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I love photographing weddings and capturing the raw emotions of the day. I not only shoot in the D.C. area but love a good destination wedding. I hope my journal inspires you.
The Refinery wedding, Culpeper, VA, is the prefect shabby chic wedding venue. Located in the historic downtown of Culpeper, Va. The Refinery has two levels with large open floor plans. Your guest will be happy that everything will happen in one place and won’t have to travel form a ceremony site to a reception venue. What makes this venue so special is not only it’s unique style but the owner Joy and her staff are amazing. They were always there to lend a hand, keep things running smoothly and making sure you and your quest get an unforgettable experience. There are lots of things to do if you are staying a couple days and have time outside the wedding.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Culpeper
I asked Allison to write down how they met and this is what she had to say.
“It was January 2019. Rob & Allison had both found themselves working at the same school. Rob’s office was right around the corner from Allison’s classroom. Every day during class change, they would meet in the hallway to chat. During 6th period, they would spend time together in Allison’s classroom. Getting to know each other and Allison’s furry friend Wade.
After spending weeks getting to know each other, Rob began to drop subtle hints to Allison that he was interested in her, but was afraid to be too blunt due to workplace complications with dating. Finally, on January 11, 2019, Rob & Allison were talking during 6th period about what they were doing for the weekend. After an awkward conversation about both of them planning on going hiking that weekend in different spots, Rob thought Allison was getting the hint that they should go hiking together, but the bell rang for the end of the day and they went their separate ways.
Rob figured he would have to wait a few more weeks to let Allison know how he really felt. At a party they both were planning on attending (Rob later found out, Allison had told her friend Brittany she was into Rob, and they set up the party as a way for the two to be able to hang out outside the workplace!). Little did he know, he would not have to wait as long as he thought. After leaving school that afternoon, Allison began to text her friends telling them that she missed an opportunity to let Rob know she really wanted to go hiking with him that weekend. At this point, neither Rob nor Allison had each other’s phone numbers and the only way Allison knew to communicate with Rob after work was through company email.
Later that afternoon, while Allison was in the gym and Rob was grocery shopping, Allison took a leap of faith and sent a quick email to Rob asking him to go hiking with her the next day and sent over her phone number. As Rob was walking down the soup aisle of Food Lion, he saw an email come through from Allison. Without hesitation, Rob sent Allison a quick text telling her he would love to join her and her dog Wade on a hike the next day.
Little did either one of them know, that email would be the start to the rest of their lives together. That email is now framed and on display in Rob & Allison’s place for them to laugh and smile over every day!”
Here are the vendors that made Allison and Robert’s wedding day possible:
Wedding Coordinator – Joy Orr Events
Videographer – Adrian with Pretty Films
Florals – DIY
Cake – DIY
Band/DJ – Chris with DJ Repeatable
Hair and Makeup Artist – Les Bourgeois Artistry
Wedding Dress Boutique – Something Old, Something New
Dress Designer – Nicole Miller
Menswear – Mens Wearhouse by Calvin Klein
Rentals – Bride and Joy Rentals
Beverages – Revelry Mobile Bar
The Refinery has one of the best bridal suites. It has floor to ceiling windows, 2 makeup and hair stations and an area for for the girls to sit and chat. It offers plenty of natural light and a light and airy feel with a rustic shabby chic side. After Allison had to change her date due to the COVID-19 and raining the morning of her wedding. Firstly, I was pleasantly surprised to find her cool as a cucumber. Secondly, this bride is a Rock Star. Thirdly, nothing was going to stop her from having fun on her wedding day, however, more surprises would be on the way.
The stage is set and it’s finally time to get these two married. Rob is standing up by the alter, waiting anxiously to see Allison for the first time. As Allison and her dad walk around the corner, the guests turn around and sigh and Rob starts to tear up. After everything they have been through so far you won’t believe what is about to happen. Just as Allison and her father pause at the beginning of the isle for a photo, the electricity went out. I kid you not, but wait it gets even crazier! After a few tears and a couple of laughs it was time for the rings. Just as Allison was putting on his ring the electricity came back on.
Did I mention how fun these two are. After all that has happened. From changing their date, off and on rain and the electricity going out. It never slowed them down. Then it happened. The rain broke and a double rainbow emerged for a great photo opportunity. As we came back in, the music started and the dancing began. Thanks again to Allison and Rob for trusting Wedding by Lee Photography to capture all your special moments.
I only take on a limited number of weddings each year, in order to give my clients an unforgettable experience. I would love to chat with you about your wedding and get to know you both. Listed below are a few more articles that can help in your planning.
21 Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2021 https://weddingsbylee.com/21-best-honeymoo…nations-for-2021/
How to prepare your skin for your wedding day https://weddingsbylee.com/wedding-day-skin-care/
Happy Planning!!!
Cheers,
Lee
Lee@weddingsbylee.com
www.weddingsbylee.com