Last week, I wrote about Kirk and Becky’s wedding, part one.  In part one, I shared how Becky and Kirk got ready at Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Brandywine, MD.  Then, they held their ceremony at Jesus the Divine World and returned to Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards for their couples’ portraits and a chandelier-filled barn wedding reception.

You can see part one here.

Becky and Kirk were high school sweethearts and grew up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  The Maryland accent popped and crackled in family conversations throughout the wedding day.  In part two, I want to share more with you about Becky and Kirk’s special day: their romantic, sunset photos and rustic chic reception.

It is usually too bright to take photos in the open after wedding ceremonies.  This is because ceremonies usually occur around 3pm, and the sun sets seven, eight or even nine in the evening.  After wedding ceremonies in spring, summer and fall in the DC area, the sun is still high and intense.  During this time of intense light, I take my couples into the shade for their portraits.  You can see examples of that in Becky and Kirk’s part one here.

“Golden hour” is the hour before sunset when they sun is even and gentle.  Golden hour usually occurs during the reception.  I encourage couples to shoot during golden hour, even if just for a few minutes.  Becky an Kirk did, and as you can see, golden hour was pretty magical.

The reception was peppered with rustic glam accents from the elegantly draped barn doors, rough-cut centerpieces, a simple wedding cake, and classic chandeliers.

It’s traditional to shoot the couple’s portrait after the ceremony.  During most of the year, however, it is very bright after the ceremony, so we look for shade.  I always suggest that my couples schedule a second shooting, even if for only a few minutes, at sunset so that we can capture eyes without squints, capture the skyline, and be able to shoot in the open.  Becky and Kirk’s photos are a great example of the beauty found at sunset.

As the sun set, Becky and Kirk stepped back inside the barn for the wedding reception to begin in earnest.  Toasts, cake cutting, and….

Dancing!

 

It was a magical night!  Shooting at Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards was an absolute dream.  Robin Hill Farm combines a barn wedding venue, chandeliers, horses, and beautiful skies!