A Sage and Blush Wedding | Yorktown Freight Shed | Virginia Wedding Photographer | Virginia Wedding and Branding Photographer

A Freight Shed Wedding

Ashleigh and Nick’s blush and sage wedding at The Freight Shed in Yorktown, Virginia was a day filled with so much fun! I have been looking forward to their wedding since last year. I am a Yorktown resident and have been intrigued with the Freight Shed and its history since we moved to Virginia in 2002. We would walk by it and wonder about what it used to be. It turns out that it was built in 1935 by the National Park Service after a tropical storm destroyed much of the waterfront. The original building was used as a terminal for Baltimore steamships until 1952. Later, it was remodeled and served as a post office. After it was renovated in 2005, it became a waterfront event venue.

The Couple’s Story

They have mutual friends, but Nick slid into Ashleigh’s dms on Instagram in December of 2021. He was so caring and kind that Ashleigh met him in person 2 days later when he drove to Richmond to run errands with her for her daughter’s birthday. They literally just went to Target and then Nick went home. They had their first official date that weekend. Nick met Ashleigh’s daughter 2 weeks later, and they just started doing life together. Nick proposed to Ashleigh in June of 2022 on a family vacation at the lake on the dock with her entire family there. Ashleigh said “yes!”, of course!

The Wedding Day Begins

The bride and bridesmaids began getting ready at the newly renovated Yorktown Beach Hotel, while the groom and groomsmen got ready at Yorktown Baptist Church in the Historic area. When we arrived, the girls were having their hair and makeup done and were enjoying the time together as they lounged in their sage green and white satin robes. Even the flower girl, Ashleigh’s daughter, had a satin robe on. She was so adorable, and I love how she and her sweet momma interacted. After we photographed Ashleigh’s beautiful wedding gown along with her invitation, rings, jewelry, and flowers, my second shooter went over to where the guys were getting ready to begin photographing them in their gray suits.

The Ceremony

Before the ceremony began, we met with Nick in the sanctuary of the church, where a memorial on the front pew for his late father sat. There, Ashleigh had a letter delivered to Nick. It was a very touching moment. The ceremony at Yorktown Baptist Church was beautiful. Nick’s son stood as his Best Man while Ashleigh’s daughter gracefully walked down the aisle before Ashleigh as the flower girl. The ceremony was filled with laughter and joy.

Bridal Party

After the ceremony and family photos, we all headed downhill to the Freight Shed for bridal party photos. First, I have to say that all of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, bride and groom were such troopers! It was a pretty chilly day, and when you are on the waterfront at Yorktown and you add wind, you get pretty frigid temps. Despite the chilly temps, we were able to get a variety of bridal party group shots.

Bride and Groom Portrait Session

Next, we began working with Ashleigh and Nick for their couple’s session. We started off next to the water to get some waterfront shots, then moved next to a building that blocked the wind. They did such a great job during their session! Ashleigh looked so elegant in her mermaid style wedding gown.

Wedding Reception

After an energetic bridal party introduction, Ashleigh and Nick enjoyed their first dance as a married couple. Dinner was catered by Coastal Thirst. It was the best taco bar I have experienced at a wedding ever! The DJ opened the dance floor as guests were finishing up dinner and the party started. The dance floor was hopping all night! All in all, it was a wonderful wedding day.