Weddings are always special, but there's something particularly magical about a day that is intimate, elegant, and entirely true to a couple's unique style. Cynthia and Jerome’s wedding in the heart of Belmont, a charming neighborhood in Charlottesville, VA, perfectly captured this balance. The blend of local flavor, thoughtful details, and their deep connection with friends, family, and each other made for an unforgettable celebration.


We had the pleasure of documenting their day from start to finish, and it’s one we’ll always remember.



A Chic and Cozy Start at The Local

Cynthia and Jerome chose to host their wedding at The Local, one of Belmont's most beloved restaurants. Known for its cozy, chic atmosphere and focus on locally sourced food since 2008, it was the perfect setting for their intimate gathering of about 70 guests. The couple wanted to create an atmosphere that felt more like a dinner party than a traditional wedding reception, and The Local provided just that—warm, inviting, and full of character. As wedding photographers, we’ve had the honor of shooting in many beautiful spaces around Charlottesville, but there's something truly special about Belmont. Its blend of historic charm, quaint streets, and vibrant community offers endless opportunities for stunning photos, especially when paired with a couple like Cynthia and Jerome, who are as down-to-earth as they are chic.




A CEREMONY FULL OF LOVE AND FAMILY

The day began with an intimate ceremony inside The Local. It was a simple, heartfelt affair, reflecting Cynthia and Jerome’s deep love for one another and their shared values. Both are very active and enjoy spending their time outdoors, often with their rescue dogs by their side. This love for animals and the outdoors was subtly reflected in their ceremony, with small touches like flowers in their décor and a casual, yet elegant, atmosphere.

Cynthia’s dress was a perfect match—elegant yet effortless, much like the couple themselves. Jerome looked sharp in a tailored suit, but it was clear from the start that their focus wasn’t on the material details. Instead, their attention was on each other, their family, and their guests, who gathered close around them as they exchanged vows.

There’s something so special about smaller weddings. With just 70 people in the room, you could feel the love and support from every corner. It made their vows feel even more personal, as if everyone was part of the moment with them.


A RELAXED COCKTAIL HOUR AND STUNNING BELMONT PHOTO SESSION

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy a cocktail hour while hors d'oeuvres were passed around. The selection of local wines and beers reflected Cynthia and Jerome’s appreciation for Charlottesville’s thriving local scene. The relaxed vibe was exactly what the couple wanted—time for their guests to mingle, laugh, and enjoy the moment without the rush that often accompanies larger weddings.


While their guests sipped and snacked, we took Cynthia and Jerome outside for a private photo session in Belmont’s charming streets. This historic neighborhood, with its brick walkways, colorful houses, and quiet charm, provided a stunning backdrop for their photos. Belmont’s balance of old-world charm and modern touches made it an ideal setting to capture the essence of Cynthia and Jerome—timeless yet contemporary, simple yet striking.

The couple was so natural together in front of the camera, smiling, laughing, and savoring every moment. As photographers, we love when couples are as comfortable and in-the-moment as these two were. Their connection was palpable, and it made capturing the little in-between moments—like a shared laugh or a quiet glance—that much more special.

The sun was starting to dip behind the buildings, giving us that golden, soft light that every photographer dreams of. Belmont’s tree-lined streets and historic architecture provided the perfect backdrop, and the entire session felt less like a photo shoot and more like a peaceful stroll with two people genuinely enjoying their wedding day.





DINNER PARTY VIBES AT THE LOCAL

After our walk through Belmont, it was time for the dinner party. Instead of a traditional reception with a dance floor and DJ, Cynthia and Jerome opted for a relaxed, intimate dinner for their guests. This decision reflected their personalities—thoughtful, intentional, and focused on the relationships that matter most.

The Local’s chefs prepared a three-course meal that highlighted the best of Charlottesville’s local ingredients. Each course was a work of art, served family-style, encouraging conversation and connection among the guests. The atmosphere felt more like a chic dinner party than a formal reception, which was exactly what Cynthia and Jerome had envisioned.

As photographers, we loved capturing the candid moments of guests chatting, laughing, and enjoying the meal. The long tables were filled with delicious dishes, beautifully presented, and the conversations flowing around them added to the warmth and intimacy of the evening. The couple sat among their guests, sharing in the experience rather than being the center of attention—another choice that perfectly aligned with who they are as people.






A SWEET AND SIMPLE CAKE CUTTING

After the meal, Cynthia and Jerome kept things low-key with a small cake cutting before dessert and a champagne toast was served. The cake was a simple, elegant creation, perfectly sized for their intimate gathering. After they cut the cake and shared a sweet, laughter-filled moment, it was served alongside other delicious desserts.

There was no big formal announcement, no grand entrance or exit—just a couple enjoying their day in the most genuine way possible. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY WE LOVE INTIMATE WEDDINGS LIKE CYNTHIA AND JEROME’S

Cynthia and Jerome’s wedding day was a beautiful reminder of why we love photographing intimate weddings. There’s something incredibly special about a celebration that is focused on the things that truly matter—love, family, friends, and the shared experience of a beautiful day. For us, as photographers, it’s always an honor to capture those authentic moments—the smiles, the laughter, the quiet exchanges that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Belmont’s charming streets, The Local’s cozy atmosphere, and the relaxed, heartfelt energy of the entire day all came together to create a wedding that was as unique and beautiful as the couple themselves. Cynthia and Jerome’s love story, reflected in every part of their day, is one we’ll always treasure.

If you’re planning a wedding in Charlottesville and looking for photographers who love capturing intimate, meaningful celebrations like this one, we’d love to connect with you. Visit us at lumieredesoiweddings.com, or follow along on Instagram @lumieredesoiweddings and Facebook at facebook.com/lumieredesoiweddings.