We have captured several Wren Chapel Weddings in the past and each time it is so special. Getting married in December can be a little tricky. Especially in Virginia. You never know if it is going to be 70 degrees outside, freezing, or snowing. Also, many people get married in December but want to stay away from a “Christmas” vibe wedding. John and Mary not only lucked out with the weather but their style and overall feel of their wedding was the perfect wedding to end 2022 on.
We get asked sometimes if we still get nervous shooting weddings. I won’t speak for Luke, but it honestly depends for me. For some reason, at this wedding, I showed up nervous lol. I think it might have been because it had been a few weeks since our last wedding and after shooting almost every day for what seemed like months, I felt a little out of practice!
Honestly, though, there was no need to be nervous. Mary and John are the most laid back most chill couple and made the day a breeze for us!
The bride and groom decided to have their wedding ceremony at the Wren Chapel on the campus of William and Mary. Being William and Mary Alumni, it was the perfect setting to say their vows and start their lives together. I love the Wren building. The way the chapel is laid out, your guests are all facing one another. It is also a smaller venue so it can become tight but I feel makes it more intimate.
If you are looking to get married at the Wren, our good friend Jess wrote an amazing blog that answers all your questions!
After John and Mary had their kiss and proceeded out they hurried up the stairs to ring the bells. Their guests watched down below as the new Mr. & Mrs. waved from the balcony. This William and Mary tradition is so sweet and adds such a special touch to the wedding ceremony.
If you have been following us for any time at all, you should know we love shooting at the Williamsburg Inn. We enjoy the architecture, the space, and most of all the people who work there. John and Mary had their reception in the Regency Room located in the Williamsburg Inn. She incorporated touches of purple which looked beautiful against the backdrop of the space.
On this particular day, we got extremely lucky. Every December Colonial Williamsburg does what they call a Grand Illumination. This kicks off the Christmas season and to celebrate they do fireworks. We asked the newlyweds if they would be willing to be pulled away for a little bit so we could get some photos with them under the fireworks. They of course were willing. Despite the cold walk, it was worth it! These photos that we captured with the help of Gibby Visuals are some of our favorites! It’s not every day you get actual fireworks so we are so glad we were able to seize the opportunity!
2022 was an incredible year for us! Thank you John and Mary for being the best to end on!
We ended the year not only an incredible couple but also some of our favorite vendors! A big thank you to this team right here!
Planning: Wedding Co. of Williamsburg
Video: Gibby Visuals
Hair & Makeup: Posh Salon
Venue: Williamsburg Inn
Flowers: Lindsey with the Inn.
Bar Rentals: Paisley and Jade
Rentals: Waterford Event Rentals
Loved this wedding and want to see more Williamsburg weddings? Visit the links below!
Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia & Worldwide Wedding Photographers
@lukeandashleyphotography
Follow along on Instagram
Tell us where to send you the goods