Christy & Amanda's Wedding | Pocahontas State Park | Virginia Wedding Photography

Pocahontas State Park Wedding

Who | Christy & Amanda Where | Swift Creek Dining Hall, Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield Virginia When | December 14, 2019

Christy and Amanda’s wedding was held at the Swift Creek Dining Hall at Pocahontas State Park which is just a few minutes outside of Richmond, Virginia. I have been looking forward to photographing this wedding ever since Christy contacted me. Christy and I have a connection in that I was her son Kieran’s preschool teacher back in the days when I was still teaching preschool. Christy was also one of the first people to trust me to take some special pictures for her when she graduated from the local community college. I hadn't met Amanda prior to our first meeting but I am so glad to know her now and I am so happy that they found one another.

If you’re interested to learn more about their romance and see their engagement session from July CLICK HERE.

So, the Swift Creek Dining Hall is set way back through the woods about 2 miles from the entrance of the park. From the outside it has the same somewhat plain appearance as many of the cabins, but the inside is a nice surprise with beautiful wood surroundings, lots of windows and a gorgeous stone fireplace. I simplicity of the outside of the building is somewhat deceiving and doesn’t prepare one for how large it actually is on the inside. I began my day by capturing some of the beautiful wedding details. The tables were set up with cloth table runners, greenery and candles. I loved the simplicity of their scalloped kraft paper place mats that had their guest’s name handwritten on them to hold their places.

The brides were both getting ready together on site. They were a bit crowded, but they got the job done and both looked absolutely beautiful. Friends and family were all busily working on preparations, it’s clear that these two people are loved by many. Christy and Amanda decided that they wanted to take their bridal party and family photos before the ceremony and then do a little “afterglow” session with just the two of them immediately after the ceremony.

After the family pictures were done the ceremony began. The brides walked down the aisle toward the beautiful stone fireplace together each holding bouquets that were made with florals purchased at Costco. Amanda has said one of her favorite moments was walking down the aisle and looking over and seeing the love of her life standing next to her. Amanda’s father was unable to attend the ceremony, but he was there via facetime and Amanda carried his wedding ring on her bouquet. Christy’s son, Kieran was her best person and he held and handed Christy the ring when it came time. Amanda’s friend, Emelie Epp officiated, in fact she got licensed especially for the occasion. Christy and Amanda wrote beautiful vows for one another that brought tears to a few eyes in the room (I wasn’t crying I just had a little something in my eye).

Another moment that Amanda describes as one of her favorites is the moment that she realized that she had taken her veil off after photos and forgot to put it back on for the ceremony! Christy says that her favorite memory is Amanda singing to her when they were dancing. I think a moment that the three of us share is during their afterglow session I had them in a lovely, romantic pose and a cyclist rode by and yelled WOOOOOO HOOOOO which made the brides laugh hysterically.

Their party was a good one, the DJ was great, and the brides and their guests danced the night away. After the cakes were cut there was a Hot Cocoa bar set up for the guests to have a nice warm treat for the road. It was a beautiful day.

Christy and Amanda, you were both beautiful brides and your day was so gorgeous. I am so happy that you chose me to capture your special day. I hope your lifelong adventure is filled with fun and happiness.