The forecast called for rain all day. I mean, all day. And I’ll be honest with you, when I pulled up to Halcyon Watson on the morning of Tom and Stephanie’s wedding, I was watching the sky pretty closely.
It never rained.
Instead, we got a bright, clear ceremony under a gorgeous blue sky and one of the most breathtaking golden hour sessions I’ve photographed at this venue. The weather decided to show up for Tom and Stephanie, and honestly, so did everything else.
The Details That Told Their Story
I always say that details are where a couple’s personality lives before the day even begins. Tom and Stephanie did not disappoint.
We started the morning photographing a custom 20-sided die engraved with their initials and wedding date, D&D postage stamps they used on every single invitation, and a collection of thoughtful touches pulled straight from the things they love most: Dungeons and Dragons, Lord of the Rings, and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where Tom proposed.
Some of their guests came dressed in full renn faire attire. It was perfect.
The First Look
There is something about a first look that I will never get tired of. Tom’s reaction when he turned around and saw Stephanie stopped me in my tracks. It was sweet and completely real. They just held each other for a long moment, and I let them.
That’s the kind of thing you can’t plan or pose. You just have to be ready for it.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held outdoors at Halcyon Watson, and with that clear blue sky as the backdrop, it looked stunning. The wooden arch was draped with flowing fabric and cascading purple wisteria. Simple, but exactly right.
The highlight of the ceremony was the handfasting, where Tom and Stephanie literally tied the knot. There is something so intentional and grounded about a handfasting. It slows everything down and makes the vows feel physical and real.
The Reception: Games, Shanties, and a Very Important D20 Roll
Tom and Stephanie built their reception around the idea that the people they love should actually enjoy themselves. No generic dance floor. Instead, they set out board games and lawn games like cornhole, and the speakers played sea shanties all evening. It was genuinely fun to be there as a guest photographer.
A few things that made me smile:
The Lego guest book might be my favorite reception element I’ve ever seen. Each guest was handed Lego pieces and built their own custom minifigure, then placed it on a large board that Steph and Tom are hanging in their home. It is clever, interactive, and something they’ll keep forever.
Their first dance was to Merry Go Round of Life from Howl’s Moving Castle, which is one of my favorite films and one of the most beautiful pieces of music. Hearing it play while they danced together was a moment I won’t forget.
Before the buffet opened, they rolled a large D20 to determine which table got to go first. One groomsman rolled a natural 20. The room erupted.
They also set up an interactive trivia quiz for all of their guests with questions about the couple alongside questions about their favorite shows and movies. The nerd factor was high, and everyone loved it.
The Cake Cutting (With a Sword)
Tom bought Stephanie a sword as a wedding gift, and they used it to cut the cake. I don’t know what else to tell you except that it was exactly as incredible as it sounds. The blade caught the light, the room watched, and it was one of those reception moments that felt completely on-brand for this couple in the best possible way. The colorful, whimsical cake didn’t stand a chance.
Golden Hour
We snuck out just before sunset, and Halcyon Watson delivered. The light came through the tree line in long warm strips across the open field and it was just the two of them, easy and relaxed, completely present with each other. These are the portraits I work all day to get to.
A Word About Halcyon Watson
If you’ve been looking at venues in the Northern Virginia area, Halcyon Watson belongs on your list. It has the kind of open, natural beauty that makes every part of the day feel effortless to photograph, from getting ready through golden hour.
Tom and Stephanie, thank you for trusting me with your day. You built something that was entirely, completely you, and I’m so glad I got to be there for it.
Photographed by Melissa Cook Weddings | Halcyon Watson | Leesburg, Virginia
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