Although I’m based in Vienna, I occasionally also get the opportunity to do wedding photography in Smith Mountain Lake area. Not many people know I grew up spending summers there. And now my parents live on Smith Mountain Lake, making these weddings a little more special in my heart. One of those special days this year was Ali and Anthony’s Plantation at Sunnybrook wedding in Roanoke, VA.

I photographed Ali and Anthony’s big day as a second shooter for my friend Alex Crawford (Alexandra Kent Photography). Knowing my connections in the area, she asked me to join her. And we stayed with my parents for a long weekend. Aside from wanting any excuse to visit Ryan (my cat who lives with my parents), I love SML/Roanoke weddings.

Anthony and Ali’s wedding day started like any other, with one exception. Never before had I walked into a groom’s suite to find all the groomsmen practicing a choreographed dance to Footloose. But when I went to meet Anthony for the first time, that’s exactly what I walked into. It was amazing! All the practice paid off too. When Footloose played during the reception, the guys burst onto the dance floor in (slightly clumsy but still) impressive unison.

This quaint wedding venue was so bright and colorful thanks to the details and design Ali and Anthony planned. The girls wore burgundy red bridesmaid dresses from Birdy Grey. And the groomsmen were in tuxes to match Anthony, wearing satin black neckties. The florals were my favorite part, though! Ali’s bouquet was an explosion of colorful dahlias, roses and carnations, with droopy silver dollar eucalyptus.

Anthony and Ali were just so sweet together, too. From their First Look, through their ceremony, and all until the end of the night. I could tell why these two were such a good match even though I met them only just that day. Both were laid back and never sought any attention for themselves. But they were completely focused on one another. Sweet emotions and laughs poured out the entire day. Later that night, I found them stealing a moment away in the foyer to just relax while their guests danced.

Plantation at Sunnybrook Wedding Photos

If you loved this wedding and want to see more, check out these other stunning weddings on the blog!

• Tom & Allie’s Minimalist, Modern District Winery Wedding | Washington, D.C. Wedding Photographer
• John & Lindsey’s Modern, Chic Main Street Station Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer
• Jordan and Lacey’s Boho Castle Dover Hall Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer