My last wedding of October just happens to be a Cinderella wedding at our local fairytale “castle.”  Rixey Manor played host to this emotional and joy-filled wedding complete with the most lovely, real life princess and dapper groom. When I say princess, I definitely don’t mean the spoiled rotten step-sister type, but rather the quietly elegant, gracious type.  Emily was the epitome of a modern day Cinderella with an Audrey Hepburn charm.  And the fact that her reception tables each donned a Cinderella styled centerpiece certainly added to the story.  We even staged a fun running away with the shoe left behind image on the steps of the manor!

My time at the Manor began photographing some of the sweetest details in the “blue” room (at least that’s what I call it!)…which is normally occupied.  Isadora (Rixey’s hostess, coordinator and co-owner) had thought to make sure the room was just perfect should we chose to use it since the bride had chosen blue hues for her decor.  It was just perfect!  Then watching Emily with her bridesmaids and mother prepare for the day was just precious.  After a tearful first look with her dad ( all the heart eyes!), we enjoyed strolling the grounds for some bridal portraits.  Emily’s bouquet from Good Earth was simply the perfect size and floral choices for her.  She was radiant and carried it with joy.

One of my favorite parts of the day truly was the ceremony.  It was so much fun for me to look back at my second shooter’s (Adrianne) photos of Sam when he first saw her (I had my lens fixed on the bride!)…Emily looked more than eager to see her groom as she walked down the aisle on her father’s arm.  During the ceremony, Emily and Sam blended two vials of colored glass which will later be forged into a glass piece for their home.  Kristen and Alex did this at their ceremony in August and it quickly became my new favorite tradition!

Their ceremony was filled with their very real faith, love and dedication.  Afterwards, we enjoyed some photos in front of the manor and then their romantic portraits together as well as bridal party photos…some of which included throwing leaves into the air in celebration.  Another favorite moment for me during the day was watching Emily tear up after I prompted Sam with a question to ask Emily…her reaction was so priceless and it was so evident that they share a real and abiding love!

The reception first dance was equally as lovely and the sparkler exit was just as fun as ever.  And the two drove off in their red sports car pumpkin carriage as they had a marvelous French Polynesian honeymoon planned…which sounds like the perfect next step in their happily ever after.

So how did this sweet princess meet her Prince Charming?  Let her tell you in her own words.  I loved hearing her tell the story when we first met.

“I had first seen Sam at church and wanted a chance to meet him. That chance came when my Sunday school class teachers were hosting a bonfire at their house. I then asked the teacher to invite Sam. We never actually spoke to each other that evening. It wasn’t until two days later when he requested to be my friend on facebook and sent me a message. He asked if we could hang out and get to know each other. That Saturday was our first date and we went to Nandos. We both had a great time and we never looked back!”

And how did he propose?

“Sam and I had made a date to go to the Walk of Lights, at the Meadowlark Gardens. We walked around the pond to the gazebo. We were talking about our Christmas gifts to one another. As we sat down, Sam said he would out-give me this year, but ‘only if I accept this.’ He then got down on one knee and pulled a Tiffany box out of his pocket. Then he asked if I would marry him. Of course I said yes!!!!”

Ahh, how sweet and perfect!!! Congratulations Emily and Sam!  Thank you so much for the honor of witnessing and recording your big day.  It was such a joy to meet your family and friends and watch you start your married life together.  What a blessing!

Thank you to these amazing folks who helped to make their day so very special!

Florals: Good Earth Flowers

Catering: A Taste of Elegance

Cupcakes and Cake: Sweet Reasons

Hair and Make Up: Dare 2 Dream

Wedding & Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Engagement Ring: Tiffany Legacy

Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse

Videography: KBP Photography

Invitations: Exclusively Weddings

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Culpeper Wedding Photographer, Fredericksburg Wedding Photographer, Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding Photographer and a wedding photographer in the surrounding areas.