Let’s talk about details that feel like you. The vibe for Alexis and Matt’s disco-themed wedding at Little Oatlands in Virginia was absolutely immaculate. From Alexis’s sequined wedding gown with a ruffled tulle cape to Matt’s hand-embroidered floral suit jacket (hand stitched by Alexis’s grandmother), we knew this day would be amazing. Our favorite part of photographing weddings is seeing how each couple adapts the day to their personality. For Alexis and Matt, we knew we could capture fun, out-of-the-box photos in film, digital, and Polaroid.
Alexis is a fashion icon. Her strapless, sequined gown fit perfectly beneath her tulle cape, and her tiered cathedral veil completed the look. Her bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in shades of green, light blue, and purple, complementing the bold, colorful color palette of the day.
Matt wore a suit jacket that Alexis’s grandmother had hand-embroidered with beaded flowers. They blended perfectly with his boutonniere that matched Alexis’s bouquet with peace lilies and hanging Amaranthus. The couple chose not to do a first look. Instead, they spent quality time with their closest friends and family members, relaxing in the quiet, comfortable suites in the Little Oatlands’ Manor House.
The ceremony took place in Little Oatlands’ arbor, a private, peaceful grove of trees with a sweet gazebo. To get to the ceremony location, guests navigated a greenery maze that felt out of a storybook. Bold, colorful florals, pillar candles, and a hanging chandelier filled the gazebo. The colorful strands of flowers and bright streamers swayed in the gentle breeze, as if they, too, were celebrating Alexis and Matt’s marriage. As the music swelled, Alexis emerged from a break in the tall hedge with both her parents. Matt wasn’t the only one who started to cry! Her smile was radiant as she walked towards him. Tears were shed as Matt and Alexis exchanged vows, rings, and shared their first kiss as husband and wife!
We created an easy photo timeline for directly after the ceremony, taking advantage of the beautiful arbor as a backdrop. First, we captured family photos and wedding party pictures before sneaking Matt and Alexis away for their couples portraits. We always ask our couples what their highest priority is for their wedding day photography. For Alexis, it was these private photos with Matt. We wanted to create space for them to bask in being newlyweds. Besides, we think we capture the best photos when we stand back and let the couple simply be together. Our years of experience have taught us how to artfully document the moments that mean the most.
After taking portraits around the beautiful, 180-acre grounds at Little Oatlands, Matt and Alexis joined their guests on the lawn for cocktail hour. First thing you noticed? The live mariachi band. The second thing? The disco balls. There were disco balls adorning flower arrangements, scattered throughout the lawn, and serving as a photo backdrop. The only word that comes to mind is iconic. They even had disco beer cozies! Bright and bold was the theme of the day, and Matt and Alexis pulled it off beautifully.
Guests migrated into the large sailcloth tent for the reception. If you can believe it, the wedding only got cooler. Disco balls hung from the top of the tent, topped with clouds of blush-colored baby’s breath. The long tables were dotted with bud vases and candles which perfectly tied in the pink, purple, orange, and blue linen napkins.
Instead of changing into a new dress for cocktail hour, Alexis simply removed her cape and veil. She and Matt shared their first dance as the sun began to set, bathing the entire reception tent in golden light. After the sun set, we whisked the couple away for blue hour portraits in the grassy fields. Little Oatlands has so many perfect spots for photos, and we wanted to take advantage of them all!
Despite how cool this wedding was (and it was seriously so cool) we mostly noticed how happy and excited Alexis and Matt’s guests were for them. They celebrated all night long by dancing, waving their streamers in the air, and toasting to the couple’s long and happy relationship.
As documentary film photographers, we pay close attention to the details that show your personality (like disco balls in your bouquet). But we also pay close attention to the faces of the people you love. We capture the way your grandparents hold your hands, how your best friend cries during your vows, and the sheer joy that infects the dance floor. We know how to fade into the background so you can be present with your people. If you’re looking for a film and digital wedding photographer who can capture everything you want, check out our wedding photography packages! We would love to meet you and hear your story so we can capture what’s most important to you on your wedding day. Contact us to start the conversation!
Wedding Photographer: Rachel V King Photography | Venue: Little Oatlands | Florals & Decor: Atelier Wagner | Coordinator: Dusk to Dawn Events | Rentals: Jefferson Rentals | DJ: Baltimore Sound Entertainment | Catering: Fleur De Cuisine | Film Lab: The Find Lab
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Rachel V King is a published film and digital photographer, creating stunning images that capture the heart & story of your love.
We do not discriminate with regard to race, ability, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
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