I have said it before and I’ll say it again — I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with the best couples, and Sam and CJ are absolutely no exception. From our very first emails, I immediately felt so comfortable with Sam. And after I officially met Sam and CJ over dinner and drinks, I felt like we were old friends! (For real though.) I quickly realized the more and more I got to know them, the more I just fell for them, their story, relationship, and incredibly warm and kind hearts. As the planning continued, I just knew their wedding day would be something special and extraordinary to witness.

Sam and CJ’s wedding will always be a favorite for many, many reasons. But aside from their wonderful style, the gorgeous weather, their awesome team of vendors, and the absolutely beautiful decor, the love their friends and family showed for them and the love they have for each other far surpassed everything else. That love that surrounded their wedding day was something I felt so honored to witness, and that love is what I will remember most.  Nothing makes my heart happier on a wedding day than seeing my couples so happy and so joyful, and Sam and CJ were a radiant example of just that — pure happiness and pure joy.

Throughout all of the wedding planning, Sam and CJ were so kind, considerate, and thoughtful, and I sincerely mean it when I say they were nothing short of a dream to work with. I miss them so much already and secretly wish we could do their big day all over again! Thank you both for allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of your wedding day! So, it should come as no surprise that I could write a book on how much I love Sam and CJ, their story, and their July wedding at the Irvine Estate in Lexington, VA. While it is absolutely impossible for me to sum up how special their day was in a short blog post, here are just a few of my favorite moments and details, beautifully photographed by Paige Ryan Photography!

In love with the colors, the bridesmaids dresses, and — of course — the beautiful blooms by University Florist!

Love this picture from their “secret look”! 

 

Sam also shared a “first look” with her Dad and brothers. So special! It’s so obvious how proud they are of their girl.

Their sweet furbaby, Kona, was there in spirit thanks to this sweet gift from one of Sam’s bridesmaids!

The views at Irvine Estate are spectacular and make the absolutely perfect backdrop to say “I do”! 

Isn’t this cross incredible? Such a powerful and an absolutely gorgeous touch to their ceremony site. 

CJ’s reaction to seeing his bride walk down the aisle is #groomgoals. I’ll never forget witnessing his priceless (and perfect) reaction… and I won’t forget how ugly my cry was in the back either! 

They’re MARRIED!

The sunset during Sam and CJ’s first dance was heavenly! 

Yummy gelato and coffee from one of my personal Lexington favorites, Pronto Caffé & Gelateria, was served to guests for dessert! 

Aren’t they perfect?!

Sam made it very clear that she wanted time for them to DANCE! So we made sure their timeline was friendly to allow as much as possible for them to break it down with their family and friends. 😉

I wish for you two many, many years of love, laughter, and happily ever after as Mr. and Mrs. Cahill! 

Vendors:

Photography: Paige Ryan Photography
Venue: Irvine Estate at House Mountain Inn
Venue Coordinator: Carrie Irvine
Florist: University Florist
Videographer: Kate Wenzel, Drop Anchor Films
Dessert: Pronto Caffe & Gelateria
Hair and Makeup: Salon DC
Transportation: Lexington Limousine
DJ: Jamie Strassburg
Wedding Planner: Brooke Shehan Events