One morning, I woke up to a text that said, “I’m getting married December 30th are you available”? To be honest I thought it might be spam. My number is all over the internet so something like this happens every so often. I texted the number back asking if I could give them a call later that day and I got a real person’s response back!! Later that day, I gave her a call. She missed the call and I didn’t have the best reception while I was in PA for Christmas. We emailed back and forth with more information like when and where. I let her know that I was available December 30th for her Winter Marriott Ranch Elopement and that I would give her a call as soon as I was back in town.
After Christmas, I traveled back to VA and gave them a call almost as soon as I got home. I was finally able to connect with Deb and Tony over the phone! They had just gotten engaged two weeks prior and were eloping in 3 days!! Tony and Deb live in Florida and were getting married in Woodstock, VA because Tony’s brother is the pastor of Woodstock First Baptist Church! What?! Such a small world! Woodstock is my hometown not to mention I used to attend church there! Tony said he had googled venues in the area and came across the Marriott Ranch. That’s how he found my images and he knew that he wanted me to capture their day! Ahh music to my ears!! During the call, I was able to hear more about them and their wedding plans. It was great hearing their love story, engagement story, and Tony even shared awesome photos of Deb’s shocked expression when he proposed.
Three days later, I drove to Woodstock to photograph Deb and Tony’s wedding! I walked through the halls of Woodstock First Baptist Church reminiscing about going there as a kid. Once Deb arrived, I got to officially meet her and give her a big hug! I started photographing all of her gorgeous details that flew with her from Florida! It’s truly amazing how much she planned in just two weeks!! She even had Tony’s favorite pie, peanut butter, at the reception! I was then able to meet Tony and photograph a few shots of him right before their beautiful wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony everyone drove to the Marriott Ranch. I stepped inside of the farmhouse and was in awe of how gorgeous it was!! The table decor was absolutely perfect! Elegant and Christmasy while looking high end. I had about 10 minutes to capture reception details before everyone made their way in.
It’s funny that Tony and Deb came from Florida to Virginia to elope. It just so happened that it snowed in Virginia the day before. This doesn’t normally happen so early i the season so it was just meant to be!! The snow made for some absolutely gorgeous portraits of them with the mountains in the background. It was bitterly cold, around 12 degrees that day, and it was worth it!
Thank you Tony and Deb for choosing me to capture your special day. What an honor to get to meet you both and capture these memories for you.
To see more of my recent weddings, CLICK HERE.
Special thanks to all vendors who made Deb and Tony’s day so perfect!
Wedding Planner: Louise Ramsey at the Marriott Ranch
Caterer: Marriott Ranch Catering
Pie: Joe’s Steakhouse
Linens: Marriott Ranch
Jewelry: Cartier Earrings
Rings: Jewelry Design Studio
Groom Suit: Paul Zileri
Invitations: Shutterfly
Venue: Marriott Ranch
Sarah Botta is a Northern Virginia based newborn and wedding photographer whose work can be described as organic, natural, and timeless. Sarah specializes in capturing people’s stories and building connections with each client to help tell their story. Her residential newborn studio is located in Woodbridge, VA where she photographs newborns ages 4-12 days new.
Sarah has photographed over 30 weddings across Virginia and Maryland from rustic barn ceremonies to elaborate golf course receptions. Her natural timeless style shines brightest with outdoor locations. Sarah is available for travel and is passport ready.
