As a Fredericksburg VA wedding photographer, I’m always excited for the chance to travel just a little south of home for such joyful wedding days. And Sarah and Max’s big day was one for the books! From sunny sunflower-themed bridal details to a sparkler sendoff full of celebration, this wedding was filled with warmth, faith, and so much love. The couple’s ceremony at St. Patrick Catholic Church followed by their Stevenson Ridge wedding reception made for a perfect day from start to finish.

Firstly, we kicked off the morning at a family home where Sarah got ready alongside her bridesmaids. The bedroom had a cozy “getting ready” corner that was just right for slipping into her dress and shoes. I especially loved the Marian painting above the dresser. It added a spiritual and sentimental touch to those quiet moments before the ceremony. The natural light in the room was ideal for photographing her details. I included a gorgeous rosary dish from House of Joppa that I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to use. Once Sarah was ready, she made her grand entrance down the stairs to her sisters’ joyful cheers. Truly such a sweet moment full of emotion!

Wedding at St. Patrick Catholic Church

St. Patrick Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve visited as a Fredericksburg VA wedding photographer. Built in 2021, the main sanctuary feels bright and new. But its traditional architecture and rich symbolism make it feel like it’s been part of the community forever. Sarah and Max’s Nuptial Mass was reverent and joy-filled, with family and friends truly present to witness their sacrament.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds were greeted with hugs and happy tears before heading to their Stevenson Ridge wedding reception. This was my second time photographing a wedding at Stevenson Ridge, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. It’s one of the best wedding venues in Fredericksburg. It offs both indoor and outdoor ceremony options and a gorgeous reception space that you can truly make your own. The slightly rustic charm and clean interior remind me of a previous wedding at Fleetwood Farm Winery in Leesburg. It’s charming, welcoming, and effortlessly elegant.

Stevenson Ridge Wedding Reception

After dinner, toasts, and their sweet first dances, I then snuck away with Sarah and Max for some quiet golden hour portraits behind the venue. The pond at Stevenson Ridge is such a hidden gem. It had the softest light even after the sun dipped behind the trees. Sarah and Max were just as natural in front of the camera as they were at their engagement session. More than that, they were able to slow down, take a breath, and soak in a few moments alone before heading back to the dance floor.

The rest of the night was filled with celebration – dancing, laughter, and cake! And just when the night felt like it couldn’t get any sweeter, Sarah and Max shared a private last dance in their reception space, savoring one final quiet moment together. It’s one of my favorite wedding trends, and I hope it never goes out of style. They finally exited through a glowing tunnel of sparklers, where Sarah’s mom met them with leis to send them off to their Hawaiian honeymoon.

Fredericksburg VA Wedding Photographer

It was such a joy to photograph this day, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. If you’re planning a wedding in Fredericksburg and looking for a Fredericksburg VA wedding photographer who will capture all the emotion, beauty, and sacred moments of your day, I’d be honored to chat with you!

Ring Dish: House of Joppa

Bridal Boutique: Ava Laurenne

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Stevenson Ridge

Bakery: Nothing Bundt Cakes