Usually when I post about the weddings of people from my home town I start by listing the ways we know each other. Shared childhood memories or connections we shared. In Bianca’s case, however, I don’t have any of those stories. I didn’t know Bianca until I moved back to VA from decade long hiatus. We had mutual friends and that is how I met her. All I really knew about her was that those who knew her loved her. She was a kind tender soul and that was evident. We were Facebook friends long before we ever met, and I am pretty sure the first time I met her in person was during another wedding I was photographing in Kilmarnock. When I saw her Facebook post announcing her engagement I was so happy for her. Of course I secretly hoped she would reach out to me, but knowing how Bianca loved photographer herself, I thought for sure she had someone else in mind. I was over the moon when I saw her name hit my inbox.
Her day finally came after months of planning. We exchanged several messages leading up to her engagement session and wedding day. Even with all of her descriptions, I couldn’t imagine a day as beautiful as the they shared. From the Cathedral, to the State Capitol, and finally to the Jefferson, each location offered grand beauty and elegance. It gave Bianca and Paul’s gallery such variety.
Watching Bianca with her family was precious. I watched each of them taking moments to soak in these precious memories – committing every detail to memory – to replay over and over in the days and years to come. This next season of life for Bianca and Paul will be an amazing adventure. One bitter sweet for Bianca as miles will separate her from her family. It will be hard, I know, but the future is wonderfully bright and full of potential and the joy of starting fresh with her new husband will shadow the ache she feels for home.
Paul and Bianca, thank you so much for trusting this magical day with me. I was honored to witness it and be a part of it!
XOXO