As photographers and artists, we are always thirsting for new compositions and beautiful scenery to tell stories. This wedding is our first time at the Crossed Keys Estate, and just after our initial research we were so excited for the opportunity for a new (for us) venue! It has a blend of modern and rustic, all combined tastefully. Crossed Keys Estate is a history 30 acre estate with stunning gardens, 200 year old trees, and a beautiful farm house. We especially love venues that only cater to one wedding a day without splitting their resources or attention to multiple couples.
From the start of the day meeting Erika and Jeremy, we could tell they were so laid back and just really wanted to enjoy the day. The girls had their beautiful rustic farm house to get ready in, and the boys had a huge house down the gravel road just for themselves. There was even a small golf green for the guys to practice their putting.
We’ve recently recommending multiple first looks for the bride on their wedding day. First first-look is with the bridesmaids. They always have the biggest and most emotional reactions to the bride and her dress, so staging an appropriate reveal is the best way to capture all the giddy faces. The second first-look is with the father of the bride. It truly gets emotional when daddy’s little girl looks grown up. Erika’s dad was speechless and silent for a few moments when he saw her, and the silence was so loud to us looking from the sidelines. It was a powerful moment and I was glad to capture it.
The third and most important first-look is with the groom himself. This is where the beautiful venue comes into play. We always scout the location and get the groom ready for the reveal. Once the first-look is completed we really get to enjoy photographing the couple at all the best spots around the estate. Crossed Keys Estate has a cute swing hanging off a giant tree on their lawn, as well as a reflection pond that feels really intimate, hidden away from all the prying eyes.
After all the amazing outdoor locations for photos, it’s nice to spend the rest of the wedding day indoors in the modern reception hall. There is so much light coming in from the floor to ceiling glass windows. We were able to use the windows and natural light as a nice backdrop to the reception and sweetheart table.
Now that we’ve completed our first wedding at the Crossed Keys Estate, we are so excited to go back to the venue. The difference between having experience at a venue versus the first time both have absolute benefits. The first time somewhere new gets us so excited and also gets our creative juices flowing. All the other times after going to the same venue gives us experience and great efficiency in knowing where to go for photos, how long it will take, and how to best use the day to efficiently get the couple what they want.
We absolutely loved Erika and Jeremy’s wedding day and hope for more wedding days just like theirs!
Venue: Crossed Keys Estate
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