Emily & Erik’s Timeless Black & White Wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel

Real Weddings & Sessions
Written By Shalyn O'Neal

Emily & Erik’s wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel was everything you could hope for in an August wedding. The weather was perfect (like truly couldn’t have asked for better), and their timeless black and white theme set the stage for a day that felt both classic and elegant.

A Sweet (and Animated) First Look with Dad

The day started with a little timeline juggling, but by the time we reached the pre-ceremony break, everything was perfectly on track. One of my favorite moments? Emily’s first look with her dad. Instead of tears, he was absolutely beaming - so animated and excited to see his daughter in her wedding dress. It was one of the sweetest father/daughter first looks I’ve ever had the chance to capture.

Bridal Party & Ceremony

Before the ceremony, we photographed the bride with her bridesmaids and the groom with his groomsmen. The full group shots waited until after the ceremony since Emily and Erik chose not to do a first look together.

And their ceremony? Short, sincere, and refreshingly to the point. Their vows were heartfelt and meaningful without dragging on — a perfect reflection of who they are as a couple.

Bride & Groom Portraits

Because family and bridal party photos moved along so efficiently after the ceremony, Emily and Erik had a full hour for portraits together — which almost never happens on a wedding day. The extra time meant we could take a relaxed approach and create some of my favorite portraits of the year.

Later, during the reception, we snuck away for about five minutes to grab golden hour portraits on the road near the chapel. The light was stunning, and those images are some of the most iconic from their gallery.

Reception at Stonegate

Their reception was the perfect mix of relaxed and celebratory. Guests enjoyed chatting and mingling, there was just enough dancing to capture some fun action shots, and the flow of the evening felt effortless.

The night ended with a streamer send-off followed by a limo exit - and we took full advantage of both for some unforgettable closing photos.

From an animated first look with her dad to timeless portraits, a classic black & white theme, and a streamer send-off, Emily & Erik’s wedding at Stonegate Glass Chapel was truly beautiful. It was the kind of day that reminded me why I love photographing weddings — not just the big moments, but the in-between details that tell the whole story.

Shalyn O'Neal
Next

How to Avoid a Rushed Wedding Day Photography Timeline