A Harley’s Haven Wedding | Windsor, Virginia | Virginia Wedding Photographer | Virginia Wedding and Branding Photographer

A Wedding at Harley’s Haven

Taylor and Kevin. Their wedding took place at Harley’s Haven, a rustic barn wedding venue located in Windsor, Virginia. I always obsessively watch the weather leading up to my couples’ weddings. At the beginning of the week, the forecast said that it would be raining all day long. By Thursday, just two days before their wedding, the forecast took a positive turn. It would be pouring rain on Friday, sunny on Saturday (wedding day), then raining again on Sunday. Whew! What a relief that was to learn that they would still be able to have their ceremony outdoors on the crepe myrtle lined path leading to the bridal cottage. They did have a rain plan just in case, and so did we, but it’s always nice when the original plan and vision isn’t restricted by the weather.

Their Story

Taylor and Kevin met online through Tinder and hit it off immediately! Their first date was Busch Gardens and a Halloween party / pumpkin patch. They were together a little over five years, which was filled with deployments and long distance, as Kevin is active-duty military. With the help of Taylor’s parents, he proposed at a local restaurant called Vintage Tavern, in Suffolk, Virginia. He got down on one knee in the perfect spot that overlooked the water at sunset.

Throughout their wedding day, Taylor and Kevin were so warm, kind, thoughtful, and joyful! In fact, as soon as I met Taylor and Kevin during their consultation, I knew it would be wonderful to work with them because I could immediately see what incredible people they were. They have such big hearts for the people in their lives.

The Wedding Day Begins

The wedding day started with the bridal party getting ready in the bridal cottage. As the ladies were getting ready they were gifted these amazing “Friends” inspired t-shirts that said, “I do crew will be there for you”. The groom and groomsmen hung out and got ready upstairs, while the bride and bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done downstairs in the salon area adjacent to the beautiful bridal suite. While Taylor was having her hair and makeup finalized, we photographed her beautiful ballroom style wedding gown designed by Rebecca Ingram with her cathedral length lace edged veil. We also styled and photographed her other bridal details. She included several heirloom items such as her late grandfather’s handkerchief, her grandparents bible with her invitation suite, jewelry, wedding rings, and perfume. Around the base of her bridal bouquet the florist wrapped a piece of her grandmother’s wedding veil. A heart shaped piece of her late grandfather’s shirt was sewn inside the bodice of her wedding gown. After Taylor slipped on her dress, we photographed her in the beautiful bridal suite.

First Look

The bride did a first look with her step father and brother just outside the bridal cottage before the ceremony. As Taylor approached, the gentlemen turned around and proudly admired her. It was such a sweet and meaningful moment.

The Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place in front of the bridal cottage, facing the brick pillars at the beginning of the path. The wooden arch was beautifully decorated with florals and greenery. The chair next to her grandmother’s seat held a bible, a tie, and a yellow rose in memory of her late grandfather. The ceremony was so perfect! The bridal party and the bride walked down the aggregate path aisle as the ceremony began. There were so many smiles as friends and family looked on in support. After the bride’s parents handed off their daughter to Kevin, the groom, for the wedding ceremony, Taylor and Kevin read their handwritten vows to one another. It was truly a beautiful ceremony with so much love and tears of happiness.

The Reception

After the family and bridal party photos, the reception began with the bridal party introductions and first dances. Taylor and Kevin had their first dance as a married couple, followed by step father and bride, mom and groom, and then a surprise dance for the mother of the bride with the bride. After the dances, we slipped out for photos with the couple with the bridal cottage as a backdrop. The newlyweds were all smiles. After we finished their couple’s session, we went back in for dinner. Guests enjoyed an amazing meal by Ricky and Roy’s.

A Golden Hour Session

As the evening slipped into golden hour, we went back out with the bride and groom for some golden hour romantic portraits. The light did not disappoint as Taylor and Kevin snuggled together in front of the event barn, and then in the field with tall trees in the background.

The DJ, Chris Rice of Music Makes You Happy, kept the party going the rest of the evening. Guests had an absolutely amazing time dancing the night away in celebration of Taylor and Kevin.