A Garden Inspired Wedding at Great Marsh Estate

A Garden Inspired Wedding Party at Great Marsh Estate Wedding

A lot of thought, intention, and love went into planning this beautiful garden-inspired Great Marsh Estate wedding. Eleanor had a clear vision for the day, and with her impeccable organization and attention to detail, she brought it to life flawlessly. The result? A wedding that surprised and moved many of their family and friends in the most thoughtful ways.

Before their big day, I had the joy of meeting Eleanor and Kyle during their engagement session in Washington, D.C. (Fun fact: I was pregnant at the time!) So, being back at full energy for their wedding over the weekend felt extra special. I remembered chatting with them during our initial meeting. We had SO many commonalities! JMU association (GO DUKES!), family last name (my grandparents share the same last name as the groom which was a first I’ve seen in the area!), and their wedding theme was what my husband and I shared for our wedding day. Needless to say, we hit it off right away! And looking back on this special day, I’m grateful we connected because I felt so inspired after their special day.

Kyle & Eleanor’s Wedding Day

Spring weather in Virginia can be unpredictable, and I watched the forecast like a hawk leading up to the big day. Luckily, the storm clouds literally rolled past us during Kyle and Eleanor’s first look. We stood in awe as the thunder rumbled nearby, then cleared just in time to bless us with glowing sunshine. Their ceremony even enjoyed some soft overcast light—truly the best of both worlds for photos!

When I arrived, one of the first things that made me smile was Eleanor’s gift to Kyle: custom cufflinks featuring their beloved cat, Lilly. That thoughtful touch came full circle when Kyle mentioned Lilly during his heartfelt vows. Cue the tissues!

But the most emotional moment? Eleanor’s tribute to her late mother during the ceremony. She surprised everyone—including her father—with an audio recording of a conversation with her mom, ending with the words, “Here I come, Mom.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the garden, and honestly, I still tear up just thinking about it.

The Party

After all those meaningful moments, it was time to party! The newlyweds made a grand entrance down the front steps of Great Marsh Estate, joining their wedding party for cocktail hour on the lawn. They kicked off the festivities by pouring champagne into a tower—and naturally, followed it up with a celebratory swig straight from the bottle. Love it. 🥂

Guests later gathered inside the elegant barn for a romantic, candlelit dinner. But the real surprise came during their table photo challenge—a viral TikTok-inspired mission to take a photo with every table before the end of one song. It was a huge hit! Guests were shouting, lifting Eleanor into the air, and making it such a memorable, high-energy moment. Honestly? I hope this trend sticks around—it’s SO fun to photograph!

But the tears didn’t stop with the ceremony. Before the mother-son dance, Kyle gave a heartfelt dedication to his mom that left the entire room emotional. As a mom of two boys myself, that moment hit me deeply. It was a beautiful tribute and such a meaningful part of the day.

From golden-hour portraits to glow sticks and a party dress, this Great Marsh Estate wedding had it all: emotion, joy, and an unforgettable celebration of love. Eleanor and Kyle, what a privilege it was to document your wedding day!