Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
I recently had the absolute pleasure of capturing the beautiful wedding of Brianna and Michael at the stunning Birkby House in Leesburg, VA. It was a day filled with emotion, charm, and one of the most fun-loving crowds I’ve ever met!
📸 The Getting Ready & First Look
The day began in the elegant rooms of Birkby House, capturing the excitement as Brianna got ready. Her dress photos were gorgeous, leading up to some breathtaking bridal portraits in a bright, well-lit hallway lined with windows. Brianna looked truly amazing; a vision of a beautiful bride!
One of the highlights of the morning was the First Look, which took place on the building’s charming balcony. This quiet, personal moment between Brianna and Michael set a beautiful, intimate tone for the rest of the day.
The decision to do a First Look was incredibly beneficial for the entire timeline! Immediately after their private moment, we were able to transition seamlessly into wedding party photos, family photos, and the couple’s portraits around the beautiful property. This strategy meant that the formal portraits were completed before the ceremony, freeing up the couple and their loved ones to head straight to cocktail hour right after the “I do’s”; a major win! For the family portraits, we were lucky enough to use the breathtaking red tree in the back of the property as a vibrant, unforgettable backdrop.
đź’Ť Ceremony & Celebration
The outdoor ceremony was nothing short of beautiful and incredibly sweet. The stunning grounds provided the perfect setting as Brianna and Michael exchanged vows. And yes, Brianna’s wedding dress was truly beyond amazing, making for truly ethereal ceremony photos.
From there, it was straight into the lively cocktail hour, followed by the move to the reception building at the back of the property where the real party began!
The reception kicked off with touching parent first dances and heartfelt speeches. Then, to open the dance floor, the DJ played a special, dedicated song for the parents of the bride, a sweet and personalized touch. Once the floor was open, we managed to wrangle the fun-loving guests for a massive group photo before the official dancing commenced.
It was a rowdy crowd in the best way possible; full of energy and joy! One particularly tender moment we captured was the bride’s grandmother dancing with her granddaughter; a memory that perfectly encapsulates the love surrounding the couple. The night concluded with a completely private last dance for Brianna and Michael, a moment just for them to soak it all in.
I had an absolutely fantastic time celebrating this amazing couple!
🏛️ A Note on Birkby House
The Birkby House in historic Leesburg, VA, is truly a photographer’s dream. This over 250-year-old Thomas Birkby estate provides an unparalleled blend of historic charm and versatile backdrops. From the sun-drenched, window-lined hallways and the elegant balconies on the main house to the lush, meticulously kept gardens and the vibrant, seasonal foliage (like the stunning red tree!), there’s a beautiful spot for every single moment. The varied indoor and outdoor spaces, including the carriage house and reception area, allow for seamless flow throughout the wedding day, ensuring stunning images in every phase. It’s a classic, elegant venue that makes our job easy and the photos truly timeless.
Key Takeaways
- The wedding of Brianna and Michael at Birkby House was filled with charm, emotion, and a lively crowd.
- Brianna’s getting ready and First Look on the balcony set an intimate tone for the day, allowing for efficient photo sessions before the ceremony.
- The outdoor ceremony featured stunning vows, followed by joyous moments during the cocktail hour and reception with heartfelt dances and speeches.
- The night concluded with a special last dance for the couple, capturing the love surrounding them.
- Birkby House provided beautiful backdrops, blending historic charm with versatile outdoor and indoor spaces for timeless photography.
