I first met Tia and Michael in person at their incredible Skyline Drive engagement session. What a session it was…we encountered so many weather conditions including rain, sun and a rainbow! From the engagement session to the wedding day, Tia and Michael have been a joy to serve and they planned a wedding day with the most perfect weather in mid September.

When I arrived at Rixey Manor, Tia and her bridal party were preparing with hair and makeup in the bridal suite while Michael and his groomsmen were enjoying time in and around the groom’s cottage. After photographing the wedding day details and some incredibly gorgeous portraits of Tia, I also documented time with Tia, her bridesmaids and family. And my lovely second shooter, Brooke recorded Michael and his groomsmen and family getting ready as well.

Michael and Tia chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony and they were clearly happy to finally see one another and tie the knot! They were wed in front of the manor that was decorated with beautiful blooms of pinks, white, greens and more, thanks to J Morris Flowers. After the ceremony, everyone posed for a big group portrait outside the manor before heading to cocktail hour. During this time, we photographed family and wedding party portraits and then took time for some romantic portraits of just Tia and Michael.

The tented reception space behind the manor had the perfect view of the edge of the Blue Ridge mountains. It was the ideal setting for a warm and welcoming reception that begin with their first dance, special parent dances and some revealing toasts by the maid of honor, best man, mother of the groom and father of the bride.

We then snuck out for golden hour portraits right after and WOW! What a gorgeous golden hour it was! We utilized the fields, the swing and the view from the rooftop terrace for some epic golden hour portraits. Then just as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, we then returned to the reception where dinner was followed by dancing the night away. “I’m the DJ” kept the energy up as everyone enjoyed the ensuing party on the dance floor. At the end of the evening, they exited the manor to a traditional sparkler exit.

It was such an honor to witness this day and to document this chapter of their love story. Thank you Tia and Michael for the honor of serving you.

Congratulations and thank you!

Thank you to these wonderful wedding professionals who helped to make Tia and Micheal’s wedding day so special. Be sure to follow them on social media as well!

Photography: @liebphotographic | Venue: @rixeymanor | Florist: @jmorrisflowers | DJ: @imthedj_va | Bridal Boutique: @whiteswanbridalboutique | Bridesmaid Dresses: @birdygrey | Caterer: @classiccateringevents | Cake Artist: @gateauva | Stationery Suite: @theknot | Tent and Reception Decor: Sammy’s Rentals | Officiant: @sayyesvirginia | After Party: @thesangriabowl

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer. She is also a Washington DC Wedding Photographer and a Film Photographer serving couples with weddings in all destinations.