KELLY & SANDERS | OATLANDS HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDENS | LEESBURG, VA
It has been a dream of mine to photograph a wedding at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens so when I got Kelly’s phone call last year – I was (internally) screaming with excitement! She wanted a romantic setting with colors that went naturally with what Oatlands already offered! I loved her blush, gold, green theme! One of most interesting thing about Kelly’s bridal details was her DRESS! Kelly’s sister, Kendra McCullough, is a fashion designer in D.C. and handmade Kelly’s two-piece dress – incredible work! Like amazing. I can’t imagine all of the intense sewing that went into it! Kendra also made her own MOH dress – stunning. Okay – you’ll just have to keep scrolling to see all of that! Sanders and the guys hung out in their groom suite and relaxed while drinking beers and watching golf… normal groom stuff while looking so dapper in their tuxedos! Kelly and Sanders shared their first look at Landsdowne so they could grab some photos with their dog, Bowie! So sweet!
Once we arrived at Oatlands, we took photos on the beautiful tree covered driveway, in front of the mansion, and throughout the gardens! You really can’t run out of locations at Oatlands! My favorite part of their ceremony were their handwritten vows. Kelly told a story (which was so unique and special) where people laughed and teared up and Sanders said the sweetest words that left everyone crying… we definitely could have passed around a box of tissues!
After the ceremony, we took a few family portraits and then Kelly and Sanders headed into the garden with their friends and family to enjoy their cocktail hour – complete with a 80’s playlist. Kelly and Sanders are HUGE music lovers! Their dog’s name is Bowie, after all.
The rest of the evening went off without a hitch! Parents dances, speeches, and lots and lots of dancing! The guys took the the dance floor by storm! When I left, I got the biggest hugs by both Kelly and Sanders! Congratulations to this wonderful couple!
Keep scrolling for my favorites from their day!
This old vintage ring box contains her grandmother’s wedding ring!
I love this shot of the guys!
Okay everyone… Kelly’s sister MADE her two-piece dress! OMG! Keep scrolling to see more!!! Time for the first look with Bowie!!! Can’t stop laughing at their new family portrait!!!
Look at this stunning bridal party! Look at that beautiful driveway! loveeee Gentlemen, I love your enthusiasm! haha! Pretty ladies! Look at all that bridal beauty! Look at this great group of groomsmen!
Being casual… of course.
One of my favorite shots! I love the Oatlands mansion in the background! Quite possibly one of my favorite shots of the wedding!
Okay, another fave! Okay, I lied… this is my favorite! Snagged these last few shots before they went away to hide from the guests before the start of the ceremony! I love this angle that Bethanne got before Kelly and her parents walked down the aisle!!! Their vows were so sweet. Kelly told a story that made people laugh (and cry!) and Sanders talked about the first day he fell in love with Kelly and there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. I love, love, love the excitement in this shot of Kelly and Sanders walking down the aisle officially as husband and wife!! One of my favorite things to do is follow the bride and groom to their “hiding place” after they walk back down the aisle and get hugged and congratulated by all of their family and bridal party!!! Parents of the bride and groom! These music loves had the PERFECT koozies! Recognize that logo? 9:30 club in D.C. – one of my favorite intimate music venues! And perfect for their Sept 30th wedding day! Meant to be! Loved their romantic vibe! Kelly wanted a romantic vibe with colors that complimented Oatlands natural beauty! I think she had a great vision with her sage green, blush, and gold! The new Mr & Mrs DeNardi danced to “Heroes” by David Bowie Sweet moment!The guys at this wedding were REALLY into dancing! Congratulations Mr & Mrs DeNardi! Thank you SO MUCH for choosing me to capture your beautiful Oatlands wedding!!Shoutout to all of the vendors who made the day so flawless! Thank you to my right hand woman, Bethanne Arthur, for being an awesome second photog!
Event Coordinator: Moriah Lemming (of Oatlands)
Caterer: Purple Onion
Florist: Growing Wild
Dress: Made by bride’s sister – Kendra McCullough
Music: Black Tie Entertainment
Makeup: Les Bourgeouis
Hair: Anna Fazio
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas