The easing of COVID-related restrictions didn’t mean the end of small weddings. Though 2022 saw the return of big celebrations, many couples learned important lessons from the pandemic. Sometimes smaller events are the right fit. And they can be every bit as meaningful as bigger ones. Maybe even more so. Surround yourself with your closest family and friends in a gorgeous location, and that might be everything you need for the wedding of your dreams. That’s exactly what Katie and Jeff did for their marriage celebration. And as their wedding photographers, we can say unequivocally that they made the right choice. Katie and Jeff’s Little Washington Winery wedding was intimate but touching, meaningful and beautiful. They picked one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in VA’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and everyone there meant something special to them. Is it any wonder their winery wedding photos turned out so memorable?
Sperryville VA Wedding Photos
Katie and Jeff’s wedding day actually started down the highway from Little Washington Winery in a quaint town called Sperryville. The couple specifically chose to get ready in that hamlet, as it had played a part in their relationship. They visited Sperryville on one of their early dates and loved it so much they kept coming back.
It wasn’t hard to see why! Sperryville’s main street is one charming shop after another. And partway down, there is a little path that leads away from the road. It takes you along the Thornton River, through some really beautiful Virginia forest and over a lovely little bridge. Everything there is perfect for gorgeous wedding photos! (More on that later.)
The bride and groom got ready in an AirBnB a short walk from the town center. They had us come for just the tail end of that process, but we still managed to get some nice shots of the maid of honor helping Katie into her dress. As is often the case, pinning the boutonniere on the groom proved more difficult than imagined, and we made sure to capture the inevitable laughter that followed.
After a very sweet first look in the backyard, we took the couple into town for their Sperryville wedding photos. We started at the town sign – a huge mural painted on the side of a store. This was a special request of the couple, for whom the landmark had personal significance. From there, we took them along the river path, stopping occasionally to get very romantic portraits of them snuggling in the woods. One of our favorites, though, was a wider shot of them walking on the aforementioned bridge. We also loved a cool reflection image we created using the large front window of their favorite pizza place.
Little Washington Winery Wedding Ceremony
Once we finished the wedding portraits in Sperryville, we all jumped in our cars and headed to their venue. The moment we arrived, we could tell that they had picked a really special place. The drive up to Little Washington Winery is winding and lovely. But it’s nothing compared to the view from the end. Situated most of the way up a hill, the vineyard’s main building offers a stunning vista of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It is an absolutely gorgeous backdrop for a wedding.
For their intimate ceremony, Katie and Jeff chose a lovely spot down the hill from the building. Their invitees set up picnic blankets in the grass in the shade of a huge tree. From a photographic perspective, we loved that choice. It allowed us to get great photos of the couple pausing to look down at their guests before coming to the ceremony. We also got really lovely pictures of the bride and groom walking down the hill as their family and friends cheered.
The ceremony was short but very, very sweet. Children – mostly the couple’s nieces and nephews – played a big role. Officially and well, unofficially. As part of the ceremony, two adorable kids brought the rings to the couple. What wasn’t in the script, though, was several of the kids pelting the bride and groom with flowers as they walked in! Also unscripted was the moment when one boy got bored, wandered up the hill behind the couple and plopped down in the grass.
After the ceremony and a few more couples portraits, the party moved indoors for a low-key “reception.” The adults hung out and chatted with the newlyweds while the kids played Twister. The highlight of the after-wedding celebration, though, were the heartfelt toasts that left many wiping away tears.
Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding Venue in VA
Just a couple more quick words about Little Washington Winery as a wedding venue. Though it’s a bit of a hike to get to from DC, it’s well worth the trip. In addition to the aforementioned view, the staff couldn’t be more friendly and accommodating. And perhaps most importantly, the wine is awesome! If you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue in VA’s Blue Ridge Mountains, you won’t find many better than this one!
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