We have had the honor of photographing some of Virginia’s most beautiful and best wedding venues over the past several years. Out of hundreds of weddings and dozens of places, we’ve narrowed down a list IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER of some of our absolute favorite wedding venues in Virginia. That is not to say that other venues aren’t wonderful, these venues just happen to meet a variety of certain criteria, and lists cannot go on forever! Factors we considered in creating this list included of course the wonderful staff at each venue, how often we have photographed at these venues, the gorgeous opportunities for photographs, and of course, we had to consider ‘back-up’ options at each venue in case of inclement weather.

PIPPIN HILL

If there is a jewel in Virginia’s beautiful varied landscapes, the wine region around Charlottesville is it. Located within a brief drive of Washington DC and within an hour of Virginia’s capital, Richmond, Pippin Hill is often ranked not only among the top wedding venues in Virginia, but in the United States. Pippin Hill has it all: beautiful, private locations to get ready for the wedding, options for ceremonies rain or shine, and a lovely reception area. We love the subtle rustic elegance and the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pippin Hill is a place for people passionate about good wine and good food, and for anyone who can truly appreciate just how special a Blue Ridge sunset can be.

INN AT WARNER HALL

We love Inn at Warner Hall weddings. Not only does Michael’s family come from Gloucester County, Virginia, but the Inn always has the most beautiful sunsets. The historic venue is one of those old enough that it was built with natural light in mind, which is perfect for wedding photographs. From the first time we met them, owners Theresa and Troy have inspired us in how we have shaped our client relationships. From its grand staircase, to the gorgeous lawn, to the nearby steady thrumming of cicadas, it is a perfect location for an ideal Southern wedding that combines rich history, inspiring elegance and the peaceful rustic countryside.

 

STONE TOWER WINERY

Located in the hills of Leesburg, a quick and convenient drive from Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport and in view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stone Tower Winery offers a sprawling property with elegant charm for couples to celebrate their vows with family and friends. With over 40 years of history in the heart of Loudoun County, and a passion for delivering the highest quality possible in both their wines and their customer service, each wedding we photograph at Stone Tower is a joy to experience.

WILLIAMSBURG WINERY

We have had a love affair with the Williamsburg Winery going back to 2012, when we had only just recently moved to the United States from Germany. From our first introduction, the Williamsburg Winery event staff has consistently provided outstanding levels of communication. The proximity of the Williamsburg Winery to Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary make it ideal for those planning a destination wedding, or for college alumni in search of an aesthetically pleasing venue close to the Wren Chapel. The wine is delicious. The European inspiration of the entire venue makes us feel right at home. Located closer to Hampton Roads than most of the other locations on this list, it is also within a few minutes drive of the beach at Yorktown, and an hour from Virginia Beach. The luxurious suites at the neighboring Wedmore Place lend a perfect setting for brides and grooms to prepare for one of the best days of their lives!

CASTLE HILL CIDER

Another beautiful Virginia wedding venue that truly shows off some of the best scenery the Commonwealth has to offer, Castle Hill Cider is another gem for newly engaged couples planning their Southern wedding. The grounds have unlimited opportunities for spectacular wedding photos, and showcase some of Virginia’s loveliest countryside. The barn offers a blank slate with which to plan and decorate. The loft in the barn has an intimate area for preparations as well as a beautifully simple area by great doors for ceremonies in winter or on rainy days. Their cider is not to be missed!

GOODSTONE INN

Located in Middleburg, Virginia, the Goodstone Inn provides one of the most luxurious and elegant venues for a wedding within a few hours drive of Washington, DC. After journeying down twisting roads and through quaint, historic towns with stone houses and ancient watermills on old creeks, through miles of hilly horse-farm country, one finds the Goodstone Inn. It is one of those places where you can close your eyes, listen, and not hear any distant traffic – just wind in the trees. We love places like that. Even more, we love the historic houses the Goodstone Inn provides for couples to ‘get ready’ in, and the green hills with massive, moss-covered boulders. We love the vine covered walls and the expansive meadows. The fact that the staff is so incredibly hospitable always leaves a lasting impression. We are always happy when life takes us back to Middleburg, thanks to the beautiful Goodstone Inn.

We hope you enjoyed this list! If you’d like any more information, please contact us at info@michaelandcarina.com.

Williamsburg wedding photographer | Williamsburg Wedding + Engagement Photographers | Virginia wedding photographer | William and Mary alumni wedding | Michael and Carina Photography

Cameron and Julia may be from Ohio, but for their wedding, they returned with their lovely families to their alma mater… The College of William and Mary.

Julia and her bridesmaids began their day at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.

The weather – it could not have been more perfect. It was just that sort of ideal day in May that every bride and groom dreams of having.

The Wren Building is one of the most historic places in Williamsburg. Not only is it special to them as William and Mary alumni, but Cameron is a doctoral student and future history professor.

They could not have picked a more perfect spot for their first look. On the steps of the Wren Building, she fell into his arms, and they laughed… They are not only lovers, after all – they’re best friends.

From their touching wedding ceremony at Lake Matoaka’s amphitheater, the procession of cheering friends and family over the Crim Dell bridge, and which finally paraded into the Sunken Garden as the sun was setting, their wedding is etched into our hearts.

Cam and Julia danced and danced through the Garden as the sun set behind the trees. Their reception saw friends and family, young and old alike, moving tables to make way for a Virginia reel.

