Megan & Josh’s Garden Party Wedding at Historic Richmond Estate

A heartfelt gathering of their favorite people

Megan and Josh came into their wedding day prioritizing not only time together, but also quality time (and meaningful photos) with their loved ones. Both are super close to their friends and families, and wanted to make sure their photos would highlight their time hanging out with everyone and enjoying their wedding day. 

And enjoy they did: Megan and Josh did such a fabulous job of creating an amazing experience for every one of their guests from start to finish, especially the members of their wedding party! The bride and groom spent the first part of their morning apart, enjoying time with their closest people, who were thrilled to support the couple on their big day. Josh and his groomsmen dressed in their sleek cream-colored suits, opting for a minimalist look that really let the greenery around the property shine.

Megan and her girls were absolutely glowing in their getting-ready attire, Megan in a chic white and blue chemise and her bridesmaids in white and yellow-pinstriped button-down pajamas. This gorgeous group of gals were a delight to photograph from the moment I arrived. Thankfully, they were just as excited as I was to take photos with the ornate, white-and-blue four-poster beds and curtains!

Butter yellow dresses & bright blue skies

With the help of her stunning sister, Megan stepped into her gorgeous dress, a breathtaking satin gown that looked like it was simply made for her. Paired with her classy updo and face-framing curls, her minimalist jewelry, and the pearl-bedazzled veil she’d later put on, she looked every bit the princess she deserved to be at her garden wedding. And my goodness, was her first look with Josh an absolute fairytale; the way the blue skies shone down as they exchanged letters in the grass before their ceremony was magical.

The wedding party split up at this point for portraits with the bride and groom, and my jaw was on the floor seeing the bridesmaids all together. A little birdie told me recently that butter yellow is in, and I think that these women proved it in their mismatched yellow gowns. I am SO in love with these colors, and the way the slightly differing shades of yellow stood out against the green trees & blue skies—I’m telling you, this entire day was the embodiment of summertime bliss.

Sunlit vows and portraits beneath the trees

The ceremony was as enchanting as could be, held in the spectacular garden setting that this venue offers. Megan and Josh stood at the altar under a delightful arbor covered in greenery and floral accents, framed by sprawling ferns on either side. The way the sunlight fell on the Hesses throughout this entire day truly took my breath away, and the lush, sunlit greenery just made every moment of the ceremony so effortlessly stunning. 

I stole the couple for a few portraits once they’d officially become husband and wife, because I knew we just had to take advantage of the romantic, secret garden vibes of this venue. The walled gardens were incredible, made even more beautiful with the light leaking through the branches from above. These are for sure some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken, especially the shots of Josh holding up Megan’s dress as they strolled through the grass! Capturing those quick, genuine, heartfelt moments that reveal a couple’s true connection is what makes this job so meaningful. So grateful to tell their story through these small, powerful, fun moments.

An elegant garden party reception, but make it tented

The reception setting at this venue is somewhat simple, but feels extremely elevated because of the expansive tent space that you’re able to customize to your celebration. The checkered dance floor, the string lights, the surrounding greenery… by far my favorite reception space I’ve captured to date. Megan and Josh found the perfect blend of charm and effortless elegance, with the wicker lanterns, wooden chairs, and colorful table settings. Each table had mint green accents featured in the glassware and linens (which perfectly matched the father of the bride’s suit, I might add!), along with bud vases filled with bright, summery blooms. And don’t even get me started on the flowers & greenery at the front of the sweetheart table!

The couple capped off their celebration with toasts from loved ones, special dances, and a live band to help everyone party into the night. To officially end their reception, Megan and Josh brought out feathered Mr. & Mrs. umbrellas for a New Orleans style Second Line, dancing around the reception space with all of their guests in tow waving handkerchiefs. Meant to signify the beginning of a new life together, this was a perfect end to Megan and Josh’s day that I am so thankful to have been a part of!

Love from the bride

“If there were more stars to give, we would give them. Megan was absolutely incredible to work with from day 1. Even our engagement photos blew us away. She always made us feel extremely comfortable and we aren’t big on having our photo taken. She was also super accommodating in making sure to prioritize our wedding day preferences. 

We would 1000% recommend Megan Scott Photography to any couple that wants their wedding day and experience perfectly captured. Professional, fun, and talented. Book her ASAP!!”

Vendor team

Photographer: Megan Rose Photography | @_meganrosephotography

Venue: Historic Tuckahoe | @historictuckahoe

Day of Coordinator: Heather Murrell

Caterer: Mosaic | @mosaiccatering

Band: Bachelor Boys Band | @bachelorboysband

Cake / Dessert: Sweet Fix | @sweetfix

Florals: Flowers Make Scents | @flowersmakescents

Hair: True Bridal Beauty | @truebridalbeauty

MUA: BrideFACE | @bridefacerva

Bridal Studio: Blue Sage Bridal | @bluesagebridalrva

Seamstress: AG Alterations | @agalterationsrva

Bridesmaids dresses: Birdy Grey | @birdygrey

Groom / Groomsmen Attire: Stitch & Tie | @stitchandtie

Rings: Jared Jewelers | @jaredjewelers & Emily Warden Designs | @emilywardendesigns

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For more wedding content at my favorite venues around Virginia, browse my recent blog posts here. 

And if you’re still looking for a Richmond wedding photographer who will be there to capture every moment for you, I’d be incredibly honored to be a part of your special day. Check out more of my work here, and reach out here to inquire.