Kellan Studios » Weddings

Katherine and Mark~ Married

Kelly — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:22:22 +0000

I would have swore a few weeks ago that we were headlong into July. It was 95 degrees with a heat index of 100 degrees. Virginia humidity was kicking…how can it be June and yet acting like July? We were all in it together because we were committed to having the best day celebrating the union of Katherine and Mark.

Last fall we met up with these two lovebirds for a super fun engagement shoot at Shockoe Slip in Richmond. After gorging ourselves on pizza we got to hear the story of these academically driven folks. Both graduates of Harvard they are now currently futhering their education, Katherine at UVA Law and Mark at VCU School of Dentistry. Although I know they could kick my butt academically, they are two of the most humble, unassuming people. Supremely down to earth, kind and sincere; we couldn’t wait to meet back up with them, this time, to photograph their wedding.

The Mill at Fine Creek played host to their elegant, summer affair. We were especially pleased to work with our friend and very talented floral designer, Janie Medley. You may know her more commonly by her extremely popular wedding planning blog, The Brides Cafe

Beautiful bride and her stunning orchid bouquet. Love this Janie!

The handsome groom. I loved Mark’s engraved cufflinks with each of their initials.

Heading to the church.

I love this shot of Katherine’s dad praying for her before walking down the aisle.

Siblings!!!

Private session time.

We decided to take advantage of the creek, not only because Mark was dying in his black tux…but this preggo needed to cool down as well. The water was perfection on our hot feet.

Time to celebrate!

Speeches and toasting….

There was a lot of razzing of Mark in which he vehemently defended his honor.

Mark’s face makes me chuckle in this one.

I think this is the first plate smashing I have seen.

Guys, we hope Mexico provided ample rest and relaxation as you both have worked so hard in graduate school this year and planning your beautiful wedding. We had a wonderful time. Your bridal party was so much fun and so incredibly warm and friendly. We hope these pictures remind you of how beautiful your day was and not how insanely hot it was! Blessings as you begin your marriage.

Katherine and Mark Wedding~ Teaser

Kelly — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:58:40 +0000

A quick teaser from Saturday’s swampy hot and yet beautiful wedding! We got to work with the talented, Janie Medley, of The Brides Cafe who also doubles as an amazing floral designer. Katherine’s snow-white orchid bouquet was exquisite! Enjoy the sneak peek, more to come soon!

Sylvette and Nate~Married: PART 2

Kelly — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:25:48 +0000

Now to wrap up our time with the Queen and King of Awesome Town, Sylvette and Nate. We last left off drooling over their “First Look” hotness in Part 1. We are now moving on to the main event!

The Old Town Manassas Train Station played host to Sylvette and Nate’s ceremony. We then walked a block over to the Center for the Fine Arts at the Candy Factor for their funlicious reception. Despite the rain that started as we shot the last photo you saw in Part 1 of the bridal party on the tracks…..the weather could not dampen the spirits of all attending this much awaited event.

Peacock plumes were in full effect as the main accent piece along with the gorgeous jewel tones.

Nate and his grandma before the ceremony.

The moms embracing before taking their seats. Such a loving and affection crew. It was very refreshing.

One of my favorite pictures ever! Sylvettes arrival in a classic Rolls Royce Silver Cloud.

Love her parents response to the kiss!

The rain slowed enough to a drizzle that Sylvette got the group shot she wanted!

Reception time!

Let’s get partying! I wish I could make this photo come to life because I have NEVER seen someone dance with such vigor and bounce in my life! She tore it up on the floor!

Nate’s brother and best man gave the toast. He shared about his horrific car accident leaving him with permanent brain damage and yet has maintained his incredible sense of humor. It was a beautiful, raw and poignant speech of love and admiration for Nate and Sylvette and yet peppered with hilarious stories about Nate. I love learning about families through the speeches.

Sylvette and Nate insisted we clock out and enjoy the last hour of the reception with them. YES PLEASE! I haven’t danced in so long and it felt right to become part of the crowd, part of their friends celebrating their day.

