I first met Carolynne and Mitchell at their Airlie engagement session last Fall. They brought Klondike, who might possibly be the cutest Australian Shepherd ever. So I was thrilled when they said that he would also be a part of their wedding day. And what a day it was! The weather was perfect, and when we arrived, Carolynne and her bridal party were preparing with hair and makeup while the groom and his groomsmen were enjoying time around the bar and pool table in the groom’s suite.

Carolynne and her father shared an emotional first look, which left Carolynne in tears, after which her bridesmaids helped “repair” some of her make up. But it was so worth the moment! During Carolynne and Mitch’s first look, they also had no dry eyes, even as they read their private vows to one another. And throughout their couples’ portraits, wedding party portraits, and family formals, they enjoyed many a smiling moment and sweet glances, hugs, spins, and kisses. Carolynne was stunning in her Alyssa Monique Bridal gown and Mitchell was an equally dapper groom. The wedding party and family were so warm and welcoming and were so happy to see these two tie the knot.

They were wed in the South Courtyard, that was decorated with beautiful blooms of pinks, yellows, greens and more, thanks to Good Earth Flowers. After a kiss to finalize the ceremony, Carolynne and Mitch were officially married and walked hand in hand back down the aisle together. The fromt steps of the Georgian-style mansion provided the perfect backdrop for their family formals and some newlywed portraits as well.

The “stable” was the ideal setting for a warm, candle-lit reception. The place settings and florals mirrored the decor that guests enjoyed during cocktail hour. After Carolynne and Mitch were introduced, welcomed their guests and danced their first dance, dinner from Serendipity Catering was served.

We snuck out for golden hour portraits up at the manor and wow! What a gorgeous golden hour it was! We then returned to the reception where toasts were enjoyed from Carolynne’s maid of honor and Mitch’s best man, as well as both fathers.

Then, Carolynne and her father danced and Mitch and his mother danced, followed by a fun little cake cutting and the opening of the dance floor. This included everyone’s favorite moment…grandma dancing at over 100 years old! “I’m the DJ” kept the energy up as everyone enjoyed the ensuing party on the dance floor.

All day and night Carolynne and Mitch were a joy to watch. It was such an honor to witness this day and to document such an important beginning as husband and wife. Thank you Carolynne and Mitchell for the honor of serving you. And thank you to the following wedding professionals who helped make their day so special. Check them out on social media and keep scrolling for some visual highlights from their Big Day.

Venue: @great.marsh | Photography: @liebphotographic | Videographer: @ironandivyfilms | Catering: @serendipitycateringva | DJ + Photobooth: @imthedj_va | Cake and Desserts: @signaturesweetsbyamanda | Hair and Makeup: @makeupbyivett | Transportation: @chariotsforhire | Ice Cream Truck: @moothru | Good Earth Flowers and Events: @goodearthflowers | Bridal Boutique: @thebridalroomva | Wedding Gown: @alyssamoniquebridal | Veil: @thebridalroomva | Bridal Shoes: @badgleymischka | Bridesmaid Dress: @birdygrey | Invitation Suite: @minted | Planner: @weddingmuse

Michelle with Lieb Photographic is a Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer, a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer and photographs destinations worldwide. To see more weddings and engagement sessions at the Great Marsh Estate, view the Great Marsh Estate Venue page.

If you’d like to explore some of my favorite wedding venues in the Virginia and Washington D.C. areas, view the Wedding Venues page.