Richmond, VA

Some wedding days are beautiful because everything is styled perfectly.

And some wedding days are beautiful because the people, the emotion, and the energy make it unforgettable.

Austin and Alexis’ wedding day at Atkinson Farms in November of 2025 was the perfect mix of both. Their entire day felt exactly like the three words Alexis chose to describe it:

Energetic. Dreamy. Memorable.

From start to finish, the goal of their wedding photography was simple:
to capture the day as it really felt — the heartfelt reactions, the meaningful moments, the fun chaos, and all the details that made the day unmistakably theirs.

A Color Palette That Set the Tone for the Day

Their wedding colors were such a beautiful combination for a wedding, and not only did the palette feel romantic and elevated, but it also photographed beautifully throughout every part of the day, from details and florals to portraits and reception lighting.

Color might seem like a “small” part of planning, but when you look back through your gallery, it becomes one of the things that ties your whole story together.

Starting With the Details (Because They Matter More Than You Think)

We began photography coverage, and one of the first priorities was documenting the wedding day details.

Because the truth is, years from now, you’re going to forget the tiny pieces you spent time choosing.

The invite suite. The accessories. The sentimental touches you added without even realizing how meaningful they’d become later.

Alexis made it easy to capture these intentionally by planning for detail photos early, which helps keep the rest of the day moving smoothly and leaves more breathing room for the emotional moments that matter most.

Getting Ready: Excitement, Energy, and the Calm Before Everything Starts Moving Fast

With a full bridal party of 6 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen, the day naturally started with a ton of excitement.

Austin and Alexis wanted a photography style that included both:

• classic “look at the camera and smile” photos for family and larger groups
• and candid storytelling for the moments that matter most

That balance is exactly how EmmiClaire Photography approaches wedding days — I’ll guide you when you need it, but I never want your day to feel overly posed or forced.

The best moments don’t come from a perfect pose.

They come from being present.

A First Touch + First Look That Protected the Emotion of the Day

Alexis and Austin planned a first touch, followed by a first look and portraits.

This part of the day was especially important because both of them cared most about emotional moments, the kind of moments you don’t want to rush through just because the timeline is tight.

Alexis shared that some of her most important moments included ceremony reactions and couples portraits, as Austin shared that he was most looking forward to their “cord of three strands ceremony”, and the “you may kiss the bride” moment.

That mix of emotion + fun is what made their story so rich, and it shaped how I photographed the day, not just focusing on what was happening, but focusing on how it felt.

Ceremony Moments: The Heart of Their Wedding Day

Alexis said the moment she was most excited about was the ceremony, especially the emotional reactions.

Their ceremony truly became the emotional center of their entire wedding day.

They included a meaningful Cord of Three Strands tradition, and capturing moments like this is always about more than just one photo.

It’s about documenting:

• the connection between the couple
• the reactions from the people who love them most
• the stillness and the nerves right before vows
• and the joy that hits the second it’s official

This is where storytelling wedding photography matters most because you don’t get a redo on these moments, and they deserve to be captured with care.

Family Photos Without the Chaos (Because Nobody Wants “Herding Cats”)

Alexis was very clear about what she didn’t want when it came to wedding photos:

“Lack of a plan… nobody knowing when/where to be (herding cats).”

And honestly? I fully agree.

That’s why I’m intentional about helping wedding days run smoothly by:

• keeping family portraits efficient
• moving through groupings quickly and kindly
• giving clear direction without creating stress
• and making sure we capture the photos you’ll value forever

They also had a few specific people they wanted prioritized, including Austin’s 101-year-old grandmother; those are the images that become priceless over time.

Couple Portraits: Romantic, Real, and Full of Movement

When Alexis and Austin talked about what they wanted most from couple portraits, they weren’t chasing perfection.

They wanted their photos to show love, intimacy, and their real personalities. Alexis mentioned loving photos where she’s spinning, and the ones where Austin lifts her, and those movement-based moments always photograph beautifully because they feel natural.

This is where we thrive, capturing romantic portraits that still look like you, not like someone you’re trying to be.

Reception Energy + The Moments You Can’t Script

From cocktail hour through the final song, the energy never dropped.

Their reception full of the kind of joy you can’t fake. Alexis even gave a heads up that there would be line dancing and said: “you’ll know when it happens”, and she was right.

Those moments, the laughter, the movement, the reactions, the chaos in the best way, are the moments that bring a wedding gallery to life.

Because the story isn’t just the ceremony.

It’s the celebration too.

Looking for a Virginia Wedding Photographer Who Captures the Real Moments?

When Alexis imagined looking back on their photos decades from now, she said she hopes to feel:

“Nostalgia and the raw emotion everyone had on the day.”

That’s what this day was built on, not just pretty details, but real meaning and real joy.

Austin and Alexis, thank you for trusting me to capture your wedding day with honesty, warmth, and true-to-you storytelling.

If you’re planning your wedding anywhere in Virginia and you want photography that feels:

• emotional but not staged
• romantic but not stiff
• candid but still guided when needed

I’d love to connect with you.

✨ Inquire with EmmiClaire Photography
✨ Let’s tell your story in a way that feels like you.

Vendor Team

Venue + Catering: Atkinson Farms | @atkinsonfarmsva
Coordinator: Julie Rupert Events | @julierupertevents
Makeup: Jessica Hall | @jessilynn789
Hair: Carolina Apgar | @mirrormirrorsalon.va
Videographer: Neal Fox | @mnf_productions
Florist: Mark Frye | @creativeoccasionsevents
Dessert: Joanna Morris | @blushbakingco
Dress Shop: Birdie Bridal | @birdiebridalofficial
DJ: Blue Ridge Entertainment | @blue_ridge_entertainment
Invitations + Stationary: Paper Planet | @paperplanetdesigns