Tom + Brittany | Married

Tom and Brittany’s November Fairview wedding was such a treat to be a part of (both literally and figuratively)! Fresh off the heals of a sold-out peak wedding season, I personally was feeling both exhilarated and exhausted leading up to their big day, but mostly just thankful for the hunch that the Universe was saving some of the very best for last. Luckily, my energy tank is always quick to re-fuel at the sight of GORGEOUS weather, GORGEOUS people, and GORGEOUS sunsets- all of which were gifted to me on a silver platter when the Invorvavia’s entered the scene! Between the stunning couple, the surprise ice cream truck (!!!), and possibly the best Fairview sunset of 2022, it would be hard to pick just one favorite moment to highlight – so, let’s dive into them all!

Reminisce with me on my favorite photos and moments from their wedding, as well as details on how the couple met, how they got engaged, and the tea on which vendors they chose to hire!

Brittany and Tom chose my friends at Fairview Farm Events in Powhatan, Virginia to host their wedding, which is how we became connected. Ya’ll know my love for Fairview dates waaay back to my very-early years of wedding photography, so this was already feeling like the breath of back-home fresh air my heart was needing after an extremely-busy October. Fall at Fairview Farms is like something out of a country fairytale; rolling crop fields and hay barns for miles, all kissed by the golden sun. Add on an incredible team, the most perfect scenery, and all the accommodations you could ever ask for, and I’m sure it’s easy to see why I’m always happy to come back.

When I met Tom and Brittany, they had never worked with a professional photographer before and had no idea what to expect, but it didn’t take long for them to get comfortable and absolutely rock their shoots! As you’ll probably notice in their interview answers, this “no frills” couple is all about being themselves and marching to the beat of their own drums. I loved how they truly made this wedding their own, and remained true to themselves through the entire experience. With the help of some of my favorite vendors and an amazing wedding party, this day was SUCH a treat to be a part of!

In the following interview, Brittany gives us more insight into all things wedding related! I absolutely love when brides choose unique alternatives to well-know traditions, so Brittany certainly didn’t disappoint when she opted for an Ice Cream Truck rather than an over-the-top cake. Let’s dive into all the unique details that stand out about Tom and Brittany’s wedding and relationship! It’s time to check out Brittany’s interview answers!!

Question: First thing’s first, how did you and Tom meet?
Brittany’s Answer: Technically, Tom and I “met” in elementary school. We were in the same grade and attended high school together, but we never really talked until we reconnected in college by a mutual friend. 

Question: What’s your favorite thing about Tom and why? Ask Tom to tell us his favorite thing about you and why?
Brittany’s Answer: My favorite thing about Tom is how much love and affection he shows to our fur babies. Anyone who knows me knows that my dogs are my life, and I love seeing him love them just as much as I do. It makes my heart melt. 
Tom’s answer: My favorite thing about Brittany is her unconditional love. No matter if I’m happy or cranky or tired, she is always there by my side supporting me. 

*Ashley’s Note: I can’t think of a partnership more destined for greatness than a couple who fell in love with each-other’s hearts. There’s something to be said for a relationship that has been in the works since elementary school. You two were put on each-other’s paths so early on in life that you quite literally got to see your soulmate grow up before your very eyes. This is a rare and deeper way of knowing your partner than most are blessed enough to have. As one of my sweetest couples to date, I hope you’ll both continue to nurture the love you share with your fur babies and each other.

Question: How did you get engaged? We want details!
Brittany’s Answer: In August 2021, Tom’s family was moving down to Virginia from New Jersey and we were so excited to finally have some family here with us. We decided one day to go out to dinner at The Boathouse with the whole family to celebrate them moving down. Little did I know, this would actually be the day we get engaged. We love taking pictures at the boathouse, being by the water, so me and Tom were taking photos when he pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I was speechless, but the moment was so beautiful with his family being there. 

*Ashley’s Note: Oh, Tom! What a simply-perfect plan! I always love reading the answer to this question, because it’s the first clue I get towards the type of groom I’ll be working with. The more complex the proposal story, I’ve found, can be a clear indicator of certain other complexities behind the person planning it. Tom made sure to make this moment one his future-wife would never forget, and he included friends and family in on the fun as well! I know this is exactly how you would have wanted it; sweet and simple, just like the two of you as a couple! I just love how he hit this one out of the park!

Question: Tell us a short story about a core memory you took away from your wedding day. 
Brittany’s Answer: Our wedding day was perfect. The memories we shared with all our friends and family will stick with us forever. We could not have asked for a more perfect day.

