It was no easy feat for Brianna and Hunter to plan their St. Bride’s Farm wedding day while living in California. But with the help of family, friends, and their team of wedding professionals, it all came together! It was just the perfect black tie wedding on the most unique property. St. Bride’s Farm is home to the largest private collection of contemporary artist sculptures in the United States. It is also a 350-acre horse farm, which makes for plenty of space to host an incredible wedding day for your family and friends.
When I first met Brianna and Hunter for the Old Town Alexandria engagement session, I knew their wedding day was going to be wonderful. They are the kind of couple you truly enjoy being around. Brianna’s attention to detail and Hunter’s enthusiasm about the wedding planning was sure to make their day elegant, joyful and fun. And they were truly such thoughtful hosts for al of their guests.
From the monogrammed Mrs. Boxes to the ribbon-wrapped invitation suite, Brianna and Hunter’s wedding day details set the tone for the day’s events. And as they prepared for their first, look, Brianna donned the most exquisite Suzanne Neville gown!
St. Bride’s Farm made for the most perfect backdrop for an early October wedding and Brianna walked the grounds with such poise and elegance…truly a modern Grace Kelly bride.
Brianna shared a first look with her father that was incredibly sweet and with those Fall leaves behind them.
After portraits with her family, we also photographed Brianna enjoying some time with her lovely bridesmaids.
Meanwhile, Hunter was also preparing for the day with his immediate family and his groomsmen.
He donned a deep blue suit and enjoyed his time getting ready for his first look with Brianna.
Then it was time for Hunter and Brianna to see each other for the first time that day! It was such a sweet first look and they immediately followed it with a hug, kiss and wide smiles!
After their first look, they posed for couples’ portraits in front of the Georgian-style manor, built in 1916 and designed by Nathan C. Wyeth, architect of the Oval Office and the West Wing of the White House.
We then enjoyed the Fall scenery on the grounds of the property, while photographing these two together!
I don’t know many couples who have wedding photos beside a Henry Moore sculpture, but Brianna and Hunter do!
They also enjoyed the front side of the manor, more sculptures and the boxwood paths.
And how about that lovely bouquet from Design in Bloom?!
And while it didn’t rain until later in the reception (yay!), they still kissed under the umbrellas!
I photographed Brianna and Hunter with their families, who all wore shades of blue as well!
And of course, with their wedding party!
When it was time for their ceremony, the guests were seated in front of this gorgeous, sturdy Oak.
As Brianna was escorted by her adoring father, the ceremony was about to begin.
Hunter was thrilled to see his bride walk down the “aisle.”
It was a wonderful ceremony and even with the sky getting darker, the rain stayed away and they said “I Do” under the shade of this magnificent tree.
After they sealed it with a kiss, Brianna and Hunter were married! They walked back down the aisle and kissed again for good measure.
Then all the guests gathered in front of the manor for a confetti style congratulations.
Brianna and Hunter also snuck in a few more portraits before the sky became dark.
And although we didn’t get a sun drenched golden hour, the view overlooking the rolling hills and those sculptures of sheep in the distance was pretty charming.
And the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains was lovely as well.
Brianna and Hunter enjoyed their cocktail hour while the last bit of preparations were put into place under the reception tent.
The details in the tent were lovely and demonstrated the same attention to detail that defines Brianna and Hunter’s style.
Their sweetheart table was intimate and lovely as well.
As the candles were lit and the first drops of rain began to fall, the guests were invited inside.
Brianna and Hunter made their grand entrance and had their first dance.
The evening was filled with dancing, eating and toasts. Oh how I enjoy the toasts! It always gives me such fun insight into more of who my couples are together and individually. And these did not disappoint!
And of course, my other favorite…the parent dances! Brianna danced with her father and it produced several tears.
And when Hunter danced with his mother, there was little time for tears because they were far too entertaining together!
Hunter and Brianna thanked their guests for coming and they danced the night away!
And they enjoyed a romantic sparkler send off!
It was such a wonderful wedding day and I am so honored to have photographed it! Thank you so much for trusting me with your Big Day and congratulations Brianna and Hunter!
Thank you!
Keep scrolling to see more highlights from their wedding day and thank you to these incredible wedding professionals for helping to make Melissa and John’s wedding day so very special!
Venue: St. Bride’s Farm | Photography: Lieb Photographic | Catering and coordination: Simply Fresh Events | Floral Design: Design in Bloom | Wedding Gown: Suzanne Neville | Bridal Boutique: Zoya’s Atelier | Hair and Make Up Artist: Priscilla M. Beauty | Engagement Ring: La Bijouterie Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry | Menswear: The Black Tux | DJ: DJ David Grimm | String Quartet: Two Rivers Chambers Music | Dessert: The Sweet Elephant Bake Shop | Wedding Favors: Spring Valley Apple Butter | Stationery: Shine | Groom’s Wedding Band: Blue Nile | Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box | Bride’s Wedding Band: Ferkos Fine Jewelry
Michelle with Lieb Photographic is a Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer, a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer and photographs destinations worldwide. To see more weddings and engagement sessions in Northern Virginia, view the Northern Virginia Wedding Venues 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.
