Elizabeth & Griffin’s Summertime Wedding at Mariners Landing

The dreamiest venue on Smith Mountain Lake

Elizabeth and Griffin’s wedding at Mariners Landing was a dream come true, doused in vibrant summer colors, joyful childhood memories, and idyllic views. I’m dying to photograph more lakefront weddings like this one!

I always fawn over the wedding venues my couples choose, but when it’s a location that holds special meaning in their lives or relationships, I fall even more in love. Smith Mountain Lake just so happens to be the home of many happy memories from Elizabeth’s childhood, where she and her family spent their summers tubing, swimming, and celebrating her 4th of July birthday with fireworks over the water. After she and Griffin met in 2019, Elizabeth introduced him to the lake—this place she’d cherished with her family since she was young—and it quickly became one of their favorite places to visit together.

So when Griffin proposed at Mariners Landing and wedding planning festivities began, it only made sense that the two would tie the knot here, on the shores of the lake that holds such a meaningful place in their hearts. We even shot their engagement photos on—and in—Smith Mountain Lake, too! Check out their iconic session here to see how we recreated all of Elizabeth’s favorite childhood moments frolicking around the lake.

Getting ready on the family property

To make the big day even more meaningful, Elizabeth got ready on her family’s lakefront property, which was originally purchased by her great-grandparents 30 years prior and has stayed in the family since. I was absolutely obsessed with their flat lay details as soon as I arrived on site—the cobalt blue stationery, the light blue velvet ring box, the bright white roses, the pearl clutch… to DIE for. Elizabeth’s mom even bought a blue floral tablecloth to decorate the dining room, and it matched the wedding theme so perfectly that I used it under the details! Elizabeth had a few other details that I fell in love with, including a lovely handkerchief, inscribed with a sweet message from her mom. My heartttt.

Griffin got ready at a rental just down the road, ready to meet up with his gorgeous bride after hanging out with his groomsmen for the morning. I loved the colors that the wedding party wore, the groomsmen in navy blue suits with pale blue ties, and the bridesmaids in the prettiest light blue, one-shoulder dresses to match!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other few stars of the show that made many appearances throughout the day, keep an eye out for these photos as you read more:

1. Elizabeth’s whimsical floral veil
2. A moment for the oversized bow on the back of her dress
3. The family dog Murphy, who wore the CUTEST bowtie and was just as photogenic as Elizabeth 😭
4. The bees that hung out on the ceremony florals, and the ducks we made friends with during couples portraits

Want to see more of Elizabeth’s incredible bridal look? We met up before the wedding for a romantic studio bridal session, and got to capture her dreamy gown & veil in alllll their glory.

A picturesque waterfront ceremony

The view from the dock at their ceremony location was truly gorgeous—just look at that aqua water paired with the blue mountains, the wonderful florals, and the shades of blue worn by the wedding party. *chef’s kiss.* I am alwayssss a sucker for a minimalist ceremony arbor like this, decorated by sprawling florals that match the arrangements lining the aisles. Elizabeth and Griffin truly killed it with the vendors they hired to bring their vision to life, and what an amazing ceremony it was under the bright blue sky.

Romantic portraits on the lakeshore

We couldn’t head into the evening portion of the wedding without taking full advantage of the vibrant skies and incredible views—so after pictures with their family and wedding party, I strolled along the shores & docks with Elizabeth and Griffin for their newlywed portraits. We actually got a little cloud coverage during these, which honestly made the water look even more beautiful—perfect for that soft, gentle overcast lighting we know and love. I’ll never get over how joyful these two were, so over the moon to finally marry one another. The smiles on their faces, the views, the stunning florals, the veil, Elizabeth’s pearl earrings… It felt like I didn’t need to do a thing to get incredible photos. 

An outdoor dance floor beneath the summer sky

Once the sun started to set, everyone made their way to the reception for a delicious dinner catered by Tiffs, plus a mouthwatering cake from Casey’s Cakes. The couple opted for an outdoor dance floor, beginning the evening festivities with a daddy-daughter dance, and to my absolute delight, a mother-daughter dance where Elizabeth and her lovely mom danced to one of their favorite songs together!

As the evening rolled in, fiber optic wands lit up their reception & sendoff, and before the night was over, I had to make sure to show off Elizabeth and Griffin’s instant film! We captured all the highlights on Polaroids, which they got to keep at home after their gallery was delivered, featuring shots of their details, moments getting ready, wedding-party, and their best moves on the dance floor. I’m always so excited when couples add this to their package—read more about why you should capture your wedding on film here!

Love from the bride

As a Smith Mountain Lake wedding photographer, it’s weddings like these—and couples like this—that keep me feeling eternally grateful for my job, every single day. Thank you a million to Elizabeth for the sweet review—the biggest cheers to you, Mr. and Mrs. Peters! 🍾

“We used Megan for all of our photos – engagement, my bridal portraits, and our wedding and it was one of the best decisions we made in the entire planning process. Megan is an absolute joy to work with from start to finish. She brings the best energy to every room and has the ability to hype you up, while also bringing a sense of ‘don’t worry, I got this’ to your day – which you TOTALLY need!! I have the best memory from our wedding of her out on the dance floor dancing with my bridesmaids while simultaneously taking amazing photos. Our photos from each event are incredible, she has a true talent for capturing the love between a couple so beautifully and authentically. 

Book her, and then be prepared to need more wall space for all of her beautiful work that you are going to want to have printed!”

Vendor team

Photographer: Megan Rose Photography | @_meganrosephotography

Venue: Mariners Landing | @marinerslandingsml 

Day of Coordinator: Morgan Fox | @elderfoxllc 

Caterer/Bar: Tiffs at SML

DJ: A Party’s Favorite Entertainment | @apartysfavoriteent

Cake: Casey’s Cakes

Cookies: SML Cookie Shop | @smlcookieshop 

Florals: Lindsey Ann’s Florals | @lindseyannsflorals

Hair Stylist: Bryce Cook | @beauty.with.bryce21

MUA: Jacqueline Rhodes | @blushbyjacqueline 

Wedding Dress Designer: Justin Alexander | @justinalexander 

Bridal Studio & Seamstress: In White Bridal (Lancaster, PA) | @inwhitebridal 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey | @birdygrey 

Groom / Groomsmen Attire: Suit Shop @suitshopofficial 

Invitations / Stationery: The Knot | @theknot 

Rings: Brilliant Earth | @brilliantearth 

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Dreaming of your own summertime wedding in Virginia? Take a peek at Nicole & Josh’s Colorful Summer Wedding at Snowshoe Mountain Resort for more gorgeous inspo. And reach out to book your wedding photography today!