride and groom kiss while holding champagne glasses at their wedding reception. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a bow tie, and the bride is in a strapless gown with her hair in an elegant updo. The background is softly blurred.
Black and white photo of a wedding reception in a large hall. Guests sit at round tables under dim lighting. In the foreground, a couple dances near a live band, while spiral stairs descend from the top left.
A black-and-white image shows a couple in formal attire dancing on a marble floor. The woman wears a long gown, and the man is in a tuxedo. They are surrounded by stone pillars. Shadows create a dramatic atmosphere.
A man in a suit dances with an older woman in an elegant dress at a formal event. They share a tender moment on a dimly lit dance floor, surrounded by softly lit tables and floral decorations.
A couple in formal attire dances in the center of a large, elegant hall. Guests are seated at tables in the background, watching the dance. The venue has high ceilings and stone pillars, creating a grand atmosphere.
A band performs on stage with a keyboardist, two guitarists, and a drummer. Theyre playing in a dimly lit venue with stone walls. The bass drum features the name Mr. Potato Head.
People are dancing and mingling in a large, elegant venue with marble floors and columns. The atmosphere is lively, with guests in formal attire enjoying the event.
Guests dance and socialize in a spacious venue with a live band performing on stage. Tables with white tablecloths are scattered around the room, creating a lively and elegant atmosphere.
A man in a suit dancing enthusiastically in the center of a dance floor, surrounded by smiling and clapping guests at a formal event. The room is elegantly decorated, and a musician can be seen performing in the background.
Two women in dresses enthusiastically lean back while participating in a limbo dance at a social event. Other attendees can be seen in the background, adding to the lively atmosphere. The scene is captured in black and white.
A joyful black-and-white scene at a formal event where a man and woman embrace warmly. Guests in elegant attire, including suits and dresses, mingle in the background near a staircase.
A black and white photo of a couple dancing at an indoor event. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing a lace dress. The man is bald and wearing a suit. Others are dancing in the background.
A black and white photo of people dancing and mingling at an elegant indoor event. A woman in a long dress is in the center, surrounded by others in formal attire. A staircase and a pillar are visible in the background.
A bride and groom dance energetically in a spacious, elegant hall. The bride is in a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Guests in formal attire surround them, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Marble stairs are visible in the background.
A group of people dressed in formal attire posing for a photo. There are men in tuxedos and women in dresses, smiling in front of a colorful abstract painting with rainbow circles on a wall.
Five men in formal attire are standing together in a row, smiling in an art gallery. The tallest man in the center has his arms around the shoulders of the two men beside him. A large painting is displayed on the wall behind them.
A group of eight people smiling and posing together indoors. They are dressed in colorful, formal attire, with one person wearing a white dress in the center. The background features a large, modern art piece.
A group of people posing for a formal photo. The bride in a white dress and the groom in a tuxedo are seated at the center. Others are standing or kneeling around them, dressed in suits and gray dresses. An abstract painting is in the background.
A group of people dressed in formal attire stand together inside an art gallery. They are smiling in front of a colorful striped painting on the wall.
A man and a woman dressed in formal attire stand holding hands in front of a colorful abstract painting. The man is in a black tuxedo, and the woman is wearing a dark off-shoulder gown. They both look towards the camera.
A man and a woman smiling and posing in front of abstract art with a green and blue V-shaped design. The man is wearing a dark suit and scarf, while the woman is in a light gray sleeveless dress.
A couple smiling and embracing in front of a colorful, geometric background. The woman is wearing an orange dress and shawl, and the man is in a black suit with glasses.
Four people smiling and posing together at a social event. Two men in suits stand beside two women in dresses, all holding drinks and appearing cheerful. A textured black-and-white artwork is in the background.
A bride in a white gown stands at the bottom of a staircase, facing away from the camera. She is about to throw a bouquet over her head to a group of eager guests gathered behind her at a wedding reception.
A bride in a white gown descends a staircase with a bouquet in hand, preparing to toss it to a crowd of excited guests gathered below in an elegant reception hall. The atmosphere is lively and festive.
A person in a beige dress leans over while descending stairs at an indoor gathering. Onlookers, some capturing the moment, are gathered around, with one person crouched down. A bouquet lies on the floor. The setting is festive and lively.
Three people in formal attire stand around a table with drinks in an art gallery. A colorful abstract painting is on the wall behind them. One man in a tuxedo holds a drink, another in a suit listens, and a woman gestures with a beer bottle.
A well-dressed couple dances together at an indoor event, surrounded by other attendees. The woman wears a light-colored dress while the man is in a dark suit. Several other people in formal attire are visible in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a dance floor surrounded by elegantly dressed guests. The bride holds a champagne glass, and the scene captures the joyful ambiance of a wedding celebration.
A bride and groom celebrate with raised arms in a grand hall. The bride wears a flowing gown, and the groom is in a tuxedo. Guests surround them, clapping and smiling. The scene is joyful and festive, set against a stone wall and staircase. Black and white photo.

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