When I first met with Elise and Stephen to discuss photographing their wedding, Elise mentioned a possible addition to the reception that I had never heard before.
“There might be chickens…”
I couldn’t help but laugh and also be somewhat excited about this possibility! I have an affinity for chickens. I don’t know why, but I find them to be funny creatures. Having never shot, let alone been to, a wedding that had chickens roaming around the reception, I found this whole potential scenario to be rather entertaining. Alas, it was not to be.
I like to meet with couples two weeks before their wedding to go over the schedule for the day. I will either do this over the phone or meet with the couple at some restaurant, but Elise and Stephen suggested we do the pre-wedding meeting at the reception location so I could see the venue. The couple had a friend who graciously offered their house for their reception in Centreville. I was skeptical pulling up to the house at how they would be able to host a wedding reception in the backyard of this place. Walking on the path around the house to the back however revealed a yard I would of never expected! As you’ll see in the pictures down below, this woman’s backyard was not only huge, but gorgeous!
What of the chickens you ask? As we walked around the venue looking at different locations and photo spots, we were greeted by six chickens who were happily roaming around the yard. Don’t ask how or why this woman has six chickens living in her backyard in the heart of suburban Northern Virginia. I have no clue. Regardless, as the chickens followed us around, one of them became enamored with Elise’s yellow shoes. Thinking it was food (I presume), it started to peck at Elise’s feet! Elise did not appreciate this and started to run away from the chicken, but it chased her! After we finally got away from the chickens, it was decided that they would not be free to roam at the wedding.
Free roaming chickens or not, you couldn’t of asked for a more beautiful day and an equally beautiful wedding! The ceremony took place at Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly, where Stephen works and where the two met. This is a strong Christian couple, and the love and devotion between them and God is easily seen! It was a joy working with them and interacting with all their family and friends. I’ve talked too much though, so lets get to the pictures!
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Congratulations Elise and Stephen! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of this special and wonderful day. Here’s to many happy years!