*Ashley’s Note: I’m SO glad you walked away with such fond memories of your big day. My hope is that your photos will forever be the place you go to tap into that feeling of love and perfect happiness whenever you need it most. As each flip of a page fills your heart with love and laughter, I hope you’ll take a moment to really feel yourself there, dancing in that field together again. Life can be so busy and chaotic at times, but it can also be so beautiful. I hope these photos will act as a constant reminder of why it’s all worth it, as long as you’re together.

Question: Do you have a favorite memory from working with Ashley Dorton?
Brittany’s Answer: Tom and I never worked with a professional photographer before, so we honesty had no idea of what to expect when we had our engagement photo shoot. I was pretty nervous because I didn’t know what we would be doing, but Ashley made us step out of our comfort zone and made everything go so smoothly. We could just be ourselves around her and had such a great experience with her. 

*Ashley’s Note: I’m so glad I was given the honor of working with you both! I absolutely loved being the first photographer to ever document your love, and I hope for many more opportunities in the future! Your nerves never showed, and your photos are ones that will always bring a smile to my face. I’m glad I was able to make your first professional photography experience a positive one; happiness and comfort are always my ultimate client goals.

My favorite moment was the INCREDIBLE sunset we got on your wedding day – probably my favorite one all year! No one ever knows who the “Sun Gods” will choose, but it’s quite clear to me that they shined EXTRA special on your big day! My sunflower bride, at that! Go figure 🙂

Question: When planning the wedding, how did you pick each vendor? What stood out about each one?
Brittany’s Answer: When planning the wedding, picking out each vendor was pretty easy because Fairview Farms helped out so much by giving us their preferred vendors. We also had friends who got married there, so we had a lot of help from them.

*Ashley’s Note: This group of vendors was seriously top-notch, and I’d be crazy not to take this chance to give them all a HUGE shout out! Thank you all for absolutely rocking this wedding and making it a true success!

Venue: Fairview Farm– My tried and true venue that never fails to provide me with the most magical sunsets and the most incredible couples. I’m so thankful to the owner, Debbie for referring me to this lovely couple, and for always pulling off the most incredible weddings! Such a lovely place to shoot, where the possibilities are literally endless. Their whole team gets a 10/10 in my book!
Planner: Illumination Events Studio– Chelsea is always such a treat to work with – I even plan on using her for my own wedding one day – she’s THAT good! Always on top of everything, and never without a smile on her face, Chelsea truly leaves no stone left unturned. I absolutely love working with her!
Catering: Goodrich Gourmet– Always providing amazing food and outstanding service, my photographer heart is always happy when I see Goodrich Gourmet pull up the drive! Their food is absolutely mouthwatering and always camera-ready! I always enjoy working with their staff as well – they hit it out of the park every single time!
Cake: Publix– The sheet cake they provided for Tom and Brittany was so beautiful, simple, and delicious! I’ve heard of several other brides using Publix for their cakes, and this seams to be a good workaround for brides who don’t want to break the bank on this detail. Delicious every time!
Dessert: Richlands Creamery Ice Cream Truck– BY FAR my favorite detail of this entire wedding! My sweet-tooth started singing the moment this awesome ice cream truck rolled onto the scene! This was such a cool addition, and it really stood out to all of their guests as well.
DJ/Officiant: John and the Goddess– I love working with this team! Their energy is contagious, their song choices are on-point, and guests always love them! I would certainly recommend them to any brides who are still hoping to nail down their reception entertainment.
Hair and Makeup: Amanda Perry– She always slaaaays the look! Brittany was a very natural, no-frills bride, and I loved how Amanda was able to highlight her natural beauty rather than trying to cover it up with enhancements. The romantic hair look she gave Brittany was absolute perfection, too!
Guest Transport: Winn Transportation– Always on time and professional, this transportation company rocks! 10/10 recommend!
Photographer: Ashley Dorton Photography– That’s me- I’m so thankful to Debbie from Fairview for this excellent referral! This was an incredible team to work with, and I LOVED every moment of this special day!

To Brittany and Tom,

Thank you so much for choosing me to document your big day! You two were clearly meant for each other in all the best of ways, and I’m certain there will be very few dull moments shared together. You both deserve all the happiness and ice cream cones this world has to offer.

And finally, a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the amazing vendors mentioned in this blog, who played a special part in making this wedding such a success! You’re all true professionals, and I hope to work with you many more times in the future!

Here’s to marrying someone you love even more than ice cream!
Xo,
Ashley

(Blog designed & Written by Sarah of Aligned Artists)