Oh, ya’ll, I’ve been waiting to share these images for weeks & I am so excited to be sharing them on the blog today! About two months ago, I was able to meet the lovely owner of Valley Mills Farm, Monica Rutledge. Valley Mills Farm is located in Swoope, VA – an easy drive right off of State Route 262. Built in 1824, on 15-acres of gorgeous farmland, Valley Mills provides an intimate setting for all sizes of weddings, events, and any kind of celebration!
When Monica told me that she had tried to not only set up one, but TWO, styled shoots in the past, I told her “third times the charm!!” And boy, did our vendor team deliver the charm!! With tons of research, texting back and forth, we finally decided on a “Tropical” theme for the shoot. According to Junebug Weddings, “Tropulence” is one of 2020’s wedding themes – and I was psyched about it! We all know in Virginia, we are pretty far from the tropics, but why not bring the tropics to us?! So, that is what we did! We called on all of our amazing local vendors and thankfully, pulled off this shoot in less than a month. Monica, Rachel, with Rachel Marie Photography, and I played a huge part in the behind-the-scenes of coordinating the shoot – it was a challenge! The vendors made it super easy though, and I gave them free-range to be creative & fun – they didn’t disappoint!
This shoot had everything; from the beautiful pops of color in the florals, lace and fringe in the dress, hints of “boho” in the decor, and lots of GREEN! The venue even had WATER – which added to the backdrops for sure! Even my skirts got their debut in this shoot!! If you have been following me for the last couple of months, you recognize the bridesmaid’s skirts. If you have no clue what I am talking about, they are from a little project I did #theskirtproject and are a part of my client closet! Find out why I am obsessed with these skirts here: (https://amandashraderphotography.com/2020/07/19/the-skirt-project/)
These ladies truly knocked it out of the park with this shoot!!! The entire vendor team (listed below!) absolutely blew me away and I was so honored to be a part of it. These images are just SO fun – I hope you love them as much as I do!!!
Venue: Valley Mills Farm, Photographer: Amanda Shrader Photography, Florals: Honey Bee’s Florist, Dress: Amanda’s Touch Bridal & Formal, Hair Stylist: Bonitas Salon, Makeup Artist: Captivating Complexion, Groom Attire: Classic Menswear & Tuxedos, Paper Goods & Calligraphy: RachelLettering, Rentals: Another Chance Events, Cake: Paris Cake Company, Cookies: FarmChick Baked Goods, Catering: Take Out 250, Rings: Crown Jewelers, Earrings: Sea + Soul Jewelry, Models: LeAnn Marshall, Nathan Batton, Makenna Smith, Shamya Harrison, Assistant/Second Photographer: Rachel Marie Photography
I am obsessed with this setup!
A pillow fight at your wedding?! Yes, please! This should be a thing. Let’s start this trend… #weddingpillowfightgoals