You guys are so dear to us. We left with such sadness that we live so far away for I know when you got back from your honeymoon we totally would have been hanging out if we lived in the same town. You make that trip to Lynchburg happen, you hear us!

Sylvette and Nate, we love you both and thank you truly for choosing us! Blessings on your marriage.

Sylvette and Nate~Married: PART 1

Kelly — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:19:14 +0000

P,B & J, Ben & Jerry, pizza & ranch and Sylvette&Nate + The Portnoys. They all just go together….effortlessly. We previously gushed about our love and affection for Sylvette and Nate on their smokin hot engagement session post, but I feel I must continue to gush. We absolutely can’t get enough of these two knuckleheads and all the laughter they have brought into our world when we hang out with them. There is no denying that they won’t hurt your eyes to stare at them, but it is no cliche to say they are just as beautiful on the inside.

We were literally giddy to drive up to their wedding at the train station in Old Town Manassas, Virginia. They had agreed to a “First Look” allowing us tons of time to be together as their paparazzi for a few hours before the ceremony. Sylvette was a Latin goddess in her off-white gown and navy heels. Her soft curls and glowy skin could only equal perfection. Nate was not the least bit shabby on her arm sporting his suit and tie and that smile that goes on for miles.

I can not possibly keep writing words because I have been dragging out this post through a crashed laptop and my week of pregnancy/allergy woes…so without further ado, here is part one of Sylvette and Nates big day! Enjoy!

Gotta love seeing how shots are captured.

Can you tell they are sisters?

Sylvette and Nate~ Wedding Teaser

Kelly — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:08:17 +0000

Sylvette and Nate have been waiting very patiently for me to get my act together and get their blog post up. Unfortunately, they will have to be “patienter” (yes that’s a word in my book). I informed them of one of our laptops went kaput with their lovely blog post on it. SIGH…APPLE…I expect more from you. Back to the drawing board.

So as to appease them, I have just two shots that I could stare at all day. They are so classically stunning I get lost in them. We have SOOOOO much to tell you about this couple and I can’t wait to share their beautiful day with you. For now…get lost in these two gems.

Knock on wood, this has been our only ceremony that got rained on in four years. But in a weird way, I’m glad it did for this picture is so delicious. Ryan snagged this baby.

and one of the beautiful couple loving on each other.

Sylvette and Nate, even though I am pretty sure my head could blow off my body with my allergies right now….I WILL give you a post by the end of this weekend!!!! We love you both dearly dearly dearly.

Corey and Tim~ Married: PART 2

Kelly — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:44:12 +0000

So… back to our fabulous Charleston wedding.
We are now ready to debut Corey and Tim’s beautiful ceremony and reception at the Old Wide Awake Plantation. Little fun fact, Old Wide Awake Planation was also the wedding site for Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe back in the day. The venue was full of rustic charm from the small lake adjacent to the plantation, horses running in the field past the lake, to the vintage wallpaper lining the interior of the house. It felt cozy, it felt perfect for Corey and Tim.

We can’t say enough good things about Katie Bell of Timeless Designs who designed and coordinated the entire event. As if that wasn’t enough, she also arranged all the amazing florals! I do believe I have witnessed my favorite florals and bridal bouquet to date! I am a huge fan of color but I also love the fresh-picked, non-fussy natural look. She nailed both! Kudos Katie!

Without further ado, let’s jump into some of those florals and details that brought the day to life with vibrance and freshness!

View from the balcony

Corey’s amazing bouquet. I absolutely adore this bouquet.

Bridesmaid’s bouquet

Ceremony time.

Tim’s mom

Corey’s mom

Tim’s father officiated the ceremony.

Reception Time

Cornhole was set up for guests to play. Is it wrong that the junior higher in me snickers every time cornhole is said? Anyone, anyone???

Up next…drinks, cupcakes and DANCING!!!

