Today we are sharing Angie and Eric’s Sunnybrook Roanoke wedding day that we shot this past weekend in Roanoke at Sunnybrook.

Angie and Eric are the most fantastic people.  While it was really fun to shoot somewhere new and enjoy Roanoke, the real treat was to be able to spend time with these two. 

I have known Eric for a long time. Maybe pre-middle school. I was his youth leader when I intern at a church in college.  So I’ve know him and his whole amazing family since then – so it’s been a long time. 

We actually photographed his older brother’s wedding a couple of years ago. So it was wonderful to be able to see them. And his parents are some of my favorite people. So it was just a treat to spend the day with them all. 

I feel like so many people we’ve been shooting recently, have plans to move back to Richmond. You know – you might leave for a little while, but you’ll always come back. Richmond, you’re the best. 

Angie’s family were just divine.  Her parent’s were emotional all day, which was so sweet.  

Angie’s brothers speech – Sunnybrook Roanoke Wedding

We have been to a lot of weddings and heard a lot of speeches. And those speeches haven’t even come close to how amazing Angie’s brother’s speech was. He literally got a standing ovation when he was done. It was hysterical. I was crying. It was amazing. 

Actually, we are not a big fan of long speeches. But his speech was pretty long. Halfway through people started clapping and Angie was like, “oh, he’s not done”. She knew. 

Also, maybe it was part of the crowd, but they all picked up on all the details of the speech.  Such a good toast.  And delivered amazingly.  

This is random, but I really loved that his speech was handwritten on little scratches of paper.  It was all so incredibly sweet. Hit all the heart strings.  Funny, clever, it was everything. 

Sunnybrook isn’t a huge property, but they have so many locations where you feel like you’re secluded.  Some of that is that it’s on hills, so it’s sort of tiered. 

So we actually had dinner inside the historic house. But then dancing in the reception mostly took place outside on this large patio. Which I actually really like it was a beautiful day except for about 20 minutes of a summer storm blew through.

Ice cream truck instead of cake

I also LOVED that Angie and Eric decided not to do a cake, they had an ice cream truck instead.

So this year we’re picking three things you should steal if you’re planning your own wedding. 

I have a lot actually. Angie did a great job planning.  She is someone who seems really detailed oriented, but also laid back enough that if it doesn’t go that way, it’s fine. 

For example we always give a list to our couples of the details that we are going shoot at the beginning of the day. I tell our brides it’s super helpful if people just throw it in a shoebox for us so that we can grab it when we arrive and get started right away. That way you’re not wasting any time trying to find all of your items.

When we got there and she had not only put all of her items in a box but also had a printed itemized list of everything that was supposed to be in the box. So she described all of the things that were in there and then included I added ribbon, but it’s just for details if you wanna use it or not. It was super helpful for me to not have to go and bother her or ask questions about it. But I also know exactly what she wanted. 

1. Table Numbers – Sunnybrook Roanoke Wedding

Angie made the most adorable table numbers. Each table had both a picture of her and Eric at the age that the table number was. So on table one and there was a picture of her and Eric when they were both one. On table 14 there is a picture of the both of them at 14. 

It was so cute and must have been so easy to execute. But also a great thing for guests to be able to walk around and look at. Also, what a good conversation starter if you don’t know everybody at your table.

2. A Petal Toss

My thing is Angie decided to do a petal toss at the end of her ceremony. She had her officiant and others tell people exactly what to do along with a sign describing what was going to happen.  If you’re planning on doing a petal toss, make sure you over explain what should be done – your guests don’t want to mess this up. 

It’s also a good idea to have extra petals on hand so we can recreate that photo.  We grabbed some of her groomsmen to help throw petals for a quick picture after the ceremony. 

3. A reception accessory – Sunnybrook Roanoke Wedding

Angie had a jean jacket and slippers ready to change into at the reception.  I think this is so fun if you’re not planning on changing at your reception.  It’s a nice thing to get a little more comfortable and casual.  Her jacket was SO cute and covered in pearls and personalized on the back.  But also, make sure you have slipper to change into.  You do not need to wait to take your shoes off, no one will notice and you’ll be so much more comfortable. 

Anyways, I have so many more favorite parts of this Sunnybrook Roanoke wedding day, but go take a look and find some of your own favorites.  We love you guys so much, congratulations Angie and Eric! 

Wanna see more of Angie & Eric? Check out their engagement session!

The Creative Team
VENUE | Sunnybrook, Roanoke Virginia
FLORIST | Wedding Flowers for Rent
DESSERT | Ice Cream truck from Big Lick
DJ | Kevin – Blue Ridge Entertainment
HAIR & MAKEUP | Elegance Artistry  
BRIDAL SALON | Here & Now Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS | Birdy Grey
SUITS | Generation Tux