I always love a Rixey Manor wedding and you know it will be a special one when the bride and groom are friends of the owners. AND when the bride’s horse lives there. So when Isadora (co-owner, Rixey Manor) collaborates with the florist (Tammy of Good Earth Flowers) and the groom to surprise the bride with a beautiful floral wreath for the horse’s mane as a part of the first look…well, it’s bound to be magical. And, yes, the horse’s name is Magic. So here we have all the makings of a storybook wedding.

Alyssa and Ben first met when Alyssa was in her first year of pharmaceutical school and Alyssa fell for his quiet confidence, sense of humor and his pretty blue car right away. Ben made frequent trips on the weekends to spend time with her and he was happy just to spend time with her while she studied, waiting patiently until the evening when she was done. Alyssa loved the support he showed her as she was finishing her schooling and the two grew together over the next four years in their love. they visited family together and experienced many adventures during this time.

Ben claims to not be the most overtly romantic man in the world with grand gestures, but rather his love for Alyssa is expressed in both subtle and sweet ways daily…he would also occasionally leave her sticky “love” notes around her apartment and of course, she has saved them all.

One day, they realized they both wanted a puppy. They found the perfect Australian Shepherd and named him Remy. Ben secretly picked up Remy a day ahead of schedule and convinced Alyssa to meet him for lunch at noon that day. When she arrived at his house, he was waiting in the backyard with Remy. Alyssa was so surprised that she almost didn’t notice Remy’s collar to which was attached a perfect oval diamond solitaire engagement ring and the puppy’s tag which read, “Will you marry us?”

She said, “yes!” They both were beside themselves with joy. Alyssa even asked him after he asked her, “Is this real life?” She could hardly believe she was going to marry her Prince Charming.

I can say firsthand that Alyssa and Ben are an incredible couple with a sweet relationship and a love for friends and family. And the day was not without happy tears and sweet sentiments. Alyssa’s mom also gave her a heart shaped locket inscribed “Love, Daddy” as a reminder of her late father’s love. She carried it with her bouquet and kept it close at the reception.

Alyssa and Ben’s first look was not without tears as well. Despite an overcast day with looming rain (which managed to stay to a fine mist most of the day), there was no gloominess here…only tears of joy as Alyssa saw her groom and her horse waiting for her. Ben was overwhelmed with his beautiful bride and all nervousness was soothed by their time together. So when it came time to walk down the aisle, both bride and groom with excited and full of joy.

Alyssa was stunning in her gorgeous dress, so very classically beautiful with an altered neckline to suite her style. Ben was a dapper groom and the wedding party was fun and supportive. The reception and the entire rest of the evening was unforgettable.

I am so so very honored to have been trusted with the wedding day of this incredible couple. I am so excited to share these images with you! Congratulations Alyssa and Ben!

These are the cool cats who helped make Alyssa and Ben’s Day so special:

Venue: Rixey Manor

Florals: Good Earth Flowers

DJ: Double J Entertainment with Jon James

Wedding Gown: Allure Bridals from Bridal Elegance

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Rings: Diamond Concepts

Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse, and Express

Ties: Macy’s

Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo

Hair and Make Up: A Vanity Affair with Sara Dodson

Officiant: Mary Sullivan

Caterer: Clearwater Grill

Cupcakes: Sweet Reasons

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Favors: Party City and Wedding Paper Divas

Reception Decor: Bride’s Mother

Second Shooting: Rachel Patterson

To see more Charlottesville Wedding Venues, click HERE.

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Culpeper Wedding Photographer, Fredericksburg Wedding Photographer, Alexandria Wedding Photographer, Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, High Country Wedding Photographer and a wedding photographer in the surrounding areas.