Virginia & DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Photos as timeless as your love
A Stunning Fall Wedding at Historic Whitewood
Courtney & Kevin’s November wedding at Historic Whitewood in Virginia was the perfect close to my 2024 wedding season. This venue’s vibrant colors of autumn were perfectly complimented by the stunning floral arrangements and the wedding party’s elegant attire. Personal touches woven throughout the day, including heartfelt contributions from family, made this celebration of love one to remember. And let’s not forget about the weather – early November graced us with picture-perfect conditions.
Courtney and Kevin chose to add on film photography, and let me tell you, it was SOOOO worth it! Their gallery is nothing short of breathtaking (totally not biased). As you explore the stunning moments captured below, see if you can spot which images were taken on 35mm film. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at the unique charm and warmth that film adds to their special day! Happy scrolling!!!
Heartfelt Getting Ready Moments with Family and Friends
The bridal suite at Historic Whitewood quickly became one of my favorite places to photograph. Its bright walls and spacious layout offered an inviting backdrop, making it feel cozy and full of life. With multiple rooms and levels to store belongings, and a fully stocked kitchen, this charming guest house was the ideal setting for Courtney and her bridesmaids to prepare for the big day without feeling cramped and overwhelmed.
As Courtney slipped into her stunning dress, her mom and maid of honor were right there by her side, providing love and support every step of the way. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as she donned her gown and gorgeous yellow plaid shoes (which she excitedly mentioned she had thrifted shortly before their wedding day)! A quick first look and selfie with Courtney’s bridesmaids was the was the perfect prelude to the emotional first look that awaited her with Kevin and her family.
First Looks with Loved Ones: A Heartwarming Wedding Trend
The Groom’s Mom
Courtney & Kevin’s wedding included not one, not two, but four first looks. And oh my god was I crying behind the camera for every single one of them. Courtney & Kevin wanted to create a day that honored their families in every way possible. Kevin made the touching decision to name his father as an honorary groomsman, and in a beautiful gesture, invited his mother to share in a first look with him. During this beautiful moment, she placed the final touches on her son’s wedding attire by pinning his boutonniere to him in preparation to see his bride for the first time.
The Bride’s Father
Courtney also embraced the opportunity to include her father and brother in meaningful first looks. The moment she shared with her dad was unforgettable. As they awed at her stunning wedding gown, he surprised her by pulling out a cherished baby photo alongside two ink prints: one of her hand and another of her foot from when she was a young child. He had carried these precious mementos in his suit jacket all day, keeping them close to his heart. With tears welling up in both their eyes, Courtney compared the baby print to her grown hand, a reminder of how far she has come. I’m definitely NOT crying all over again thinking about this moment – don’t mind me 🥹
The Bride’s Brother
Then there was the adorable first look with Courtney’s brother. Their bond is incredibly special, and when they embraced, it was clear how much they care for each other. To lighten the emotional weight of the moment, Courtney playfully twirled her brother, capturing the essence of their fun-loving relationship. It was a fitting reminder of the joy and connection that family brings to such an important day.
The Couple
And I have to say, Courtney and Kevin’s first look was truly unforgettable! When Kevin laid eyes on his stunning bride for the first time, his reaction was everything you could dream of. The sheer joy radiating from his wide smile was something truly special as Courtney spun gracefully, giving him a moment to soak it all in. I have to admit, if I had to pick a favorite first look reaction from all the weddings I’ve ever photographed, this one would be at the very top of the list. It was a beautiful moment that perfectly captured the love and excitement they share!
Bridal Party Photos and Stunning Floral Arrangements – Wedding at Historic Whitewood
The vibrant colors that Courtney and Kevin chose for their wedding party and floral arrangements beautifully complemented the warm tones of this early November day. The groomsmen looked sharp in tan suits, paired with blue-green ties and boutonnieres that showcased a delightful mix of orange, white, blue, and green accents. Meanwhile, Courtney’s bridesmaids donned a stunning palette of fall hues – orange, tan, pink, and a new favorite of mine – dark brown.
The couple and their respective wedding parties joined together after their ceremony for a handful of photos with everyone. The joy and happiness radiating from everyone was undeniable as they cheered and celebrated their friends beginning this new journey.
