The Couple:

There are so many great things I could say about Cortney and Brandon, they have it all! The looks, the personality, the love story, the list could go on and on. The love they share for each other is truly inspiring and heart warming. Watching the romance and sparks fly between them as I photographed them gave me to much joy. What I love most about my job is capturing true emotion between two people. I was so happy that the Long’s were not shy about sharing that emotion with me and the camera. They also rocked this at there engagement session which you can see here! They also have the most adorable little boy, Jackson. I am sure they consider themselves lucky to be blessed by that handsome fella, but I believe he is the lucky one to be raised by two absolutely amazing, hardworking, and love filled people. Here is to their cute family, The Long’s!

The Proposal:

Brandon knew his funny and caring girlfriend was the one he wanted to spend forever with. While traveling to Maine for a snowboarding trip, Brandon told his best friend, Jake, that he was going to pop the question. Jake was more than happy to snap a photo of the proposal for him. Brandon waited until they were on top of Camden mountain (Can you imagine the view they had when he asked?! She probably felt like she was literally on top of the world!) Cortney, of course, said yes to her hardworking and adventurous man… and the planning of this beautiful wedding began.

The Wooded Wedding:

GORGEOUS. Truly Gorgeous! From every small detail to the huge landscape, everything about Cortney and Brandon’s wedding was gorgeous. The ‘elegant wedding in the woods’ is the best way to describe their special day, and I loved this Elegant Wooded Wedding! Cortney and Brandon were married on his parent’s property where he had grown up. And let me just tell you, their property is beautiful. They have woods, open land, a pond, a man made beach, a stream, really the best of every world all wrapped into one location.

Every bit of decor on the property was created just for their day, such as the handmade teepee they were married under in the woods. They decorated the woods as if it were indoors, it was so unique. They had photos hung on trees which were wrapped in twinkling lights, vintage seating areas complete with area rugs, desks and end tables with vases and photos, and greenery draped over solid wood tables. Their wedding was magical. I may or may not have told them I would love to be married on their property more times than I would like to admit.

As their wedding continued, they danced with the sun setting over the trees and pond behind them. The lights that were strung along the tables illuminated the dance floor and the live band provided beautiful music. Guests were able to wander the property to relax by the pond, dance to the band, make s’mores by the campfire, or stargaze under the trees.  This wooded wedding was just too pretty, I need more of these in my future.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Long!

Vendors:

Photographer: Valerie Michelle Photography

Second Photographer: Nhu Nguyen

Caterer: The Corner Stable

Videographer: Buerhaus Design

Cake: Flavor Cupcakery

Make-Up: True Colors by Davey

Band: DC Transit