Burying The Bourbon { Hornsby House Engagement Party }

November 6, 2014

2 weeks ago Luke & I had the privilege of shooting an AMAZING engagement party at the Hornsby House in Yorktown VA.

If you have never been by the Hornsby House then you must take a visit! It is so pretty and the family that owns it are the sweetest bunch!

We have passed by that house for years and never knew about the heritage that house has. Seriously a local gem!

The engagement party took place at the house.

Julie & Gray are getting married October 24, 2015

and it is a southern tradition to bury a bottle of bourbon a year out so that you will have luck on your wedding day and no rain!

We showed up as this couple was finishing up all decorations.

They had put everything together with some help with family and friends and it seriously looked like something off of Southern Living Magazine!

It was so classy and elegant! The backyard of the house was the perfect setting for their intimate party.

They had set up tables in with mismatched chairs all along , a cute little seating area by a fire, a bar, and lit with string lights and candles.

It was seriously the definition of perfection!

They buried their bottle of bourbon in the front yard. Luke & I joked to them that we wondered who would come and try to dig it up as a joke.

They said they wouldn’t be surprised!

After the party that Sunday we were called back for a couple of shots by the monument.

We ended up turning it into an engagement session and had so much fun getting to know them and hearing stories about the house

and how Gray’s Great Grandfather built it.

The Hornsby House overlooks the Yorktown Monument and Gray was telling me that for generations it is mandatory to have a picture in front of the monument. And so we did.

Maybe a more modern and with a twist…but it was fun.

I love meeting people like Gray & Julie.

Growing up in a military family and moving around so much not really getting to spend time with grandparents, aunts and uncles… you kind of miss out on all the stories and closeness that a family has.

My immediate family was all we had. I was just in amazement the whole time watching the whole family come together and reminisce on old times.

The house itself tells a such a story of a families legacy and dreams. It is incredible. Something I am not used to but absolutely love.

Going back to the party, just seeing what these two put together for their engagement party…

I know their wedding is going to be a dream!

Julie is talking about sequins, gold, and a possible archway of flowers…. A photographers dream!

Looking forward to all that they have coming up and following along on their wedding planning!

And now here are some favorites from their party and engagement session!

Venue: Hornsby House

Rentals: Red Feathered Nest

Hornsby House Inn sign and exterior view of the historic venue, showcasing elegant architecture and inviting atmosphere, perfect for engagement parties and weddings. Decorative elements from an engagement party at Hornsby House, featuring a tag with a quote about friendship, glass jars, gold-painted pumpkins, greenery, and burlap accents.

Julie’s Ring is GORGEOUS!!! Don’t you think??? I had to snag a few on the gold pumpkins she had out!

Engagement ring with a sparkling diamond centerpiece on a gold pumpkin, surrounded by elegant decor including greenery, candles, and gold accents at Hornsby House engagement party. Elegant outdoor engagement party setup at Hornsby House, featuring string lights, a long dining table with gold accents, glassware, and decorative golden pumpkins, complemented by a floral arrangement in a glass vase. Elegant engagement party table setting at Hornsby House, adorned with gold mini pumpkins, sparkling glassware, and string lights, reflecting the festive atmosphere and decor details. Elegant outdoor engagement party setup at Hornsby House, featuring a long table adorned with gold-rimmed plates, glassware, and candles, illuminated by string lights, with a monument visible in the background. Engagement party table setting with decorated mason jar featuring green flower and rhinestone, elegant dinnerware, and string lights in the background at Hornsby House. Blanton's single barrel bourbon whiskey bottle with a horse and jockey cap, showcasing detailed label information about the bourbon's production and alcohol content.

Love the monument in the back!

Engagement party setup at Hornsby House featuring elegant table settings with gold accents, silverware, and a prominent monument in the background, adorned with string lights and greenery. Engagement party decor featuring a horse racing figurine and cozy outdoor seating with string lights at Hornsby House. Engagement party scene at Hornsby House, featuring guests mingling under string lights, a cozy fire, and a couple enjoying drinks amidst smoke and warm ambiance. Three women posing together at an engagement party outside the Hornsby House, surrounded by festive decor and evening lighting, showcasing a blend of stylish outfits and expressions of joy. Couples posing at Hornsby House engagement party, festive outdoor setting with string lights and elegant table decor, showcasing stylish outfits and celebratory drinks. Group of six women posing together at an engagement party at Hornsby House, dressed stylishly with festive decor in the background, capturing the celebratory atmosphere. Outdoor engagement party at Hornsby House with guests mingling under string lights, elegant tables set for dining, and a fire pit glowing in the foreground. Three women posing together at an engagement party at Hornsby House, with warm lighting and festive decor in the background, capturing the joyful atmosphere of the celebration. Guests enjoying a nighttime engagement party at Hornsby House, with a speaker raising a glass and string lights illuminating the scene, capturing the celebratory atmosphere. Guests celebrating at an engagement party at Hornsby House, with string lights illuminating the scene, a speaker raising a glass, and attendees enjoying drinks and conversation. Couple speaking at engagement party with guests seated at elegantly decorated tables, warm string lights illuminating the outdoor venue at Hornsby House, showcasing festive atmosphere and celebration. Engagement party at Hornsby House with guests enjoying drinks and conversation, featuring gold pumpkins and elegant table settings. Group of women celebrating at an engagement party, raising glasses in a festive outdoor setting with string lights and a fire pit, capturing joyful moments at Hornsby House.

