Marti & Coty


First Look Session

Irvington Spring Farm

Lynchburg, VA

Marti is one of those people I’ve known for so long, I don’t actually remember meeting her. Our moms worked together, we grew up in the same church, and her parents are part of an epic tailgate group along with my aunt and uncle and several other parents-of-friends...long story short, we go way back. 


Marti and Coty started dating in high school, and when they first got engaged last year, I remember wishing and hoping and praying that they would choose me to be their wedding photographer. Marti is one of the most easy-going people you will ever meet, and always full of laughter, so I was SO excited when they reached out! 


Now, get this...when we were talking wedding details, Marti shared with me that Coty was in the process of BUILDING THE BARN where their wedding reception would take place, and the ceremony would be in the spot where they plan to build their future dream home. I mean, wow. That is some real life Nicholas Sparks-level romance, right there. I could definitely tell that Coty’s love language is ‘acts of service,’ and I was so honored to tell their story. 


As with many 2020 couples, Covid threw a wrench into their plans. They were originally scheduled to get married on April 18, but decided to postpone until September in hopes of still being able to have the wedding of their dreams. It’s kind of funny how things work, sometimes. We had Nathaniel unexpectedly on April 12, and I’m not sure I would have been able to photograph a wedding less than a week later. This year has been awful for many of us, but I have had so many reminders that even in the worst of times, when all of your plans have fallen through, God is with us, and He is faithful. 


Marti and Coty were married this past Saturday, September 26, on their property, but these photos are from July 11 at Irvington Spring Farm in Lynchburg. I was already booked on their new wedding date, and they agreed to do a “First Look Session” to get the best of both worlds! We met at the maid of honor’s adorable house for some getting ready photos and detail shots, and then headed over to the flower farm for the big event. This was my first couples’ session after quarantine and after our loss, and I’m not sure if these two are aware, but this day really gave me the boost I needed to bounce back. They will be part of my story just as much as I am part of theirs. 


So, thank you, Marti and Coty, for trusting me to be your wedding photographer, for working with me when times got crazy, and for being the wonderful and loving humans that you are. I am truly blessed to know you. 

My good friend Mary from Willow Branch Flowers made this stunning bouquet and boutonniere for our session.

First look!

The way he looks at her brings tears to my eyes. The image below was completely un-posed, and may be my favorite of the day.

Marti's stunning dress is from Church Street Bridal. We had a great time adventuring around the flower farm!

Congragulations, Marti and Coty!