James and Crystal :: Whitehall Manor in Bluemont, Virginia

I can not say enough wonderful things about this couple! I've had a friendship with James for the past 3 years and I've gotten to know Crystal personally over these last few months. I can honestly tell you that they are beautiful on the inside and out, completely on fire for God, and absolutely perfect for each other! I am blessed to know them and honored to be able to document their special day!

WARNING :: This will be my biggest 'sneak peek' ever :)

I stopped by James' room to see what he was doing just hours before getting married; he was in quiet room with his Best Man, reading his Bible and taking phone calls...looking pretty calm and relaxed. But, I heard reports that he wasn't so calm earlier in the morning :) 

Now, Crystal was one floor above James, in a room full of friends and family. They were all smiling and laughing as they rushed to get hair and make-up done. 

 

Once everyone was ready, we drove to the beautiful Whitehall Manor. Here are a few of the details...

 

 

I love the moment when the lady slips on her wedding dress...that's when she really feels like a BRIDE. You can see the excitement on Crystal's face...

She was just STUNNING! 

 

 

 

James didn't look so bad himself...

 

The Lighthouse Girls came in to cover Crystal in prayer...

Since James and Crystal did not want to see each other before the ceremony, we set up a quiet moment for them to talk and hold hands...around a door :)

Guests are seated and it's time for the ceremony to begin...

Hidden from her groom and the seated guests, standing on the back porch and waiting for the moment that her dad would walk her down the aisle, Crystal was so overwhelmed with emotions that she started to cry.

Then, the moment arrives....

Everything was just beautiful, then it started to sprinkle...

Nine minutes into the ceremony, it was time for the umbrella...and everything continues. You can see by the smiles on their faces, that the bride and groom weren't going to let anything upset their wedding! I love it :)

One minute later, the downpour started and we all ran for cover...

Completely soaked and dripping wet, we all found our places and the ceremony continued...

Their friend, Davy, sang and played her guitar. What an amazing voice!! I asked if she had a CD yet...I'm anxiously awaiting with many others!

This next image captured the rain drops on the guitar...

I loved the beauty of the outside ceremony, but at this location, inside wasn't so bad...look at that sparkling chandelier :)

In a time when many couples have been living together for years before getting married, this couple chose to keep their relationship completely respectful and pure...they didn't even share a kiss until the moment they heard "You may now kiss the bride!". Everyone screamed with excitement...including me. Wow! What a moment...

They were officially married and just exploding with happiness...

Then, James was ready for kiss #2 :)

We made a quick exit to get a few images with just the two of them. Thankfully the rain had already stopped and the sun was coming out...

After a couple minutes and many great images, I left the two of them to have a little 'alone time' while I scouted out a great spot for the group shots. Whitehall Manor was so amazing...I really couldn't find a bad spot!

Introducing....Mr. and Mrs. James Schaefer!!!

We snuck away 5 minutes before we lost the sun behind the mountain for a few more amazing images...

The entire day went so smoothly thanks to the coordinator, Shawn Marie!

Since the wedding was just 4 days ago, I haven't had a chance to look through all of my images, my second shooter's images (the talented Marta Locklear), and my daughter's images (she's practicing to become my future second shooter). But, I think these 43 images are a good sample of what's to come!!

Thank you, James and Crystal, for allowing my daughter and I to be a part of your day!

-j

Comments

[Jessena]

Amazing! You did a WONDERFUL job capturing their special day. Crystal is such a wonderful, precious and dazzling jewel and that is expressed perfectly!!!!

[the1cindylou@msn.com]

Dear Janelle,
This is Cindy Schaefer, James' mother. I was wondering if you have given proofs to James and Crystal, if there will be albums for the parents of the bride and groom, or exactly what your process is for obtaining photos. The ones here are so beautiful; you did an amazing job of capturing their special day. Please do let me know about photographs or albums. Thanks very much.

Cindy