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Weddings

Calvin & Alex’s Lavishly Lavender River Farm Wedding | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

The minute Alex’s bridesmaids came in with a portable speaker and played her Taylor Swift playlist, I knew it was going to be a GOOD day. A mash-up of Lover, Lavender Haze, and Love Story was on repeat in my mind as Calvin & Alex made micro- and macro-memories in front of my lens. Their River Farm wedding day, though very hot for a September wedding, was picturesque in every way.

These two lovers have been together over a decade, so you can be assured this was a true celebration. As I’ve gotten to know Calvin & Alex over the past year since their engagement session, I’ve especially come to love the little things about them. Watching them through my lens I could easily pick up that Calvin is quick as a whip. And Alex is true to her nurse nature in her compassion and love for her people. But cutest of all is how they make each other laugh — like from the deep part of their gut kind of laugh.

It’s no wonder what makes these two the perfect match. I think even from scrolling through their images below, you’ll see it too. Some couples just have this zest for life and glow in their eyes for each other. That’s Calvin & Alex for sure.

Don’t-Miss Highlights

Some of my favorite moments from their wedding day can be seen in the images below. See if you can find them:

  • Calvin trying to hold it together when Alex walked down the aisle… yep, even with a First Look this bride got her groom to cry 😉
  • The fact that this venue matched their wedding aesthetic SO PERFECTLY… like, did they hang that floral painting above the fireplace just for Alex’s bouquet?
  • Their wedding party was the literal BEST — the bridesmaids had me giggling and singing along to Taylor Swift all morning and the groomsmen were some of the chillest, kindest souls. I’m so thankful for how welcome they made me and my team feel!
  • I had the softest spot for Calvin’s little sister and Alex’s two nieces (the flower girls). The littler of Alex’s nieces was Ellie… same name as my niece! I just adored her shy little smile.

It was an absolute privilege to be the one to capture these moments for them. And I know their adventure has only begun, as they light up this world as husband and wife.

Vendor Shout-Outs

A very special thanks and admiration for Calvin & Alex’s dream team of vendors for making their day so beautiful!

Venue – River Farm (Alexandria, VA)

Planning & Coordination – Alyssa Carl of B.Mingled Weddings & Events

Dress – Essence of Australia / Ellie’s Bridal Boutique

Florals – Petal N’ Bloom Studio

Music – Mario of The DC DJs

Cake – Buzz Bakeshop

Catering – P.I.G.S. BBQ

Bridesmaid Dresses – Revelry

Groom & Groomsmen Suits – Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations – Minted

Officiant – Wedding Ceremonies by Jeff

Hair & Make-up Artist – Norma Goncalves Hair & Makeup Artist

A September River Farm Wedding | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

Bridal and bridesmaid bouquets atop a white fireplace mantle

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
A sleeveless, beaded, ballgown wedding dress with a plunging neckline

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Simple lavender wedding invitation flat-lay from Minted Weddings for a late-summer wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Wedding band set for a River Farm wedding 

Alexandria Wedding Photographer
A bride puts on her Olive & Piper earrings, her blonde hair in a romantic, wispy updo

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
A bride puts on her Badgley Mischka flats, wearing her fluffy tulle ballgown wedding dress

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride surrounded by her 5 bridesmaids, dressed in lavender bridesmaid dresses from Revelry

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride holds her fluffy, pastel lavender bridal bouquet with eucalyptus, wearing a floor length veil and tulle ballgown wedding dress

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride holds her fluffy, pastel lavender bridal bouquet with eucalyptus, wearing a floor length veil and tulle ballgown wedding dress

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

Calvin & Alex’s First Look At Their River Farm Wedding

Candid moments of laughter between a bride and groom as they read their vows at their First Look on their wedding day

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

Wedding Party Portraits at River Farm

Bright blue groomsmen suit inspiration with mauve neckties 

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender bridesmaid dresses from Revelry and bouquet inspiration for purple wedding theme

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender bridesmaid dresses from Revelry and bouquet inspiration for purple wedding theme; Bright blue groomsmen suits with lavender neckties

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender bridesmaid dresses from Revelry and bouquet inspiration for purple wedding theme

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender bridesmaid dresses from Revelry and bouquet inspiration for purple wedding theme; Bright blue groomsmen suits with lavender neckties

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender bridesmaid dresses from Revelry and bouquet inspiration for purple wedding theme

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and groom pose next to main staircase at River Farm on their wedding day

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and groom pose together with a swooping floor-length veil and lavender bridal bouquet

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride twirls her tulle ballgown wedding dress and floor-length veil

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride standing in her tulle ballgown wedding dress and floor-length veil

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and groom pose together with a swooping floor-length veil and lavender bridal bouquet

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

Calvin & Alex’s Wedding Ceremony & Newlywed Portraits

Wedding ceremony layout at River Farm for outdoor wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Wedding ceremony signage inspo; Antique mirror wedding sign with flowers

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride escorted down the aisle by her father during sunny outdoor wedding ceremony

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Wedding favor ideas for summer wedding: Heart-shaped paper fans

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Groom places wedding band on the bride's finger during their outdoor summer wedding ceremony

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom signature drinks for summer wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom pose in front of wedding venue

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom pose in front of wedding venue

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom pose with swooping floor-length veil

