Rachael Curry Films: Destination Wedding & Elopement Videograher

Jimmy & Joyce | Mount Ida Farm – The Lodge & The Event BarnCharlottesville, Virginia

–

The story of how Joyce and Jimmy met is one of my favorites. Joyce’s close friend met Jimmy 7 years ago and immediately thought to pair him up with Joyce. Time went by and both Joyce and Jimmy were not into the idea of being set up. Later on, this friend got married herself and was determined to set them up somehow, so she paired them together as a groomsmen and bridesmaid at her wedding. To their surprise, their friend was right – they were immediately attracted to the other when they first met, and had to get to know each other. They met up for drinks after that, and the rest was history!

Their wedding took place in August at Mount Ida Farm and was such a delightful day full of love. Although a very hot day, looking back all I can remember is how sweet they were together. Jimmy could not have had a sweeter reaction to seeing Joyce during their first look, and I couldn’t have been more surprised! Joyce had told me Jimmy was a reserved type of person, not one to express his feelings much, but their vows were so incredibly expressive and genuine, and we even got some time with them both separately where they spoke to the camera – one of my favorite moments in the film! I hope this film helps them remember all of those things they felt on their wedding day – the love, joy, and excitement!!

In every speech, the main thing agreed upon was the fact Jimmy and Joyce were “the perfect match”. After going through their footage, editing the video, and experiencing their wedding day alongside them, I cannot help but agree wholeheartedly! We are so honored to have had the chance to capture it all, and wish the best for them in all they do!

Planner: Donovan-Groves Events, Beauty: Top Knot, Rouge 9, Cake: Cakes by Rachel, Catering: The Catering Outfit, DJ: Justin Goodman, Florals: Wild Fleurette, Photography: The Mallorys

Tim & Katie | Early Mountain Vineyards Wedding VideographyCharlottesville, Virginia

–

We have been waiting for Katie and Tim’s big day with much anticipation, and am so excited to finally share their beautiful day. Elise, their planner (Laurel Elise Events), first reached out in April 2019. Covid hit in 2020, and they decided to have a very small ceremony in Rhode Island on their original date (June 2020). They postponed the big celebration for the next year (June 2021), and I’m so glad they did. It was beautiful, grand, and full of fun. It was so perfectly them in every way!

They first met online, surprisingly, and are THE sweetest pair. Who would’ve known the internet could bring two people together in the most perfect way? They scheduled a sweetheart session with me, and I’m so glad they did! We had so much fun at Waterperry Farm getting to know each other and taking in the beautiful scenery. I loved being able to add some of those shots into the wedding film, and have a separate video they can look back on. See the film below!

You’d think having already gotten married a year prior, Katie and Tim would’ve lost those wedding day nerves and excitement, but no! Tim was BLOWN AWAY during the first look (Katie wore a different dress for this wedding!), and he also was not shy with letting the emotions flow during the processional when Katie came down the aisle. I think it goes to show what a beautiful union they already had – that just being reminded of their marriage and love was enough to overflow their hearts on their “2nd” wedding day.

Some of my favorite parts to the day included the beautiful lavender surrounding the ceremony site at Early Mountain Vineyards, the delicious Gelato by Pronto Gelato, and the amazing band QCB Music Group. Of course nothing beats the excitement from all of their friends and family to gather and celebrate!

We were SO happy to be there with them on such a special day, and couldn’t have been more grateful they chose us to be a part of it!

Planning & Design: @laurelelise
Photography: @themallorys
Videography: @rachaelcurryfilms
Catering: @thelocalcatering
Gelato Camper: @pronto_via @prontogelato
Florals: @courtneyinghram
Live Painter: @bybrittanybranson
Ceremony Musicians: @got_strings
Stationery: @stephb_andco
Venue: @earlymountain @earlymountainweddings
Hair and Makeup: @emily.artistry
Cake: @cakesbyrachelbakeshop
Rentals: @emersonjamesrental @bbjlinen @mseventscville

–

Cole & Charisma | The Virginia House Wedding CinematographyRichmond, Virginia

–

As a cinematographer & editor, I’m always inspired by beautiful stories. Cole and Charisma have such an inspiring story that it makes me question if my job even counts as “work”. I found myself tearing up while editing, laughing, telling my friends and family about their story, and feeling inspired myself as I worked on putting together their videos. The year 2020 was a strange one, but these two remind you to always keep pushing forward and staying positive no matter the situation. I think we could all use some more of that kind of inspiration in our lives!

