One of the aspects of wedding photography that I love is that no two weddings are alike. Everyone has a history, culture, or tradition that helps set the tone for their experience. For Rob and Liz’s Meadowlark gardens wedding Vienna Virginia they embraced the Jewish wedding traditions of their family, bringing with it meaningful moments throughout the day.
Although Rob and Liz live across the country, they came back to where they grew up so that all their family could join in the celebration. I started with Liz and her family at her childhood home, photographing her with her bridesmaids and parents as she finished preparations. Getting ready in the home that she grew up added rich context and memories into each image. I especially loved being able to get photos of the special time Liz had with her mom as she finished putting on her wedding dress.
Rob and Liz share a passion for the outdoors.. Having their wedding back home in Vienna meant looking for a place that embraced their love of nature, so they knew that the Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens would be the perfect wedding venue for Meadowlark Gardens Wedding. If you haven’t been to Meadowlark, it is a haven full of bright florals, lush trees, multiple ponds and lakes, varied wildlife, and trails for exploring every inch of the gardens. Yet it also provides a glass-enclosed atrium for ceremonies and receptions, complete with a river running right through the middle! As someone who grew up loving the outdoors, I’ve always enjoyed working at Meadowlark, as it is the perfect place to feel like you’ve escaped the hustle while being just a few minutes from major cities.
Once we all arrived at Meadowlark, Rob and Liz’s Jewish wedding traditions began to play a major part. From signing the wedding ketubah, to Liz placing on Rob’s kippah, each moment held special meaning to them. Two moments in particular stood out in the ceremony. The first came when Rob and Liz were wrapped together in a tallit, symbolizing the closeness that is shared in marriage. Liz didn’t worry about holding back tears and Rob was full of wam, loving smiles. The second came right at the end of the ceremony with the tradition of breaking the glass. It was something that Rob had been looking forward to all day, yet had also been nervous about, not wanting to miss! But he did a fantastic job, giving a satisfying break to the glass, symbolizing that their marriage can never break, and unleashing many loud cheers from their family and friends. It’s one of my favorite images of the day!
After the ceremony we made sure to explore our favorite areas of the garden, wanting to take advantage of the peak fall colors. Back at the reception, it all began with a bang with the hora dance! Rob, Liz, and their parents all got the royal treatment and I loved capturing such intense joy at the start of the party. Later on, Liz’s Dad, Rob’s best man, and many others brought laughs and tears to everyone in the room with their endearing speeches.
It’s always an honor to photograph these memories and lock them in for clients to enjoy for a lifetime. Thanks Rob and Liz for inviting me to be there on such an impactful day in your lives!
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