James & Tresa: A Knights Gambit Vineyard Summer Wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia

When I first chatted with James & Tresa last year about their Knight's Gambit Vineyard wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, I knew it was going to be an amazing day! And then after we took their engagement session last fall (view their Sweet Briar Autumn engagement session here!) I had been counting down the days! They initially fell in love with Knight's Gambit from the gorgeous location (OMG the views there!!) and after talking with the owners they knew they wanted to get married there! They really wanted a wedding location that was in nature, and had a laid back and family friendly feel- they found the perfect fit! 

James & Tresa initially met on Match.Com! Their first meeting they went on a short walk, that turned into over 3 hours talking and walking about Lake Elkhorn. They absolutely love going on adventures together, from hiking and camping, boating, biking, and even making adventures out of laying grass seed or making dinner. They really know how to have a blast together, out of the big and little moments! 

They were so excited to include all of their family in the wedding- including all of their nieces and nephews (10 kids in the wedding party alone!!) Their outdoor ceremony overlooked the vineyard and mountains, and their tent reception made everything feel intimate! This wedding was so gorgeous, fun and I'm so excited for these two!! 

Thank you to the amazing vendors that worked so well together to make this wedding perfect! 

Ceremony: Knight's Gambit Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia

Coordinator: Angelica & Co Weddings in Washington DC, Virginia 

Hair & Makeup:  Joy Pfister with FBJ Weddings in Ashland, Virginia

Florals: M. Henry Designs in Cartersville, Virginia

Bridal Dress, Alterations & Accessories: Bridals by Elena in Gambrills, Maryland

Catering: Thrill of the Grill Food Truck in Crozet, Virginia

Cake: Sweethaus Cakes in Charlottesville, Virginia

DJ: Acme DJs of VA in Hampton Roads, Virginia

Favors: Donations to Health & Education for Haiti and Puppies behind bars

Bus: Easy Riders Bus Company in Charlottesville, Virginia

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Ashley Eiban is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Available for travel world-wide.  Ashley is passionate about cultivating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  

Currently booking a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions for 2019. Interested in learning more? Inquire here! 

Favorite Wedding Details || Lynchburg, VA Wedding Photographer

It was SO much fun looking through my 2017 weddings last week when I shared some of my favorite photos from the season, I wanted to continue the fun and share some of my favorite details from those weddings! I've been so incredibly blessed with the best couples ranging from Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach! I love photographing the details that my Bride's pick out! These details do set the tone for the entire wedding- and it's just There are so many special details from wearing your Grandma's wedding rings, your invitations, or a special family Bible, sparkly Kate Spades, or sewing something into your dress. 

How to have FUN at your wedding! || Lynchburg, VA Wedding Photographer

It’s SO important to me that my wedding couples are able to let go of the planning stress on the day of their wedding and actually enjoy the moments- big and small- and have FUN on their wedding day! It sounds like common sense, but sometimes it really can be difficult to let go after you’ve been planning for so long. Your wedding day should be so much more than a pretty event- but something that you look back on forever!

1- Have a wedding day timeline. This is not something that only Type-A Brides should have- but every single couple!! Your wedding party, vendors, and the bride and groom should know ahead of time where and when they need to be somewhere! We have to make sure we don't miss that gorgeous Lynchburg, Virginia sunset! Make sure you send this timeline out to everyone that needs it about 2 weeks before your wedding and again the week of the wedding- especially if you’ve made any changes to them!  (ps: I love that this is a service I provide with each and every couple because I know how important it is!)

2- Hire tried-and-true vendors that have great recommendations from other Bride’s you know that have gotten married and from other vendors as well! By hiring vendors that you trust, you can let go of the stress and know that they are going to get their job done! Especially in the Lynchburg, VA Wedding Market- vendors work with each other often and can give you some amazing recommendations! I even have a list of vendors that I've loved working with over the last 6+ years, so feel free to reach out and ask me for it! 

Also, If your venue doesn’t include a wedding coordinator or planner, see if you can make it work in your budget. Even if it’s just a day-of coordinator, this will be so helpful so you don’t have to worry about answering everyone’s questions!

