Camryn + Tristan | Married

Connecting with Camryn and Tristan before their wedding felt like stumbling upon a rare gem. Our journey began during a memorable engagement shoot, and from that point forward, I knew they were truly extraordinary. The chemistry that unfolded during our first encounter set the stage for an incredible collaboration.

Working with Camryn as her wedding photographer was an absolute delight, and her teacher vibes resonated in every meticulously planned detail. Despite her Type-A and organized nature, she exuded a calming and comforting presence, making each moment a joy to capture. Camryn’s deep adoration for her husband shone through, creating an atmosphere of love and warmth that translated beautifully into the photographs. Her fun and sweet demeanor, coupled with a fantastic sense of humor, made the entire process not only smooth but also incredibly enjoyable. As if straight out of a classic American beauty archetype, Camryn’s stunning features left me wondering how on earth I consistently luck out with brides who could double as models.

Working with Tristan, whose personality channels the comedic brilliance of Adam Sandler, added an extra layer of joy and laughter to Camryn and Tristan’s wedding day. As the designated comedian of his group, Tristan showcased his unique ability to keep the vibes high, providing comedic relief in every situation. With a plethora of funny voices and impersonations tailored for each person, he turned the celebration into a laugh-out-loud extravaganza. I found myself continuously amazed at his ability to inject joy into every moment, ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest. Tristan’s infectious laughter and encouragement to make light of every situation made capturing the wedding not just a job but a truly hilarious and memorable experience.

Witnessing Tristan and Camryn together is like stepping into a romantic comedy where laughter and love take center stage. Tristan’s playful and humorous demeanor brings out the best in Camryn, making every interaction a blend of joy and affection. Their wedding day was a testament to their love story, with Tristan’s emotional reaction as Camryn walked down the aisle highlighting the depth of their connection. Together, they form a dynamic and enchanting duo, creating a relationship filled with infectious energy, laughter, and a profound love that is truly captivating.

This is the part where I get to tell you about some of my favorite parts of Camryn and Tristan’s event, and I’ll even drop a few tips for future couples to consider for their big day!!

Camryn and Tristan’s wedding unfolded as a delightful tapestry of unique and heartfelt moments, offering future brides a treasure trove of inspiration. The exchange of letters between the couple provided a personal touch, allowing them to share their emotions in a private and intimate way before the whirlwind of the day began. For those seeking inspiration, consider incorporating a letter exchange into your wedding day, creating a cherished keepsake of your feelings for one another.

The thoughtful gifts shared between our bride and groom brought an extra layer of emotion to their celebration. Tristan’s gift of a framed childhood photo for his mom showcased a beautiful sentiment, and his surprise of brand new white cowgirl boots for his bride added a playful and personal touch. Consider incorporating meaningful gifts into your wedding day to express your love and appreciation for each other’s unique personalities. Camryn gifted her beau a Yetti cooler, which honestly made him beam from ear to ear… it’s not always about sentimental gifts; it’s about speaking to what your person loves. These gifts become lasting reminders of the love you share on this special day.

Camryn and Tristan’s inclusive approach to their blended family added a heartwarming dimension to their wedding. From getting-ready moments to the first dance, they made sure each member felt included and special. For future brides with blended families, take a cue from Camryn’s thoughtful approach by planning special moments that celebrate the unity of your extended family. It creates an atmosphere of love and togetherness that everyone will cherish.

Breaking away from tradition, this couple introduced some playful and trendy elements to their wedding day. The shirt toss (a unique twist on the bouquet toss) the photo dash during the reception, and the entire bridal party donning funny and unique socks allowed them to capture spontaneous and candid moments with their guests. For couples seeking a lively and interactive celebration, consider incorporating these trends to engage your guests and create lasting memories. Embrace the unexpected and let your wedding day be a reflection of your personalities and the joy you share.

As the night drew to a close, the newlywed’s private last dance provided a beautiful and intimate moment for the couple. This unique finale allowed them to savor their love and reflect on the incredible day surrounded by the glow of their celebration. For future brides, consider planning a private moment towards the end of your wedding day to share a dance or simply bask in the joy of being newlyweds. It’s a special way to end the festivities and create a lasting memory together.