When Charisma’s inquiry email popped into my inbox, I quickly found out they were one of The Knot’s 2020 Couples/Influencers of the Year. I found their YouTube channel and just couldn’t help but watch their videos and learn all about their story!

When Cole was 16 years old he had a near death crash into the river where he injured his neck. He lost function in most of his body and is now quadriplegic. After months of rehab, he ended up in the same facility Charisma worked. Cole was immediately drawn to her and they quickly fell in love! Their proposal was so adorable, and is a must see on their YouTube channel! Cole wrote an original song to Charisma and sang it at an event in front of all their family and friends!!

Even though COVID could’ve ruined their wedding plans, it ended up even more stunning than I could’ve imagined! They just changed up the location, date, and had a smaller celebration. It was BEAUTIFUL, and I’m just so in love with their wedding day. The Virginia House is hands down one of my favorite venues, and it matched all of the love and romance in the air.

The first look was the sweetest thing, and I still tear up when I watch it. Cole was blown away by Charisma and could barely hold back the tears. The rest of the day was so beautifully put together by their planner, Jamie (Jamie Lynn Signature Weddings), who created such a warm, cozy & romantic atmosphere to celebrate with their friends and family.

I hope you’ll enjoy watching their lovely day, and also their Engagement Film below!

Venue | Virginia House | @virginiahistory

Wedding Planning & Design | Jamie Lynn Signature Weddings | @jamielynnsigweddings

Floral Design | Olivera Floral Design | @oliverafloraldesign

Cake Design | Sweet Fix | @sweetfix

Catering | Mosaic Catering + Events | @mosaiccatering

Photography | Ashley Peterson | @ashleypetersonphotography

Film | Rachael Curry Films | @rachaelcurryfilms

Makeup | MAB Hair & Makeup Artistry | @mab.artistry

Band | Adrian Duke Project | @samhillentertainment

Lighting | Lighting Professors | @lightingprofessors

Linens & Rentals | Classic Party Rentals | @cprofva

Specialty Rentals | Paisley & Jade | @paisleyandjade

Table Runners | La Tavola | @latavolalinen

Chargers & Ceremony Urns | The Collection by Courtney Inghram | @thecollectionbycourtneyinghram

Invitations + Day-Of Stationery | Ettie Kim Studio | @ettiekimstudio

Vintage Postage | Enfield Post | @enfieldpost

Bridal Shop | Ava Laurenne | @avalaurennebride

Veil | BHLDN | @bhldn

Bride’s Shoes | Bella Belle | @bellabelleshoes

Dress Alterations | Seams Alterations | @seamsalterations

Bridesmaid Dresses | @birdygrey

Men’s Attire | The Black Tux | @theblacktux

Rings | Diamonds Direct | @diamondsdirect

Styling Mat | Chasing Stone | @chasingstone

Ring Box | The Mrs. Box | @the_mrs_box

James & Jordan | Shenandoah National Park ElopementVirginia

–

Jordan and James decided to elope as COVID changed up their plans for a larger wedding. I honestly don’t know how it could have been a better decision! They had one of the most peaceful wedding days I have ever witnessed. I have never seen a bride and groom so relaxed and yet extremely excited to be married all at once!

We started the day at Guildford Farm in Ruckersville, VA, where they both got ready together before the ceremony. Their ceremony only included an officiant, so it was truly a private experience as they were able to let the tears flow freely as they said their vows, and take things slow and peacefully. Their close friend was the officiant who knew them both well, and he blessed them with words of encouragement as they started their married life together.

We headed over to an overlook on skyline drive where we stopped for a “first dance” and photos. The sun set beautifully over the mountain as they enjoyed celebrating their new union! It was such a romantic way to end the night, and I could not have been more happy for them. I’m SO glad they didn’t have to deal with any postponements of a large event, and that they were able to celebrate in their own way. Sometimes changes in plans aren’t a bad thing, and lead to an even better decision. I could not have imagined their sweet day any differently.

Cheers to Jordan and James!

