This wedding was a HOT one! Despite the heat, and the need to pivot from their original outdoor plans to an indoor ceremony, everything was PERFECT! Esme with Boda Maestra ensured everything went forth without a hitch. From the florals (also Boda Maestra) to the food provided by Pampas Fox Catering, the Onyx band with Washington Talent, and the choreographed first dance (performed to perfection I might add), everything was flawless! Elyssa and Christian’s beautiful dusty blue hues and whites of their wedding were the perfect complimentary colors to the enchanting grounds of Morais Vineyards. We photographed from the Bridal Suite to the balcony and nearly everywhere in between (including the vines)!

The temps were high, but everyone was cool, calm, and collected in the Cottage Bridal Suite at the gorgeous grounds of Morais Vineyards. The Cottage Bridal Suite is a lovely and conducive spot for receiving hair and makeup services from Makeup by Ana B. The ladies were having a grand time getting ready for Elyssa and Christian’s grand moment. We began our shoot in front of the fireplace of the suite with the lovely ladies relaxed in their beautiful blue matching robes. Elyssa’s radiant smile shining through the entire process.

The gentlemen gathered in the Groom’s Suite preparing for the big day. Laughter and chatter abound as the men dressed in their finest from Vera Wang and Men’s Warehouse. Ever dapper and charming they posed compliantly for the photos that would take place in the Suite as well as sprawling grounds. 

From the first look to the first kiss as husband and wife, I’m reminded of their engagement session from Old Town Alexandria last year and how they kept referring to each other as “their person”. The truth of this statement couldn’t be more evident as they moved together throughout the day. Always mindful of how the other is feeling, asking what each other wants, complimenting one another every step of the way. 

A stunning ceremony site serenaded by strings from Washington Talent did not disappoint as Esme of Boda Maestra transformed the Ballroom to resemble an indoor garden with flowing floral arches and arrangements also from Boda Maestra. Uncle Pete (?) performed a perfectly personal ceremony concluding with a kiss and the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Leckert! 

An exceptional day (and night) concluded with an exceptional sendoff of glow wands and departure of the lovely couple in a classic white Rolls Royce from Vintage Limos. Pure class and perfection! Congratulations and best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Leckert! 

With all hands-on deck a swift turnaround once again transformed the Ballroom from ceremony to reception.  Meanwhile, Elyssa and Christian were whisked away by horse and carriage courtesy of Harmon’s Carriages, for more photos throughout the sprawling grounds. Their guests relaxed in the bar while enjoying cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres from the ever delectable and delicious Pampas Fox Catering.  

After dinner and Golden Hour photos through the vines and in front of the picturesque Palacio of Morias it was time for toasts, cake from Gateau Bakery VA, and heating up the dancefloor (the only place we wanted the heat that day). The amazing, energizing, Onyx Band from Washington Talent got everyone moving, grooving, and continuing the fun! 

Congratulations to Elyssa and Christian!

Thank you to these incredible wedding professionals for helping to make their day so incredible. Keep scrolling for highlights from Elyssa and Christian’s Morais Vineyards wedding day!

Photographer: Lieb Photographic |Venue: Morais Vineyards |  Planning: Boda Maestra | Florals: Boda Maestra | Catering: Pampas Fox Catering | Videography: Iron and Ivy Films | Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie Official | Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Ana B | Cake Artist: Gateau Bakery VA | Invitation Suite: Minted Weddings | Band: The Onyx Band with Washington Talent | Bridal Boutique: Elegance by Roya| Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Dimonz | Menswear: Vera Wang Gang and Men’s Wearhouse | Photobooth: Hot Pink Photobooth | Horse Drawn Carriage: Harmon’s Carriages | Transportation: Vintage Limos and Lake Manassas Limousine

Michelle with Lieb Photographic is a Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer, a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer and photographs destination throughout the United States. To see more weddings and engagement sessions at Virginia winery wedding venues like Morais Vineayrds, view the Morais Vineyards Weddings 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.