Michelle & Doran Married | Hornsby House Inn in Yorktown, Virginia | Neutral & Natural Fall Wedding on the Water

Photography, Weddings

October 23, 2019

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This wedding was special for me and Caleb…his cousin was the bride! Michelle made a gorgeous bride and Doran made a doting groom. Throughout the wedding planning process they made it very clear they wanted their guests to have a good time and feel relaxed. Without a doubt that dream came true.

So much of their wedding revolved around family as well. Their special day took place at the Hornsby House Inn, which is owned by Doran’s relatives. His aunt, who works at the inn, coordinated the wedding. Doran’s groomsmen were his father and brother; Michelle’s bridespersons were her sister and brother. Dani, Michelle’s sister, designed the invitation suite and day of paper goods. Caleb and I were her photographers. You could just tell that the guests were meant to be the focus of the wedding.

Before the ceremony, Michelle gifted Doran a guitar pick that had “Meet me at the Alter” and “High Tide or Low Tide 10.12.2019” engraved on either side. “High Tide or Low Tide” was their first dance song as well.

Ceremony views could not get better—it was right by the water of the York River with the Yorktown Victory Monument in the background. They incorporated some soul, some humor, and lots of love into their ceremony. After they said their “I Dos” they recessed down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun.”

We were so lucky to have so much time for bride and groom portraits! The Hornsby House Inn even loaned us their old Model T to take around the area for portraits. We went to the beach, the Nelson House down the street, and then back to the area across from the Inn near the monument! I love that we were able to get so much variety in such a quick timeframe.

The reception had all natural tones for the décor—beige, white, and greenery. Michelle was very adamant that she wanted everything very natural! I loved the simplicity! The toasts were heartfelt, remembering those that could not be in attendance while still keeping it lighthearted with stories of childhood quirks. The live band, “The Gold Sauce” was so very talented and got so many people out on the dance floor. Perhaps the ice luge the bride’s mother surprised them with also aided in the dance floor being popping! That was a touch I had never seen before at any other wedding!

Before the night was over, Dani brought out some of their father’s vintage Slovakian vodka in honor of him. Michelle, Doran, Korry (Michelle’s mom), and Dani all took shots of the vodka together. I’m so thankful I caught their priceless faces—that stuff was potent! Those were the final shots (of liquor) of the night, then the newlyweds made their way out to the firework exit!

It’s safe to say that Michelle and Doran had an amazing time and showed their guests a fun celebration as well, just as they had aimed for!