I’m looking back on Kristin and Lindsay’s wedding at Lydia Mountain Lodge, near Charlottesville, and there were so many memorable moments, it’s hard to know where to start. First of all, they had a bounce house for the many kids at their wedding- that was one of the first things they mentioned when I had my first phone call with them - they wanted the kids to have fun. It was a destination wedding for everyone, and they all stayed in cabins on site at Lydia Mountain.

Lindsay and Kristin told me they never had any grand visions of how their wedding day would be, they just wanted everyone to have a great time hanging out. They didn’t care too much about all of those cliche wedding photos you see- close-up shots of rings, dresses hanging by themselves on a tree…they cared about documenting the people and the day as it unfolded, and capturing all of the fun.

Snubbing tradition, Lindsay and Kristin got ready together, in their rustic cabin. They normally don’t wear any makeup…but wanted to wear a small amount of makeup for the occasion. Endearingly, they tried to decipher some makeup instructions they had found on the internet - what goes on first- BB cream, CC Cream, or Foundation?… and followed them step by step, stopping every once in a while to pick up a walkie talkie to joke around with other guests on the premises. This whole process was extremely adorable.

After they each were suited up, and looking super fly, we headed out for some pre-ceremony portraits.

One thing Charlottesville area weddings do well are ceremonies with Blue Ridge Mountain backdrops, and this venue did not disappoint in that respect. If I’m not mistaken, Lindsay and Kristin walked each other down the aisle, to the epic strains of the JURASSIC PARK THEME SONG. (Also, their reception dinner tables were named after different dinosaurs.)

After the ceremony, the party got started, and the camp fire was blazing outside the barn reception room. The kids were having a ball…marshmallows were roasted, toasts were made…I witnessed an impromptu taste test performed between the classic canned beer brands Modelo, Busch and Miller Lite… As the night went on, inexplicably…a NARWHAL showed up in costume, the brides SHOTGUNNED a beer and there was a RAUCOUS singalong to none other than CELINE DION. So, yes, people, this was a wedding I will never forget. Cheers to you, Kristin and Lindsay, for the good times and good stories!!!

Thanks to the Vendors:

Day-of planning by Emerald Events by Nilsa

DJ: Rhythm of Love