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John & Sarah’s Hallmark-Worthy Christmas Themed Wedding | Northern VA Wedding Photographer

Hallmark Christmas wedding in Arlington Virginia at Washington Golf and Country Club

*Soft bells start jingling in the background* Friends, I am absolutely GIDDY about sharing John and Sarah’s wedding day with you all! I hope you are reading this from in front of a fireplace or cuddled up on the couch with hot cocoa because you’re about to see THE MOST Hallmark-worthy Christmas wedding. That’s right, the holidays aren’t over yet.

Aside from being just so perfectly festive, John and Sarah’s day was a beautiful display of their long-time relationship (they’ve been together ten years!!) and the love was felt through every moment and by every guest. This couple is so inspiring, not just for their relationship but get a load of Sarah! This girl graduated her accelerated nursing program THE DAY BEFORE her wedding!! Talk about celebration!!

My second shooter and I had a conversation a couple weeks after this about how some couples just have this “quality” or “thing” … it’s so hard to describe … but essentially as wedding photographers it’s easy to spot when a couple just has it. There’s a spark of electricity when these couples come together at their First Look — or in John and Sarah’s case, First Prayer. The rush of the early afternoon sometimes produces stress or even just seems to go by in a blur. But once the bride and group touch hands or melt into their first hug, their whole demeanor changes. It’s as if they are more themselves as individuals when they are together as a couple. John and Sarah were a quintessential picture of that kind of couple.

It was such an honor to capture their wedding day and share this part of their lives with them. I love all my ENP couples. But there are some that I truly feel sad when I leave their wedding day, because my time with them is nearly over. Seriously, if I could go back in time and photograph this day over and over, I would. Even though 75% of the day was shot with FLASH!! (I know… all the natural light photographers are gasping)

But now I’ll let you feel it for yourselves! Enjoy this beautiful Christmas wedding, and leave a comment with well wishes for the new Mr. & Mrs. Stuart!

Also check out John & Sarah’s Engagement Session to see their wedding venue in the daytime 😉

Flash-only wedding portrait, Arlington, VA. Bride and Groom standing and smiling at the camera for a traditional full-length portrait.
Wedding dress hanging on a white door near a window. Christmas garland around the door frame. 

A champagne velvet ring box holding a solitaire diamond ring with a twisted, white gold diamond wedding band. A dark, black men's wedding band. Lace veil flat-lay. A crystal bracelet.
Ballgown lace wedding dress from Zakaa Couture in Ashburn, VA. Hanging on a white french door with Christmas garland around the frame. In the background, a black baby grand piano.
Lace wedding dress bodice with beaded spaghetti straps. A deep V-neck with sheer lining. Groom puts on  shiny black tuxedo shoes in a light colored hotel room.
Solitaire diamond engagement ring with diamond band. Twisted diamond and white gold wedding band. Black men's wedding band.
Christmas florals for wedding. Red berries and evergreen florals with white roses. Groom wearing a black tuxedo with gold vest and bowtie.
Wedding hair updo with crystal and pearl hair pins. Wedding hair for blonde hair.
Christmas boutonnieres with white gardenia and red berries, evergreen greenery. Black tux groom.
Christmas bridal bouquet. Christmas bride's bouquet. White rose bouquet with winter greens and red ornamental berries.
Kate Spade sparkly Keds for wedding day.
Kate Spade sparkly Keds for wedding day
Bride putting on her earrings detail shot, fine art wedding photos. Crystal bracelet and spaghetti strap wedding dress.
Mother-daughter wedding day portrait. Bride putting on her wedding dress with mom.
Mom helps bride get in her wedding dress.
Christmas wedding day bridal portrait. Christmas wreaths for wedding decor.
Dad's first look of the bride. Father of the bride first look. Emotional first look with father of the bride.
Dad's first look of the bride. Father of the bride first look. Emotional first look with father of the bride.
Dad's first look of the bride. Father of the bride first look. Emotional first look with father of the bride.
Dad's first look of the bride. Father of the bride first look. Emotional first look with father of the bride.
Dad's first look of the bride. Father of the bride first look. Emotional first look with father of the bride.
First Look alternatives. Blind first look or prayer around the corner. Traditional wedding instead of a first look
First Look alternatives. Blind first look or prayer around the corner. Traditional wedding instead of a first look
First Look alternatives. Blind first look or prayer around the corner. Traditional wedding instead of a first look
First Look alternatives. Blind first look or prayer around the corner. Traditional wedding instead of a first look
First Look alternatives. Blind first look or prayer around the corner. Traditional wedding instead of a first look
Indoor ceremony decor. Christmas wedding decor for ceremony. Christmas wedding florals. Christmas wedding flowers. Gold chairs for indoor wedding.
Indoor ceremony decor. Christmas wedding decor for ceremony. Christmas wedding florals. Christmas wedding flowers. Gold chairs for indoor wedding.
Indoor wedding with string quartet. Christmas wedding with string quartet.
Indoor wedding with string quartet. Christmas wedding with string quartet. Sage String Quartet at Arlington, VA wedding
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Winter wedding bride and groom portraits. Indoor bride and groom portraits during winter. Christmas bride and groom portraits
Christmas reception decor. Indoor winter wedding, ballroom with gold and white decor and winter greenery
Christmas reception decor. Indoor winter wedding, ballroom with gold and white decor and winter greenery
Christmas reception decor. Indoor winter wedding, ballroom with gold and white decor and winter greenery
Christmas reception decor. Indoor winter wedding, ballroom with gold and white decor and winter greenery
Christmas reception decor. Indoor winter wedding, ballroom with gold and white decor and winter greenery
Christmasy wedding cake. Christmas wedding cake with white buttercream and wintery flowers. Christmas florals. Winter florals on Fluffy Thoughts Cakes from northern virginia wedding.
Christmasy wedding cake. Christmas wedding cake with white buttercream and wintery flowers. Christmas florals. Winter florals on Fluffy Thoughts Cakes from northern virginia wedding.
Christmasy wedding cake. Christmas wedding cake with white buttercream and wintery flowers. Christmas florals. Winter florals on Fluffy Thoughts Cakes from northern virginia wedding.
Christmasy wedding cake. Christmas wedding cake with white buttercream and wintery flowers. Christmas florals. Winter florals on Fluffy Thoughts Cakes from northern virginia wedding.
Sparkler exit at Christmas wedding.
Sparkler exit at Christmas wedding.
Vintage getaway car wedding Black and white photo

A special kudos to the amazing vendor team that pulled off this dreamy Christmas wedding day for John and Sarah!

Venue: Washington Golf and Country Club, Arlington, VA

Dress: Zakaa Couture, Ashburn, VA

Shoes: Kate Spade x Keds

Florals: J. Morris Flowers, Leesburg, VA

Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes, McLean, VA

DJ: Bialek’s Music, D.J. Mike, Rockville, MD

String Quartet: Sage String Quartet, Washington, D.C.

Rentals: Perfect Settings, Landover, MD

featured

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:

wedding Inspiration, Photo Prep tips, & exclusive offers only for the enp insiders

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