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Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Wedding with a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

If you talk to a wedding vendor in Northern VA or DC about spring 2024, we’d probably sigh. We had a period of several weeks in a row where weather was beautiful all week long, just to downpour rain on our couples every weekend. Many brides and grooms might have found this discouraging, but not Kevin and Emma. Though we dodged rain at their Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding, they kept the brightest smiles on their faces. They truly seemed to enjoy every moment of their special day.

Honoring Family Traditions

Their incessant joy was contagious. It made it even easier to focus on all the personal touches and traditions they added to their wedding. For instance, Emma had not one, not two, but THREE stunning bridal looks on her wedding day! She incorporated these outfit changes flawlessly and purposefully to serve each part of the wedding they were meant for.

Her first and primary look was, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the wedding – her mother’s wedding dress. Emma wore it beautifully, with just a few alterations to make it her own. And I’ll admit, I was quite nervous carrying the dress around to photograph it. But I was in awe of the beading and detail, and how beautifully new it looked!

Secondly, Emma changed into a Qun Kwa for their traditional Chinese tea ceremony. This was a beautiful tribute to Kevin’s family and their heritage. Witnessing it side by side with their western wedding ceremony showed just how intentional Kevin and Emma were about blending their families and cultures into one – just as marriage should be!

Their party started off with a lively entrance of the bridal party and newlyweds. This quickly evolved into the couple’s choreographed First Dance. I can officially say now that I’ve witnessed a bride and groom elegantly pull off the final “Dirty Dancing” lift at the end of their First Dance! It was flawless and impressive, and earned the applause of all their guests.

After lots of delicious food and fun dancing, Emma changed for the third and final time into her vibrant red mermaid gown! Again, this dress incorporated nods to Chinese imagery in the pattern, perfect for celebrating as the new Mrs. Chang.

Gratitude

This wedding was such a blast, despite moments of rain and pivots to the timeline to make it all happen. I was inspired by Kevin and Emma’s carefree attitude all day and their ability to remain present in every moment. It was an honor to associate shoot their Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding for Compass Studios. And I enjoyed capturing their memories alongside friends in the industry.

As you scroll through the highlights, I hope you enjoy their stunning portraits, details, and candid moments. But I especially loved their portraits in the greenhouse! The plant mom in me was squealing at how fun they came out.

If you made it through this blog post and love my work, consider sharing with an engaged friend. Or if you ARE engaged, I’d love to chat about capturing your special memories! Contact me today.

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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!

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