A romantic Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding in Vienna, Virginia, captured in soft lavender and sage tones by Northern Virginia wedding photographer Pat Cori.
The Venue: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Vienna, Virginia. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers one of the most romantic settings for couples dreaming of a garden wedding.
When I arrived to photograph this wedding, lavender blooms scented the air. Laughter drifted through the gardens, and joy surrounded two souls promising forever.
Gentle light spilled through the trees, touching every detail. The day reflected timeless elegance and heartfelt love, everything I cherish about photographing weddings in Northern Virginia.
The Couple and Their Vision for their Wedding Day
Every wedding tells a story. For Courtney and Michael, this one began with laughter, long walks, and a love that felt steady from the start. Their vision was simple, a romantic garden wedding that felt intimate, timeless, and true to who they are.
Courtney described her style as classic with a touch of cottagecore. She dreamed of soft florals, airy fabrics, and quiet moments that let emotion lead. Michael preferred simplicity and ease. Together, they created a celebration that balanced elegance with comfort.
They chose Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA, for its open skies, blooming paths, and the way the gardens seemed to breathe romance into every corner. They wanted their photos to feel natural and full of life. Less posed, more them.
It began with a first look.
Just the two of them, standing on the dock by the garden’s quiet lake, as they exchanged vows before the day unfolded.
The moment felt still, as if time slowed just enough for them to breathe it all in.
Portraits in the Gardens and Greenhouse
After their first look, we wandered through the gardens for portraits. The sun was high, so we found shade beneath the trees where the light fell softly, wrapping them in warmth.
Each frame felt calm and intentional. Quiet glances, gentle touches, and the kind of stillness that speaks louder than words. The greenhouse offered a peaceful escape, its glass walls and greenery framing their connection in the most natural way. It was the perfect pause before the celebration began.
The Ceremony
As guests settled beneath the bright Virginia sun, soft laughter rippled through the rows. Pastel paper fans fluttered in rhythm with the warm afternoon breeze.
Under a draped canopy of chiffon and florals, Courtney and Michael stood facing one another, the gardens blooming behind them. Every glance between them carried the quiet excitement of a love years in the making.
The ceremony space at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens felt like it had been designed just for them, lush greenery framed the altar, and golden light filtered through the trees, wrapping the couple in warmth. As they exchanged vows, the world seemed to pause for a breath.
Each word was tender and intentional. Family and friends smiled through tears, watching two hearts promise forever. When they finally sealed their vows with a kiss, the crowd erupted in joy.
And just like that, the gardens came alive.
The Reception and First Dance
After the ceremony, the celebration moved indoors, where guests cheered as Courtney and Michael made their grand entrance through a tunnel of raised hands. The light poured through the atrium windows, catching the soft lavender and sage tones that carried through every detail of the day.
Dinner conversations and the gentle hum of laughter filled the space. Soon after, the music began, and the two shared their first dance surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and golden afternoon light.
The Details: Lavender, Sage, and Storybook Romance
Every element of this Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding reflected their soft, romantic vision. From the custom welcome sign to the cascading florals in hues of sage and lavender, every detail felt thoughtful and timeless.
Their love for books inspired a creative seating chart: personalized novels guiding each guest to their table, a beautiful nod to stories worth keeping.
Meanwhile, delicate greenery and lavender sprigs adorned each table, blending effortlessly with the garden’s natural palette. Even the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres felt curated with care, echoing the couple’s refined yet heartfelt style.
Golden Hour Portraits
As the evening light softened, we stepped outside for sunset portraits. The gardens glowed in shades of gold and green, wrapping Courtney and Michael in a warm, quiet calm.
They walked hand in hand through the open fields, laughing softly and soaking in their first moments as husband and wife. The sun dipped lower, filtering through the trees, the perfect ending to a day that felt timeless and true.
Dancing, Bubbles & the Perfect Ending
As the night unfolded, laughter filled the atrium. Friends surrounded them, dancing beneath twinkling lights and the reflection of the gardens just outside. Every moment felt alive: music, motion, and joy blending together as the couple celebrated with the people they love most.
When it was time for their exit, guests lined the walkway, waving bubble wands through the warm night air. Under a shower of shimmering light, the two shared one final kiss before stepping into the next chapter of their story, still smiling, still hand in hand.
It was the kind of ending that reminds you what weddings are truly about: love, connection, and the quiet magic that lingers long after the last song plays.
A Celebration to Remember
Courtney and Michael’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding was filled with everything that makes a love story timeless. Heartfelt vows, soft laughter, and a joy that carried from daylight to dancing under the stars.
Every detail, from the lavender and sage palette to the creative touches throughout the reception, felt like a reflection of who they are: grounded, romantic, and beautifully real.
Planning Your Own Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding in Northern Virginia and dreaming of a day surrounded by natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and intentional storytelling, I’d love to capture it for you.
Let’s create images that feel like you. Timeless, emotive, and true to your story.
📩 Inquire about your date here →
Dream Team
- Venue: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- Planner/Coordinator: Kirah Johns with https://www.tildeathmedia.com/
- Florals: Metro Flower Market
- Catering: Great Blue Heron
- Cake: Edibles Incredible
- Bride’s Dress: The Bridal Room
- DJ/Band: Dj Van Petty
- Photography: Pat Cori Photography
If you’d like to learn more about Pat Cori Photography, explore the Wedding Experience page or fill out an Inquiry to schedule a call and start planning your story.
Because your wedding deserves to be remembered exactly as it felt.
Still looking for a Wedding Venue, check out my last blog: Wedding Venues in Virginia: 10 Dream Spots for Your Perfect Day
