Preston and Tamika were married 2 Saturday’s ago at the Westin Hotel in Richmond Virginia and I could not tell you how enjoyable it was to work with these two!  They came as a referral from my buddy Lorenzo because he was already booked for a wedding and as much as him and I have chatted over Facebook messages and a few phone conversations to introduce me to Tamika and Preston, he and I had actually never met.  Lorenzo has watched my growth in photography and as much as we’ve wanted to shoot with one another, our schedules have yet to align.

When I met Preston and Tamika last year it was such an easy conversation with two strangers only to realize that we had several mutual acquaintances and area from areas in North Carolina that are very close to one another.  I loved how she’s taken an interest in wanting to know what she needed to do on her end to ensure that her photos were great and I loved how Preston was there to support her along the way.  He even offered to be my point of contact between the couple because he wanted to make sure that Tamika did not become stressed out at any time during the planning process!  (insert an audible) Awwwww!

While Preston was my lead contact for their photography, Tamika called me several times in the months leading up to the wedding letting me know who would be attending the wedding because we knew some of the same people and I went to high school with her college roommate!  Small world!  Tamika attended the rival college, so I can’t fault her for making one bad decision in her life because she’s still an awesome person! 🙂

Preston had a day full of surprises for his wife to be. While I was photographing Tamika’s bridal details and jewelry, Preston send up three boxes of jewelry for Tamika!  He surprised her with a new necklace, bracelet and earrings for the wedding, along with a written letter on a scroll!

I usually ask my brides to have their rings and the groom’s ring with them so that I can photograph them with the other details, but when I asked Tamika for the rings she said that Preston was holding on to them and wouldn’t give them to anyone.  I have never had anyone not trust me with the rings so I thought this is odd.  I went down to the room that Preston and the guys were in to ask about the rings and he said he didn’t want me to take them upstairs because he was planning to surprise Tamika with an extra wedding band and he didn’t want her to find out.  Awwwww!  I love surprises so it took everything within me to keep from letting it slip out.  Riette and I photographed the rings and returned them and I know I was probably smiling from ear to ear up until he placed the rings on her finger.  She had no clue and her reaction was priceless!

Preston and Tamika, thank you for allowing me to document your wedding day!  It was a fun day and Tamika I hope your surprise honeymoon was all that you dreamed and more!  Here are a few of my favorite images from your day!

SURPRISE!!!! Another ring!  More bling!

This little ring-bearer was too cute!!!