The end of June simply calls for a garden wedding. However, I’m not quite sure Natrisha and Damon were prepared for the intense heat and humidity that June 30th boasted. The sun was intense and the heat was no joke. But Meadowlark Botanical Gardens was a lush landscape of pure plant perfection! And these two managed to brave the heat because truly it was a minor obstacle when you consider the intensity and fierceness of their love.
Natrisha and Damon both started the day in the air conditioning…Damon at their house in Vienna and Natrisha at the Hyatt Regency Tysons. I photographed the details and the ladies’ preparations at the hotel while my second shooter, Adrianne, covered the guys. It’s safe to say that both were excited, nervous and ready for their first look long before it happened!
Damon and his men were such sophisticated gentlemen. They were helpful, hilarious and full of wonderful stories about Damon. Damon looked incredibly dapper and a bit nervous too…after all, he was about to see the woman of his dreams on their wedding day!
Natrisha was STUNNING in her gown! And those fresh blooms from Diamond Events (including a dahlia that lasted the whole day in the heat!) complimented her palette for the day perfectly. We kept bridal portraits to a minimum because it was HOT. No one wants a bride passing out before the nuptials. Natrisha and Damon shared the most incredible first look, and judging by Damon’s reaction, I am fairly certain that as they stood on that bridge, they completely forgot about the heat…at least for a moment or two.
After this incredible shared first look, we strolled around just a small portion of Meadowlark for portraits before heading back to the Atrium at Meadowlark.
The site hosted the group family photos and photos of the bridal party. In order to keep everyone from melting, we photographed them all inside with the exception of a full bridal party photo on the terrace. Friends, the heat was intense! We had to save the bulk of the outdoor time for the ceremony.
The terrace outside of the Atrium at Meadowlark was just like a garden hideaway straight out of a fairy tale! It was so beautiful and such a perfect backdrop for their vows.
The ceremony was absolutely gorgeous, genuine and filled with sentiments of faith, family and friends. Grandma even read a poem! It truly was a statement of their faith and their love for each other.
After the ceremony and a few more group photos, it was time for cocktail hour to end and the reception to begin. The Atrium at Meadowlark is a lovely ceremony space and it feels like you are outside, only with the convenience of the AC! The space was so beautifully decorated, thanks to Diamond Events. Their cupcake tower was even complete with a lego bride and groom…read on to find out why!!!
It all started with some grand entrances and then three very special shared dances. Natrisha and Damon danced and then later in the evening, Natrisha with her dad and then with her stepdad. It goes without saying that there were more than a few tears and lots of smiles and hugs.
After the dancing, the sun was setting and the heat subsided a bit. It was time for some golden hour photos. These two were so relaxed and ready to stroll around now that the heat index wasn’t over 100 degrees! They enjoyed a lovely sunset and some time on the bridge.
Natrisha and Damon are so sweet together and they rocked their golden hour portraits! They even had a little help from some friends with the veil (thanks friends!). It was truly a special time with photos to keep for a lifetime and beyond.
Natrisha’s dad, her brother and Damon’s best man all gave some very telling and sentimental speeches. I LOVE reception toasts/speeches because I love how much more I learn about the couple. Natrisha has been on more adventures than you can count and her love for teaching children with special needs permeates everything she does! Damon not only defends our country but is fiercely loyal to his loved ones and cherishes Natrisha’s family as his own…long before they said their vows.
I was blessed by witnessing their day and as I packed up to leave, I could hear the singing, laughing and see the dancing and celebrating continuing on through the rest of the evening. it is such a joy to leave knowing that the joyful celebration continued on.
Thank you Natrisha and Damon for trusting me with your big day and thank you to all the folks below who helped to make their day so very special! Keep scrolling to see more highlights from their Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding day AND to read all about their love and proposal story!
To view more Northern Virginia weddings and engagement sessions, peruse HERE.
Venue: The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Planning/Florals/Rentals: Diamond Events
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Tysons
Hair: The Dry Bar Tysons Corner
Make Up: DC Elite Image
Catering: Great Blue Heron Catering
DJ: Finest Sounds Entertainment
Wedding Gown: Katherine’s Bridal Boutique
Reception Shoes: Toms
Bridesmaid Dresses: Wtoo
Bakery: RandiCakes
Invitation Suite: Vistaprint
Officiant: Drew Ensz
Damon and I met on e-harmony seven years ago. He was the last date I made before I was ready to call it quits from online dating. I actually almost debated canceling on him! We met at a sushi restaurant, and I immediately regretted not taking more time on my hair and makeup! Damon and I had a great conversation, and when dinner ended it began to pour down rain. I walked to the restaurant so Damon offered to drive me home. It was then I knew that he was my guy. He opened the car door for me and waited outside my apartment until I was able to get inside.
Over the past seven years we have shared our ups and downs. He is an introvert and am I am somewhere in-between. Through anything we have walked through, Damon has stood by my side, showing the most patience and compassion I have ever witnessed in another human. I am so lucky we get to spend a lifetime together!
A couple of years into our relationship, Damon knew he was ready to get married. I required a bit more time to work on myself. When I was ready, I was so eager to marry him. And when I want something, I go all in and I get really excited about it! I even searched his apartment looking for a ring. On the day he proposed, Damon took me for a hike in Rock Creek Park and popped the question. Later, I disclosed that I searched the apartment looking for the ring! I found out that he had the ring hidden in an old set of legos for THREE years. Once again I can not believe how patient and caring he has been! We will be having cupcakes for dessert and our cupcake topper is a lego wife and groom!
Check out the Ten Wedding Day Essentials you may not have considered yet for your wedding day!
Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, BaltimoreWedding Photographer and Maryland Wedding Photographer. She is also a Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Arizona Wedding Photographer and a Destination Wedding Photographer!