There’s something so classic, relaxed and beautiful about a backyard wedding. The Snowden House was truly perfect for that setting.  I learned during the maid of honor speech that Katie’s mom worked at the Snowden House for many years. Katie and her sisters basically considered the grounds a second home.  Dubbed their “secret garden”, Katie and her sisters were planning their weddings in those trees and blooming plants for as long as they could remember. Well, the rain curse was finally lifted from me! Katie was able to marry the love of her life, Jonathan, under sunny, blue skies, in the gardens she had dreamt about since she was a little girl. It was truly perfect.
Jonathan and Katie surrounded themselves with family and loved ones in such a fun, relaxing environment. Their favorite meal is breakfast so, they decided to have a noon wedding and serve brunch. Cornhole boards and bocce ball were on one part of the garden with a bloody mary and mimosa bar on another part. Does that not sound like a great way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon?  Katie and her mom put in a lot of time and effort into all the DIY details for the ceremony and reception. They made the cakes and the jam favors just to name a few. Their efforts certainly did not go unnoticed…
Katie and Jonathan, I hope your are having the time of your lives on your honeymoon! HUGE thank you to Heather Adams of Heather Adams Photography for second shooting with me and the Gardner and Wolfrey families for welcoming Heather and I with open arms on the wedding day! Enjoy all of my favorites!

Katie’s dress was just beautiful.

Ready to get married!

Most adorable ring bearer award goes to Kai!

Katie’s face is priceless! So sweet.

Such touching vows. Katie and Jon decided to write their own.

Married!!! (Are you all seeing the advantage to a second shooter?!)

 Portrait time!

Oh, Katie. You are just beautiful!

Katie with her sisters.

One of my favorites!

Another favorite! That tree was just begging me to shoot under it!

Ah! Love!

Katie and her “team” put in so much effort to these reception details! Perfection! And all those cakes were homemade by her mom! Yum!

Homemade jams made by Katie and her mom!

First dance!

The Blue Tips! Consider this band everyone. They are AMAZING!

Parent dances! Love these…

Omelet bar, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits! Yes please!

Jon’s dad, Katie’s dad and Katie’s sister gave the most touching toasts…

A little gift from Jon’s brother…

Once the sun hid behind a few clouds – we snuck to the lanterns…

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Gardner!

Ceremony and Reception | Snowden House
DJ/Entertainment | The Blue Tips Rhythm Review
Cake | Homemade by bride’s mom
Hair and Make Up | Carly Williams
Flowers | Bulk flowers from Costco, self assembled
Catering | Party Services by Dori
Dress | Lillian West, Tiffany’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses |  I Thee Wed Bridal, Bill Levkoff
Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Warehouse, Vera Wang
Invitations | Wedding Paper Divas
Kids Activity Books | Minuteman Press of Fredericksburg