What an absolutely beautiful day it was for Haley and Josh’s wedding at The Glass Hill Venue in Virginia! I actually went to high school with Haley, so it was special to be her photographer. It also gave me chance to catch up with old friends. Between the gorgeous light and extensive mountain views, their wedding was perfect!

It had called for rain all week long, so I came prepared with a back up plan for photo locations. I also brought a lot of clear umbrellas just in case! However, the sun ended up shining all day! I also ended up bringing the “beach” wind with me from Wilmington to the mountains, but we found ways to hide from the wind. After all my years of photographing weddings, I am good at adapting to whatever the weather throws at us! 

Haley had the most gorgeous wedding colors! I loved her blue invitation suite. It really made the details pop! She had the best group of girls standing by her side all day. This bridal party was so much fun! Haley did the sweetest first look with her bridesmaids outside after she was in her wedding dress. Haley also “iced” the groomsmen! We told the groomsmen they were going to do a first look with Haley before she was dressed, and they were all a little confused. Once she walked outside with everyone’s backs turned, she surprised them with a six pack of Smirnoff Ice!

There was so much love on this wedding day with so many happy tears. Haley and her dad shared a first look and it was the best daughter and father first look ever. They exchanged gifts, with Haley giving her dad a tie with a photo of them when she was a little girl. Her parents gifted her the cutest jewelry box with a sweet message on it. Josh also had a sweet first look with his mom and dad before the wedding.

Instead of a first look,, Haley and Josh decided on a first touch and exchange gifts. We found a quiet outdoor area around a stone column where they could hold hands. It was a really nice moment for them to have a conversation without seeing each other before the ceremony.

They had a beautiful ceremony overlooking the mountains. Josh had a one of a kind reaction to his beautiful bride walking down the aisle. He and wedding guests cried lots of happy tears. They choose to read their own vows during the ceremony. I always love getting to hear couples’ vows at a wedding. They are always so special and adds a personal touch. As they walked back down the aisle, the wedding guests popped streamers! This was absolute FAVORITE ceremony exit I have ever photographed! They were so cool and they made for an epic photo!!

We stayed at the outdoor altar location for family photos the full wedding party after the ceremony. The sun was starting to emit that beautiful golden glow and that with the mountains gave us a lovely backdrop. Then it was time for couples portraits with just Haley and Josh. The wind I brought with me to Virginia did help with some amazing veil shots and created some amazing movement with Haley’s dress.

Josh and Haley made their entrance into reception and went right into their first dance. Everyone had dinner and I escaped with Haley and Josh for some sunset photos! There were some great speeches by their best man and matron of honor. Haley planned something special for her mom at the reception. She dedicated her bouquet to her mom and her mom was so happy! There were more happy tears during the father daughter dance, and they invited her mom up to join towards the end! 

During the reception, the bridesmaids surprised Josh with a group dance. It was so much fun and they crushed the dance!! Instead of the traditional cake, they had an ice cream truck for dessert. I loved capturing some cute photos in front of the ice cream truck! The dance floor was packed the rest of the night! The evening ended with private dance and a ribbon exit! I’m so excited Haley and Josh chose me to be apart of their wedding at The Glass Hill Venue in Virginia!

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony and Reception: The Glass Hill Venue

Planner: Rhapsody – A Little Party Events

Photographer: Stephanie Alberse Photography

Dress: Amanda’s Touch Roanoke

Florist: Lindsey Ann Florals

DJ: RSP Entertainment – Chris Furrow

Hair: Pavia Salon

Makeup: Makeup by Jess

Rentals: Light Up Letters – Alpha

Catering: Mission BBQ

Cake: Rookies Ice Cream Truck

Bar: Tabby Bartending

Officiant: Bryce Williams