Today we share a beautiful wedding with many moments captured on timeless film. A joyous celebration with a classic design & color palette further adding to the timelessness of Madden & Steven’s River View wedding. With hope in our hearts & rays of comfort shining through we can see these images & know celebrations like these are drawing near again!
Something that has always drawn me to film is the fact that the images age well….they remain timeless and true to color no matter how much time has passed. I have revisited Madden and Steven’s wedding many times over the last year, and look at the images of celebration with HOPE for the future of weddings and events. Their day was so filled with joy, so celebratory. It is my hope that other brides will see these images and know that this kind of day is possible for them in the months and years ahead! – Nikki Santerre Photography
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
When I first moved to Richmond I decided to join a gym. One of the sign-up incentives was that you would receive one free personal training session. Steven ended up being my personal trainer and he tricked me into buying multiple sessions after that. Five years later I ended up with a husband (and still no muscles, haha).
Our first impressions were way off. I thought Steven was so rude because he was trying to photobomb my gym membership photo (he had a running competition with one of his coworkers: who could photobomb the most gym photos) and he was talking to the person who was signing me up and basically ignoring me. Steven thought I was mean and quiet because I didn’t talk much during our training sessions (well yeah, I couldn’t breathe because he was kicking my butt in the gym).
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Through each other, we have both learned to love ourselves more. When you see glimpses of yourself through someone else’s eyes and they love all the things you may have seen as flaws, you really settle into yourself more comfortably. We’ve learned how to freely be the truest versions of ourselves.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
My favorite thing about Steven is how he loves me. He balances me out perfectly and knows exactly what I need in any moment. Sometimes he knows me better than I know myself.
My favorite thing about Madden is how much she loves caring for others. She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone, no questions asked.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Daydreaming about the big day. The excitement and anticipation of it all was such a natural high. We’d both get emotional when we would hear our first dance song, we just couldn’t wait to marry each other.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Wedding day advice: it goes by so quickly, too quickly actually. Find a moment to just be by yourselves for a few minutes and take it all in. Realize that this is what all the anticipation was leading up to and soak in all the love that surrounds you. It truly is the best day.
Overall advice: communication is the most important thing in the entire world. Check in with each other even if you think it isn’t needed. There’s no such thing as communicating too much, it leaves less room for misunderstandings to sneak in.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
We asked our parents and grandparents for their wedding photos and we framed them and had a photo table dedicated to thanking all the people who taught us how to love.
I come from a huge Irish family and Steven also has some Irish in him so we had a bagpiper for when we left the church and Irish dancing at our reception!
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
That love looks different every day. It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ type of thing. Your love may look different than someone else’s love and that is completely okay.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Steven and I have different answers for this one. For me (Madden), it was my dad’s speech. There was a part when he was talking directly to Steven and told him he made him a better man and a better husband to my mom. I was covered in chills and reveling in the fact that I was so lucky to find such an incredible man to take on life with, and that others saw that in him too.
Steven’s would be the ride to the reception because it was the first time we sat together as husband and wife going to celebrate our love. We took a moment to look around and witness all of the love and support we have in our lives. It was magical.
Photographer: Nikki Santerre
Venue: River View
Floral Designer: Blooms Reston
Dress Boutique: Blue Sage Bridal
Dress Designer: Mikaella
Cake Designer: Family Friend
Makeup Artist: The Highlight (Bride) – Refeyence (Bridesmaids)
Hair Stylist: Refeyence
Men\’s Formalwear: The Black Tux
Film Lab: Photovision
Paper: Minted
DJ/ Entertainment Services: Wroyal the DJ
Videographer: Love in Color
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