Venue: Guildford Farm
Photography: Ray Photography
Cinematography: Rachael Curry Films
Chef: Aha! Cuisine Jenny Gladding
Cake: Cakes by Rachel
Hair: Studio 321 Amy A Loupe
Makeup: Studio 321 Styling by Josephine
Flowers: Fiori Floral studio
Gown: Betsy Robinson Bridal
Tuxedo: Suit supply
Rings: @jamesallenrings (hers) & @bluenilediamond (his)

Paige & Cole | Private EstateCharlottesville, VA

—

2020 was the year of surprises, and for Paige and Cole, that surprise worked out for the best.

Their story began years ago in high school–16 to be exact! A place they spent lots of their time was at Paige’s house. Cole even proposed to her there on the “Fern Steps”, as they call it, located behind the house. It was Paige’s grandparents’ home, and was passed down to her parents. She grew up there, and in a way, Cole did too in the process of dating her in their early years together.

They had originally planned a large wedding with 200+ guests at Farmington Country Club. They changed plans multiple times trying to make it work there. Paige had always said she would love to have her wedding one day at her parents’ farm, but her parents did not share her dream. To set the place up for a wedding would require electrical, restrooms, lugging tons of stuff back and forth, and transforming the place into a venue. When COVID changed all of their plans, the final decision favored Paige’s dream: they HAD to have the wedding at the farm. They had no other choice!

Transforming the farm into a venue was no simple feat. Dickie their wedding planner, with A Little Ditty Events, truly brought the vision to life, and pieced together so many personal elements into the design. They setup a sail cloth tent in the back pasture (with mountains and rolling hills in the distance) where they celebrated, ate, and danced the night away. One of my favorite parts of the evening was the votive walkway with dozens of candles that led from the tent all the way up to the house. There was a chandelier, string lights, and hanging candles that led the way through the pathway. It was just magical!

One of Cole’s favorite hobbies is fishing, and you better believe they incorporated this into their wedding day! A part of their transformed back patio & garden space was an old canoe filled with sea themed hor d’oeuvres. They even had a custom monogrammed flag on the boat along with a paddle and all! This cocktail space followed next to those “Fern Steps” (their proposal spot), which was transformed into a seating chart space.

Something I can’t not mention would be their sweet ceremony. It took place where Paige was christened, and where their family has held funerals, and even where her parents were married themselves!! Her parents also drove an antique Rolls Royce on their wedding day years ago, and Paige & Cole drove the very same car! Paige and her dad arrived at the little sweet Garth Chapel in the Rolls Royce, and it was probably the cutest little ceremony you’ve ever seen knowing how special the location was for them.

I cannot imagine a more special or unique wedding that so intimately incorporated the personal elements of their life. COVID truly made their wedding day into something you wouldn’t have ever thought of, which is why surprises are not always a bad thing. They truly had to think outside the box, and the result was stunning.

Congratulations to Paige & Cole!

Secret Garden EditorialVirginia

–

Before weddings were back in session this summer, this talented vendor team put their minds together to get the creative juices during quarantine! This was such a joy to be a part of, and was featured on Magnolia Rouge this week! Thanks to all of the great vendors who made this possible. Enjoy!

Genna & Firat | The Virginia House Wedding VideographyRichmond, Virginia

–

Genna and Firat first met at a place you wouldn’t think to meet your future spouse…CVS! Firat worked at the pharmacy and when Genna came up to the counter, Firat noticed her necklace was a Turkish symbol (he’s from Turkey) that he knew of. That sparked their first conversation – connecting over their Turkish background. It was love at first sight! They soon became boyfriend and girlfriend, and dated for 8 years!

They eloped in middle of the pandemic, so they were limited on how many guests they could have, including Firat’s family from Turkey. Despite the small gathering, it was no small affair! Genna and Firat’s love for each other was so beautiful, and their choice in location to celebrate was incomparable. Genna’s mother worked with the Virginia House years ago, so Genna always pictured having her wedding there. It was such a romantic venue, and matched them so well!

We could not be more thankful to work with Genna and Firat, and wish them all the best!