The grand sparkler exit marked the end of Camryn and Tristan’s wedding day with flair and excitement. As they were sent off into the night, surrounded by the warm glow of sparklers, it added a touch of magic to their celebration. For couples planning their exit, consider incorporating sparklers for a dazzling and Instagram-worthy farewell. It’s a stunning way to end the night and create a memorable exit that will leave a lasting impression on both you and your guests.

Now let’s get into my vendor spotlight; this time featuring the enchanting Barns of Kanak in Prince George, Virginia. This charming venue, nestled within 200 acres of picturesque farmland just 35 miles south of Richmond, has perfectly blended historical charm with elegant aesthetics. With ten barns, six silos, a cottage, farmhouse, pool, fountain, and courtyards, the 13-acre grounds provided a dreamlike setting for their special day. What caught the eye was not just the physical beauty but the rich history embedded in the property, dating back to 1899 when it was originally owned by the Kanak Family.

As a family-owned and operated business, the Barns of Kanak offered a unique and personal touch to the wedding experience. The legacy of John and Molly Kanak, who raised 11 children on the property, resonated through the carefully curated grounds. The current custodian, Ben Kanak, the youngest son, inherited the farm and transformed it into a wedding and event venue in 2016. The deep connection to family history and the commitment to making each client feel like a part of the family added a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the venue.

This venue’s thoughtful amenities, including an on-site bridal shop and ample parking, reflected a commitment to providing a seamless experience for couples on their special day. The three homes built on the property, commonly used for wedding parties to prepare, added convenience and an extra layer of charm. The stunning surroundings, coupled with the attentive and friendly staff, made the Barns of Kanak not just a venue but a canvas for creating unforgettable memories. As I reflect on this wedding, the hope of being invited back to capture many more love stories at this remarkable venue lingers.

If you’re considering choosing The Barns of Kanak as your wedding venue, I cannot express how good of hands you’ll be in. This is absolutely a DREAM wedding venue.

There are several vendors who deserve a special shoutout for making this wedding day even more incredible! Let’s take a moment to highlight some of these amazing individuals who played a key role in creating unforgettable memories for the Winns and their guests.

– Chloe is just the bomb as my second shooter! She’s got this awesome knack for catching those behind-the-scenes moments that are pure gold. Her photos? They’re like a sneak peek into the real, candid stuff that makes weddings so darn special. When the ceremony rolls around, Chloe’s on it, making sure we’ve got every crucial moment locked and loaded. And when it’s time to party on the dance floor, she’s right there with me, capturing all the vibes and excitement of the night. We’re basically a dream team!

– Now let’s talk about Delaney, the wedding coordinator extraordinaire behind the Winn wadding. Delaney is a seasoned professional with a Business Administration degree from Liberty University. Her experience includes roles at The Battersea Foundation and Richard Bland College, honing her skills in event planning. Delaney’s love for weddings is evident in her appreciation for the unique details that make each celebration special. Having orchestrated her intimate ceremony at The Barns of Kanak in 2020, she understands the importance of flexibility in creating beautiful moments amid unexpected challenges. Delaney’s passion for bringing couples’ visions to life and her warm welcome into The Barns family showcase her dedication to creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Her expertise, creativity, and adaptability make her an invaluable asset in ensuring a seamless and memorable wedding day. I absolutely LOVE working with her and always know my couples are in great hands when she’s involved.

– And I can’t forget about Chris Yeats of CY Wedding Films. He is SUCH an amazing Richmond-based freelance videographer, who is literally a storytelling wizard. With an unobtrusive style, he captures every nuance of your wedding day, turning it into a cinematic masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the emotions and beauty of your union. Chris’s meticulous attention to detail crafts a tailor-made narrative, ensuring that your wedding video isn’t just a recording but a cherished heirloom that will be passed down through generations. Working with Chris means having a cinematographic maestro who transforms your special day into a timeless work of art, ready to be relived and shared for years to come.

