Are you on the hunt for a wedding venue that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comforts? Look no further than Seneca Lake Venue in Gladys, VA! As a wedding photographer based in Virginia, I recently collaborated with a talented team of local vendors (find their links at the end of this post!) to create a styled shoot that I am thrilled to share with you. This venue could be the ideal backdrop for your special day.
In a landscape where barn venues are plentiful, we aimed to create something genuinely extraordinary—a perfect fusion of rustic allure and refined sophistication. Our vision was to elevate the simple barn setting into a realm of grace and grandeur. With delicate drapery and lush florals, we crafted a scene where rustic authenticity beautifully intertwines with elegant refinement, proving that even the simplest settings can be transformed into splendid stages for a memorable wedding.
When I work with models, I love to give them stories to embody—another reason this shoot felt like a dream. Our models, a real couple named Bri and Landon who are soon to be married, played the roles of Taylor and Emily. Their love story began in the heart of Texas at a rodeo. Fate brought them together amid the excitement, allowing them to discover their shared Virginia roots. Both hailing from the scenic landscapes of Virginia, they grew up on farms, riding horses, caring for animals, and finding peace in long walks through the forests. Their bond deepened over the years as they pursued education and careers. Despite the hustle and bustle of their white-collar lives, they never lost touch with their rural beginnings. After six years of dating, they decided to return to Emily's hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, where Taylor proposed on their anniversary. The engagement set the stage for their dream wedding.
The couple envisioned an elegant celebration that would also honor their farm heritage. To capture their playful spirit (they're still youthful, after all), they decided to incorporate a touch of light pink into their classic white wedding palette. The picturesque Seneca Lake Venue, nestled in the heart of the Virginia countryside, provided the perfect setting.
Seneca Lake Venue opened its doors in 2022, and I wanted to showcase this expansive new venue in all its glory. The 6,000-square-foot barn sits on a sprawling 200-acre family-owned farm in central Virginia's rolling countryside. Notably, the venue offers a generous space at an affordable price.
Seneca Lake Venue has everything you need for a seamless wedding experience. From a large outdoor patio with lake views to a cozy gas fireplace and a spacious bridal suite with a private bathroom, this place has it all. The bridal suite, with its white walls, abundant natural light, crystal chandelier, and plenty of mirrors, is a photographer’s paradise! Playing with reflections creates a fourth dimension, and our lovely bride appeared as if she were adrift in a magical world, much like Alice in Wonderland.
My second favorite spot at this venue is the outdoor ceremony space featuring an arbor with the lake as the backdrop. It's difficult to imagine a more picturesque wedding setting, with the rolling hills of Virginia and the calming water creating a serene atmosphere. Adorned with elegant calla lilies, tender peach roses, and pink snapdragons, the arbor personified celebration, and our couple couldn't stop kissing under it :-)
Our styled shoot was based on the juxtaposition of rural and elegant elements, and I believe we nailed this vibe throughout. The crown jewel of our design was the reception room—a grand space with high ceilings and large windows. We chose to decorate it with an abundance of florals, and our selection for the centerpieces was intentional.
Tall calla lilies, with their graceful, curving stems, added a unique touch that perfectly balanced the more traditional, country-style flowers like white hydrangeas, commonly grown in Virginia gardens. These floral companions bridged elegance and rustic charm seamlessly.
To add a playful touch and honor the couple’s rural Virginia roots, we invited the two cutest sheep from Magh Maell Acres, a local farm just minutes from the barn, to join our shoot. We kept the farm animal fun going by topping the cake with adorable sheep figurines, adding a charming nod to the couple's rustic beginnings.
The couple's walk outside to the lake foreshadowed their romantic journey ahead, and a final kiss at sunset highlighted the poignant beauty surrounding them.
This session wouldn't have been possible without the vision and talent of all those involved:
Jan Trent from The Blossom Farm crafted stunning bouquets, wreaths, and table pieces that were both effortless and rich. The calla lilies added elegance, while the white and light pink roses lent a touch of romance. Jan aimed for an elevated and ethereal look, which I adored.
Aubrey Franklin from Firefly Event Services draped the reception room in a way that softened the barn's straight lines and provided a crystal chandelier that looked so elegant paired with a pink Victorian couch from Shortt & Sweet.
Amanda’s Touch provided the perfect lacy dress and a sophisticated blue tux.
Erika Daniel and Kayla Poff from The Refinery Studio captured the romantic, high-key makeup and hair vibe we were aiming for.
Katherine Rinewalt from Rosebud Calligraphy created an exquisite invitation suite with elegant calligraphy and the Seneca Lake logo in ink.
Stephanie Reschka from The Dessert Bar matched her treats to the pink palette, with a two-tier white cake adorned with fresh flowers. The Champagne Fountain from Aztec Rental was a delightful touch.
Tabby Bennet from Tabby's Bartending gracefully crafted the drinks at the elegant bar, adding a touch of class and charm.
Makayla and Micah Kindcad from Linen and Lace captured all the moments in a beautiful video (which you can find at the end of this post).
And none of this would have been possible without Lauren Rothe from The Planning Bee! She dedicated countless hours to bringing us all together, managing logistics, and planning the shoot with the same meticulous care she would apply to a real wedding.
We all hope our sneak peek into the styled shoot at Seneca Lake Venue has sparked your creativity and filled you with ideas for your own wedding. Blending rustic charm with refined elegance, Seneca Lake Venue offers a unique and unforgettable setting for your big day. If your dream wedding combines the natural beauty of the Virginia countryside with timeless sophistication, Seneca Lake Venue could be the perfect choice. Take the time to discover this hidden gem and craft your own magical memories. Happy planning!
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