Lauren and Justin have been planning their wedding from a distance this past year. Not being close to Rixey Manor makes that a challenging feat at times. But through it all, their vision for the day remained true and they came together with family and friends on a perfect day with absolutely perfect weather! Any Charlottesville Wedding Photographer would be thrilled to have this kind of weather on the Big Day and I am no exception!
Lauren and Justin were neighbors senior year of college when one of his roommates (a close friend of Lauren’s) introduced them. Justin asked her to join him at an ROTC dinner and thus began a year of a beautiful friendship. Justin made his feelings for her known and Lauren hesitated. But after graduating college, they went their separate ways and she realized that something wasn’t right. She told him how she felt and they made plans to see each other that summer and that began the start of their new journey!
That journey included tying the knot this past year in California for some very sweet reasons. The planning for the ceremony and reception for friends and family here in Virginia began with Rixey Manor. After I chatted with Lauren and Justin, we planned their engagement session from a distance and I had a wonderful time meeting them in the Manassas Battlefield Park for their Fall engagement session last year.
It was such a joy to see their vision and plans come together. Beginning with the details and the invitation suite, Lauren’s color palette reflected the season perfectly.
Lauren opted for a small bridal party. Her sister was the Maid of Honor. Stephanie helped Lauren prepare for the day with tender precision!
Lauren’s bridal portraits outside at Rixey were the perfect picture of the beginning of Summer’s lush greens. Her stunning Watters gown paired perfectly with her fresh blooms from Good Earth Flowers.
We made our way around the grounds and Lauren was happy and ready to meet her groom!
The Men also enjoyed each other’s company as they prepared for Justin to meet his bride. And how about this adorable ring bearer?!
Justin was handsome in his flawless uniform. He was more than ready to see Lauren. After portraits with his men, it was time!
I love a first look between the bride and groom! Lauren and Justin enjoyed a special time together, just the two of them, full of such sweet joy.
After this incredible moment together, it was time for their romantic portraits on the grounds of Rixey Manor.
What a perfect day for portraits together! These two graced the grounds of the estate with the perfect weather…sunny and mild, pleasant and glorious.
The ceremony site was so beautifully decorated, thanks to Good Earth Flowers. The arbor was covered in fresh and hearty blooms!
Lauren and Justin’s dog, Benji also joined in the celebration looking as handsome as ever!
The ceremony was lovely with genuine vows and real glimpses into their love for one another and their treasured memories.
After that ceremonial kiss, it was time for some group portraits!
While the guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Lauren and Justin enjoyed some portraits with their bridal party and family.
Stephanie bustled Lauren’s dress and then it was time for their big entrance!
The reception was so perfectly decorated and captured their vision. I especially loved the coasters with Rixey Manor as favors for the guests.
Lauren and Justin began the reception with a welcoming first dance together as husband and wife. Then it was time for golden hour portraits together!
We had a lovely and mild golden hour and Lauren and Justin made it extra spectacular!
The reception continued on with some special dances (Lauren and her dad and Justin and his mom) as well as a moving toast from the Best Man. His tribute to these two and their character was a treasured contribution to their special day.
Lauren and Justin enjoyed cutting the cake and feeding each other, and a sparkler mock “exit” and dancing the night away inside the ballroom! It was a full, love-filled day and I was so honored to capture it!
Congratulations Lauren and Justin! Thank you for trusting me with your perfect wedding day!
Keep scrolling to see more highlights from their day! Thank you to these incredible wedding professionals who helped to make this day so special for Lauren and Justin:
Venue: Rixey Manor
Florals: Good Earth Flowers
Hair and Make Up: Sara Dodson
Wedding Gown: Watters
Wedding Boutique: Nordstrom
Shoes: Pelle Moda
Jewelry: BHLDN
Earrings: Avigail Adam
Camera Rentals: Instant Camera Rental
Groomsmen Gifts: Bottle Breacher
Rings: Blue Nile
Caterer: Grandale
Cake Artist: Gateau
Invitation Suite: Minted
Reception Decor and Furniture: Bride and Joy
Tent and Linens: Sammy’s Rentals
China and flatware: Select Event Group
Ceremony Guitarist: Ben Sherman
Officiant: Father Kevin Walsh
To see more Rixey Manor weddings and engagement sessions, peruse HERE.
Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Baltimore Wedding Photographer and Maryland Wedding Photographer. She is also a Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Arizona Wedding Photographer and a Destination Wedding Photographer!