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom pose in front of wedding venue with pastel lavender bridal bouquet and bright blue groom's suit

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom pose in front of wedding venue with pastel lavender bridal bouquet and bright blue groom's suit

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

River Farm Wedding Reception Photos

Lavender and sage themed wedding reception decor inspo

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender and sage themed wedding reception decor inspo

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender and sage themed wedding reception decor inspo

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender and sage themed wedding reception decor inspo

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Lavender and sage themed wedding reception decor inspo

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom's First Dance at tented outdoor wedding reception

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom's First Dance at tented outdoor wedding reception

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom's First Dance at tented outdoor wedding reception

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom's Sweetheart Table inspo for lavender themed wedding day

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride's Father-Daughter Dance at tented outdoor wedding reception

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Groom's Mother-Son Dance at tented outdoor wedding reception

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Groom's Mother-Son Dance at tented outdoor wedding reception

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

Glowy Golden Hour Wedding Portraits at River Farm

Golden Hour portraits at garden wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at garden wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at garden wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at garden wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at historic estate wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at historic estate wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at garden wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at historic estate wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Golden Hour portraits at historic estate wedding

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

Cake, Dancing, and LED Wand Exit

Simple, single-tier wedding cake inspiration w/ wooden laser-cut personalized cake topper

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom kiss during their send-off as wedding guests wave blue LED wands

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
Bride and Groom kiss during their send-off as wedding guests wave blue LED wands

River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer

Loving my work? Let us capture your wedding day memories, too! Inquire for your wedding by contacting me HERE.

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Planning a wedding and need some inspo?

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Every detail of the Madelyn Tenney Events Spring Design Showcase 2025 was pure magic. As an Atlanta wedding photographer, I had the joy of being invited to capture not only the beautifully curated spaces but also the intimate behind-the-scenes moments that made this spring showcase possible. From lush florals to elegant table settings, the event was a treasure trove of spring wedding inspiration for brides dreaming up their perfect day.

Hosted at Nova Studio in the heart of Atlanta, this carefully crafted experience was designed to set the tone for the upcoming wedding season—and it did not disappoint.

Spring Wedding Inspiration for Modern Southern Brides

The design vision for the showcase–Prima Flora–embraced soft pastels, delicate textures, and fresh seasonal styling. Think romantic blush tones, textured linens, and floral-forward installations. Madelyn and her talented team created a setting that felt simultaneously elevated and welcoming. It was truly a perfect exhibition of what sophisticated spring weddings can be in Georgia.

As I arrived early to document the event setup, I was able to photograph the team in their element: adjusting linens, styling stationery, and rehearsing the layout one last time. These behind-the-scenes moments revealed just how much heart went into this event. It’s easy to see why so many brides trust Madelyn Tenney Events to bring their dream weddings to life.

Behind the Scenes with Madelyn Tenney Events

Before the doors opened, I had the privilege of capturing team headshots for the women behind Madelyn Tenney Events. Their energy, collaboration, and vision made it clear this wasn’t just a design showcase—it was a heartfelt celebration of creativity and community.

The environment was buzzing with excitement as florists arranged final stems and vendors fluffed the final cushions. The team’s chemistry was undeniable, and it translated directly into the seamless flow of the event itself.

The Madelyn Tenney Events Spring Design Showcase

At the heart of the showcase were the intentional design vignettes. Each space told a story, offering spring wedding inspiration tailored for modern Southern brides. One standout element was a centerpiece floral installation by Marigo Flowers, assisted by Pollen Floral Company. It floated above a table layered with blush-toned linens from BBJ La Tavola, catching the light beautifully throughout the afternoon.

An eye-catching ice sculpture by Ice Sculpture Inc. ATL added a playful, elevated touch to the scene, while live entertainment from Jewel the Ballerina captivated attendees with ethereal movement, bringing life to the experience. Glasswing Rentals curated tableware that sparkled under the natural light of Nova Studio, and JC Rental Collective and Party Bound contributed pieces that gave each setup personality and polish.

Why This Event Matters for Atlanta Brides

If you’re a bride planning a wedding in Atlanta, Savannah, or North Georgia looking for fresh spring wedding inspiration, events like this one are invaluable. They don’t just showcase trends—they display the talent of local, trustworthy vendors who are passionate about what they do.

Every vendor at this showcase brought their A-game. Seeing each one’s work in person—and getting to document it as a film-inspired wedding photographer—was such an honor.

What I Loved Most as an Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Photographing this spring wedding inspiration at Nova Studio was a dream. The soft filtered light made the colors pop in a way that felt timeless and true-to-color. My goal is always to deliver film-inspired wedding photos that feel both editorial and authentic. The setting created by Madelyn Tenney Events was ideal for that.

Being trusted to document the designs and the passion behind them—team portraits, set-up, genuine laughter—reminds me why I love this work. These are the moments that couples don’t always see. These are the images that reveal the effort, energy, and heart poured into a couple’s day long before they say I do.

Want more from this amazing showcase? The full gallery is available for your viewing and inspiration!

If you’re planning a spring wedding in Georgia, take this as your sign: romantic color palettes, thoughtful texture layering, intentional florals, and a dream team of vendors are always a winning combination. And if you’re looking for a light and airy wedding photographer, I’d be honored to capture it all.

Let’s create something beautiful together. Contact me to inquire for more information about pricing and packages!

Vendors:

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