Joey and Mary got married a year minus one day after Kevin and me. So we share an anniversary weekend forever! But just like it poured on our wedding day, so did it pour at Joey and Mary’s first engagement session. So much so that we were forced to quit halfway through and reschedule for a second try. So it was only fitting that the skies would open yet again for their wedding day at the Barns at Wolf Trap on 9/9.
We rushed to get as much done as possible before the predicted storm. We even had some beautiful sun for the first few hours of the day! But right as we began taking their first round of couple’s portraits… there came the rain. We ran inside for cover and got ready for their indoor ceremony.
As someone who has the experience of being a bride on my own rainy wedding day, I was so worried the weather would dampen the couple’s spirits (pun intended). But even when half their wedding guests were stranded at the hotel after a shuttle mishap and weather forced them indoors after very few portraits together, Mary and Joey still carried themselves with level heads and happy hearts. They were determined not to let any hiccups steal their joy.
I watched the radar all afternoon. The rain just wouldn’t let up! So we braved it one more time to run to a covered porch — and that porch SAVED their portraits!! Thanks to my easy posing routine, we were able to accomplish so much without moving their feet hardly at all. Joey and Mary stayed dry, and I got photos that accurately and beautifully documents their special day.
As the night went on, these two continued making the most precious memories in front of my lens. From their sweet First Dance to speeches to cake… every moment felt intimate and special even with more than 100 guests looking on. I’m sure every heart in the room felt it — this was a sacred day, meant to be remembered. And just when I was wrapped up in the romance of the night, I looked outside to see a patch of faded blue sky! We ran outside one last time to capture a few more shots just as the sun was disappearing for the night.
“Don’t Miss” Highlights
As I look back at Joey and Mary’s wedding day, here are the things I’ll always remember most:
- The Barns at Wolf Trap is designed as an indoor-first venue… and lucky for Joey and Mary! They definitely needed it, yet we still found ways to get natural, glowy images despite the worst weather.
- Their planning team at Completely Coordinated was doing the Lord’s work that day — taking away logistical stress so Joey and Mary could enjoy and live in each present moment. I’m so glad we had that amazing team watching out for firedrills so my team could worry only about photos.
- It would have been so easy for any one of the wedding guests or even the bride and groom to let the weather get them down. But the energy was so positive, loving, and celebratory — it carried the entire day and the focus was left on the meaningful moments of these two becoming husband and wife.
- I found my new favorite wedding reception traditions. First, the cookie table! It’s an old Pittsburgh tradition for family to bake and bring cookies to serve at the couple’s wedding reception. Second, the hula hoopers!! Apparently the Turner family has a long-standing tradition of hula hooping at the end of family wedding receptions. From the littlest to the eldest, these hula hoopers were so impressive! They held on for songs PLURAL before dropping their hoops. I couldn’t stop smiling at what I was witnessing!!
As you scroll through this sweet duo’s wedding at the Barns at Wolf Trap, I hope you’re left shocked that I titled this a “rainy” wedding day. I did my best to capture the beauty and light that I could find, and seeing the smiles on Joey and Mary’s face was enough to make all the rest melt into the background.
Vendor Shout-Outs
A very special thanks and admiration for Joey & Mary’s dream team of vendors for making their day so beautiful!
Venue: The Barns at Wolf Trap (Vienna, VA)
Planning & Coordination: Completely Coordinated
Florist: Growing Wild
Catering: Mission BBQ
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie (Color: Plum)
Invitations: Shutterfly
Loving my work? Let us capture your wedding day memories, too! Inquire for your wedding by contacting me HERE.
Check out some of my other work below:
- Calvin & Alex’s Lavish River Farm Wedding | Alexandria Wedding Photographer
- Ryan & Caroline’s Flower-Forward Estate at River Farm Wedding (feat. by StyleMePretty) | Richmond Wedding Photographer
- John & Theresa’s Art Deco-Inspired Branch Museum Wedding | Richmond Wedding Photographer
- Jordan & Lacey’s Soft Romance Dover Hall Wedding | RVA Wedding Photographer
- Don & Rylie’s Black Tie Williamsburg Winery Wedding | Williamsburg Wedding Photographer
- Ian & Sarah’s Traditional Catholic Wedding in Georgetown | Washington, D.C. Wedding Photographer
