Mel and Aaron know how to host a party! The sun, colors, crowd, and dance floor were all bright and lively, echoing this fun-loving groups’ vibe. Mel told me at their engagement session that she and Aaron (high school sweethearts) planned to be wed on the anniversary of their dating. It was the perfect anniversary for the anniversaries to come!  

We had another hot and steamy Virginia day here at the beautiful Morais Vineyards. We met Mel, her mother, mother-in-law, and the lovely ladies of the bridal party at the beautiful Bridal Suite here at Morais. The ladies began by enhancing their beauty with Hair and Make Up Artists Priscilla M Beauty  and Sarah Elaine Artistry. These longtime friends and family were having a perfect party in their matching robes of blush. After the (already lovely) ladies were dressed, pretty in pink, complements of Azazie Official. The beautiful bride had a surprise for her anxiously awaiting friends. She hadn’t yet revealed her Essense of Australia gown! A surprise not often saved. Gorgeous Mel was breathtaking in her off-shoulder gown of lace and sequins. What a wonderful gift to the women in that room!

The groomsmen were having a party of their own in the Groom’s Suite. Aaron was the epitome of gentleman. This group is such an intimate array of friends who are more like family, many of the friends dating back to childhood. They even braved the August heat in their suits of gray and coral (thanks to Men’s Wearhouse) for a few portraits outside. 

After portraits of both parties separately (Mel opted for no first look, which had a magnificent payoff) it was time to tie the knot. A more beautiful backdrop could not be laid. The white Crepe Myrtles in full bloom rained petals down on the wedding party as they made their way to the Pergola at Morais. The stunning bride brought tears to the eyes of her groom as she was escorted by her father and mother down the long, lovely, white floral lined walk to the altar. 

Sealing their vows and promises to one another with a kiss, the adorable couple was whisked away for a brief respite from the heat in Morais’ cellar. Cool, calm, and finally together, the couple caught up on the day’s events. Having been separate until their ceremony, it was lovely to observe the high school sweethearts, now husband and wife connect in a private moment.  

The ever-attentive Gretchen with Dragonfly Events & Design kept everything running smoothly and on schedule. Delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails from Main Event Caterers kept guests busy during cocktail hour. We gathered family and wedding party for more portraits in the lovely landscapes Morais has to offer. After the couple’s brief break, signature cocktails of Espresso Martini for Aaron and June-bug Margarita (named for Mel’s cat) for Mel in tow, we sprawled the grounds from the vines to the atrium.  

Northern Virginia Floral Company did an amazing job enhancing the beauty of the (already) beautiful ballroom. After entrances, welcoming, toasts, first dance, and a blessing, dinner was served. Main Event Caterers once again providing delectable offerings to the guests while the bride and groom were able to slip away for some quick (but well worth it) shots during golden hour. The landscaped garden and fountain in front of the Palacio provide the perfect backdrop during golden hour and are some of my favorite shots take.  

With the final portraits checked off the list and a (much needed and deserved) quiet, private, dinner for the bride and groom in the Bar. It was time for Level Up Entertainment to bring the heat to the dance floor. This is where the party really came to life! This is, as I’ve mentioned, a fun-loving group, with a bright energy, and did they ever light up the dance floor. Friends, family, and guests gathered around the bride and groom for some serious fun. The bride, groom and mother of the groom were hoisted in chairs above the heads of the guests. The bride and the friends from her bachelorette party performed a special Spice Girls dance. The young, vibrant, energy that Mel exuded throughout the day, that her friends spoke of in their toasts, reverberated through her husband and guests on the dance floor. Seriously, such a fun night! 

It is always a pleasure to serve my clients and I am always rejuvenated by the energy each individual couple brings. Always something new, always something interesting, and always so much FUN! Congratulations and thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Silver for choosing ME to capture the images of your special day! 

THANK YOU!

Also, a thank you to these wonderful vendors, without them weddings would be woefully mundane:
Photographer: Lieb Photographic | Venue: Morais Vineyards | Planning: : Dragonfly Events & Design | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | DJ – Level Up Entertainment | Florals: Northern Virginia Floral Company | Wedding Gown Designer: Essense of Australia | Videographer: Danny Freshly Photos | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie Official | Hair and Make Up Artist: Priscilla M Beauty | Make Up Artist: Sarah Elaine Artistry | Catering: Main Event Caterers | Cake Artist/Baker: The Last Crumb of Cake | Invitation Suite: The Knot Invitations

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.