Bride in white gown and veil stands among lush floral arrangements by a lake under green trees.

A Garden Reverie Styled Shoot at Big Spring Farm | Lexington, Virginia


Some days just feel like a dream, and A Garden Reverie was one of them. I got to spend an August evening at Big Spring Farm in Lexington, Virginia, photographing a styled shoot full of flowers, candlelight, and a whole lot of talented people.


A Day Built Around Flowers and Water


Alexis Espino, Havanola Design, planned the day, and Grace Winters, Enchanted Gardens, brought the florals. The shoot ran from 4:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening, with two stations to work between: a garden wedding and a canoe and picnic engagement.


Everything was set up for the camera. We had long tables, ceremony chairs, a champagne tower, a real cake cutting, and every detail thought out and executed flawlessly. We also had hair, makeup, dresses, and two model couples ready to go.



Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with white tablecloths, wooden cross-back chairs, and floral centerpieces under a weeping willow.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception table setting with floral centerpieces, rattan lamp, blue glassware, and white linens.
Elegant outdoor wedding cake display with floral arrangements beside a rustic barn venue.
Elegant outdoor wedding table with white linen, crystal glasses, surrounded by lush yellow and blue floral arrangements on green lawn.

Two Groups, Two Stories


Photographers were split into two groups that swapped between stations through the evening. I was in Group B with Jade and Meade, and it was such a fun team to work alongside. While Jade was operating her drone, juggling photography and videography, Meade was handling the content creation to add videography for the models, as well as the wedding vendors! Working along side each other, we each have our own take in posing and styling, which makes the overall experience truly unique.



Having two different scenes meant I got to shoot two completely different moods. One minute I was photographing a ceremony, and the next I was by the water.

Bride and groom walk down outdoor aisle under lush trees with white draping and colorful floral arrangements at wedding.
The Garden Wedding


The ceremony and reception setup was soft, romantic, and full of color. I loved photographing the place settings, the stationery, the cake, and the florals up close. The details were so thoughtful, and that's honestly my favorite part of any wedding.








Bride in white gown walks toward groom near a picnic setup under weeping willow trees by a serene lake.
The Canoe and Picnic Engagement



This was the part I was most excited about. A picnic table was set up under the willows, and a canoe sat on the water, dressed in flowers. Paddling, close ups on the water, and light, easy movement made for some of my favorite frames of the day.








Romantic couple in wedding attire embracing in a flower-decorated green canoe on a serene lake.
A bride and groom share a romantic outdoor picnic under a large tree by a serene lake, surrounded by floral arrangements.
Flat lay of wedding stationery suite with yellow roses, envelopes, ribbons, and floral accents on neutral background.
Multi-tiered white wedding cake and champagne tower surrounded by lush floral arrangements near a rustic barn.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss in a green canoe under weeping willow branches on a tranquil lake.
Elegant black and white wedding invitation suite on handmade deckled paper with vintage key and floral details.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment outdoors, she holds a pastel bouquet, he wears a burgundy suit, with lush green trees behind.
Bride in white linen dress holding a colorful bouquet beside groom in a burgundy suit.
Elegant outdoor wedding cake display with tiered white cake, lush floral arrangements, and string lights against a scenic backdrop.
Bride and groom relaxing on grass, bride smiling warmly while holding a colorful wedding bouquet.
Couple kissing at outdoor wedding sweetheart table surrounded by colorful floral arrangements under a weeping willow tree.
Bride and groom sharing a romantic lakeside moment on the grass in wedding attire.
Couple posing in a green flower-adorned canoe on a calm lake surrounded by lush trees.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment outdoors, with the bride holding a vibrant yellow and white bouquet.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with peach dahlias, blue ribbons, and pastel watercolor cards on white fabric.
Elegant wedding centerpiece with peach roses, hydrangeas, and a glowing wicker table lamp surrounded by bokeh lights.
A couple shares a romantic moment at a floral-adorned sweetheart table beneath a willow tree at their outdoor wedding.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss in a green canoe on a serene lake beneath a weeping willow tree.
Elegant stone urn overflowing with blue, peach, and green florals on a table by a weeping willow near water.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss in a decorated boat under weeping willow trees on a serene lake.
Elegant arched seating chart display with oval cards on a green watercolor backdrop near a serene lake.
A bride in a white ballgown and veil poses among lush floral arrangements by a serene lakeside under green trees.
Elegant wedding stationery flat lay with floral envelope, invitation cards, and ribbon on textured surface with soft shadows.
A bride and groom share a romantic kiss outdoors, with the groom in a light blue suit and bride in a white gown and veil.
Couple in wedding attire embracing in a canoe surrounded by lush pink and white floral arrangements on a serene lake.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception with string lights, draped cocktail tables, and wooden chairs on a green hillside.

Why I Love Styled Shoots


Styled shoots give me room to slow down, play with light, and try new things. They're also a great way to meet other vendors and work together. A day like this reminds me that this industry is better as a community.



You can view the full gallery here: A Garden Reverie | Styled Wedding Shoot




The Amazing Vendors Behind the Day


Planning and Venue



Details and Treats



Beauty and Style



Photography and Content




Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. I'm still thinking about it.

A bride and groom share a romantic moment, nearly kissing, as she holds a bouquet of yellow and blue flowers outdoors.

Planning your own wedding or elopement?

I'm a Salem, Virginia photographer serving Roanoke, the Roanoke Valley, and all of Southwest Virginia, and I travel for the right story. If you're dreaming of something soft, romantic, and a little bit magical, send me a message. I'd love to hear what you have in mind.

 

Let's connect

 

FROM THE DAY


A Few More Moments


Check out Instagram posts from the other creators involved