The day was met with cool air and the sun shining brightly.  To say that Chris and Riette’s wedding day was beautiful was an understatement.  What was originally planned as an intimate celebration resulted in their friends and family traveling from all over the world to Wellesley Clubhouse in Richmond, Va.  When I arrived in Riette’s room she had a sense of calm that was unlike most brides on their wedding day and perhaps it’s because she’s seen many weddings days from her time behind the camera.  My sweet friend met the guy of her dreams in a Bible Study group and the way that their friends and family talked about each one assures me that their divine intervention was just that!

I always wondered if I would ever get choked up during a wedding day because I am always so excited and just as nervous as my brides.  I thought I’d made it through the most important parts of the day until Chris and Riette did their first dance.  I had to remind myself to keep shooting and not get caught up in the moment!  Luckily Riette’s brother- Josh’s witty sense of humor kept the mood of the day extremely light.  To think about how these two amazing families and their friends came together to make sure Chris and Riette’s day was perfect was simply admirable.

Riette, my friend, you are a gem and I am so excited for the future that you and Chris will have together!  I can’t wait to hear updates on your life together and as your dad would say, I’ll be so excited for you too to have “little babies” one day!

Riette’s friend, Ashley, was my second shooter for the day and this up and coming photographer did an amazing job!

Chris’s gift to Riette was a bottle of Coach’s Poppy Freesia Blossom perfume. One of my favorite parts of the wedding day is seeing the gift exchange and the thought that each person puts into the gift for the other.  Riette also did a countdown til the wedding day, so I thought it was so cute that she brought the number 1 to the hotel with her!

Riette’s sparkly shoes, pearls and bridal belt complemented her Navy, Teal and Silver color scheme perfectly!

It was so pretty outside that I had to try and capture Fall’s fleeting colors.  Riette’s ring catches the light perfectly!  Great job, Chris!

Such a happy moment between Riette and her dad!

Time to get dressed!

Such a beautiful day and the Wellesley Clubhouse was the perfect setting for this Fall day!

 

Time to get married!

 

Mr. Kruger shared some heartfelt words with Chris as he prepared to give his daughter away.  There were so many beautiful moments throughout the day!

I think little Flower Girl Sarah-Marie was a little bored standing up at the front!

They’re finally married!  Yay!

Such a fun bridal party!

 

 

Yes, the cake tasted just a good as it looks!  Anzelle did an amazing job on the flavor and the design!

I love when clients incorporate photos from their engagement session into their wedding day! Chris and Riette gave each guest a framed photo.

So many fun questions and response during “The Shoe Game”…Who will be the first to gain 5 lbs after the wedding? LOL

Chris and Riette’s Creative Team:

Wedding Planning: Jody Dingwell

Musician: Josh Kruger

Wedding Gown: Eden Bridals

Bridal Shoes: Payless

Bride’s Hair: Becki Wilson- Guys and Dolls Hair

Groom’s Tuxedo: Kohl’s- APT 9

Invitations: Riette Kruger

Cake: Anzelle Kiddie

Catering: Mignon Robinson