The Inn at Willow Grove Wedding | Lieb Photographic | Margaret and John
Oct 23, 2020
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Margaret and John are the most charming couple!!! I have enjoyed every minute with them and I am so honored to have captured their Inn at Willow Grove wedding day. Everything about this day was just perfection! Their Great Marsh Estate engagement session was only a week before their wedding due to the COVID shutdowns this year. So it was unusual and fun to prepare to serve them throughout the week.
Their day began getting ready in separate houses on the property. And what a gorgeous property it is! The Inn at Willow Grove is a stunning venue with lush gardens and sprawling landscape. From the Inn at Willow Grove’s website, “It’s extraordinarily tranquil and romantic here, a destination framed by old-growth trees, beautiful gardens and magnificent colonial architecture beautifully restored with a keen eye for detail.”
The details of the day included blushes, corals, and lots of lush greenery. Some of the flowers were even from Margaret’s mom’s garden! Their fragrances made the day even more memorable…smell is after all, the strongest of the five senses. their invitations and details reflected the garden palette and even the menu boasted of freshly prepared farm to table goodness thanks to the stellar catering at the Inn at Willow Grove.
Margaret and John’s details were so very telling of their elegant and classic styles. Everything came together so beautifully!
When it was time for Margaret to don her jewelry and shoes, she was simply stunning in her Jenny Yoo wedding gown!
Her mother helped her button the dress after her brother steamed it for her. We then photographed some bridal portraits right outside her bridal suite.
After greeting her dad (cue the tears), Margaret was ready for her first look with John!
Meanwhile, John was also preparing for the day. He tied his bowtie and slipped on the watch that was a morning gift from Margaret. He also had surprised Margaret by sending over a delicate and lovely diamond bracelet.
John enjoyed the mild weather and shared a special moment with his mother.
Soon it was time for their first look of the day. Margaret walked down the pebble path to tap John on the back and greet him in the yard in front of the barn at the Inn at Willow Grove.
John was clearly excited to see his lovely bride for the first time that day! This is what first looks are all about…that private moment when you see the other and realize this is such an important day…the day you say “I do.”
After their first look, we strolled around for some portraits on the barn side of the Inn at Willow Grove.
We then walked up to the infamous willow tree near the bridal suite. This and other willow trees clearly show of the venue’s namesake. And what a background it provided to show off Margaret and John.
This whole area is so lush this time of year. It made the perfect spot for this special time in the wedding day.
We then made our way over to the inn itself and the water fountain around the side of the inn.
This was a great spot for some twirling and dancing!
After dancing their way to the side of the inn, it was time for some intimate family portraits.
Margaret and John’s family were just as excited as they were for the ceremony to begin!
It was about time for the ceremony. The guests were greeted with an invitation to share well wishes and/or marital advice. They also had a fresh water and their favorite sparkling water along with their personalized cozies which read, “
Through the boxwoods, you could catch a glimpse of the ceremony site as well.
The ceremony site boasted everything September has to offer…mild temperatures, lush greens and florals still fresh and hearty in the September air.
Soon it was time for that walk down the aisle!
Then began the ceremony!
It was a ceremony of family, friends and faith and a commitment for life.
And then it was time for John and Margaret to seal it with a kiss and walk back down the aisle as husband and wife!
During cocktail hour, we photographed some more family formals in front of the arbor while guests enjoyed some cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
We also photographed Margaret in her mother’s veil before heading out for golden hour.
We went up to the fence line behind the barn and the old ruins to catch the sun as it was setting. And wow! It did not disappoint!
We could even see the Blue Ridge mountains in the background and a few trees showing the first signs of Fall.
John also dug up the bottle of bourbon buried earlier in the week.
We then headed back to the barn for the start of the reception. The decor was welcoming and the warm lighting in the reception hall was inviting!
Margaret and John had both indoor and outdoor seating for their guests and every detail showed their care for their friends and family.
After their entrances, Margaret and John were toasted by family and friends prior to dinner service.
After an incredibly flavorful dinner from the Inn at Willow Grove, it was time for Margaret and John’s first dance as husband and wife. Everyone moved into the site of the old ruins for the dancing.
They also celebrated with a daddy/daughter dance and a mother/son dance.
Then began the dancing! Margaret and John spent time with all of their guests and also manage to steal a dance or two together.
My time ended with a mock sparkler “exit” and i have to say…the positioning of the tables and doors made for the perfect placement of lighting for sparkler exit. After one of my favorite sparkler exits, it was time for me to say goodbye…but the these two and their guests continued t dance the night away!
Congratulations Margaret and John! It has been such an honor to serve you and document your Inn at Willow Grove wedding day. Thank you to these incredible wedding professionals who helped make their day incredible. Keep scrolling to see more highlights from their Big Day!
Venue: The Inn at Willow Grove | Florals: Verde Natural Florals | DJ: Sound Enforcement | Wedding Gown: Jenny Yoo for BHLDN | Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Earrings: Loren Hope | Wedding Bands: Olive Avenue Jewelry | Engagement Band: Finks Jewelers | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply | Bow Tie: Suit Supply | Men’s Ties: The Tie Bar | Cowboy Boots: Lucchese | Groom’s Ring: Tamu | Hair and Make Up Artist: Jeanne Cusick | Catering: The Inn at Willow Grove | Cake Artist: Cake Bloom | Invitation Suite: Minted Weddings | Ceremony Musicians: The Bloom Trio | Reception Decor: Bride and Joy Weddings and the Bride’s Father
Be sure to check out the Charlottesville Wedding Venues page and the Virginia Winery Weddings page to see more wedding venues in the greater Charlottesville area. And if you want to see some stunning bridal portraits at some of these places, be sure to check out the Bridal Portraits page as well!
