Bride and groom smiling in front of a white picket fence and historic farmhouse at James Monroe’s Highland during their fall wedding, captured by Charlottesville wedding photographer Silverbridge & Co.

Real Weddings

In Still Frames: A Black & White Look at Sarah & Cody’s Day

James Monroe’s Highland | Charlottesville Wedding Photographer

Sarah and Cody’s October wedding at James Monroe’s Highland in Charlottesville was filled with golden leaves, warm light, and the kind of soft, quiet connection that feels like it’s always been there. While their full gallery is rich with tones and vibrant moments, I kept coming back to a handful of frames that felt made for black and white.

Not for style—but for story.

Black and white images have a way of slowing everything down. They invite you to look closer—to notice how she held his hand during the ceremony, how he tucked that note behind his back before handing it to her, and how their friends pulled them into hugs that lingered just a little longer. In those moments, you see light and shadow. You feel presence. Emotion rises to the surface without needing color to guide it.

Some frames simply speak louder in stillness.

This day didn’t need embellishment. It needed reflection. It deserved a softness that matched the way it felt—timeless, quiet, and true.

Why Black and White?

As a Charlottesville wedding photographer, I always aim to tell a story with intention. For this wedding, that meant choosing black and white to highlight the emotional weight of the quiet moments. While color adds energy, black and white adds intimacy. It’s a different way of seeing—but one that felt so right for Sarah and Cody.

I’ll be sharing more soon about why I convert certain images to black and white. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this small collection—just a glimpse into a day that was unforgettable.

A close-up black and white bridal portrait showing the bride adjusting her earring and displaying her engagement ring in soft natural light—captured by Charlottesville wedding photographer Erica of Silverbridge & Co.
An emotional first look between the bride and her father under the trees at James Monroe’s Highland in Charlottesville, Virginia.
A quiet black and white portrait of the groom holding a gift box with a ribbon behind his back, captured by Charlottesville wedding photographer Silverbridge & Co.
Black and white candid of the bride and groom sharing a kiss in the dappled afternoon light on the lawn at James Monroe’s Highland.
The newlyweds surrounded by their joyful wedding party in a tight group hug after the ceremony, captured in classic black and white by Charlottesville wedding photographer Silverbridge & Co.
A quiet moment of the bride and groom embracing as the groom kisses her forehead in front of a wooden gate on the property at James Monroe’s Highland.
The bride and groom exchanging vows outdoors under leafy trees in front of their guests during their fall wedding ceremony at James Monroe’s Highland.
A cinematic black and white photo of the bride and groom’s first kiss at the altar, with her dress flowing behind her and a wide open sky in the background.
The bride and groom walking hand in hand through the garden paths of James Monroe’s Highland, just after their ceremony—captured by Charlottesville wedding photographer Silverbridge & Co.
Bride and groom laughing and holding a personalized bottle of whiskey outside the venue during their wedding celebration at James Monroe’s Highland in Charlottesville.

The Dream Charlottesville Wedding Vendor Team

Photography | Silverbridge & Co @silverbridgeandco

Venue | James Monroe’s Highland @monroehighland

Band | Emerald Empire Band @emeraldempireband

Planning | Events by Delaney @eventsbydelaney

Catering | Red Hub Food Company @redhubfoodco

Florals | The Dogwood Tree @thedogwoodtree

Transportation | Hop on Cville @hoponcville

Makeup | Captivating Complexion @tai.captivatingcomplexion @captivatingcomplexion

Hair | Jenna Hewitt @jenna_hewitt

Content Creation | Iconic Content @iconiccontentcreation

Rentals | Virginia Tent Rental @vatentrental

—

Planning a wedding in Charlottesville or the surrounding Blue Ridge area? I’d love to document your day in a way that’s artistic, emotional, and completely your own.

More Love Stories You Might Enjoy:

Joyful Wedding Day in the Gardens at Silverbrook Farm | Lucy + Cavin

Elegant Garden Wedding at The Elkridge Furnace Inn | Brita + Justin

Dallas Wedding Photographer at The Frontiers of Flight Museum | Becca & Tyler

📍 James Monroe’s Highland, Charlottesville VA

#charlottesvilleweddingphotographer #blackandwhiteweddingphotos #highlandswedding #virginiaweddingphotographer #documentaryweddingphotographer #fineartweddingphotography

Engagements & Anniversaries

Families

ProposalS

For photographers

Real Weddings

close