Belle Garden Estate Wedding | Bri and Zach

On October 4th at the Historical Belle Garden Estate wedding venue just outside of Roanoke Virginia. Bri and Zach McNeil tied the knot and celebrated their wedding day with their closest friends and family at a historical estate venue overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. I have known Bri since elementary school and It was such a privilege to not only be present as a friend, but to be entrusted as their wedding photographer will always be such an honor. Bri and Zach’s weddings will always be a day that I will never forget. 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. 

As a Virginia wedding photographer, every wedding is different. Some couples wish to have a private ceremony and then guests arrive for just the reception, some choose to be surrounded by their friends and family and some even have a destination elopement and then a reception a few weeks later to celebrate with their friends and family. Whatever it may be,  It is always so special to capture and authentically document how every love story unfolds in its own natural way. 

Following the reception, Bri and Zach had the absolute best time and truly danced the night away. As soon as reception dinner was over, and the wedding speeches were done 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.

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