Thursday Things // My Wedding Venue “Bucket List”

They say Virginia is for lovers . . . and it’s also for beautiful wedding venues!

I’ve been shooting weddings in Virginia for about four years and have had the chance to photograph at some beautiful places and venues.   I cannot get enough of the southern culture — mixed with modern style and class — that some of these places offer. Because I’m a list junkie, I’ve created a “Wedding Venue Bucket List” for this week’s Favorite Things, a collection of Virginia spots that I would love to photograph and visit.

 

Inn at Warner Hall

Let’s start off with a venue that I can already cross of my venue bucket list.  Last spring I photographed a truly beautiful wedding at the Inn at Warner Hall in Gloucester, VA.  This home was owned by George Washington’s great great great . . . (I’m not sure how many greats) grandparents.   As a self-proclaimed history buff, photographing here was so amazing!   It also provided some great locations for my couple and the bridal party, such as this darling shot below.

 

The Mill at Fine Creek

I have seen many of my fellow photographer friends shoot at The Mill at Fine Creek, and I hope that one of my clients will have this as their location.   I was the maid of honor in my best friend’s wedding this past July and they chose The Mill as their venue.  It was a dream wedding venue as a guest, and I’d love to incorporate it’s many features from behind the camera!

 

The Flyway Lodge

I’ve had the honor of photographing an engagement session at the Flyway Lodge, but I’m searching for my next bride and groom who wants to tie the knot at this amazingly rustic and beautiful venue near the bay in Knotts Island, NC. Plus their bed and breakfast is to die for – so sweet and would be perfect for the morning after a wedding!

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Need I say more? Flowers, landscaping, blooms . . . it’s a photographer’s dream! The Norfolk Botanical Garden also has different garden exhibits throughout the year so there is no true “prime time”. I especially love the lights around Christmas time! Not only are the gardens a great place for any photoshoot, but they also have rental space for weddings and other events.

UPDATE:  I can check this off of my venue bucket list!  In 2018, I photographed not one, but two weddings at the Gardens!

Hampton’s Historic Post Office

One of the newest venues in the Hampton Roads area, I have been dying to get a peek inside of the renovated Historic Post Office. It’s also within walking distance to the waterfront and would be great for not only weddings but also any other events or conferences. Talk about pure elegance — with a historic twist!

UPDATE:  I can check this off of my venue bucket list!  In 2018, I photographed not one, but three weddings at the the Historic Post Office!

MOCA Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

I’ve photographed a few weddings at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk (thats why that venue is not on this list!)  and it is such a unique, breathtaking and beautiful venue. I’d love to photograph at more Museums, and I’ve had my eye on the MOCA‘s beautiful galleries, exhibits, and architecture. They also have some great outdoor spaces and patios that can be utilized. Last but not least, the MOCA is a non-profit organization which I always love supporting. This is a great option for those who love and/or appreciate art and beautiful architecture!

 

Blue Pete’s

I’ll admit, this one isn’t necessarily a wedding venue, but Blue Pete’s does close the place down to the public on occasion for private events and weddings.  This place is in the heart of Pungo and it is right on one of the waterways that lead to the bay.  The atmosphere is both casual and fun, and the food+drinks are already taken care of on site!  We used to frequent Blue Pete’s quite often before our little munchkin came around but we don’t venture out much these days.  This is a great place for any couple who wants a relaxed wedding with close friends and family.

 

 

If you are interested in some of my favorite venues I’ve photographed some of my couples at, contact me. I’d love to give you my honest and professional recommendations of places that my couples and I have loved.