Also can we take a moment to appreciate the florals? Personal touches were added throughout the day from family members, and it turns out Courtney’s mom, a talented florist, is the mastermind behind these stunning arrangements! Courtney’s wedding florals featured beautiful bundles of white, red, pink, and orange flowers paired with lush greenery. This personal touch added even more meaning to this amazing day! Pritham Floral Design also did the floral arrangements for this Backyard Estate Wedding in Richmond, check out more here!
Wedding Ceremony Under the Trees of Historic Whitewood
Weddings at Historic Whitewood feature so many different ceremony locations, but my favorite by far is in the front lawn. With lush trees that provide the perfect anchors for floral arrangements and amazing shade on sunny days, this location is the perfect backdrop for a wedding any time of the year. Courtney and Kevin’s wedding ceremony showcased vibrant fall floral arrangements, live music, and worship, creating the perfect atmosphere. Their vows, delivered with soft smiles and palpable excitement, were a testament to their deep connection.
As the couple were announced as husband and wife, a wave of cheers erupted from their friends and family. After basking in the love of their guests for just a moment, Courtney and Kevin excitedly made their way back down the aisle for a private celebration with their wedding party and immediate family. This intimate moment, shared outside of earshot from their family and friends, was a beautiful pause amidst the joyful chaos, allowing the couple to absorb the significance of their ceremony together with the people closest to them.
Versatile Bride and Groom Portraits – Wedding at Historic Whitewood
Courtney and Kevin’s wedding was nothing short of magical, offering an abundance of stunning locations for their couple portraits. With so many beautiful backdrops to choose from, the possibilities felt truly endless! We embraced the venue’s versatility, capturing moments in the back field, in front of the estate, and among the trees. Each location added a unique touch, showcasing the property’s beauty, open fields, and vibrant autumn leaves.
One particular moment from our portrait session that stood out to me was when a ladybug landed on Courtney’s dress. It’s those little, unexpected details that create the rich, heartfelt story of your wedding day. And it’s the perfect reminder that in the midst of all the carefully planned moments, nature has its own little surprises waiting to be captured.
A Tented Reception and Friends that Light Up the Dance Floor
Courtney & Kevin’s wedding reception at Historic Whitewood featured a stunning white tent adorned with twinkling lights, a dazzling disco ball, and a classic checkered dance floor that set the stage for a night of unforgettable memories. Tablescapes styled with greens and warm tans enhanced the charming atmosphere of this fall day.
As the evening unfolded, the air filled with emotion during heartfelt first dances, but once the dances and dinner were done, it was time for the real celebration to kick off! Friends and family eagerly swarmed the floor as they danced the night away, decked out in cowboy hats and glow-sticks. It truly became difficult to photograph because of how many people were on this dance floor. I found myself balancing on chairs to get that perfect overhead shot 😂
After a high-energy dance montage that left everyone breathless, the grand finale of the evening arrived: a sparkler send-off! With laughter and love in the air, Courtney and Kevin climbed into their getaway truck, with “just married” written on the back windshield, and took off into the night. As they drove off, friends and family cheered, creating one final moment of celebration that capped off a perfect day.
Kind words
“Megan perfectly and beautifully captured moments in ways that enable us to relive such special memories”
“From the very beginning of working with her and through the whole planning process, Megan was a joy to talk with and was so excited to help and guide us through the process. She made the planning side of things easy and smooth and helped us to envision our wedding day. Megan perfectly and beautifully captured moments from our wedding that we will treasure for years to come and in ways that enable us to relive such special memories and aspects of our wedding that I am grateful to have in picture form! She is professional and an absolute joy to work with! We are so grateful to her!” – Courtney
Vendors
Photographer: Megan Rose Photography | @_meganrosephotography
Venue: Historic Whitewood | @historicwhitewood
Florals: Pritham Floral Design | @prithamfloraldesign
DJ: Rhythm of Love | @rolweddings
Catering: Deep Run Road House | @deeprunroadhouse
Hair Stylist: The Veil | @theveilbridalco
Bridal Studio: Tiffanys Bridal | @tiffanysbridal
Historic Whitewood Wedding Photographer – Virginia Wedding Photographer
I’d absolutely love to be your photographer for your wedding at Historic Whitewood or anywhere in the Virginia, DC, or Maryland area! If you’re still looking for a photographer that will capture the joy, elegance, and fun of your wedding day you can check out my portfolio here and send me an inquiry here!
And if you’re in the process of planning your east coast wedding, you can find even more inspiration for your special day from real life weddings with the following blogs:
Colorful Summer Wedding at Snowshoe Mountain Resort