…

Sometimes you meet people and experience things that forge memories so strong you’ll forever associate with a certain place. Cameron and Julia, you made history in all of our hearts and there won’t be a time we pass by the Sunken Garden that we won’t pause to remember your beautiful wedding.

xoxo Michael and Carina

Williamsburg Virginia Wedding Photographer | Michael and Carina Photography

Vendor credits:

Film: fuji400h, ilford 3200, portra 800 developed by Richard Photo Lab

Williamsburg wedding photographer | Williamsburg Wedding + Engagement Photographers | Virginia wedding photographer | William and Mary alumni wedding | Michael and Carina Photography

Josh and Becky said “I do” on the most perfect spring day at the Langley Airforce Chapel in Hampton. Their classic wedding featured sophisticated tie knots, a beautiful ball gown, and a moving church ceremony.
Becky’s bridal portraits were displayed at the reception. Her grandfather’s bible and his grandfather’s cufflinks also made for sweet and personal details.

It was funny how Becky actually met with us to talk about their wedding before Josh had asked her to marry him. We were surprised but loved that confidence and excitement. Becky was right, the question was just waiting to be asked (and the perfect ring was waiting to be forged). Josh and Becky are just made for each other.
From now on there is no separating these two. Josh and Becky have been kept apart by school, work and family for the past years and are now building a new home together in Connecticut. We couldn’t be happier for them!

xoxo Michael and Carina

Vendor Credits: Ceremony Venue: Langley Airforce Chapel in Hampton – Reception Venue: Langley Officer’s Club in Hampton – Wedding Dress: Blush – Designer: Pnina Tornai – Groom’s Attire: – Bridesmaid Dresses: – Jewelry: – Hair: – Makeup: – Floral: – Film development: Richard Photo Lab

Williamsburg Virginia Wedding Photographers 

First of all: Joy and Brian are married!!! Whohoo!!!

This has been a long time in the making. Joy and Brian are just meant for each other, and everyone knows it, too. They are genuine, funny, smart, ridiculously good looking and absolutely crazy about each other. They just bought their first home together and love spoiling their little princess, the sweetest teacup Yorkie, Dani. They are hard workers, wonderful friends and loved by all of Gloucester. (Which also made for a wonderful crowd of people at the wedding!)

Joy especially has really poured herself into the wedding preparations. She had such a clear vision of her big day and made it come together beautifully with the help of amazing vendors, like the fabulous Kat from Dear Sweetheart Events. Isn’t the lemon-lime theme delicious?  Ford’s Colony Country Club  in Williamsburg, Virginia was the perfect backdrop for their wedding!

Over the past year, we were blessed to get to know Joy and Brian, not only on a client basis, but as friends (they also make a cameo in our video). When we needed help moving furniture on a weekend, they were the first to respond. That’s when you know you’ve found a friend!

We have fallen madly in love with their humor and their love for each other! And we are absolutely thrilled to share their wedding photos with you.

There is so much more we could write about Joy and Brian. But nothing says it as well as the look on their faces – the love in their eyes – the passion in how he picks her up and spins her around. We want to these photographs to be a true celebration of Joy and Brian.

Guys, it was such an honor to document your love story! Joy and Brian, thank you for welcoming us into your hearts over the past year and we hope these photographs are half the blessing to you that you have been to us!

xoxo, Michael and Carina

PS. Be sure to continue down to the end for a surprise!

Love her key-lime shoes!

Brian wrote a letter to Joy…

OMG, Joy! You are stunning!

One of our favorites for sure!

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Here’s the surprise. For Joy and Brian’s wedding, they also asked Daniel Afcha, a wedding cinematographer from DC, to document their wedding on video. We’re honored and excited to share his work with you.

JOY + BRIAN from Daniel Afcha on Vimeo.

 

 

Vendor Credits: Venue: Ford’s Colony Country Club – Wedding Planner: Dear Sweetheart Events – Caterers:  – Dress: Blush – Shoes:  – Bridal Hair and Makeup:  – Cake: Cindy’s Cakery – Cinematography: Daniel Afcha– Floral: Williamsburg Floral – Menswear: – Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew – DJ: Dynamic DJ – Paper Goods:  – Calligraphy: Taylor Sites – Officiant: Chuck Daniel – Jewelry: coming soon – Guitarist: coming soon – Assisted by the wonderful Kristine DeCillis – Film development: Richard Photo Lab 

Film: Fuji 400H, Portra 800, Ilford 3200
Williamsburg Virginia Wedding Photographers | Michael and Carina Photography | Ford’s Colony Wedding Photographs

Williamsburg Winery engagement photographers Michael and Carina Photography

First of all, we can’t congratulate this lovely lady enough as she graduates today!

Andrew, who always seems to have the heartiest laughs and the brightest smile, asked Jessica to be his bride in Virginia Beach.

There were lanterns and romance in the salty air.

She said yes.

These two have so much spirit and enthusiasm for life, you can’t help but be blessed just to be near them.

Jessica and Andrew are special to us, not just because of how much they love each other, but also for becoming friends of ours since asking us to photograph their wedding.

Also, for introducing us to Red Robin.

For their engagement photos, Andrew and Jessica chose the Williamsburg Winery to be the backdrop for their session.

Jessica’s hair & makeup was styled the day of by Kristal Lane of Virginia Beach.

To foreshadow her bridal bouquet, Jessica also received an elegantly simple & lovely flower crown from our friends at Palette of Petals.

The lovely staff of Williamsburg Winery welcomed these two on the day of their engagement with a picnic basket and some of their best wine.

We have to thank Andrew for his positive thinking, too. Despite a 60+% chance of rain, and at times a forbidding looking sky, the rain held off. Andrew “chose to believe it wouldn’t rain,” and it didn’t.

We ended the lovely day with a private tour of the cellar.

Andrew and Jessica, thank you for inviting us to capture all of the fun and and beauty of your love story and your big day! We are so looking forward to your August wedding!

xoxo M & C