During “Baby Got Back”

Bouquet toss

Corey + Tim = LOVE

This wedding is one we will look back over and over again and sigh. What an honor to be a part of such beauty and comfort. We made some incredible friends that weekend. This wedding was SOOOOO relaxed, fun and special. Thank you Tim and Corey. It was a shame to call it work for it was nothing but pleasure. Blessings to you in your new life together!

COORDINATOR: Timeless Designs
FLORIST & DECOR: Timeless Designs, Katie Bell
CATERER: Tom Smith Catering
RENTALS: Snyder Event Rentals
BAR: Tom Smith Catering
MUSICIANS: Nate Lopez, DJ for ceremony & reception
HAIR & MAKEUP: Andrew Peterson (w/ Trish McEvoy) Salon Utopia

Corey and Tim~ Married: PART 1

Kelly — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:52:49 +0000

We met Corey and Tim last year while shooting Cindy and Josh’s gorgeous Atlantic Beach wedding. Not to toot our own horn, but they fell in love with our photography while watching Cindy and Josh’s slideshow at the reception. Through a series of emails and some rearranging of plans we finally meshed our forces of good and made our committment to come down to Charleston the following spring.

There are very few cities in the U.S. that illicit the same reaction from everyone…. a deep sigh and a declaration of love. Charleston is one of those cities. We had never been there before this wedding, but I can tell you that after we crossed the bridge and feasted our eyes on the insanely gorgeous homes, front porches, flower boxes, architecture, and foliage…we felt like we came home. Charleston feels like the best of the New England meets the south. The charm and color have won my heart and I can honestly say it is one of the prettiest places I have ever visited and I have traveled a lot!

We did make a few pit stops on our drive down. As a kid growing up in central New York, we would visit Florida once a year during junior high/high school. It was a grueling 24 hour drive and my dad isn’t the kind of traveler that takes well to pit stops. He is more of a “suck it up/emergency only” stopper. Anyone who has ever driven through North Carolina on 95 South knows that you will be assaulted with obnoxious billboards for a little gaudy, hidden gem, called South of the Border. These signs start as far as 100 miles prior to the exit. They grow increasingly cheesy and tacky the closer you get.

All those years driving to Florida we had to watch South of the Border come and go out our window. Our pleas to stop and smell the tacky fell on deaf ears. I knew this was my time. At 33 years old, I knew Ryan had the compassion and the curiosity to fulfill my childhood yearning. At the last billboard beckoning us to exit I said, “Can we go?” The blinker went on and a little thrilled rose in my chest. I was going to see what this was all about.

I wish I could add to the folklore about this place, but I can’t. It really is just a sea of closed shops and restaurants peppered with a few fun things to do and LITTERED with giant, random, gaudy painted things. With no kids in tow, we did what we could to have a little fun, so we…..sat on painted things and took pictures.

Ryan is 6’6”….this is one large wiener dog!!!

This picture cracks me up.

Much to Ryan’s chagrin, I climbed into the back seat, put headphones on and was comforted by Season 3 of The Office the rest of the way to South Carolina. It has been a few years since I have watched this season…..I was actually in tears laughing so hard.

Our first night in Charleston we wandered around downtown admiring the GORGEOUS architecture and foliage and making the most important decision of the night…where to eat. We stood at a corner looking up and down reading signs when I heard the word “Senator” shouted a few feet away from me. Sadly, my first thought was “Stink, I have no clue who the senator of South Carolina is; too bad.”. Then the man turned around and I realized it was John McCain. This face I recognized! Too bad I was all thumbs trying to get my camera turned on. Here is a shot of the back of him walking away. I clearly have no future as paparazzi.

On to the main event. Corey was an absolute STUNNER!!!! There is such a grace and yet playfulness about her.

We were so excited when Corey and TIm agreed to a First Look. I LOVE first looks! The energy, nerves, and excitement. We met as close to the water in Charleston as we could (traffic was bananas). It was so HOT out! Coincidently, the Blue Angels were performing the entire time we were shooting. I literally do not know how our ears handled the mind numbing volume those jets can project. It was so cool to watch them zooming by in formation at break neck speed.

