This beautiful intimate Northern Virginia wedding was at the Bon Air Rose Garden and WHINO in Arlington, Virginia. As you walk through Casey & Mitch’s wedding day in this blog post, discover what your wedding day could look like at these Northern Virginia wedding venues, how to balance alone time as a couple with guests, and how relieving it could be to work with a wedding photographer who also helps with planning.
Planning Casey & Mitch’s Microwedding
Casey & Mitch booked me about a month before their wedding date as their wedding photographer, and we were able to plan a smooth intimate wedding day for them in Northern Virginia. They already had the ceremony and reception locations booked, so it was a matter of figuring our the logistics and how they would spend the rest of their time. Their wedding day included spending time together as a couple, including their dog, and celebrating with their friends and family.
The Getting Ready Details
This intimate wedding in Northern Virginia started at the Bon Air Rose Garden. Mitch arrived already dressed, and Casey had her hair and makeup done before she arrived. She put on her wedding attire in her parents’ camper van. While they enjoyed their morning and finished getting ready, I captured a few details they had, such as their rings and vow books.
The First Look at the Bon Air Rose Garden
When it was time for their first look, I took Mitch to the location and took a few single portraits of him before going to get Casey. Their first look was beautiful and intentional! It was important to them both to have alone time together throughout their wedding day. Later on, they would celebrate with 50-60 guests at their ceremony and reception, but moments like these together were the priority.
Even when you have guests attending your wedding, I always encourage my couples to plan some sort of “private” elopement adventure or simply time away from guests, so you can truly be present with one another. This wedding day is about you as a couple!
North Virginia Wedding Couple Photos
After their first look, we took advantage of the beautiful weather in the rose garden. I captured a mix of photos of just the two of them and photos with their dog, Mollie. We even used cute white parasols for some photos! Then, they popped a bottle of Champagne in front of the camper van and celebrated together before their ceremony.
Their Intimate Wedding Ceremony in Arlington, Virginia
As people began to arrive at the ceremony space, I made sure to capture candids of people talking with one another as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Casey & Mitch chose to have two close friends co-officiate their ceremony which was SO sweet! They exchanged personal vows and even did a sand unity ceremony. Throughout their intimate ceremony, I captured as many angles as possible, getting guest reactions as well as close-ups of the couple. Wasn’t it beautiful?
Family Photos, Newlywed Portraits, and Taking a Break
After the ceremony, we did a few family portraits and friend group photos. I always have a list printed out to call out names and cross off to make it efficient! You’ll want to remember all of the incredible people that celebrated with you.
We wrapped up photos at the park with a few more newlywed photos to soak in those just married feelings. Afterwards, everyone went back to their hotels to take a break, freshen up, or grab drinks at the hotel bar before heading to the reception.
Reception Dinner at WHINO at Ballston Quarter
WHINO is a restaurant and art gallery that has large-scale mural installations while providing delicious food and drinks at the bar, and it was the perfect Northern Virginia wedding reception venue for Casey & Mitch. They made their entrance into cocktail hour and chatted with their guests while getting food and drinks.
After a while, Casey & Mitch enjoyed a semi-private first dance. It wasn’t announced for the whole room to watch, but a few guests watched as they shared that special moment together.
When it was time for dinner, everyone took their seats and a few speeches were made. The couple then gave a short welcome speech before dinner was served. Even with a small wedding, you can still have some of those traditional formalities if you want!
It was nearing my end time with them, so we finished the day with a few photos in front of their neon sign they hung up as part of the art gallery and a few more capturing them in the atmosphere of the room in general. It was an honor to be a part of their special day!
Kind Words from Casey & Mitch
“Juliana photographed our microwedding over Memorial Day Weekend and we have already received what I consider awe-striking photos in our sneak peak.
Looking through the gorgeous gallery was like walking back through that special day. She did an outstanding job capturing both the staged and candid photos that beautifully told the story of our wedding day. Working with Juliana was a pleasure. She ensured everything was smooth leading up to and on the day of our wedding. She was even able to capture our 15 year old dog who hates to look at the camera.
We highly recommend Juliana if you’re looking for an incredible photographer for your wedding!”
If you are looking for a Northern Virginia microwedding photographer, I’m here for the couples who crave personal connection, intentional experiences, and finding adventure wherever they can. Whether you want to get married at Bon Air Rose Garden, the WHINO, or have an elopement adventure, I’ll be there to support you and cheer you on! You can fill out my inquiry form here.
Juliana Wall Photography | Virginia & Washington DC Elopement and Small Wedding Photographer
Check out more elopement photography from this Northern Virginia intimate wedding and save your favorites to Pinterest for inspiration!
The Vendors from this Northern Virginia Wedding
Ceremony Location: Bon Air Park Rose Garden
Reception Venue: WHINO
Dress: Saint Anthony’s Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Fleur Beauty Studio
Florals: BioFloria https://www.biofloria.com/
Chair Rentals: Facebook Marketplace
