A little over a week ago, VAWE Network and I hosted a free engagement "mini" session event at The Barn at York Hill in Shenandoah Junction, WV. I was super excited to get to see a new (to me) wedding venue - especially a charming barn in the country! :-)  In addition to getting to meet two engaged couples and take a few photos for them, I also got to chat with Gordon and Cornelia Hockman, who are the welcoming and kind venue owners.  Gordon was outside when I arrived and after welcoming Didi (founder of VAWE Network), Renee (owner of and event planner for RCK Weddings & Design), and me, he ventured off to go work around the barn. After saying hello to Cornelia and chatting with the ladies inside the cozy farmhouse for a few minutes, I snuck outside to take some photos...  There were so many magnificent spots around the property... This venue is a wedding photographer's dream, if you're drawn to rustic locations with gorgeous greenery and stunning landscapes (that's the perfect place for me!).

There's a fire pit with spacious seating to roast s'mores during the chilly evenings.  Near the fire pit is a tiny, old log cabin that turns into a bar for guests to grab a drink at during a wedding reception.  Of course, there's the beautiful barn that's been renovated and has stunning chandeliers inside.  There's even an airplane stored near the barn, just waiting for guests to pose with it.  Surrounding the property are vineyards and orchards and pumpkin patches!!  This place is probably heaven in the fall, with idyllic autumn landscapes everywhere :-)  There are so many pretty places to sneak away to for photos, and I imagine this place is even more lovely at sunset!

I'm glad I was able to wander off on my own and take photos before the couples arrived...  I always take LOTS of pictures... Is that a surprise though? ;-)  That gave me some ideas for where to take the twosomes.  After the mini sessions were over, I went back inside to talk more with Cornelia and Didi.  Cornelia is such a kind, sweet, and friendly woman.  She welcomed us into her home and offered us insight into what weddings are like at their barn and what it's like being a venue owner.  You can tell from talking with her that Cornelia truly loves what she does; she's passionate about the barn and the weddings they host, and she puts her heart into their business.  Time flew by while chatting inside their relaxing and peaceful home - a picturesque farmhouse, just like you'd imagine off a rural road out in the countryside, with the doors propped open, a cool breeze flowing through the house, and delicious cookies waiting for you on the coffee table :-)

I have no doubt that Gordon and Cornelia are remarkable venue hosts, as you can see from their little touches throughout the bridal suite and in the barn how much effort this couple puts into making other couples' wedding days exceptional.  If you're a bride or groom looking for a wedding venue, contact Gordon and Cornelia to meet them and visit their beautiful barn...  They only take a select number of weddings each year though, so don't wait too long to give them a call!

I can't wait to go back and visit Cornelia and Gordon again and to photograph weddings at The Barn at York Hill in the future!

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