the blog

Hi! I'm Emily, a Richmond, Virginia based wedding and portrait photographer.

weddings

ENGAGEMENT

senior
portraits

lifestyle  branding

Featured on

freebie

As a wedding photographer in Central Virginia, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful moments between couples on their special day. One of the most intimate and emotional moments I recommend to all my couples is the “first look.” This private meeting before the ceremony allows for a deeply personal and unforgettable experience. Here’s […]

Posted in: Weddings

October 21, 2024

Why I Highly Recommend a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Nina and Loy’s wedding at Upper Shirley Vineyards was a timeless celebration of love, surrounded by family and friends on a beautiful late summer day. The vineyard, nestled along the James River, provided a picturesque backdrop for their classic wedding, featuring a sophisticated palette of white, champagne, navy, and lush greenery. Preparation The day began […]

Weddings

October 21, 2024

A Timeless Celebration of Love at Upper Shirley Vineyards

Gabriella and Raphael’s timeless and glamorous wedding in Richmond, VA, beautifully illustrates the essence of true connection and building a life together. They first met at VCU in Richmond, Virginia—a city that has become the backdrop for some of their most cherished moments. Now living in Northern Virginia, Gabriella shines as a Washington Commanders Dancer, […]

Posted in: Weddings

July 10, 2024

A Timeless and Glamorous Wedding in Richmond, VA

I recently had the incredible opportunity to photograph an event at the luxury wedding venue, Dover Hall. It is a stunning venue located in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. While this experience allowed me to capture the beauty of this historic estate, it also allowed me to provide insight into what makes it a truly exceptional setting for […]

Weddings

April 19, 2024

Luxury European Wedding Venue: Dover Hall

A true love story for the ages, where every detail whispers of sentiments of a classic romantic wedding. The Love Story A Romance for the ages Caroline, a financial adviser and Jason, a software engineer, met in high school but really became friends during their freshman year at college. Their love story officially begins when […]

Posted in: Weddings

February 20, 2024

A Classic Romantic Wedding in Midlothian, VA

bride and groom walk hand in hand on the golf course at the Estate at Independence

Kelly and Mitchell were married this past July in a classic southern wedding in Richmond, VA. The Love Story After chatting for awhile on a dating app, Kelly and Mitchell agreed to meet at a bar. Kelly spotted Mitchell first, and was instantly struck by how cute he was! The pair have been together ever […]

Weddings

December 12, 2022

A Classic Southern Wedding in Historic Richmond, VA

bride and groom share kiss while wedding party flanks them for a portrait before classic southern wedding

Brooke and William’s Winter wedding at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards included a beautiful ceremony overlooking the blue ridge mountains. The theme of the day was understated elegance, emphasizing the natural beauty of the venue.

Posted in: Weddings

March 13, 2022

Brooke & William | Pippin Hill Wedding

pippin hill wedding

Delfosse Vineyards Engagement | Kelsey & Will

Posted in: engagement

January 14, 2021

Brooke & William | Delfosse Vineyards Engagement

Secret Garden Wedding Inspiration | Historic Tuckahoe

Weddings

December 15, 2020

Secret Garden Spring Wedding Editorial

@emilybartellphoto

let's be instafriends