The Estate at Independence Wedding – Richmond, VA – Lizzie and Kyle

Weddings

This fall wedding with Lizzie and Kyle felt like the most joyful breath of fresh air – warm early autumn sunlight, meaningful traditions, and personal touches woven throughout the day. From the very beginning, I knew their celebration at The Estate at Independence would be something special. I had photographed their engagement photos at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts earlier in the year. And the two of them brought such a chic but effortless joy to every moment. It was the same experience for their wedding day – a true The Estate at Independence wedding from beginning to end.

The Estate at Independence Wedding Morning

We began the day tucked inside the peaceful getting-ready spaces at The Estate at Independence. Lizzie’s bridesmaids had ordered dresses in mismatched floral patterns. They were a little whimsical, a little refined – and they looked incredible together. Once Lizzie stepped outside for her first look with Kyle, the back patio became peaceful as they saw each other for the first time. It was such a tender pause in an otherwise full and joyful day.

Afterward, the sunshine broke through in the most cinematic way – bright, warm, and perfect for portraits. We ventured onto the open grass for bridal and wedding party photos. As a Richmond wedding photographer, moments like these always make my heart skip a beat. Everything felt classic, glowing, and full of anticipation for what was to come.

A Catholic Wedding Ceremony at St. Bridget

Their ceremony was held at St. Bridget Catholic Church – a place filled with such peaceful stillness and reverence. As a Catholic wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to witness the sacred beauty of a Nuptial Mass. But this one had a particularly heartfelt touch. During the procession, the flower girls carried blooms to Kyle’s father in honor of his late mother. It was quiet, tender, and deeply moving – one of those moments that reminds everyone why we gather to celebrate a sacrament like this.

When Lizzie and Kyle walked up the aisle together as husband and wife, the church bells rang out in celebration. It felt like the perfect exclamation point on an already reverent and joyful ceremony.

A Joyful Evening at The Estate at Independence

Returning to The Estate at Independence, the celebration truly came alive. We hopped into a golf cart and drove across the rolling greens to a small bridge tucked behind the course. It’s my favorite hidden gem for portraits during a The Estate at Independence wedding. Golden hour wrapped around them like a warm blanket. Lizzie’s lace veil caught the light perfectly, and their portraits together under that veil were undeniably romantic.

After portraits, they joined cocktail hour on the patio before heading upstairs for the most delightful bouquet toss from the balcony. Dinner inside the reception space was a stunning display of warmth and color. Towering arrangements in peachy florals, delicate yellow glassware, and floral linens tied it all together. Each table had blank cards for guests to write anniversary notes that the couple will open each year, corresponding to the table number. I thought it was such a cute way to bring guests into the rest of their marriage.

The Best Night for a Richmond Wedding Photographer

The rest of the night was a swirl of joyful chaos – laughter during toasts, dessert cups passed around the room, and a dance floor that never slowed down. Before the evening came to a close, Lizzie and Kyle shared a private last dance in their reception space. Then, surrounded by loved ones, they ended the night with a flower petal sendoff. It was one last burst of color and joy before waving goodbye in their golf cart.

A The Estate at Independence wedding always shines, but Lizzie and Kyle’s day felt especially rich in meaning. I’m so grateful I could be there to capture it all, both as a Catholic wedding photographer and as a Richmond wedding photographer who loves seeing couples savor every beautiful moment of their day.

If you’re planning your own The Estate at Independence wedding, I’d love to help you create images that feel bright, romantic, and deeply connected to your story.

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