Erin+Bobby: married!

I fell head over heels for this couple as soon as I shot their engagement session last Spring. Erin and Bobby look at each other and cancel out the world around them. I was immediately struck by their sweetness, both general and toward each other. They seem like such a natural fit, quiet, yet certain. Watching them tie the knot this Fall, I felt almost like an insider, like someone who had known them for a long time, and I am sincerely excited and joyful for them. Erin and Bobby lived down the street from one another their whole lives, even went to the same babysitter as children. However, they didn’t really meet and get to know each other until they were both students at James Madison University. The ceremony took place at the couple’s church in Hopewell, Va., and from there we traveled to The Dominion Club, in Glen Allen, for the reception. I loved everything about this wedding, starting with Erin’s shoes. But then again, how could you not love it when a bride picks her shoes before anything else and then builds the rest around them? Red was the color, from those Louboutin soles to Erin’s bright red lipstick and a beautiful red antique car as their get-away. Erin’s birdcage veil and side-swept hair added even more glam and Bobby was striking by her side. Erin’s touch was seen in countless details, from an old typewriter as their guest book, to personalized handkerchiefs for her mother and mother-in-law, mini framed photographs of her grandparents adorning her bouquet and pumpkin butter that she and Bobby made as give-aways. The two families already knew each other and there was an ease to the reception, like old friends getting together to celebrate the union of two of their loved ones. Following are images and a slideshow in which you can hear Erin and Bobby talk about each other and their day. Enjoy!

*A special thank you to my sound man MP. You captured the voices and essence of the day in beautiful detail and helped me tell the story.*

Check out these awesome vendors who helped make it all happen!

Flowers: Floraculture
Cupcakes: Frostings
Dresses: San Patrick (long dress)/ Sue Wong (short dress)
Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Hair: Karina Rich
Makeup: Melissa Bryant (Bombshell)
Programs: CDK Designs (Etsy)
Handkerchiefs: Molly and Mom (Etsy)
Cake topper: Lint and Lavender (Etsy)

Emily and Ethan

7-week-old Emily and her big brother Ethan hammed it up for my camera a few weeks ago during Emily’s new baby session. Their mom Sara has her hands full, but these two little ones were a joy to photograph. Welcome to the world Emily!

CHAT

Last Spring I had the privilege of documenting the first graduation at Churchill Academy, a tiny school in the Churchill neighborhood of Richmond. This school of 18 to 20 kids, all very high risk, watched as three seniors received their diplomas. The moment marked a visible success arrived at with the support, love and hard work of a whole community of people. CHAT, Church Hill Activities and Tutoring, the non-profit that founded the high school, has been dedicated to the children of the community for years. Founders Percy and Angie Strickland, whose home is an amazing hub of learning, love and chaos, decided they would move to Churchill in 2000 to try to learn how to be true neighbors, live among people who were different from themselves, and live the scriptures they were studying. After children began consistently showing up on their front porch, the couple recruited friends and co-workers to start an after-school tutoring program. The program has grown and grown and now volunteers from all over the city flock to the hill a few times a week to read with children of all ages, help them with their homework and show them that someone cares. Following is the multimedia piece I built for the story and a link to the Richmond Times-Dispatch story that ran Thanksgiving day. It was an honor to document the stories of Sam, Monique and Essence. Even in the short time I had with them, I learned how much they had to overcome to get to that graduation moment and what it meant for them and their families. Enjoy!

*As of now, Sam is still undecided about his next step but is considering joining the military or attending a trade school. Monique and Essence are students at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond. Essence intends to transfer to a four-year college and become a counselor. She would like to help kids.*

Multimedia by Eva Russo

All content @ Richmond Times-Dispatch

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