Another HUGE shoutout to each of you- you’re all total rockstars!

Now, let’s dive into Maddie’s interview answers!

Question: Tell us a short story about a core memory you took away from your wedding day. 

Camryn’s Answer: As cliché as it sounds, our wedding day was the best day of our lives. Looking back, I do not think there is anything that we would change and choosing just one core memory is nearly impossible. But, if we HAD to choose…One of our favorite core memories from our wedding day was our private last dance. Having that time, just the two of us, to dance to our favorite song, reminisce on the best day with all of our favorite people and soak up those last moments before being sent off was the best feeling. A moment of just us–the thought of it still gives us chills and brings the biggest smiles to our faces.

*Ashley’s Note: Your reflections on your wedding day brought such warmth to my heart, and I’m grateful to have played a role in capturing those cherished moments. The description of your private last dance is utterly enchanting, and it resonates deeply with the magic that weddings can bring.

The notion of sharing an intimate dance, just the two of you, amidst the anticipation of the sparkler exit is nothing short of poetic. Dancing to your favorite song, surrounded by the echoes of the day’s joy, and basking in the glow of your loved ones’ celebration is a uniquely special experience. It’s a moment of serenity, connection, and pure love that sets the stage for the grand finale.

To future brides, inspired by the beauty of Camryn’s last dance: Consider incorporating a private moment, like a “last dance”, while waiting for the sparkler exit. This intentional pause allows you to revel in the euphoria of the day, creating a serene space for you and your partner. It becomes a prelude to the grand exit, adding a layer of intimacy to your celebration and crafting lasting memories in the quiet moments before the night concludes.

Question: Do you have a favorite memory from working with Ashley Dorton?

Cameryn’s Answer: Ashley is a joy to work with and Tristan and I both loved the fact that she made us feel so comfortable and confident. From the moment we met face-to-face, Tristan and I knew we had made the right choice. We loved how she took charge on our wedding day, kept us all on schedule and moved efficiently to be sure she was able to capture all of the moments we wanted. We received so many compliments during the reception and after about how awesome she and Chloe were. Every time we turned around, one or both of them were there to capture the moment. We are so grateful for this because we will be able to cherish these pictures forever. Ashley is a one of a kind and we feel so lucky that we had her to capture our big day. We would choose her 1,000 times over

*Ashley’s Note: Camryn, I am absolutely touched by your heartfelt words! It brings me immense happiness to know that from our first face-to-face meeting, you and Tristan felt confident in your choice to have me photograph your wedding. Creating a comfortable and reassuring environment for my clients is a top priority, and I’m thrilled to hear that it resonated with both of you.

Your mention of how I took charge on the wedding day and maintained a seamless schedule is deeply appreciated. Efficiency is key when capturing those precious moments, and I’m delighted that it contributed to your overall positive experience. The fact that you received numerous compliments during the reception and afterward about me and my team warms my heart. It was truly a pleasure to be there to capture every significant moment, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Your gratitude for the captured moments and the sentiment that you would choose me 1,000 times over is incredibly humbling. I feel equally fortunate to have been a part of your special day and to have documented those memories for you.

Now, here’s a tip for future brides: When choosing a photographer, look for someone who not only captures beautiful moments but also makes you feel comfortable and confident. A photographer who can take charge and keep things organized will help ensure that you can cherish the pictures forever, just as you have expressed.

Question: When planning the wedding, how did you pick each vendor? What stood out about each one?

Camryn‘s Answer: When looking for vendors we started with recommendations from some of our closest family and friends, which is actually how we ended up with Ashley! We started with the venue, The Barns of Kanak, which was recommended by a friend who had a daughter that had recently gotten married there! The Barns provided us with a list of their preferred vendors and we built off that! 

– Venue: The Barns of Kanak

We chose the Barns because we got that “this is it” feeling the second that we pulled down the drive. From the beautifully landscaped property and the rustic barns, to the abundance of décor options offered, it was no brainer for us that this was the place that we wanted to start our forever. The owners are some of the most genuine and kind people we had ever met and we immediately felt like we were a part of the BOK family. They were there for us every step of the way, answered every question we had and made sure that everything went as smoothly as possible. Tristan and I will forever be grateful for the Barns of Kanak and all of their hard work and dedication they show to their clients. 

