I really wanted to showcase this panoramic image I was able to take at Trump Winery just before documenting a wedding in early November.  This is a signature Rob Garland Photographers 60 inch print that showcases the wonderful beauty of this property.  The trees and vineyards have turned into a plethora of outstanding color.  The trees that make up the center of interest around the chapel are perfectly balanced by the lake in the background.  My favorite part of the image is the end of the rain, the fog and clouds that add to the atmospheric perspective of the foreground to background relationship.  The vision of the Kluge family when they obtained this property was outstanding – this is simply one of the top locations in Virginia.  When Trump acquired this property, they converted the lovely Albemarle Estate into a classy bed and breakfast, perfect for central Virginia events in the Charlottesville area.  I was able to take this photograph during the moments while I was scouting portrait locations in the rain – just before we started Amy and Edwin’s wedding on November 7th.  I have been to Trump frequently and this is the first time that quite a few landscape elements came together and it stopped me dead in my tracks – begging for the photograph to be taken.  The yellows and oranges, coupled with the green hues gave us a nice palate to start.  The texture in the stormy sky along with the low clouds rising from the background completed the image.

Patrick, and the staff at Trump, have always been so gracious to work with and this allows it to be one of the great wedding venues in Charlottesville that I would highly recommend.  Obviously the views are outstanding and when you couple that with great food, fine wine, and the highest level of service – it is a win for the bride and groom.  The intimacy of this location is second to none and anyone would enjoy a private moment away from their reception at the Grand Hall to take in the view.

We have been blessed to live in an area that allows us this opportunity and we don’t take it for granted.  I was able to document events for the Kluge family on this property when it was a private home and spent the millennium New Year’s Eve celebration (1999-2000) with the Kluges.  We always enjoy returning on location to document events.  On a personal note, my wife and I love the champagne from Trump Winery and certainly recommend that for celebrations throughout the year – not to mention the occasional mimosa.

This view is from the Grand Hall but please don’t forget about the Pavilion as well.  It’s vineyard views and weddings by the lake are equally as enjoyable.  We’ve had three weddings at Trump in October and November and photographed in both locations – I could honestly move around Trump Winery and the adjoining landscape with a couple all day – there are so many places to choose from.  To conclude, I would like to thank Amy and Edwin for their kindness and for allowing us to document their wedding day.  Without that opportunity, this image would not be in our collection.

Rob Garland is the owner of Rob Garland Photographers, a company which specializes in wedding photojournalism and fine art printing. Rob prides himself on a classic, intuitive, heartfelt documentation with the utmost in visual integrity. He has documented many destination weddings throughout the U.S. and abroad as well as Charlottesville weddings at many of our outstanding local venues. Rob loves imagery that fails to go in and out of style and personal touches that make each wedding unique.