Weddings set in the outdoor are truly my favorite. The way the natural surroundings becoming part of the experience and the light shifting throughout the day just makes your wedding day feel different in the best way.
Why Outdoor Weddings Feel So Special
The Washington DC and Northern Virginia area is quite literally filled with hidden gems from historic estates and garden venues that create the perfect backdrop for an elevated outdoor celebration.
What makes these spaces so special is how naturally they create a more immersive experience. Instead of feeling confined to a ballroom or barn, your day unfolds organically as guests can move freely and take in everything around them.
Outdoor weddings also allow for a softer, more romantic design approach … my favorite to capture! With nature already doing so much of the work, every detail you bring in feels more intentional.
My Natural Approach to Capturing a Wedding Day
There’s often an expectation that luxury wedding photography has to feel overly light, perfectly posed or extremely polished, but that doesn’t always reflect how a wedding day actually feels.
My approach is a little different than your traditional documentary photographer.
Instead of stepping back completely, I take a more hands on approach when it comes to guiding you. I pay close attention to light, movement and the way you naturally interact, then step in with direction when it will elevate the moment.
You will never be left wondering what to do, but it will never feel forced either. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, confident and fully present while I shape the moment in a way that still feels like you.
The result is imagery that feels both refined and natural.
Photos that are beautiful, but more importantly, feel real to you.
Tips for Planning a Luxury Outdoor Wedding in DC
While the portraits featured in this blog post are from an editorial shoot, here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re dreaming of a similar wedding day:
Choose a venue with natural beauty you connect with
A strong setting does so much of the work for you and allows everything else to feel more effortless.
Invest in florals
Florals are one of the most impactful ways to elevate your design, especially in an outdoor setting.
Keep the experience intentional
Luxury does not have to mean more. It often means being thoughtful about what actually matters to you.
Outdoor Wedding Inspiration at Strong Mansion
Set just outside of Washington DC, Strong Mansion offers a beautiful mix of historic charm and open, natural surroundings that make it ideal for an outdoor wedding.
The grounds are filled with garden spaces, stone paths and scenic backdrops that allow your day to flow naturally from one moment to the next. It is the kind of setting that does not need much added to feel elevated, which makes it perfect for couples who want something refined without feeling overdone.
Outdoor Wedding Inspiration at Strong Mansion
If you are planning an outdoor wedding in the Washington DC area and want something that feels elevated, intentional and with hands-on guidance, I think we’d be a great fit!
If this feels like the direction you are drawn to, I would love to be a part of your wedding day. Please inquire here to start the process!
Vendor Team
Planning & Design: SRS Events @srs_events
Floral Design: Love Blooms @lovebloomsdc
Venue: Strong Mansion @strong_mansion
Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co. @prettylittleweddingco
Linens: Reverie Social @reverie_social
Stationery: Ledgewood Fine Stationery @ledgewoodfinestationery
Linen Signs: Lollipop Media Designs @lollipopmediadesigns
Pastel Napkins: Something Vintage @smthingvintage
Cakes: Liberty Baking Co. @libertybakingco
Cocktails: Sip DC Mobile Bar @sipdcmobilebar
Hair: Lucja Bridal @lucja.bridalstylist
Makeup: Olivia Lo Makeup @olivialomakeup
Wedding Gown Boutique: Zoya’s Atelier @zoyasatelier
Designers: Lihi Hod @lihihod & Peter Langner @peterlangner
Model Couple: @thestyledduo
Content Creation: In the Moment Content Creators @inthemomentcontentcreators
Book Mae Meadows Photography as your wedding photographer
Inquire here to secure your date and start planning a day that reflects your love story.
