August 15, 2020 Harrisonburg VA

Hans and Chandra are two of the most selfless, Christ centered people you will ever meet! Curtis and I met up with them at Fox Meadows Creamery one afternoon a few weeks before their wedding to go over all the details and got to hear a little of their story. Hans and Chandra both went to IGO in Asia one term, and it didn’t take Hans long to notice a certain lovely girl from Virginia with a heart for service just like his own. He was determined to wait, however, and did not inform Chandra of his intentions until after the 9 months were over. (“It was character-building!” he said! ) But Chandra did begin to wonder before the term was up, and her family noticed a certain name began to appear quite often in her frequent calls home! They both returned home – and the rest is history! Listening to their families and friends speak at their reception, we got a tiny glimpse into the amazing way God worked in their lives to make them perfect for each other. We felt so blessed to get to know them!

Where do I begin with this wedding!? Every detail was simply stunning. We began in the morning with a few detail and getting ready photos and her parent’s beautiful Victorian home. They shared a first look there as well, and we had to take a few photos with the sign the bride’s dad hung up as a surprise! After that we headed to Harrisonburg for portraits at a beautiful college. The rain stopped just as we began portraits! Due to a few unfortunate circumstances, the arrival of the bouquet was delayed and we had to do some of the portraits without it. But when it did arrive I couldn’t get over how stunning it was! The groom’s sister Rebekah Barkman did an absolutely amazing job on all the florals.

And the bridal party – I think they were one the best looking bridal parties I’ve photographed this year! I loved the ombre hued bridesmaids dresses and those white bouquets just accented them perfectly. And the groomsmen were well dressed too! Wedding tip- don’t forget the guys’ outfits! It makes such a difference in the images.

The ceremony was held in a beautiful church building. I just have to say I love photographing ceremonies! The pressure is off of me, for one thing, and I get to relax a little and just capture things as they happen. There’s such an air of anticipation and celebration. The music builds and the bride walks down the aisle on her father’s arm and hugs and tears are shared. The sermon is always enriching for our own marriage as well. And then of course the ceremony… Hans and Chandra read personal vows to each other and they were so beautiful. Then both of their entire families surrounded them for a prayer… the blessing of your loved ones is the most beautiful gift at a wedding!

We grabbed a few portraits after the reception in a slight drizzle… And then the reception began, held at Frieden Farms, a lovely renovated barn in the Shenandoah Valley. So many stunning details were brought together by friends and family. Candles and dimmed lights lent such a romantic atmosphere. And there was even a latte bar, y’all! Sower’s Harvest Cafe brought their espresso machine and made custom drinks ( with latte art!) for all the guests. It was a big hit with everyone! The food was fantastic and the dessert ice cream bar was adorable. But the best part was the atmosphere of love and celebration surrounding Hans and Chandra.. and it is no wonder they are loved, with the way they love and serve others!

Hans & Chan- We were so blessed by your day. It was an honor to be a part of it. May God bless you as you serve Him together!