PHOTOGRAPHY

Shelly Pate

Whimsical Styled Wedding at Dover Hall in Richmond, Virginia

Ever think of having a castle wedding that isn’t outside of the U.S. or at Disneyworld (both of which are great ideas btw)? What if I told you that Dover Hall, the English Tudor estate in Richmond, VA (about two hours outside of Washington, DC), may just be the castle of your wedding dreams? I just can’t get over how magical this wedding venue is!! Keep scrolling, take a look for yourself!

The Castle of Your Dreams

Darja and Elijah spent an entire day exploring the grounds with us so that we could capture the variety that this location has to offer for DC Metro area weddings. Dover Hall is such a unique venue, and the most immaculate space I’ve ever photographed. 

Every spot we shot had that enchanted feeling of fairy tales and wishing wells. The stonework, vine-covered exterior, flowering gardens, and vineyard make this location just one step away from the gilded page of a storybook.

We explored endless rooms filled with character from the furniture and finishes to the hand-picked decor. These details from across Europe will seriously leave your jaw on the FLOOR. The vibe definitely leaves you imagining you are in a European estate. 

There are so many spaces within the venue and on the grounds to capture intimate moments and grand ceremonies (the estate hosts up to a 400-guest wedding). Dover Hall brings all the Beauty and the Beast feels, especially in the main hall and ballroom with its epic floor-to-ceiling windows and grand fireplace.

Beauty in the Day & Magic at Night

As the sun sets on the grounds, the outdoor twinkle lights on the back patio come to life. These lights illuminate the reflection pool just below this patio adding a lit bit of fairy-like wonder to the mix. With all the ornate decor and ambiance Dover Hall already includes, you would only need florals and candles to complement this wedding venue’s beauty. 

Guests can stay on the grounds both the day before AND the night of the wedding! The rooms are as elegant as the rest of the estate. You wouldn’t have to do much for your guests to be in awe! Wildly in Love planned and artistically styled our day adding some whimsical details with blush colors and greenery. 

Sydney (the owner) is such a bomb ass destination wedding and elopement planner! She has an eye for styling and crafting a day that is genuine to the aesthetic of each couple she works with! I truly believe in the power of having a wedding planner, and I could not recommend her more! 

Another highlight is the amazing suite reserved for brides to get ready for their big day. This space can definitely be utilized for both getting ready and boudoir photos. You could even take advantage of staying the day before to have a boudoir and bridal session done in advance. It’s also a beautiful space for your bachelorette! You can get away with your ladies and include a boudoir session for everyone! There is always the option to include a boudoir session in your wedding package!

Ready to join me at the castle of your dreams? I would love to return!

The Team

Content Day | Wildly in Love & Savannah Brown
Planning + Design | Wildly in Love
Venue | Dover Hall
Rentals | Something Vintage and Paisley & Jade
Hair + Make up | Graham Tyler Makeup
Florals | Vessel + Stem
Paper | Oh Eleven Studio
Cake | Baked by Samuel
Couple | Darja & Elijah

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