The 2017 wedding season came to a close for me with such a sweet couple and a pretty amazing dog named Cody.  I really can’t say enough about Amanda, Alex AND Cody.  Their engagement session was just two months prior to the wedding date, so it was kind of a treat to have it fresh in our minds as the day began.  It made their Airlie Wedding Day a fantastic winter’s end to the wedding season.

Prior to me arriving, Amanda and Alex had their morning runs, a part of their regular triathlon training. What a GREAT way to start your wedding day!  I run around Airlie with some cool December breezes sounds like the most refreshing way to start your big day.

When my second shooter, Adrienne and I arrived, Amanda was having her make up applied by the talented Yisell Santos. It was such a sweet sight to see Amanda with her ladies and family surrounding her, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace and the excitement of the day ahead.

After photographing her perfectly intricate and coordinated details of the day, it was time for a stroll around Airlie for bridal portraits while her ladies finished prepping.  Amanda graces the property with such poise and joy!  There was a slight dusting of snow on the lake and the sun was glistening off the edges of the trees.  Before long, it was time for their first look.

Alex was thrilled to see his beautiful bride in the formal gardens.  The two shared a special moment and after a while, we embarked on a time for couples portraits. 

And guess who joined us near the end? CODY, of course!  I love their sweet wedding day family shots together.

And Amanda’s fur coat and stole added such warmth to her and to their photos!

After the group and family portraits on the infamous Spanish Steps, it was time to prepare for the ceremony inside of the Jefferson Room, which was decorated in lavish greens.

Alex had to wipe away the tears as Amanda came down the aisle and the two began a sweet ceremony leading up to their “I do”s and a cheers from those assembled as well as a special howling cheer from Cody at the end!

Then during cocktail hour, we just had to take advantage of the twinkle lights all around the formal gardens with some “Just Married” celebratory images.

How romantic is this???

It was getting a bit chilly, but you wouldn’t know it with how much these two were enjoying their time together!

The reception was held in Airlie’s Pavilion with heaters all around the patio, a cigar bar and other details to keep the guests cozy.  The lavish dessert bar from Gateau was also the perfect ending to a perfectly paired five course plated dinner form the catering staff at Airlie.

My favorite observation from the reception went beyond the details, the dancing and even the speeches.  It was so evident that Amanda and Alex have a deep love for each other, their family and friends.  They were so very welcoming, thankful and truly overjoyed to have their friends and family celebrating with them.  Even their favors were so thoughtfully chosen to also include doggie treats for everyone who has a fur baby waiting at home!

The day was just magical and one of the most lovely winter weddings I have seen, full of love, warmth and joy.  Thank you so much, Amanda and Alex for the honor of documenting your Big Day at Airlie!

So how did these two first meet?

Alex and Amanda have been dating for five years and had their first date in October 2012, after meeting on match.com. Much of Amanda’s evening was spent getting to know Alex’s friends and his adorable Border Collie, Cody, as the two joined Alex’s friends for a party and dinner. As the night went on and everyone parted ways, Amanda and Alex got some quality time together, spending several hours in the parking lot talking late into the night.

Amanda and Alex dated a lot after meeting and in just one month’s time, they made it “official”…they were dating exclusively. Many dates were spent showing off their cooking skills and getting to know each other’s friends. They discovered much they like to do together and as avid skiers and foodies, they took their first vacation together in February of 2013, visiting Breckenridge CO. The trip was an amazing experience that brought them even closer together. Over the next four years they would continue to travel and turn each trip into a culinary and adventurous experience. They bonded over their love for the outdoors, camping, hiking, river tubing, spending time with Cody and training for their triathlons.

They bought their first house together in December of 2016 in a quiet community in the heart of Arlington. Six months after settling into their new home, Alex proposed on the 2nd weekend of June. As Amanda likes to tease, it was “longworth” the wait…Alex’s last name is Longworth…which makes for their great wedding hashtag… #LongworthTheWait!

Alex proposed after open water swim practice at the National Harbor in Maryland. It was very early on a Sunday morning. He said he wanted to go to the end of the dock to take pictures.  They did and then suddenly, Alex got on one knee and proposed. It was a private moment between the two of them…right to the point, sweet and intimate…a great reflection of who they are as a couple.

Congratulations Amanda and Alex!!!

To see more Airlie weddings and engagement sessions, peruse HERE.

Thank you to these incredible wedding professionals who made their day so incredible!

Venue: Airlie

Floral Design: The Posey Detail

Dress: Maggie Sottero from Love Culture Bridal

Veil: Forever Veils on Etsy

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Earrings: EldorTinaJewelry on Etsy

Rings: Custom from Dominion Jewelers

Socks/Ties: The Tie Bar

Bridesmaid Dresses: White by Vera Wang Collection from David’s Bridal

Make Up: Yisell Santos

Hair:Yisell Santos, bridesmaids and Bride’s Hair by Piper Mahoney

Cake and Baked Goodies: Gateau

Cake Topper: Silhouetteweddings from Etsy

Catering: Airlie

DJ: Dream Day DJs

Invitation Suite: Minted

RSVPs: Wedding Paper Divas

Day of Coordination: Ana Varela

Officiant: Revrand Rob Vaughn

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Culpeper Wedding Photographer, Fredericksburg Wedding Photographer, Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer and a wedding photographer in the surrounding areas.