Just outside of Richmond, in Powhatan Virginia, sits one of the most unique wedding venues I've ever been to. The Mill at Fine Creek is just that, a 1730's gristmill set alongside a small creek. Today the ruins of the mill have been converted into an event and wedding area, with rows and seating and a corner podium surrounded by the stone shell of the original mill. It makes for a truly special wedding space.

I first got to interact with Chris and Emily at their engagement session last October. It was there that I got to see firsthand their caring, simple way of supporting each other. Neither of them is a hugely outgoing person (although you should have seen them on the reception dance floor!), instead they have calm and strong personalities that work very well together. It was this strength that I got to see in action on their wedding day.

A few days before their wedding, they received the terrible news that Emily's mother had gone into a coma. As a result, Emily's sister and father, who was going to walk her down the aisle, would not be able to come to their wedding. Three of the most important people in Emily's life would not be able to attend. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been. In the end the wedding day moved forward, with Emily and Chris supporting each other the whole way.

The day was a celebration even through the pain. I was impressed by Emily's strength and Chris' servant heart and tenderness toward her. Most wedding days are nothing but celebration and happiness, but that wasn't the case here. This is life, with all of it's joys and sorrows, and I was thrilled to be able to capture the start of Chris and Emily's life together.