A Roanoke Virginia Estate Wedding

On October 4th, I had the pleasure of capturing a gorgeous wedding at a historical estate wedding venue near Roanoke Virginia known as Belle Garden Estate. Bri and Zach McNeil tied the knot and celebrated their wedding day with their closest friends and family. This wedding was extra special as I have know Bri since high school. Not only did I come as an old friend but was entrusted to be their wedding photographer. Which is a role I did not take lightly. During their ceremony, there was not a dry eye in the crowd during their intimate vows. Some of the sweetest speeches were given by Bri’s sister, and Zach’s best man. You could not only feel the unconditional love between Bri and Zach, but the love that they had for their family and friends was very evident. After their ceremony, we captured the beautiful evening glow and headed straight to cocktail hour as they spent quality time gathering with their guests. It was so special to not only see their wedding day unfold as a guest but as their wedding photographer I felt like I had a front row seat to all of the most authentic moments that have already become preserved cherished memories for Bri and Zach.

Belle Garden Estate | The Reception Space

Following the reception, Bri and Zach had the absolute best time and truly danced the night away. What makes Belle Garden Estate so unique from other estate venues, is their reception space. Most estate venues have large ball rooms, but this estate wedding venue built an outdoor pavilion that accommodates up to 200 guests comfortably. Allowing guests the freedom to walk around outside and enjoy the Blueridge Mountain views and adore the gorgeous view of the estate building. This venue is absolutely gorgeous at night and truly makes a statement at night with how its lite up. I found that many guests during cocktail hour loved taking photos right in front of Belle Garden Estates iconic front porch while allowing them to still be close by from all of the excitement of cocktail hour and reception. After Bri and Zach’s wedding portraits the DJ made a huge announcement for every single guest to get on the dance floor and huddle in for one huge giant group picture with the bride and groom. It truly was the biggest wedding photography portrait I have ever taken (picture is at the bottom of the galley). The guests absolutely loved the idea of one huge group picture and really set the tone for the rest of the night with the most contagious energy.

Estate Wedding Venue Information

All in all, if you are looking for a gorgeous estate wedding venue that is affordable, but still offers a high quality experience that is located just outside of Roanoke, then this is the perfect venue to highly consider! With the estate’s in house wedding planning team, their overnight accommodations for your entire wedding party, and the amazing private getting ready spaces for the bride and groom, the opportunities are truly endless for a stress free wedding day. If you are just in the beginning stages of wedding planning, then Belle Garden Estate needs to be added to your list of venues. Second, if you just got engaged, the next vendor you need to be thinking about after you book your dream wedding venue is a photographer! Choosing your wedding photographer is a huge decision for your wedding day. If you are looking for a local Roanoke Virginia wedding photographer that offers a personal experience that you want to feel like is just another bonus friend on your wedding day then lets chat!

Key Virginia Wedding Vendors: 

1. Venue: Belle Garden Estate 

2. Photographer: Madison Thurman Photography

3. DJ/Band: DJ Belle- Belle Dudley

4. Florist: Petal and Pail

5. Planner/Coordinator: Garden Rose Events & Design

6. Dress/Attire: Ashley Grace Bridal

9. Hair: Adorn Salon

10. Makeup: The Refinery- Kayla Poff