Let’s compare who is better looking.

Tim?

or Corey?

Tim?

or Corey?

Tim?

or Corey?

Sorry Tim, the girl ALWAYS wins!

On to the ceremony….nothing like a quick pit stop on the way.

Stay tuned for the main event…some GORGEOUS details, including this stunning, feminine bouquet! This wedding was amazing!

Corey and Tim Charleston Wedding~ Teaser

Kelly — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:16:44 +0000

Yet another long weekend on the road. We logged over a 1000 miles on our trip to Charleston, SC and back but boy was it worth every mile! Check out this teaser of the fabulous Corey and Tim. Can’t wait to blog the full wedding!

IN LOVE WITH HER BOUQUET…seriously, one of my favorites. So soft and feminine. LOVE!

Tim’s face killed me during “Baby Got Back”.

Soooooo many to comb through. This is going to be a massive post. We have two other engagement sessions on deck though. Lots and lots of awesomeness coming at ya! Buckle your seatbelt kids.

Michele and Kenley~ Married

Kelly — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:16:41 +0000

When the inquiry came flying into our inbox last year with the venue listed as Miami we only had to think about it for a half a second. What is not to love? Skip town in March and head to the gorgeous white sand of Miami Beach…yes please!

Miami did not disappoint and neither did Michele and Kenley. We were so glad it worked out last November for us to shoot their engagement session during our romantic getaway to NYC. It gave us a chance to bond over diner food and watch them geek out over comic books. Fast forward five months and we were hugging once again in opposite weather. The gorgeous Palms Hotel played host to their picture perfect wedding day. The weather was partly cloudy and 78 degrees. You couldn’t choose better conditions.

Michele and Kenley set the bar high for our 2010 wedding season. What a way to start the season!

Michele was stunning!!! Her skin is like glass.

Ryan said when he popped into Kenley’s room he saw all of this laid out perfectly. I’m not gonna lie, it made me smile. Me likey some anal organizing.

Michele entering the room for their “first look”

Let’s get our pose on….

I know this is similar to the last, but I love them both and couldn’t choose.

We moved inside for a few shots using their fun decor.

Kenley wanted in on the action grabbing his brother’s camera while we were shooting Michele at the bar.
There is Kelley Boykin our lovely assistant and friend who came down from Palm Springs to help us out for the day.

Getting ready for the main event!

The pastor going over his notes.

The beautiful grandparents.

Kenley’s parents

I think Michele’s grandma has one of the sweetest smiles.

The cocktail hour area.

Michele’s father gave a beautiful speech.

and then he serenade the audience with some John Denver tunes!

The man LOVES to sing.

I have to end with this photo because it makes me laugh. Charlie (who is in blue to the right) is the older brother of the subject in the photo. His brother was getting increasingly boisterous on the dance floor and Charlie leaned over to me and said, “You just wait, he’s going to be the guy with the tie around his head before you know it.” About an hour later……

MONEY!!!!! Who’s got two thumbs and wears a tie around his head….that guy! Haha.

Michele and Kenley, it was a killer wedding. You guys were the picture of relaxation and happiness on your wedding day. The venue, the weather, your family….perfection! Thank you for kicking off our wedding season with a bang. We loved Miami and we love you guys!

The Besties 2009 “Because being the BEST is all that matters”

Kelly — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 04:03:02 +0000

Being the BEST is a huge responsibility, being the BEST as a Kellan client…well that is a whole other realm of importance. Can you handle the pressure candidates? ….CAN YOU????? It’s game time.

It is an arduous task plowing through a year’s worth of photos picking moments, expressions, looks, style, color and emotion that grabbed our eye. This year we structured “The Besties” into categories and changed around the voting.

So we ask you to take a moment with each category, consider it, savor it, marinate in it, and cast your vote! There are 15 categories so scroll all the way down.

It is just that easy!

