When you meet them, you just know - having Hooman and Priscilla in your life is like the best kind of hug. Open, inviting, friendly and ever familiar they certainly are on their own, and when they're in the same room, their friendliness, kindness and warmth is infectious.
To say we were blessed to photograph these two's wedding is not even close to describing it.
With Hurricane Joaquin threatening to rain on their love all weekend, neither Hooman or Priscilla was the least bit bothered by it. Tons of family and friends prayed for the torrential downpours to hold off, and the couple continued with wedding preparation as planned.
Sunday was one for the books. God answered those prayers and the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA, provided a gorgeous setting for the bridal preparation.
When Priscilla slipped into her Demetrios dress, she effortlessly floated around adding finishing touches in those beautiful layers and layers of white.
A classic, elegant yet understated white and silver invitation suite for their black-tie affair.
While back in Fairfax, Hooman and his brother/best man, ushers and good buds made brunch, toasted with bloody Marys and dressed in their tuxes. Before we moved to South Carolina, Hooman and Dean were in Small Group together, meeting, sharing life and praying together for about 2 years. And I was fortunate enough to have Priscilla in my Small Group!
When he and Priscilla got engaged, Hooman graciously asked if we would rather shoot their wedding or enjoy it as guests. The answer is that we enjoy shooting our friends' weddings! It is so wonderful to be with them, capturing their special moments for our dear friends.
After putting on her veil, Priscilla met her father in front of the resort for a father-daugther first look. Be still my heart- what a precious moment that was to see! The Father of the Bride getting to see his little girl, all grown up and ready to marry her husband.
Aren't the Pinckney women (now one Gharai!) just stunning? Truly a picture of grace, beauty and elegance.
Wedding guests trickled into Middleburg United Methodist Church, filling the traditional wooden pews while reuniting with loved ones and meeting new friends.
At 2:10 pm the processional began. After the adorable ring bearers and flower girls, all part of a family that both Priscilla and her sister/Maid of Honor Amanda babysat over the years, made their way down the aisle, the heavy church doors were closed. They reopened as the bride and her father began making their way down the aisle. All guests rose to their feet and Hooman caught his first look over his bride as she made her way toward him.
Pastor Nate led the couple through their vows and shared a few of the reasons Hooman and Priscilla said they loved each other. What a beautiful moment for both the bride and the groom to hear what they most appreciated, adored most about the other. Cue the waterworks and grab the tissues.
This has to be the most adorable bridal party ever! Thompsons, y'all are looking good!
Hooman and Priscilla's love for each other just oozes out in the way their eyes meet, they touch and speak to each other.
With the Virginia countryside behind them, the Salamander Resort was a perfect green and yellow backdrop for fall wedding photos.
Guests enjoyed a beautiful cocktail hour inside the resort, clinking wine glasses and tasting passed delicacies, as well as mingling out on the patio as the night progressed.
Both the bride and the groom's have such a joyful, spirited demeanor - the cocktail hour was like a happy family reunion, full of laughter, sharing old stories and catching up.
The couple made special attention to highlight both the Pinckneys, with their Italian heritage, and the Gharais, with their Persian heritage. The beautiful, ornately beaded cloth gracing the sweetheart table above was a gift from Hooman's mother and is a nod to traditional Persian wedding decor.
Hooman twirled his bride around the dance floor to Louis Armstrong's rendition of "La Vie en Rose" for their first dance.
After the formal dances, the reception quickly became an open dance party. Everyone was celebrating with the newlyweds!
I spot a past LMP bride! Sabrina, who had a gorgeous vintage DC wedding, is also in Small Group with Priscilla. SO great to see her and hubby David!
Another past LMP couple, Charlie and Laura, were not only guests but Laura was a fantastic wedding planner and coordinator for the day's events!
And with two rows of sparklers overhead, the happy couple exited their wedding just as they entered it - with warmth, graciousness and love.
Vendors:
Venue: Salamander Resort and Spa
Wedding dress: Demetrios
Florist: Ultimate Floral Designs
Wedding planner: Laura Thomas
Hair & Makeup: Visage Salon
DJ: DJ Tamer Yehia
Cake: Salamander Resort and Spa
Catering: Salamander Resort and Spa
Invitations: Kimberly’s
