In every wedding sent to us, there are immediately, a few photos that tug at our heartstrings, those that tell more of the story than all of the rest put together! As we begin to go through the rest of the images, our minds start whirling and we start envisioning how we're going to group the photos. As storyboards? ... timelines in conjunction with the order of events? Or individual, stand-alone photos that grab your interest and lend themselves to a part of 'the rest of the story?'

These first four images from Meghan McSweeney represent those first few images that tugged at my heart. That told me pretty much all I needed to know about Jessica & Patrick ... from the start!

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Right away, you just know this bride is an honest-to-goodness-sweetheart. You know, right off the bat, that family comes first and foremost ~ AND, in spite of herself, she is a true romantic at heart! (Are we right, Jessica?)

And the groom? Patrick. What's his story? Calm, cool, collected, shy, most assuredly. But a man who will provide and care for his bride ~ forever... and ever, amen!

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The quality of a truly great photographer is that he or she can sense the deeply rooted feelings and characters of brides and grooms they share this magnificent day with, and they are able to capture the emotions surrounding all the special moments (big or little!) regardless of all the minor ups and downs ~ major OR minor nerves that may play a part of the wedding day!

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Jessica and Patrick's June wedding at the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church was sent to us by Virginia's Little Black Book photographer, Meghan McSweeney. It is a shining example of the pure, sweet simplicity of the celebration of marriage ...

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The reception was held at the Gari Melcher's Home and Studio at Belmont ~

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The Gari Melcher Home and Studio is a historic property and art collection deeded to the Commonwealth of Virginia by the artist's wife as a memorial to her husband.

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Gari Melcher Home & Studio Meghan McSweeney

Here's what Jessica had to say about their wedding day ... Patrick and I wanted to share such an intimate occasion with only our family and closest loved ones. For that reason, we kept it fairly small. We wanted the day to be comfortable and fun for everyone, yet still elegant.

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Her advice to fellow brides? Be prepared ~ for the fact IS that most things won't be as simple to put together as you think. If you are planning the wedding by yourself, take all the help you can get!

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Very good advice, Jessica! Our best wishes to the two of you for a life full of adventure and passion!

One quick special PS ... Meghan posted a really great photo shoot on her blog a couple of weeks ago. Showcases some really unique vintage jewelry and bouquets from Etsy's Pauline in Paris. It appears that her etsy shop isn't stocked right now, but you can see many of her lovely pieces on Meghan's blog! If you've got a moment, it might just be the finishing touch you've been searching for!!

Photography: Meghan McSweeney Photography, Flowers: Jane Guerin, Ceremony: Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church, Reception: Belmont, Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Catering: Olde Virginia Catering, Music/DJ: Doc Henley Smythe.