I arrived plenty early, as I always try to do. I drove from one site to the other, making sure I knew all the correct ways to navigate the streets of downtown Roanoke. Roanoke was my home about 20 years ago. I lived in Roanoke for hmm.. maybe 11 years? I snapped a few pictures from the parking lot below the Cathedral. When we have two sites, I like to drive between the two, just in case I get separated from the wedding party or put in a car with an out-of-towner. Getting lost could be devastating to the timing of the day! I usually ride up with the bride to assist her with the gown while she gets in and out of the vehicle, but you never know.
Next stop, The Patrick Henry Hotel...
Yes you read that correctly, The newly restored, Patrick Henry Hotel. Do they have a one-two punch of locations, or what? There must be someone involved who has really good taste... ;)
When I entered the hotel, I greeted the bride and set up my steamer to heat up. That takes about 20 mins, so I try to get there early, plug in, unpack, and get a few photos before my time officially starts. As I wandered the halls, a kind man with an interesting accent greeted me. He said, "Let me show you something. In the ballroom, there are chandeliers that cost $350,000.00 a piece when they were restored and installed 3 years ago." There were two of them! While I studied the chandeliers, I noticed a cake lady doing acrobatics on a chair. I came closer and introduced myself, taking pictures of her finishing touches.