Dave Swager Photographer Photographer

Thanks to a little help from: their friends (who also happen to be family); the attentive and helpful staff of The Clifton Inn; Mother Nature, who provided sunshine, a moderate temperature, and sufficient recent rain for everything to be green; and not least of all, good planning by Ashley and Dave, a beautiful ceremony and celebration took place in the rolling Virginia Piedmont just outside of Charlottesville.

My first meeting with Ashley and Dave a couple of weeks before the wedding hinted at how pleasurable the upcoming event would be.  They are gracious and easy going and showed themselves to be thoughtful of others (including me!) on a day that is often stressful and distracting.

The Clifton Inn possesses quintessential Virginia charm in its location, scenery, architecture, landscaping, ammenities, and gracious staff.  The food was superb.  Its quiet elegance and beauty seemed to me a perfect match for the personalities and sensibilities of Ashley and Dave. Kudos to whoever among the staff was thoughtful and considerate enough to recognize the opportunity to add a white table cloth and place settings to the table in the wine cellar where Dave and his groomsmen prepared for the ceremony.  The photography in that space was greatly enhanced as a result.

I don’t want to spill all the beans but here’s a few highlight photos from the day –

Is this one a good year? (if it's 2011 - YOU BET!)

This elegant veil matches Ashley's beauty perfectly

On this day at least, the light in the carriage house was wonderful

A touch with special meaning

The garden entrance was beautiful in the late afternoon light. The white exterior of the carriage house was an excellent reflector.

A perfect setting for making promises.

The glow in the background nearly matches Ashley's radiance.

Lovely! Trying to say anything more would risk saying too little.

Is kissing at the table allowed?

The first RELAXED dance.

Tradition!

Tradition!!

Success! I'm not certain if I detect admiration, envy, or a little of both in this image.

A fine exit and send off for the newlyweds.

I see a long and lasting relationship portended in this image :)

I recommend Chaps in downtown Charlottesville for good ice cream and hospitality.

A date and place to be remembered.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, Ashley and Dave.