3-Have all your important wedding day details, your dress, shoes, etc. already packed together and see if your venue will let you drop that box off at your rehearsal the night before.  I always recommend that my brides have their getting ready details in the getting ready room and set aside for me as soon as I arrive so we aren’t searching for anything while you’re trying to get ready!

4-Bring an extra change of shoes! A comfy pair of flats or even flip flops so you can kick off the heels and change for dancing at the reception! (I also recommend rain boots for if it’s raining & snow boots and socks for if it’s snowing!) I warn my couples that sometimes we do a bit of walking around for their portraits- and you don’t want your fancy shoes to get muddy or anything! You never know what the weather is going to do in Central Virginia, so making sure you're prepared with your shoes will help a ton!! 

5- Only allow your best friends and people that you want and do not stress you out in your getting ready room. Sometimes, that includes Mom or your future Mother-in-Law and sometimes that’s just your wedding party.  Be sure to communicate that with your Maid of Honor and your Coordinator and they can help make sure your room is shut down and you don’t have tons of people coming in and out stressing you out.  

6- Finally, take a step back on the wedding day and allow yourself to relax and have fun! When your wedding party, friends, families and guests see you guys having fun, they are going to be able to have fun as well!

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Ashley Eiban is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Available for travel world-wide.  Ashley is passionate about cultivating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  

Currently booking a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions for 2018 and 2019.  Contact Ashley today for additional information!

Weekend Update || And that's a wrap for my 2016 Wedding Season!

Guys. This weekend wrapped up my 2016 Wedding Season! My 12th wedding in a row through the Fall weekends, and wedding #25 for 2016! I am so thankful I had a cut off at 25 this year, it really helped me ensure each of my brides got the full wedding experience and my full attention!  This weekend was so much fun and the epitome of balance between family and work balance! I was so thankful to be able to join Emmie and her class for a "play date at the park" on Saturday morning, and spend Sunday with my family talking about our dreams and the future! 

Saturday's wedding was so gorgeous! The temps last week ranged from 86 degrees and dropped down to the 40s over the weekend! We've been waiting for these Fall temps all year, so having them for my last wedding was amazing! We bundled up and enjoyed the day at The Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center! This couple was so sweet, had such a special no-peek moment before the wedding, cried through their vows, and the reception dances! So basically, this couple made ME cry all day!! 

I cannot wait to share more from their big day this week!!! 

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Ashley Eiban is a wedding & portrait photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving couples in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Farmville, Bedford, Richmond, Roanoke, and surrounding areas.  Available for travel world-wide.  Currently booking a limited number of weddings for 2017! Contact us today for additional information! 

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding || Lynchburg, Virginia Wedding Photographer

When I dream of a gorgeous backyard wedding, THIS is exactly what I dream of! A backyard on a mountaintop, overlooking the entire city of Lynchburg, surrounded by gorgeous greenery, friends and family! Such a beautiful day from start to finish! Barrett & Isabelle's wedding was gorgeous! They got married at their childhood home nestled in Lynchburg, Virginia with THE most amazing views of the city that you've ever seen! 

One of the things that Isabelle loves most about Barrett is that he can always make her laugh- and goodness could you tell on their wedding day.  They were both so happy and carefree, it was such a blast! 

Thanks so all the amazing vendors that helped so much with this gorgeous wedding! 

Hair: Carol at Classic Hair & Tan in Lynchburg, Virginia 

Florist: Meg Laughon 

Venue: Basten family home

Bridal Gown: Celebration Bridal in Lynchburg, Virginia 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Celebration Bridal

Band: Dragonfly in Central Virginia

Catering: Avenue Foods in Lynchburg, Virginia

Cake: Kissed Cupcakes

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Ashley Eiban is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Central Virginia.  Serving Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Farmville, Winchester, Hampton Roads, and surrounding areas.  Available for travel world wide.  

Ashley is passionate about serving her couples, creating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  Currently booking a limited number of weddings and portraits for 2016 and 2017.  Contact us today for additional information!