John Wesley Church Wedding, Waterford, Va., Virginia Wedding Photographer.

A casual wedding at the Historic John Wesley Church in Waterford, Va. Virginia Wedding Photographer.

Shortly after Amy and Andrew moved from Winchester, Va., to Fayetteville, WV., I met them at a Christmas party in town. We seemed to mesh perfectly when we met, so much that the two came to my farm to help clear brush. They said they were recently engaged and I offered my services if they so needed a professional wedding photographer. They asked if I would be willing to do work in Virginia, I said “oh yes, I would love to. I shoot a ton in Virginia.”

Amy told me they finally settled on the John Wesley Church in historic Waterford with a reception at the Waterford Old School – one of Loudon County’s earliest public schools, turned wedding and event venue. The day started off very relaxed and casual, with an emphasis on catching up, beer and cider. After getting ready at the Old School, we walked a couple blocks to the John Wesley Church for a short ceremony, complete with an Alp horn. Yes, an Alp horn.

After the “I do’s” we paraded back to the Old School, seemingly shutting down the old town of Waterford for 20 minutes as motorists pulled over to watch and residents gave their best wishes. Back at the old school after the introduction of the newly weds, the party moved on with toasts and dancing. Popped bottles and cigars wrapped up the night. Below are some of my favorite images.