The minute you meet Kim and Sean, you can just feeeeeeel their connection, and you absolutely know that they are perfect for each other! After meeting serendipitously during a night out in Vancouver, they knew they had found their “Schmumpkin” and soul mate, and were going to spend the rest of their lives together! They are full of laughter, wit, and love. They encourage each other, challenge each other, and love each other so deeply.
Kim & Sean came all the way from Richmond Virginia to the historic town of Genoa, NV for their intimate New Years Eve wedding! Full of nostalgia and a bit of glam, the day was designed to celebrate friends and family and their love for each other and ring in the new year as Mr. & Mrs.!
Sean and his groomsmen started the day and got ready at the best man’s parents’ house. Speaking of the best man, Philip was amazing! He was the one who selected the suits and bow ties for all the guys, and he was completely on top all the details the whole day! I’ve never seen someone so detail oriented! It was perfect!
Thanks to Philip's styling, the men looked so handsome! Especially when we headed into Genoa, NV to take a few pictures in front of the “Oldest Drinking Parlor in Nevada”, the Genoa Bar. Don’t they look like a gang of outlaws? Love it!
Meanwhile, Kim and her bridesmaids were enjoying the day and getting ready at the White House B&B in Genoa. The historic building (and enclosed porch!) was the perfect setting to show of the vintage details of Kim’s beautiful wedding dress. Kim also took the chance to spend a few moments with her mom, her step mom, her dad and her brother. The love that flowed during these moments was so beautiful and started the celebration off right.
Finally, it was time to head to the church! The cutest church you’ve ever seen, the Genoa Community Church, was filled with Kim and Sean’s closest family and friends. Kim’s brother was asked to be the officiant for the ceremony to make the day even more special.
The ceremony was wonderful. Kim surprised Sean by walking down the aisle to a recording of her singing their favorite song and happy tears started flowing! The vows were EPIC. Tears, smiles, prayers and applause abounded. The love they shared, and the love of all the important people witnessing their exchange of vows absolutely filled the little church to the brim.
After the ceremony, Kim and Sean stole a little time alone together to chat, kiss, and pray, and then it was off to the reception at David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort!
There were simple and beautiful vintage details amidst the intimate winter setting of the hot springs. The speeches given that night were so full of love, remembrances, and history (and laughter!), and were some of the best speeches I’ve ever witnessed.
First Dance time! Sean and Kim showed off their dance skills with an upbeat First Dance to “Shut Up and Dance” which brought the house down, and then they honored his mom and her dad with special dances. Every detail, including the songs chosen for those dances, was so beautiful and moving.
The party continued with a New Years Eve countdown at 9pm (Richmond Virginia Midnight!) and a champagne toast, then they danced the night away! It was an extra special celebration!!
A few days later, Kim and Sean met with me to spend a little time taking their couples portraits! It was a perfect way to save time on the wedding day and allow for a more relaxed way of celebrating their marriage! First thing we did was recreate a cherished picture of Sean's grandma's wedding day. She recently passed away and was a pillar of love and knowledge for everyone she knew.
These two are so in love and up for anything that we had a blast showcasing their love for each other (including taking a trip back to the Genoa Bar where the bartender told us it was tradition for a bride to sit on the bar! Kim happily obliged!)
To Kim and Sean, thank you soooo much for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing time in your lives! You two remind me of how amazing love is, and how grateful I am that I got to be a part of it all. I wish you two 200+ years of painting with Bob Ross and trying new things together, and can’t wait to see you grow together as husband and wife! Love you (and your friends and family)! Congratulations!!!
Xoxox,
Gretchen
Some of the Fabulous people and companies who made their day come together perfectly:
Ceremony venue: Genoa Community Church - Genoa, NV
Reception Venue: David Walley's Hot Springs Resort
Cake: Creative Confections