July 31, 2024
Recently, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Adam and Jenelle Mattis, one of our MaeWood couples and we knew you would love their anniversary outfit ideas! We met them for their anniversary session in the vibrant heart of downtown Richmond, VA. This session was a beautiful journey through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, reflecting the elegance and romance of their enduring love story and paired perfectly with the outfits they chose.
We met Adam and Jenelle through a mutual family friend, Kristi Stevens of Shoptini and Adventurtunity Family, back in 2018. MaeWood first shot their engagement photos in February of that year, followed by their wedding the following April, as well as Jenelle’s sister’s wedding in August of 2019. By sharing so many core memories, we all became dear friends along the way. Their journey with us has been a testament to the deep connections we form with our clients and the legacy we seek to create.
Our session began at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), a place that embodies both culture and beauty. Fittingly, Adam and Jenelle both share a love for art and history and feel right at home amidst the museum’s stunning architecture and curated gardens. The VMFA’s serene reflecting pool and lush greenery created an atmosphere of tranquility and romance, setting the tone for the rest of the session. Adam and Jenelle’s shared interest in art and culture shone through in every frame, as we captured candid moments of their interactions amidst the museum’s timeless beauty.
For their first look, they showcased elopement-style fashion, reminiscing their last 6 years of marriage, in white and black. Jenelle adorned a fitted dress from LuLu‘s with a large beautiful bow placed at the small of her back. Adam’s custom Ashworths tuxedo was a handsome pairing, matching the elevated style of the museum and yet bringing an atmosphere of romance. Adam accessorized with a 2013 Shinola Watch, Christian Louboutin shoes, and a last-minute bowtie courtesy of 707 Fine Clothing, of Richmond, VA
Our couples have a subtle yet refined style with an understated elegance. Their evenings out are simple and chic while their days are a bit more comfortable and cute! This tux and dress is the epitome of refined and we are absolutely here for it!
White Dress: Lulus
Tuxedo: Custom, Ashworths, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Tux Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Dandelion
Watch: 2013 Shinola, Brakeman
Next, we ventured into the bustling streets of downtown Richmond. The city’s rich history and vibrant urban landscapes added depth and character to the photos. We strolled cobblestone streets, capturing Adam and Jenelle’s playful moments against historic buildings and vibrant modern murals. Richmond’s mix of historic charm and contemporary flair perfectly mirrored the timeless yet modern nature of their relationship.
For this look, Jenelle wore a stunning emerald green dress from Nordstrom with her gold thick heels. Undeniably Adam’s favorite dress in Jenelle’s closet. The dress is form-fitting but classy, and the color is phenomenal with Jenelle’s figure, hair color, and complexion. Aesthetically, for this part of the series, they hoped to portray formality with a bit of a “don’t mess with us” power dynamic. It worked well until Jenelle flashed her million-dollar smile, which couldn’t hide her warm and kind soul. Adam sported a custom suit from The QG in Baltimore, MD, with Allen Edmond shoes. If you’ve never been, The QG is a men’s lifestyle store like no other in the world! This look is slightly more casual than the first and was the perfect compliment to the downtown streets and popped off the light stone of the Virginia State Capitol.
Our journey continued to the Virginia State Capitol, an architectural gem designed by Thomas Jefferson. The Capitol Building’s grand columns and sprawling lawns offered a majestic setting for our portraits. Adam and Jenelle’s love story sparkled even more in this historic place, where the grandeur of the past met the joy of their present. We captured them walking hand in hand along the pathways, their affection for each other evident in every step.
This is also where we were able to showcase the signet ring worn by Adam. This ring was crafted from a piece of copper that was removed from Adam’s chest after a roadside bombing during his tour in Iraq. A poignant detail, symbolizing the journey the couple shared and the blessings of their relationship. This session also reminded Adam and Jenelle to slow down and simply be with each other, enjoying lingering gazes and gentle touches. Amidst their busy lives, it was a reminder that sometimes less is more.
“It was surreal to glance down at that ring during the shoot and realize how much has happened over the last 19 years, and how blessed I was to be in that very moment. It is interesting how slowing down for something as seemingly simple as a photoshoot can raise so many unexpected memories and emotions.”
-Adam Mattis
Green Dress: Nordstrom
Dark Grey Suiting: Custom, The QG, Baltimore, MD
Shoes: Allen Edmonds, Windsor Plain-Toe Derby
Watch: Shinola, The Monster GMT Automatic
We concluded the session at the iconic Jefferson Hotel, a place of grandeur and elegance. And a place for laughing hysterically, making out in elevators, and jumping on the bed. These spontaneous, joyful moments captured the essence of Adam and Jenelle’s relationship… fun, fire, and authenticity.
“Thirty minutes later, we were jumping on our hotel bed like a bunch of kids, smacking each other with pillows, and both Jenelle and Jess were laughing hysterically. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
– Adam + Jenelle
To allow for a bit more movement and play, Jenelle tossed on a sleek black jumpsuit from the Ikonic Kollection and Adam quickly changed into another custom suit, this time from The Bespoke Club in Singapore. These light materials yet obvious fashion statements were a perfect pairing for some elevator and bed-jumping love.
“Above all, Jenelle and I love to look nice and have fun. The photos captured in the hotel are authentically us. When Jenelle is not wearing scrubs in the hospital she can almost always be found either in linen pants or a jumpsuit from her favorite boutique in Pinehurst, NC, Ikonic Collection. The styles brought in by the owner, Mimi are like nothing that you’ll find anywhere else and they fit Jenelle’s personal style perfectly. ” – Adam Mattis
Black Jumpsuit: Ikonic Kollection, Pinehurst, NC
Light Grey Suiting: Custom, The Bespoke Club, Singapore
Shoes: Allen Edmonds, Windsor Plain-Toe Derby
Watch: Shinola, The Monster GMT Automatic
To learn more about Adam & Jenelle, please visit AdamMattis.com and MattisCo.com. You can also see the full Q&A for their blog here!
Let us know if you need more Anniversary Outfit Ideas or fashion suggestions for any session or event! We are here to help you prepare and enjoy your sessions so that your joy can be felt in the images you receive.
If you want to celebrate your love story with a Richmond Anniversary Session, we’d love to help you capture those precious moments. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can make your memories last forever.
@TheMAewoodCollective
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