ELIZABETH & WILL | ELKINGTON WEDDING | EASTERN SHORE

Elkington, a dream of a venue! Elizabeth and Will got married on the prettiest day in August at Elkington in Eastville, Virginia, just north of Cape Charles. Elizabeth and Will’s families go way back on the shore… I mean like WAYYYY back. Elizabeth’s ancestors have been there since 1623 and Will’s since 1670, so it came to no surprise when Elizabeth said she and Will are obsessed with their roots. Elkington has been in Elizabeth’s family since 1949 but the property has been there long before that! Elizabeth now runs Elkington as an event venue – so needless to say, I can’t wait to shoot at Elkington again!! Let’s dive into the details, shall we? This post is long but I promise you’ll be rewarded at the end with some hilarious bloopers…

Starting with bridal details, Elizabeth’s ring is a custom design made up of some family diamonds mixed with new! She and Will wanted a different design so they designed their own – it’s a stunner, that’s for sure! When I arrived Elizabeth handed me three generations of wedding invites! I love having meaningful family details to use for getting ready shots! Her something blue was a pin from a friend and her garter made by Will’s great grandmother!

Let’s not forget Will! His cufflinks were custom – one with a map of Eastville and the other a map of where will grew up on the shore. I sent my second photographer, Christy, over to the guys getting ready house and she had a blast with them! Will gifted the guys with Chubbies and they had quite the little photoshoot on the beach in Chubbies and their tux jackets (I can’t stop laughing!). An epic toast with champagne and a few bromance shots are easily my new favorite groom getting ready shots!

The Ceremony was held at the same church where Elizabeth’s grandparents and parents tied the knot! AND she’s the 12th generation to get married in Northampton County – pretty deeeeep roots. The ceremony was packed. Cars lined the streets, guests sat (and stood!) all the way to the back of the church and up in the balcony! There were a few readings and songs and soon after Will and Elizabeth were announced as husband and wife!

The reception was something Elizabeth texted me about for weeks! And after seeing the vision come together, I can see why! There was not a detail left unturned! A champagne bookshelf bar with rock candy swivel stick and blueberries with custom champagne bottles to the bourbon bar to the two canoes filled with beer to the custom white bar with shelves of crystal, amber, and green glassware that Elizabeth had collected all year long for cocktail glasses. Several amazing passed hor d’oeuvres and food stations like a brick oven pizza station and bite sized crab cakes and lamb skewers (all super delicious by the way!). It was Elizabeth’s dream to have long tables in rows by the trees with no tent, which at first scared me because of rain, but we didn’t have a drop in the sky! It was truly magical!

Friends and family had helped out so much throughout the process and it was evident that Elizabeth and Will are so loved! Elizabeth wanted the vendors to be as “local as possible” – I think I’m probably the only one who wasn’t from the area and it was truly amazing to be the one to capture it all!

From start to finish, I honestly had the best time. I’ll call the start a few months prior to Elizabeth and Will’s big day that I drove to Elkington in June to photograph Elizabeth’s bridal session! It was my first time on the shore and I’m telling you, definitely not the last! It’s a beautiful spot down there! Thank you Elizabeth and Will for trusting me with your day!!! Cheers to the new Mr & Mrs Russell! #DoTheRussell

OKAY, you ready!?!?! Keep scrolling for my favorites of this Eastern Shore Elkington wedding!

Will’s ring has their date and initials engraved inside!Is this a Garden and Gun photoshoot or what?
We copied a picture of Elizabeth’s Aunt’s wedding photos in the same place!

Elizabeth’s Uncle MADE this arch!They buried the bourbon and dug it up on wedding day! Good Luck for no rain!Elizabeth’s college – Hollins University picture! (I’m in there!)Will’s college – Randolph-Macon!No onto a fave part – bloopers! One of the only requests Will had from the beginning was a folder of bloopers… and the request was granted!That’s a wrap! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Russell!!!!

Huge thank you to all of the amazing vendors and friends who helped make Elizabeth and Will’s day truly the best! Thank you to my second photographer, Christy Nicole, for working the whole day with me!

 

Venue: Elkington Events

Event Coordinator: 3 mistress of Ceremonies: Emily Sturgis, Liz Goffigon, Sherry Sturgis

Caterer: Sweetwater Cuisine 

Baker: Kathy Kellam 

Centerpieces, church flowers, etc. (everything except the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages) are being done by 3 of our family friends.  

Bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages: Florist by the Sea 

Dress: From Russell’s Formal and Bridal (Casablanca Bridal: the Beloved Collection)

Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Sung 

Tux: From Russell’s Formal and Bridal (Michael Kors)

Band: Horizon (through Sam Hill Entertainment) 

Hair/Makeup: 76 West Salon 

Invitations: Crane from Jacobson Fine Paper and Gifts

Rentals: Eastern Shore Events & Rentals 

Linens: Sweetwater Cuisine and Distinctive Event Rentals