Mountain Ridge Rustburg Virginia Wedding

Mountain Ridge Venue in Rustburg, Virginia held the perfect Fall foliage backdrop for Meredith and Steven’s Fall wedding. Meredith and I have known one another since we adventured to Iceland together for a mutual friend’s wedding. She is the genuinely the nicest person and cares for others. While in Iceland she shared with me all about her guy, Steven. However I didn’t get to meet Steven until their engagement session and after that I understood what drew these two together. They are individually selfless, compassionate and loving people and together the most amazing couple!

It is evident how much Meredith and Steven’s family and friends love them. The tears started from the beginning as soon as Meredith had her hair and make-up done. Tears only continued as Meredith stepped into her wedding gown, of which her very own dad designed and created for her!

A special first look with her dad was in store to show him the dress. Understandably the tears continued when her dad saw her for the first time. Neither Meredith nor her dad could contain their excitement and emotion. Then it was time to do a first look with Steven, where more happy tears were shed! Finally, these two made it to the alter where Meredith’s grandfather married them, with you guessed it, more tears!

Not only did Meredith gain a husband but an ADORABLE family as well. Steven is a package deal with two adorable little boys. The youngest was ring security escorting the flower girl down the aisle while the oldest was one of Steven’s groomsman. Above all, I know the love Meredith has to give will make her an amazing step-mom to those boys!

Meredith had many surprises for everyone but none better than the one in store for Steven. I am guilty as I was in on it and very much supported the surprise. A bride has never changed outfits throughout the day or worn anything other than a white dress. There were talks about a black wedding dress during the planning process but it wasn’t possible. That was until Meredith’s dad asked to make her a gown.

When Meredith told me she had a black wedding dress to change into and wanted to surprise Steven, I was on board. We strategically set it up where Meredith left family photos early to change. Meanwhile, I took Steven over to begin bride and groom photos as we waited. Once Meredith was done we had her come up from behind to surprise him. Steven’s face when he saw the black dress at their second first look was precious. It was my favorite part of the day!