As I stood in the historic 1918 barn on Rivercrest farm, just beginning my coverage, Julia told me she was going to “surrender the control.”
It was one the first things she said to me on her wedding day. It was almost as if the Universe heard her; right on the dot of the outdoor ceremony start time, it rained with a wildness that left us all jaw-dropped. Julia? She shrugged her shoulders. “I really don’t care, Laurie.” I couldn’t help but smile.
We did things a little backwards, starting with cocktail hour, while chairs were swiftly set up indoors. Julia even admitted that being able to mingle with guests beforehand rid her nerves. After the start of the ceremony, her officiant led guests in a short meditation, a collective deep breath in and out to ground and root us back into what the wedding days are really about: two people, their commitment, and the joy that follows.
The rest of the day, we threw the timeline in the air and went along with the energy and let things flow. During portrait time, I let Julia and Ilya move freely and just captured what came up. On our left, a field of Scottish Highland Cattle and the moon. On our right, thick fog danced across the hills. These two are so natural together and photographing them felt like I was watching a movie; I can’t really put it into words. It felt free, authentic, and so very intimate.
You have to scroll to the end of this one, folks.
Julia and Ilya requested minimal getting ready shots, so I focused on the most important moments and the details, like Julia’s hand folded in nervous excitement in her lap.
Her vintage-inspired wedding dress was the combination of two, one she turned into a custom lace removable top. Paired with a Juliet cap veil, said to be inspired by the traditional cloche cap worn by 16th-century actors portraying Juliet Capulet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, her look is linked with one of the most famous romance stories in the history of literature.
The eternal elegance of Julia. ❤️
After their first look, Julia and Ilya read private vows to each other, while music softly played. Afterward, we took family and wedding party photos. I loved how much time we had in the first half of the day to get photos taken care of, so that these two lovebirds could fully be present with their guests.
Julia chose Rivercrest Farm for its soft, vintage, and elegant feel. I think the outdoor space perfectly complemented her color palette: green, yellow, nudes, brown, peach, gray and pink. Her request was for her bridal party photos to feel natural and unposed, and so I mostly captured shots of them walking and interacting with each other. I think we nailed it.
The ceremony was spiritual, with some elements of their Jewish heritage. The florals were one of my favorite details of the day – so wild and whimsical! And the dinner is hands-down the best meal I’ve had at a weddings. Are you planning a wedding? Jot these two names down: Sacred Bloom and Thyme Catering
The storm, so angry and heavy, surprisingly let up and we snuck outside partway through the reception to take some photos. The remainder of the reception was right outside of the barn, in the cool post-rain air, with string lights glistening in the puddles.
After a few more dances, the sun began to set, and we were taken by the barn and farm owner, Deanna, up a hill where we were met with fogs, the moon, and cows. It truly felt like we were in a dream.
All the photos of their day feel so calm and peaceful. What a privilege it was to capture this day!
Photographer: Laurie Hamame Photography
Venue: Rivercrest Farm
Wedding coordinator: Perfectly Planned by Val
DJ: The Bearded DJ
Florist: Sacred Bloom
Catering: Thyme Catering Cle
Dress: Divine Atelier for Miranda’s Vintage Bridal
Suit: Indochino
Makeup: Chrissy Hart
Hair: Mackenzie Rene
Rings: The Circle Craft