We will open the polls on Monday, January 4 and close them on Monday, January 11 at midnight. The winners from the 15 categories will then go into a random drawing. First winner will receive a 16 X 24 canvas wrap, the second winner will receive a 12 X 12 canvas wrap and the third winner will receive an 12 X 18 enlargement. JUST FOR BEING THE BESTEST!!! How rad is that?

BUT WAIT DEAR VOTERS…..you can win too! By leaving a comment at the end of the post you will be eligible for a drawing for a $15.00 Starbucks card. All you have to do is link to a photo that meant something to you in 2009. It could be a personal photo, a photo from another photographer or one of ours. We would love to see what moves or inspires you! That’s it…..leave a comment, be in a drawing. (Unfortunately, Facebook links will not work)

Get your clicking finger ready and vote, vote, vote….THANK YOU for helping support our awesome 2009 clients.

And…. Begin!

Romance

Mark and Katherine:

Adam and Lauren:

Ellen and Erik:

Heather and Tim:

Dustin and Christy

Hillary and Josh:

Cindy and Josh:

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HOT POTATOES

Sara and Todd:

Candace:

Heather and Tim:

Chrissy and Jay:

Ellen and Erik:

Molly and Chris:

Thad with groomsmen:

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CUTIE PETUTIES

Amanda and Jason:

Jamie and Paula:

Jill and Jed:

Cindy with bridesmaids:

Julie and Steve:

Joe and Joanna

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PASSION

Jamie and Paula:

Chrissy and Jay:

Kristin and Tim:

Adam and Lauren:

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COLOR POP

Jamie and Paula:

Heather and Tim:

Kristin and Tim:

Stitch in Time Editorial Shoot:

Jay with groomsmen:

Chrissy with bridesmaids:

Josh with groomsmen:

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BEST UPS

Joe and Joanna

Christy and Dustin

Erik and groomsmen

Chrissy and Jay

Jed and groomsmen

Tim and groomsmen

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JUST PLAIN PURDY

Jill

Sara

Jill and Chris

Ellen

Natalia

Lauren

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SHOES GLORIOUS SHOES

Molly

Ellen

Jill

Heather

Hillary

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PUT A RING ON IT

Cindy and Josh- Charity tokens

Molly and Chris

Comic book lovers Kenley and Michele

Chrissy and Matt’s signature drink at their reception

Jill and Jed

Heather and Tim avid gin lovers

Susan and Thad

Catherine and Nick

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HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY

Molly

Candace

Kenley and Michele

Chrissy and Matt

Susan and Thad

Joe and Joanna

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INTENSE

Natalia

Ellen’s mom

Michele

Jill and Jed

Molly hugging her mom down the aisle

Jay

Kristin dancing with her dad

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DETAILS THAT CAN’T BE IGNORED

Molly’s awesome derby hat

Ellen’s chalk signs at reception

Ellen’s vintage bridal shoot wearing her mothers wedding gown, grandmothers headpiece at the church her parents got married at.

Jill’s mother’s necklace worn on her wedding day.

Set up a ring shot on Chrissy’s favorite tattoo of Jays: Lion/God defeating the Snake/Satan.

Tim’s grandfather watch that was given to him after his passing, held by his grandmother, the recent widow.

Ellen standing on the tractor her grandfather used to ride on many decades earlier. It now resides on their friends farm.

Josh’s dad officiated his son’s wedding ceremony to Cindy. This is the Bible he used to read scripture and during the vows.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

MISCELLANEOUS

During Ellen’s vintage bridal shoot, we worked in a portrait of her mother wearing the original bridal gown.

Heather and Tim’s wedding…flower girl hit her limit.

Molly and Chris’s wedding. Bridesmaids switched to flip flops and shoved into a photo booth together.

Matt and Chrissy read separate vows to each other after their ceremony but had an ill-timed moment where they bashed heads.

Kristin and her mom during reception.

My brother Jamie putting out the vibe.

Dustin doing yoga in the desert

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OUT OF A MOVIE

Jill and Jed

Chrissy and Jay

Catherine and Nick

Cindy and Josh

Adam and Lauren

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