Heartfelt Wedding at Gathered Oaks
Danielle + Jim
It sounds cheesy, but it’s true - from the moment I met Danielle and Jim at a Caribou in the suburbs, I knew they were special. The deep love and respect they share for each other was quiet and unassuming, and they completely lit up as we discussed their wedding day vision; before long I felt like we were old friends, their kindness and gentle spirits wrapping me in a cozy hug to compliment my chai latte.
I got more and more excited as their wedding day approached! My mother-in-law and I enjoy stopping at Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria from time to time, and it’s right down the road from Gathered Oaks, Jim and Danielle’s wedding venue! I’d been dreaming about shooting there and I couldn’t wait for the day to arrive - two incredible souls in such an amazing location was bound to be a magical combination!
Sadly, Danielle’s father passed away in the months leading up to their wedding celebration. I can only imagine how devastating that must have been for Danielle and her family, especially knowing how much she was looking forward to having him by her side as she married the man of her dreams. She planned touching tributes to him that we saw throughout the wedding day, from his picture pinned to her bouquet, her mom’s corsage, and her sister'-in-law’s bridesmaid bouquet to the heart-shaped pieces from one of his favorite shirts sewn into her dress and onto the ties worn by her fiance, sons, and brother. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd as sons walked her down the aisle, and as she and Jim exchanged their vows in front of family and friends we all knew that her dad’s beaming smile from his beautifully framed photograph in the front row was only a small indication of the showers of love he was sending down to them from heaven.
It was so special that Danielle’s sons were included in the unity ceremony to truly show how they were becoming one family! Vows were shared, happy tears were shed (including by me!), and a huge cheer erupted as the bride and groom sealed their commitment with a kiss! Guests headed back up to the barn for snacks, cocktails served in personalized glasses, visiting, and a fun slideshow of pictures from Jim and Danielle’s adventures over the years!
Dinner. Oh my goodness, that meal was INCREDIBLE. If any of the other guests were like me, they were dreaming about the beef tips and smoked chicken for weeks afterward! My favorite part of dinner, however, was that guests were required to show off their kissing examples for the bride and groom to copy rather than clinking their glasses throughout the meal…and let me tell you, Jim and Danielle have some very creative friends! :) Toasts after the meal kept us laughing, brought a few more tears to the eye, and perfectly showcased how well-matched these two are in each other.
Their first dance as husband and wife was stunning, with golden rays of sun shining through the windows and onto the dance floor to further enhance the way their love was already illuminating the space. Jim enjoyed a wonderful dance with his mom, and then Danielle’s brother came onto the dance floor to share a special moment while pictures of her with her dad played in the background. It was a moment unlike any other I’ve ever experienced; even my bulky camera could not hide the tears streaming down my cheeks.
My time there came to a close with sunset photos by the lake, and I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful end to the day. Jim and Danielle deserve the absolute best and it was an honor to join them on such an amazing day as they started their married life together. Congratulations to you both!
Originally posted October 28, 2019