When you pull up to Dover Hall Estate in Richmond, Virginia it feels a little bit like stepping into my favorite Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast…and for that reason it’s easy to see why Talya and John chose it as the backdrop for their wedding. It’s elegant and timeless and romantic…and when you step inside, it’s somehow grand and cozy at the same time. John and Talya’s family traveled in from all over to be a part of the celebration and it was such a joy to get to capture the emotion and excitement as these two prepared to become husband and wife! 

I love their story because I think it’s amazing how sometimes the biggest blessings can come out of storms or times when things don’t quite go as planned. Tayla and John met by chance because of a literal storm..back in 2012, Hurricane Sandy left Talya stranded in Atlanta after it shut down the airport in New York City where she lived at the time. She had been visiting Dallas for a football game with her dad and it made sense to stay with her parents in Atlanta until she could get back to New York. She was able to work out of the Atlanta office of her company that week and that’s where she met John for the first time! She left at the end of the week, but returned three weeks later for Thanksgiving. John took her out to drinks to welcome her back to Atlanta and Talya said they ended up talking for four hours! John made the bold move to kiss her at the end of the night, and they say the rest is history…

It was an honor to get to capture the beginning of this next chapter in their lives…from the beginning, Talya said that her ideal wedding would be centered around the people, the setting, and the memories that they would make on this day and I think she accomplished that perfectly! The day was a beautiful blending of Christian and Jewish wedding traditions and the focus was truly on celebrating with their friends and family. But my favorite part of the day was walking around the property for their portraits with just the two of them! They were so full of excitement, but so relaxed and in the moment with each other…and I hope these images serve to remind them forever of this special day!
Congratulations, Talya and John!! I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites…

Photography: Annamarie Akins | Second Shooter: Brittany Claud | Venue: Dover Hall Estate | Event Planner: Glint Events | Hair and Makeup: Avenue 42 | Florals: Flowers Make Scents | Catering: Mosaic | Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Wedding Gown: Hitched Bridal DC