Dan and Olivia were married on a languid Summer day during a romantic barn wedding in King William, VA. The couple was surrounded by a community of friends and family, who uplifted them with an outpouring of love and support.
“We both originally planned on finding our romantic partners organically, a.k.a “the old-fashioned way,” says Olivia. Ironically enough, the couple met online. Olivia, with the advice and encouragement of her closest friends, reluctantly created an online dating profile in the summer of 2021. The first match that appeared? Dan.
After exchanging a few brief messages, the pair met in person at Gersi, a small Italian Restaurant in Richmond’s museum district. The pair hit it off quickly; they began seriously dating within a few months. Dan was drawn to Olivia’s bubbly, extroverted personality. He knew that as long as Liv was around, he’d never be bored. And Olivia was drawn to Dan’s thoughtfulness – he had the manners of a true gentleman; he opened doors and pulled out chairs; he was a good listener and planned great dates. He exuded confidence, but embraced his own goofy sense of humor. Olivia knew relatively early on that she had found her forever person.
Dan orchestrated the perfect Olivia-centric proposal under the cover of her birthday. He treated her to a spectacular day of Olivia approved activities: brunch at a French Brasserie in Carytown, shopping at Cary Street Fabric, and a holiday house tour of local historic homes on Monument Avenue. While in line for one of the homes on the tour, Olivia said “this is the best birthday ever! I want to spend all of my birthdays with you!”
On the way back to her apartment, when walking through the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Dan told Olivia how he wanted to make her birthday special and let her know how much he loved and cared about her. He said “Remember early today when you said that you wanted to spend all of your birthdays with me? Well, I want to spend all of my birthdays with you too. And I want to spend all of my Christmases with you… I don’t know if you know this, but there is one more ‘stop’ on the ‘tour.'” Then Dan walked around her and knelt on one knee on the VMFA sidewalk and pulled out a ring!
Alturia Farm is the perfect backdrop for a romantic barn wedding. The exterior of the on-site barn is a refreshing take on an otherwise rustic location. The interior is clad in rich wood tones that envelopes guests in welcoming warmth.
Olivia and her team were able to assemble a romantic barn wedding by focusing on softening the details with a color palette of blush and white.
King William Florist added to the overall feeling of romance by incorporating blooms in shades of pale blush, pink, and white with hints of textured greenery.
Olivia’s wedding gown was one for the books. The lace appliqué and blush lining added to the overall romantic ambience of the day.
Paired with classic elements like pearl encrusted heels, the overall effect was enchanting.
Olivia and Dan had one of the largest wedding parties I’ve had the privilege of photographing.
The love surrounding them was palpable; they truly gathered their tribe around them to celebrate their union!
The guys laughed and joked together throughout the day.
This wedding party was the epitome of fun – it truly felt like they’d all been best friends for decades.
Did you know that first looks aren’t just for the couple? It’s true! I love it when couples choose to incorporate a first look with a parent, grandparent, or even a close friend – anyone who has played an important role in their lives.
I love when a couple chooses to incorporate a first look. It’s a wonderful opportunity for an intimate moment together before all of the “big moments” take place. Olivia and Dan used their first look to recite personalized wedding vows before their ceremony.
And of course, the look on Dan’s face was priceless.
The bride and groom said “I do” in the barn, surrounded by their friends and family. Olivia’s eyes were full of tears. Dan couldn’t stop smiling. It was a dream.
Guests mingled on the open veranda during cocktail hour, and were greeted by cozy string lights and romantic decor during the reception.
The couple and their guests enjoyed a full evening of celebration, complete with dancing, dessert, and a sparkler grand exit!
Olivia and Dan exited their wedding to a crowd of adoring family and friends waving twinkling sparklers.
For more romantic barn wedding inspiration, head over to this blog post
Vendor Team
Venue | Alturia Farm
Planning | Holidays by Hulsey
Videography | Profound Wedding Films
Florals | King William Florist
Gown | Ava Laurenne Bride
Groom’s Attire | The Modern Groom
Hair & Makeup | Radiant Reflection
Rentals | Party Perfect
Catering | Roma Ristorante Italiano
Band | The Silver Bullets
Invitations | Minted