Intimate Courthouse Wedding | Alex & Natelie

In lieu of of a traditional wedding, Alex & Natelie chose to do an intimate courthouse wedding in Downtown Culpeper. A small group of their parents and their closest friends witnessed their vows on the front steps of the courthouse, showering them with flower petals as they walked out as husband and wife.

Earlier in the day we met at a small local airport to take some photos. Alex & Natelie are both air traffic controllers (they met through work) and Natelie is a pilot! She pulled some strings and had a beautiful yellow Stearman plane there as a backdrop. Truly a one of a kind experience for an exceptional couple!

When Alex emailed me earlier this year about photographing his proposal to Natelie, of course I said and enthusiastic “yes!” Shooting proposals is always a huge treat for me. But after photographing his perfect proposal, meeting them both, and spending an hour shooting and chatting together about life, I was in awe of them as a couple! Throughout our conversation I realized we share many similar values. I enjoyed hearing about their goals for their future life and family. They are warm, outgoing, and kind. They are mature, self sufficient and thrive with a challenge.

I truly loved the simplicity of this wedding day. Courthouse weddings might be old fashioned but it’s one of the reasons I love them so much.

Some of the couple’s best friends were invited to the ceremony on the courthouse steps. They were married by Alex’s father, and Natelie had beautiful bouquets for the moms and ring corsages for her besties. (These ring corsages created by The Flower Petaler might be my favorite wedding detail of all time. Aren’t they gorgeous?!)

Right down the street from the courthouse was the old fashioned diner where Alex & Natelie had their first date. I love when things come full circle!

Cheers to the Varelas! Alex & Natelie, I couldn’t have loved this day more. Thank you for the honor of documenting such an important part of your family legacy.

xoxo!

Jess

Jessica Lapp is an engagement and wedding photographer serving both Charlottesville Virginia and surrounding areas including DC, Northern Virginia, and Richmond. Elegant wedding photography on film and digital, for couples who want to remember the most beautiful day of their lives in a classic, documentary style. Learn more about the wedding experience here!