I seriously need to brag on Luke for a moment… This is a killer shot! They are standing on the terrace. We have 2 flash stands pointing directly at them and Luke is shooting from inside the room…. He NAILED this shot!

Couple embracing on the terrace of Hornsby House, with a historic monument in the background, capturing a romantic engagement moment during their session. Couple sitting on the steps of Hornsby House, smiling and holding hands, surrounded by potted flowers, showcasing engagement attire and joyful expressions.

This is probably one of my favorites!

Couple sharing an intimate moment during engagement session at Hornsby House, featuring elegant attire and soft expressions, highlighting wedding planning excitement. Couple sitting on stone steps at Hornsby House, engaged, with floral planters and historic architecture in background, showcasing elegant attire and intimate moment. Couple posing affectionately on a stone wall at the Hornsby House, featuring a woman in a purple dress with a statement necklace and a man in a blue blazer, surrounded by greenery, capturing a moment from their engagement session. Couple embracing during engagement session, showcasing elegant jewelry, including a stunning ring and necklace, with a romantic backdrop at Hornsby House. Engagement party spread featuring gourmet cheese, crackers, and grapes alongside a backgammon set, set on a terrace at Hornsby House in Yorktown, VA. Couple holding hands in front of the Yorktown Victory Monument during engagement session at Hornsby House, showcasing scenic backdrop and elegant attire.

Looking good!

Couple posing at a monument during their engagement session, woman in a maroon dress and sunglasses, man in a blue blazer with a green pocket square, sunny outdoor setting at Hornsby House, showcasing their style and the venue's beauty. Couple seated on stone steps at a monument during their engagement session, showcasing elegant attire and a warm interaction, with the Hornsby House venue in the background. Couple sitting on a dock at Hornsby House in Yorktown, Virginia, with the bridge in the background, enjoying their engagement session, barefoot and smiling. Couple sitting on a wooden dock by the water, with the woman playfully leaning on the man, both wearing sunglasses and casual attire, under a clear sky, showcasing a romantic engagement session at Hornsby House in Yorktown, Virginia. Couple embracing on a dock during their engagement session at Hornsby House, showcasing love and joy with a scenic waterfront backdrop. Man in plaid shirt and sunglasses posing by water, adjusting watch, showcasing relaxed engagement style. Couple embracing on a pier with water in the background, showcasing a romantic engagement moment, featuring the woman in a light top and statement necklace, and the man in a plaid shirt, reflecting the joy of their engagement party at Hornsby House. Couple embracing on a dock by the water during their engagement session, showcasing a romantic moment with golden hour lighting, casual attire, and a scenic backdrop.

Hornsby House Engagement Party

Burying the Bourbon, engagement session, Hampton Roads Wedding Photographers, Hornsby House, Southern Traditions, Virginia Wedding Photographers, Yorktown VA Engagement, Yorktown VA Photographer, Yorktown Wedding Photographers

7 Comments

Renee
November 6th, 2014 at 1:49 pm

So much pretty!! I love all the gold details, especially the gold mini pumpkins! And that plum is beautiful on her!
Ashley Beasley
November 6th, 2014 at 2:56 pm

Thank-You Renee! She did such a great job putting it together! And yes I agree that color does look amazing on her!
Karena Dixon
November 6th, 2014 at 2:37 pm

What a fabulous party and such a great idea to have you incorporate it into the engagement session.
Ashley Beasley
November 6th, 2014 at 2:55 pm

Thank-You! I love how they put everything together! It was such a gorgeous set-up!
Favorite 2014 Engagements! ( Virginia Engagement Photographers ) | Luke & Ashley Photography
December 30th, 2014 at 9:40 am

[…] Gray & Julie did not disappoint in the least! This couple is Gorgeous and has serious style! See more of their session here. […]
Gray & Julie { Hornsby House Wedding Yorktown VA } - Luke & Ashley Photography
October 27th, 2015 at 5:10 am

[…] Here to see their Engagement […]
Chic Classic Bridal Session { Luke and Ashley Photography } - Luke & Ashley Photography
December 18th, 2015 at 2:13 am

[…] Visit Their Engagement Party Here! […]

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Burying The Bourbon { Hornsby House Engagement Party }

Burying the Bourbon, engagement session, Hampton Roads Wedding Photographers, Hornsby House, Southern Traditions, Virginia Wedding Photographers, Yorktown VA Engagement, Yorktown VA Photographer, Yorktown Wedding Photographers

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