Karlee + Patrick: November 20, 2022

Karlee + Patrick were married over the weekend at beautiful Dry Creek Chapel in Leesburg! After nearly four years of long distance, they celebrated with family and friends on a chilly but bright late autumn day. Karlee + Patrick wove their fun personalities through all facets of their wedding day and it was really neat to pick up on the little details (like the engravings on their wedding rings, which you’ll see later) they had hidden throughout. Karlee chose bold, rich colors for her florals– a perfect pick for a November wedding, and a sweet compliment to her floral appliquéd wedding gown. Keep scrolling to see more details from a gorgeous day full of laughter and happy tears.

The inside of Patrick’s band read “I refuse to pay for the WiFi” while Karlee went a more traditional route, with an engraving of their wedding date.

Instead of surprising each other with their vows during the ceremony, Karlee + Patrick chose to read them privately before their first look. We love this idea of taking a moment to yourself amidst the chaos of a wedding day.

One of the best bridesmaids’ reactions ever! Karlee’s girls were so excited to see her in her wedding dress and hype her up for her big day.

Karlee + Patrick had such a sweet first look, and followed it up with an exchange of gifts. Karlee gave Patrick a sleek new watch, and he surprised her with tickets to see Ed Sheeran!

As always, I’m obsessed with what Nakisha from Tilted Tulip did with these bouquets! The traditional structure of a rose bouquet with the more organic forms of the greenery were a perfect blend.

Karlee looked stunning in her amazing strapless, sweetheart gown! My favorite makeup artist, Kendall Wood, let Karlee’s natural beauty shine with a soft glam makeup look, and Chianne Lambert did a beautiful half updo which looked great with or without a veil, which Karlee chose to put in right before the ceremony.

When you come to Dry Creek, you HAVE to do a dip pic on the bridge, right? That’s got to be a law or something. This is one of my favorite shots from the day!

Karlee + Patrick’s wedding party was made up of their closest friends and family, and you could tell they all had a blast being together. Aren’t Karlee’s nieces the cutest flower girls?

Getting laughing shots with this group was a breeze– they were laughing most of the time anyway! My job is so much easier when people are excited to be there and enjoying the moment.

After walking down the aisle with both her parents, Karlee’s father officiated the ceremony, which was such a special touch since family is obviously so important to Karlee.

The vow readings were so sweet, and Karlee + Patrick both choked up as they made their promises to each other. Karlee even listed exactly how many days they had spent apart during their relationship– 80%! I know both of them are thrilled to be able to see each other every day now.

After the ceremony, we snuck around to the back of the chapel for a few more sunset portraits. We twirled, we ran, we celebrated!

Karlee and Patrick had a beautiful first dance to kick off their reception. After that, they danced with friends, cut the cake, and caught up with family before sending their guests outside so they could have one last dance.

What’s better than a sparkler send off? A sparkler send off that ends with fireworks! Karlee + Patrick had a beautiful fireworks display for their guests to enjoy at the end of the night.

Karlee + Patrick, your wedding day was truly a unique celebration that couldn’t have been more perfect for the two of you. Thank you for trusting me to capture these special moments, and allowing me to get in on all the fun. I feel so blessed to get to work with the best people. Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Chandler Cothran!