Chelsea and Mike’s Great Marsh Estate wedding has been a long time in the works! When their original 2020 wasn’t going to happen due to the government’s shut down of weddings with over 25 guests, they had to postpone their Big Day to 2021. But they were still able to have the most intimate and perfect anthropology inspired “micro” wedding at The Barn at Willowbrook, which was also featured on NBC4 and The Knot. But we’ve all been looking forward to the day when they could celebrate with their full guest list of family and friends.
The day finally arrived and I began by photographing details after getting to greet Chelsea and her family again (and meeting all her bridesmaids!).
Their wedding day details were soft and lovely. Chelsea’s blush and champaign tones paired perfectly with Mike’s seafoam/sage green tie.
I love how Mike’s details also included his yarmuke and cuff links as well.
And how about those gorgeous florals? Chelsea then finished her final preparations for the day with the help of her sister and mother.
Chelsea looked both soft and stunning in the Great Marsh Estate bridal suite.
What a beautiful day it was too, with sunlight streaming through the window.
Chelsea practiced holding her bouquet and also shared some moments with her sweet niece, who also happened to be the flower girl. Soon, it was time to head down the grand staircase and outside for some bridal portraits outside on the grounds of the Great Marsh Estate.
Meanwhile, Mike was preparing for his dad with Chelsea. He also read a special letter from Chelsea.
Mike finished his final preparations on the back veranda with the addition of his cuff links and straightening of his tie and jacket.
He also had a special moment with his mother and father.
And then it was time for some portraits of the groom.
After Mike’s GQ style portrait session, he was joined by his ever encouraging groomsmen!
While the men were spending time together with my second shooter, Chelsea was looking radiant as we photographed in the warm breeze.
By now, Chelsea knew what to do with little instruction after her engagement session with me as well as her 2020 microwedding!
Chelsea looked right at home at this luxury Virginia wedding venue!
The ladies then accompanied us to the back veranda for portraits of Chelsea with her bridesmaids.
These lovely ladies brought so much joy and laughter to the day!
Soon it was time for Chelsea and Mike’s first look!
Needless to say, Mike was a bit overwhelmed!
It was such a special moment AGAIN!
And while they were celebrating their Big Day with family and friends, it was also a first anniversary memory they won’t soon forget!
For couples’ portraits, we moved to the front of the Great Marsh Estate manor house and then down the tree lined drive.
This walkway may be one of my favorite spots at Great Marsh, as well as Chelsea’s. We also ventured toward the trees in the open field.
How lovely of a day with this incredible couple!
And while the sun went in and out a bit, they took it in stride and we made sure to enjoy the shady spots too!
We then made our way back around to the back veranda and the ceremony location.
Everything was almost set up and ready to go.
We then returned to the front of the manor to meet up with family for small group family portraits as well as bridal party portraits.
Oh how I love photographing large groups like this! It was so much fun and they were such a great group to direct.
In fact, they followed directions quickly and joyfully!
THIS is the kind of bridal party you’d want on your wedding day!
After signing their kebuta, it was time to tuck away before the ceremony. While Chelsea and Mike were out of sight, we photographed the ceremony sight.
There were little clouds that dotted the sky and the chuppah was donned with greenery and florals.
Soon it was time for the guests to be seated and the ceremony to begin.
Chelsea was escorted down the aisle by her mother and brother and Mike was ready to say “I do” too his bride under the chuppah.
What an incredible backdrop for their ceremony!
You couldn’t even tell this wasn’t the first time they said “I do.” It was just as full of love and excitement as last year.
Chelsea and Mike’s parents prayed over them and at the end of the ceremony, Mike broke the glass to seal the covenant of marriage!
Then they shared a kiss before the recessional!
Once cocktail hour began, we made our way to the Stable to photograph the reception set up, which was full of greenery and candlelight.
Some dahlias and pink pressed glass accented the tables and the room was ready to welcome the guests.
Chelsea and Mike made their grand entrance into the reception hall and right into their first dance!
They also cut their cake immediately following dinner so their guest could enjoy it during the toasts.
The toasts were wonderful! Chelsea’s mom began, followed by Mike’s parents. It was evident to all how much they love their children and also love them being married to one another.
It was a beautiful celebration of family!
Chelsea’s sister and Mike’s brothers also gave toasts to the bride and groom. What a joyful continuation of the celebration!
And you can guess what happened next…
But then it was time to capture some golden hour portraits before the sun set on this gorgeous day.
The air was miild and warm and Chelsea and Mike were so happy and settled into their evening with joy!
How about this incredible golden hour?!
What an incredible day! I am so honored to have served these two on three occasions now! It has been such a joy to photograph them. Congratulations AGAIN Chelsea and Mike!
Thank you!
Thank you to these wonderful wedding professionals who provided excellent service to help make their day so special. And keep scrolling for more highlights from their Big Day at the Great Marsh Estate!
Venue: Great Marsh Estate | Photography: Lieb Photographic | Planning, Reception Decor and Florals: Dragonfly Events and Design | Catering: Serendipity Catering | Invitation Suite: Sprites Ink Calligraphy | Wedding Boutique and Gown: Modern Trousseau | Bridesmaid Dresses and Men’s Ties: Azazie | Make Up: Glam Bridal Beauty and Lauren Abagale Bridal | Hair: Les Bourgeois | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Groom’s Suit: Suit Supply | Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan | Transportation: Fleet Transportation | Favors: DC Setiquette | String Quartet: Atoka String Quartet | Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Alcohol Provider: Maple Lawn Wine Spirits
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.
