Erika of Joy Shots Photography met Ford Haight in the Civil Air Patrol as teenagers when they ran around taking silly photos of their friends. (Stay tuned til the end for a throwback pic!)
Roughly a decade later, he reconnected with Erika and asked her to photograph the Haight Wedding at Rounton Farms in Orange County, VA. She was thrilled to meet his bride Kirsten and capture their unique day.
Before the Big Day: Finally Meeting
Ford and Kirsten were only miles apart when they lived in Maine and worked jobs in the same town. Although they were physically close to each other, they didn’t meet until they moved back to Virginia and Tinder worked its magic.
Kirsten shares that, “we’d spent a lot of our lives just barely missing each other. Now almost 5 years of knowing him and four years together, our lives are truly in tandem.”
Planning the Big Day: Venue and Photographer
Living in tandem meant that it was easy to agree on a wedding venue. They chose Rounton Farm in Orange County because it reminded them of a family member’s nearby farm and offered beautiful nature views. What really sold them, though? The farm dog!
Ford’s connection with Erika made Joy Shots Photography an easy decision as well. Erika shares that, “when he reached out about photography for his wedding I was so excited to reconnect! It was like no time had passed.”
Celebrating the Big Day: Fun and Unique Memories
Erika loves capturing unique memories and the Haight wedding at Routon Farms in Orange County, VA offered exactly that. Ford went skeet shooting on site with his best friends at the beginning of the day and even had beer holsters for them.
Ford and Kirsten both had Doc Martens for the big day and opted for a first touch and private vows before the ceremony, saving that first look until Kirsten walked down the aisle. Her mother acted as flower girl and they walked down the aisle to their couple song, “Twin Sized Mattress” by the Front Bottoms.
More fun happened during the reception. Kirsten’s grandfather played his accordion for the crowd, which was his last public performance because of a stroke, and Ford picked “old fighting music” for everyone to dance to. There was even a broom guitar solo to “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”!
Above: Behind the Scenes on the Wedding Day
Below: Throwback to Ford and Erika as teens.
Your Big Day: Vendor Recommendations
A lot of the traditional “vendors” for their big day were family members, such as Kirsten’s brother officiating and Ford’s mother baking the cake. However, they both have recommendations for other vendors if you’re planning your big day.
Food: Ashley Kay Catering
Bridal Makeup: Bri Gardner
Wedding Dress: Tang’s Bridal Alternations and Bespoke
Flowers: Rose Moons Designs
Engagement Ring: Denver Jewel Co
Groom’s Ring: Glass Palace Arts
Whether you’re long-lost friends with someone at Joy Shots Photography like Erika and Ford, or you’re looking for someone to capture your unique memories, we’re here for your special day. Check out our wedding page to learn about full- or partial-day packages, as well as a photographer’s bucket list that will get you a sweet discount.