Amber & Phil | Cannon Green



Amber and Phil met while working in the same nonprofit organization together in Washington, D.C. Three years later, during a hike in Great Falls, Virginia (the same place where they did their first hike together years prior), Phil surprised Amber with a blanket spread out with flowers and a video playing on a laptop, which included snippets of advice and blessings from family and friends. And what came next? You guessed it, ladies and gentlemen. He got down on one knee and asked THE question. After Amber let out the biggest “yes,” a photographer snuck out from behind her hiding place and the affianced couple had an engagement session, right there on the spot.

For their wedding, the two chose Sarah Beach Photography to capture their Cannon Green nuptials. For Amber, hiring a shutterbug who photographed interracial couples well was something at the top of her priority list and when Amber’s maid on honor found Sarah on Instagram, Amber was immediately smitten. “My mom is dark-skinned, I’m medium-skinned, Phil, his family, and my dad’s family are fair-skinned,” she tells us. “It can be really hard to capture that range well without washing anyone out or turning anyone into a shadow.”

As for our favorite part about this wedding? The incredibly fun portraits that Sarah captured on the sidewalk near the venue. Amber tells us that she isn’t a fan of typical wedding poses so she asked Sarah to focus on the spontaneous, candid shots. (Those are a little more enjoyable anyway, right?) And, since everyone in the bridal party just so happens to be a ham in front of the camera, the photos turned out better than expected. “I think we’ll definitely hang some in our living room and bedroom,” Amber says. “We realized we don’t have any pictures of us hanging at all, so it’ll be a nice addition.” Cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs. on a lifetime of happiness.

Photographer: Sarah Beach Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Bouquets and Bowties | Venue: Cannon Green | Photo Location:  86 Cannon | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Floral: We Are Petaloso | Hair and Makeup: Shadows and Shears | Bridal Attire: BHLDN | Bridesmaid Attire: Show Me Your Mumu | Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Zara | Getting ready location: Planter’s Inn

The Wedding Row

October 31 2019
Future brides, if you’re on the fence about doing a solo shoot, keep these tips in mind if you need some convincing. And hey, why not turn your confidence into images to remember? We talked with the...

October 30 2019
Snowmass, Colorado, residents Camille and Tom met at a small group dinner following her first day of work at a new company. They were just friends until 2015 before noticing how much they enjoyed...

October 29 2019
A random friendship on Facebook started up a “Words With Friends” match with a rare win by Anthony. The winner’s prize? Tommy owing Anthony a drink. After the initial meetup, weekly dates turned...

October 28 2019
Picture-perfect couple, Maddie and Jack, have been lovin’ on each other since high school and throughout their college life at Ohio State University, marking seven years this December. A planned...

October 25 2019
A Boone Hall Plantation wedding was always the dream for Mary and Cole, and after a surprise proposal under the avenue of oaks at said location, it all made sense. (Psst! We featured these guys’...

October 24 2019
A blind date gone right? Anna and Matt got lucky near the end of their senior year at a Penn State University Starbucks after a mutual college friend set the two up. Surprising both of them, as they’...

October 23 2019
Puppy lovers Camila and Adam met volunteering for a local animal rescue group. Here’s the kicker: the volunteer opportunity was for the animal rescue’s grand fundraiser event … a calendar showcasing...

October 22 2019
Longtime Columbia, South Carolina, sweethearts were cozying up together at the start of the New Year on the porch when, to Kiaya’s surprise, Aaron got down on one knee with a stunning custom, hidden...