Lauren & Brandon | Fall Wedding | Virginia Wedding Photographer

Virginia Wedding Photographer | Christina Chapman

When I started this business, I wasn’t sure if I would ever want to be a wedding photographer. The thought of making a mistake seemed so heavy at the time. I couldn’t imagine being responsible for one of the most memorable days in a couple’s life. Over the years, my heart changed, and I felt drawn to serve couples. Of course, weddings are beautiful and joyful, but it goes so much deeper than that for me.

I have been asked many times why you want to do weddings? It seems so stressful and consuming. Why not do something different? To bring joy and peace to our couples during their experience with us, to build a genuine connection of trust and support that goes far beyond their wedding day. The relationships that we build with each couple feed my soul. I can’t tell you how many calls, texts, and emails I exchange with couples that have nothing to do with weddings or photography. We check in on others, offering encouragement and sharing in lives celebrations even years after their marriage, remaining invested in each other’s lives.

That is why I feel so passionate about being a wedding photographer.

Through the many months leading up to this day, Lauren, Brandon, and I built the exact type of connection and trust that I spoke about earlier. They battled some challenging health issues that left them with a terrifying and unknown future. There was a point when Brandon truly wasn’t sure if he would make it to this day. They leaned hard into each other and their families during those dark months and allowed me to be a part of their journey. When Brandon reached out to share the fantastic news that he was going to be okay and that he and Lauren could finally feel the happiness that weddings day brings, I was a teary mess. I was so happy, thankful, and so overwhelmed with excitement for them!

Lauren and Brandon’s wedding day was honestly the most extraordinary celebration of life and enduring love.

You could feel the relief in the air, they had made it, and Brandon was healthy! Every friend and family member seemed to love on them and each other a little extra. As if all the emotions and love weren’t enough, it was crazy gorgeous too!

Lauren and Brandon, where do I start? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only trusting us to capture your engagement and wedding season but also for opening your lives and hearts to us. We both have similar stories of struggle and fear during this season, and being able to be here for you both was such a gift to me. I know that you two will see all of the positives in those dark days, just like John and I do know. You will have a great life together, and I can’t wait to see all that the future holds for you. We love you tons!

XOXO

Christina