There’s always one wedding each year that lands on one of the hottest days of summer. Photography is super hard on these days, because I’m already working up a sweat even without the 90+ degree air. Rylie and Don’s Williamsburg Winery wedding was one of those days — hot, humid, and did I mention hot?

But it was also sweet like honey. Easy going couples like Rylie & Don are a rarity. They were just so excited to finally be married. You could feel it, especially at their First Look. After taking a quick pause to collect herself from all that built up anticipation, Rylie finally called Don’s name and the two embraced. When they finished commenting on the dress, the tux, they just looked at me as if to say, “Let’s do this.”

Their catholic wedding ceremony at National Shrine of our Lady Washington was just beautiful. Neither one of them barely lost the smile on their face the entire ceremony! Beautiful notes from Scripture and heartwarming vows filled the room. Once they were pronounced husband and wife, the march out of the church was so gleeful!

We then headed back to Williamsburg Inn for their portraits and reception. Despite donning black tie bridal party attire, their friends were so easy to work with. I just love working with a wedding party that is truly there in support of the bride and groom! It makes for a seamless set of bridal party photos.

Once I dismissed their bridesmaids and groomsmen, it was just Rylie, Don and I in the vineyards. By this point in the day, though, I was on overdrive. The heat was really getting to me so I shot some of the quickest wedding portraits I’ve ever done in my career. Thankfully for my second shooter, I was able to rehydrate and make it back with the couple just in time for their reception. I was so worried I didn’t get enough variety in their newlywed portraits due to my battle with the heat. But looking back, I’m so thrilled! Rylie and Don were as natural as ever in every shot, just like they were at their engagement session just a month before.

These images have me obsessed! Their wedding day was so classic, elegant, and emotional. Not even the extreme Williamsburg heat could melt that away! I hope you enjoy this Williamsburg Winery wedding as much as I did!

National Shrine of Our Lady Washington Wedding Ceremony

Williamsburg Winery Wedding Portraits

This wedding was one of my Willow Britt weddings, where I shoot for the Willow Britt brand as an associate! The couple received a more fine-art film style of photos under that brand, so if you’d like to see what we delivered to them, check out their main blog at Willow Britt Studios HERE.

Want to see more of my recent work as a Northern Virginia wedding photographer? See more posts below:

• A March Weather Frenzy at a Inn at Evergreen Wedding
• An Intimate Smith Mountain Lake Micro-Wedding
• A Glamourous Fall Wedding at Trump National Golf Club