– Day-of Coordinator: Delaney Young 

One perk of having the Barns of Kanak as our venue was that they provided Delaney as our Coordinator. We started talking with her as soon as we signed our contract and then started more in-depth conversations at 60 days out. She was the sweetest, most flexible, hardworking soul that we have ever met. I am pretty sure we owe Delaney our lives at this point. She was a saving grace. We cannot say enough good things about Delaney and her team. 

– Photographer: Ashley Dorton 

Ashley had taken pictures for some of our family for years prior and she was highly recommended to us! We loved her work and knew we had to have her capture our big day. We appreciated her creativity, her ability to make us feel comfortable in front of the camera and her “tell it like it is” personality. 

– Videographer: C.Y. Films (Chris Yeatts) 

We loved Chris’ work as soon as we saw it. We loved that you could feel the emotion and beauty of the day through his videos. His attention to detail is unlike anything we had seen and we knew we had to have him capture our special day! 

– Officiant: Larry Robertson 

As soon as Tristan and I got engaged we knew exactly who we wanted to officiate our day and that was Larry. We knew Larry from college—he was the Dean of Students at Longwood and we had become close with him over the years. He knew us from the very start of our relationship, so we couldn’t imagine anyone better to marry us! 

– DJ: Black Tie Entertainment (Tony Cummings)

Black Tie Entertainment was a preferred vendor from the BOK. The experience working with Tony and Black Tie Entertainment was so smooth and easy. Tony listen to us and was able to execute exactly what we were looking for—even down to timing our reception entrances perfectly to make our vision come to life! 

– Florist: Flowers by Zoie 

This was another vendor recommended to us by a friend. Zoie listened to my ideas, showed me ways to enhance them, and blew my expectations out of the water. She was able to bring my ideas to life after just one meeting and was so kind and easy to work with! 

– Hair: Lisa Gray 

Lisa has been my hair dresser and friend since I was 10 and when I was getting my hair done one day I was complaining about every single person that I had inquired with being booked. She looked at me and said, “I’ll do it!” Best decision I could have made. She knew me and how I liked my hair and was able to make my vision come to life. She did an incredible job on the bridal party’s hair as well. I was lucky to be able to have her be part of our day! 

– Makeup: Morgan Olivia Events 

Morgan was a dream to work with. She was so kind and I loved how her makeup style was very natural. Neither my bridesmaids nor I wear a lot of makeup in general, so I wanted someone who would just elevate the natural look and Morgan did exactly that. Our makeup stayed all night and she even gave each of us a little “touch-up kit” to use if needed throughout the day/night. 

– Gown: Urban Set Bride 

The whole process with Urban Set Bride was seamless. The team is so attentive and helpful. Ruth listened to what I was looking for and helped me find my dream gown on the first visit. I would highly recommend visiting Urban Set to any bride looking for their dream gown! 

– Tux Rental: Leora Bridal

Another perk of the BOK. They have a bridal shop on the property. We decided to rent the groomsmen’s tux from Leora and it was the best decision we could have made. They took measurements, ordered everything for us, made exchanges (the day before!!!), and had everything set up for the guys in the cottage for the morning of!

To Camryn and Tristan,

A heartfelt thank you for letting me be part of your beautiful wedding day. It was an absolute joy and honor to capture the essence of your love and document the magical moments you shared. Camryn, your grace and sweetness shone through every frame, creating timeless memories. Tristan, your infectious humor and lively spirit brought an extra spark to the day.

I appreciate the trust you placed in me to freeze these precious moments in time. Your wedding was more than an event; it was a celebration of love, laughter, and genuine connection. May your journey together be filled with continued joy and countless unforgettable moments.

Thank you again for choosing me to be part of your story. Wishing you a lifetime of laughter and happily-ever-after with your best friend by your side!

Here’s to your love story,
Xo,
Ashley

(Blog designed & Written by Sarah of Aligned Artists)