Vendors:

Venue: The Virginia House
Design: Elle Loren & Co
Florals: Lynn Killbergthoreson
Cinematography: Rachael Curry Films
Paper: Papier Handmade
Hair and Makeup: Emily Artistry
Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Cole & Anna | The Clifton Wedding VideographyCharlottesville, Virginia

—

Cole & Anna first met all the way back in elementary school; he would even tap on her shoulder with his pencil during class, and they were just friends–unknowing of what would become of their relationship later on! It wasn’t until high school when he asked her out for homecoming that they decided they were more than friends. They dated all through college long distance, and he proposed at Pippin Hill with their friends and family there to celebrate! I absolutely love stories that involve meeting during childhood, and becoming high school sweethearts. It’s just so sweet to know they’ve been together even before becoming an adult!

When Cole first saw Anna during the first look, he was head over heels! And how could he not?! Anna was absolutely STUNNING! So many tears of happiness from both of them, it was the sweetest thing! They read letters to each other afterwards, which I loved including in their film.

The day of their wedding there were storms in the forecast right around the time of their ceremony. When I walked up to the ceremony site fully dressed in flowers in every direction (literally, all of the Crepe Myrtle trees were in bloom, along with loads of other flowers at The Clifton!), I couldn’t imagine NOT having their ceremony there, even in the rain, it was so beautiful! Anna went with it even with the predicted storms, and guess what?! It didn’t rain a single drop! It was such a stunning ceremony–Cole cried as Anna walked down the aisle, and the petal cannon during their first kiss topped it off with such excitement!

Anna totally surprised everyone with a dress change for the reception–I can’t decide which dress I loved more, they were both SO pretty. They celebrated the night away at The Clifton, and even had their guests stay there overnight! It looked like such a sweet celebration to share the weekend with their close friends and family, and I was so honored to have been part of it all!

Emily & Qiang | Waterperry Farms Elopement VideographyCharlottesville, Virginia

–

Emily and Qiang had such a sweet, intimate elopement and celebration this August! If you listen to their story told in the film, you’ll learn that they both grew up in opposite sides of China, but they didn’t meet until they had both moved to the US to go to school at UVA. Qiang just so happen to sit down next to Emily at the school’s orientation, and the rest was history!

The gardens at Waterperry Farm was the perfect place to seal their vows with such a gorgeous backdrop. My favorite part of the day was when Qiang saw Emily for the first time – he couldn’t stop crying – it was so sweet!! They are such an adorable pair.

They wanted their families to be a part of the celebration, but because of COVID-19, they were not able to come. I was so incredibly thankful to have a part in creating the memory of this sweet day for their family and friends who couldn’t come. It was such an honor, and we are just so happy for Emily and Qiang as they embark on this new chapter together!

Vendors:

Photographers: Hunter and Sarah Photography
Venue: Waterperry Farm
Bride’s Shoes: Nine West
Bride’s Jewelry: Dior
Engagement Ring: Jared
Wedding Bands: Cartier
Floral Design: Hedge Fine Blooms
Catering: Tavola
Cake: Cakes by Rachel
Videography: Rachel Curry Films
Hair & Makeup: Glo-Out Glamour Bar

Celestial Inspired Styled Shoot at Great Marsh EstateWarrenton, Virginia

–

It’s not often you get to work with such a talented team creating art with freedom and room for experimentation. During the off season I always enjoy collaborating with other artists, and this shoot was one I will never forget. First, Carrie from Type A Society beautifully crafted this celestial inspired shoot with Nikki Santerre which included 2,000 votives across Great Marsh Estate’s lawn. There were so many elements a part of this shoot I adored – like the robe from Girl and A Serious Dream, the floral design by Wild Pollen, and even the birds flying in the sky as the sun set. It was all so thrilling and inspiring to edit this year to feed my hungry creative soul during this pandemic!

Vendors:
Stylist: Type A Society
Venue: Great Marsh Estate
Photographer: Nikki Santerre
Cinematographer: Rachael Curry Films
Floral Design: Wild Pollen
Hair + Makeup: Makeup By Kevan, Brianna B Adams
Headpieces: Erica Elizabeth
Gown: Oscar De La Renta, Carinesbridal Vera Wang
Stationer: Isidore Augustine
Robe: Girl and a Serious Dream
Ring: Trumpet and Horn
Model: Tyra Faith

Blog