Photographing a Goodstone Inn wedding like this one reminds me why I love what I do. It wasn’t about the production, it was about real connection. Rebekah and Dan passed on a lot of the standard wedding traditions in favor of a relaxed, intimate day in Middleburg, Virginia with just 30 of their favorite people (and their dog, Lucas, who crushed it as ring bearer).
Private First Look
Rebekah and Dan shared a quiet first look, just the two of them and me with my camera on silent mode. As their photographer, I always try to find private, shaded spots for first looks. Shade helps create soft, flattering light, and having space away from guests gives couples the chance to relax and actually take the moment in.
For this wedding, we stuck with the original spot since the timeline was tight. It wasn’t in the shade, but I made sure to position them so they weren’t squinting and the light still hit them in the most flattering way. Even without the perfect lighting scenario, they got to enjoy the moment without feeling rushed or posed.
And since I shoot silently, they forgot I was even there, which is exactly the goal. That’s how I get the kind of photos that feel real, not rehearsed.
Setting the Scene
After their first look, Rebekah and Dan went back to their rooms to get ready for the ceremony. While they had a moment to themselves, I took the opportunity to photograph the ceremony and reception spaces before guests arrived.
This part of the day is always important to me. So much time and effort goes into setting everything up, and I always try to capture the details before they’re touched. It’s a way to honor the people behind the scenes and to help tell the full story of the day. Those quiet, wide shots help set the scene for everything that follows.
Ceremony at the Ivy Wall
The ceremony took place at Goodstone Inn’s iconic ivy wall. The skies were moody and the forecast looked iffy all day, but the rain held off. Big win.
The venue had a solid indoor backup plan, but we never had to use it. I wasn’t stressed either. Staying calm and flexible is key on wedding days. Weather shifts happen, but with a little prep, it always works out.
During our planning calls, Rebekah and Dan mentioned they’d be including a hand-tying ceremony that was meaningful to them. I always ask about personal touches like this so I can be ready and in the right spot to capture them from a few solid angles.
Overcast light is great for photos. It softens everything and gives a clean, flattering look. The tricky part is that it hides where the best light actually is, so I took time to find the right angles that would still make the images pop.
Golden Hour Pivot
After the ceremony, we were losing light fast. The original plan was to start with family photos, but I checked in with Rebekah and Dan and recommended we pivot to portraits first while we still had daylight. They were super cool about it. They didn’t need a thousand photos, but they definitely wanted a few solid ones outside with the fall foliage still holding on.
We shifted gears and jumped right into couples portraits. Since I had photographed their engagement session too, they already knew what to expect from my approach. I like to keep things fun and laid back. Less posing, more interacting. I guide couples through it all, but also leave space for them to be themselves. That’s where the real moments come out.
Lighting is always changing, so I go into every portrait session with loose plans and a lot of curiosity. Even the best ideas can fall flat if the weather doesn’t play nice, so flexibility is key. We caught some great light before it dipped, and I’m glad we made the call to move quickly.
That pivot meant doing family photos in pitch black, but I always bring the right lighting gear just in case. We still got some great shots and kept the good energy going through dinner.
A Cozy Reception with Heartfelt Speeches
The reception had a warm, Thanksgiving-inspired vibe that fit the season perfectly. With only about 30 guests, everyone sat together at one long table, which made it feel more like a family dinner than a traditional wedding. I captured the details earlier in the day, so once guests went inside for the reception, I could focus on the real moments.
There wasn’t a strict timeline, which is totally fine. I always try to get a rough idea of what’s happening ahead of time and then just stay flexible. My job is to follow the story as it unfolds and be ready for the good stuff.
I usually use flash at receptions, but this space was small and cozy, and flash would’ve felt distracting. So I kept things natural to preserve the ambient light and let the vibe of the room shine through in the photos.
The toasts were a highlight. Sentimental, funny, and just the right amount of embarrassing. I always make it a point to photograph not just the speakers, but also the couple and their guests. Especially at smaller weddings, I want everyone to feel included when looking back at the gallery.
Ready to Plan Your Own Goodstone Inn Wedding?
If you’re looking for a photographer who will keep things relaxed, document real moments, and help you feel at ease in front of the camera, I’d love to connect.
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