Alex and Meagan traveled all the way from the Chicago area to say “I do” in the rolling hills of Southern Virginia. Historic Stoneleigh Estate, a Tudor mansion with the kind of old-world architecture you can’t fake, was the perfect backdrop for their garden-party editorial wedding. It also gave us a day full of surprises, a sudden storm, and one very memorable legal ceremony.
Getting Ready: Two Households, One Big Day
The morning started calm and fun. Meagan got ready with her bridesmaids on the third floor while Alex and his groomsmen took over a wood-paneled room downstairs for a quick game of pool before getting ready.
Storm Clouds Roll In
The ceremony was originally planned for the lawn beside the estate’s koi pond. We got just enough time to finish portraits before the sky opened up and rain came pouring down.
A Private Legal Ceremony in the Third-Floor Bathroom
With rain now coming down outside, Alex and Meagan slipped away for a moment most of their guests never even knew happened. Alex’s stepdad was set to officiate, but it turned out he wasn’t actually ordained in the state of Virginia. So while the storm rolled through and guests gathered downstairs, the couple had their private legal ceremony with a different officiant, right in the same third-floor master bathroom where the bridal party had gotten ready that morning.
The Ceremony Moves Indoors
With the storm still going, the public ceremony moved indoors within the mansion, officiant and all, without missing a beat.
Celebrating as Newlyweds
Once the “I do’s” were official (for the second time that day), the energy in the room shifted completely.
Reception Details Worth Remembering
Celebratory Moments In The Evening
PLANNING AN EDITORIAL DESTINATION WEDDING
If you’re newly engaged and looking for:
- Editorial destination wedding photography at historic venues
- A wedding photographer who can adapt when the day doesn’t go as planned
- Film-inspired, garden-party wedding photography in Virginia or beyond
Choosing the right photographer matters most on the days that don’t go according to plan. Storms roll in, ceremonies move indoors, legal details shift last minute. What stays constant is capturing it all with the same warmth and story, no matter what the day throws at you.
Vendor Team
Venue/Planning: Historic Stoneleigh Estate
Dress: Bon Bon Belle
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Rings: Rosa Lee Jewelry, Kay Jewelers
Videography: Lauren Minter Photography
Hair: Rose Gold Salons
Rentals: King Kidz Fun Rentals
Catering: Center Stage Catering
DJ: DJ Touche
LOOKING FOR AN EDITORIAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
If you’re planning a destination wedding at a historic estate, mansion, or anywhere that feels timeless and true to who you are as a couple, I’d love to help you plan an experience that holds up no matter the weather. Together, we’ll create iconic wedding photos you’ll cherish for years to come.
📍 Raleigh, Cary & the Triangle, NC
🎞️ Warm, editorial, film-inspired photography
🖤 Inquire to plan your Raleigh engagement session
