Shukri + Emily | Married

Photography | Ashley Peterson Photography
Venue | Multi-Generational Family Farm, Callao VA
Tents/Rentals | Clements Tent Rentals, Warsaw VA
HMU | Christine Sharp
Catering | Prue Davis
Florals | Velvet Rope Design
DJ | Sam Franklin
Cake | Vaden Broaddus
Craft Beer | Ike and Julie Broaddus – Old Bust Head, Vint Hill VA
Reception Venue | The Boathouse – Lynn Broaddus and Marc Gorelick

I remember my first consult with this family. I drove out to their beautiful farm on the river and met Emily, her mother, grandmother, grandfather, fiance, and future mother-in-law. I had a NASTY cough that would not go away. They gave me some local honey to help soothe it. I remember this, because it was only a few weeks later the Covid news broke and I started putting things together in my head. I’m pretty sure I had it then – and if I did, incredibly thankful that I didn’t give it to everyone in that room.
Their wedding was planned for that June. I drove out to NOVA for their engagement session, days before the lockdown happened. We watched and waited. Things locked down tighter and tighter and it became apparent pretty quickly that their original plans for June weren’t going to work out. There were just too many variables and too many loved ones that didn’t want to miss out on this day. For the exception of a few vendors, pretty much everyone on that list above is family. It was a true coming together of loved ones to execute this day – and waiting was the only option when presented with this unique situation. So that’s what we did. We waited. We postponed an entire year hoping and praying things would be settled by then. Thank the good Lord above they were.
I seriously couldn’t have asked for better clients. This WHOLE family was nothing but amazing. They treated my like family. I fell in love with all of them and couldn’t be more thankful they chose me to be a part of this day. This was one those rare times where a relationship developed further than just with the bride and groom. One way or another over the past year, I have interacted with both Emily’s mother and grandmother and just grew to value them as such kind genuine people.
I was so touched when during the evening’s events, Emily and Shukri took time from their party to thank and show appreciation to everyone who helped make their day possible. Amy (Emily’s mother) said it best when she said that while this day was FOR Emily and Shukri – it was ABOUT family.
I could go on and on but I won’t – mainly because I am no wordsmith and I could never do it justice. Lol.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Not just to Emily and Shukri – but to everyone in BOTH families who showed such kindness and love to me. You all are amazing and it was truly my honor to be the one capturing this day for you all!!!
XOXO