A Classy Rixey Manor Wedding

There are some weddings that stay with you, not just for their beauty, but for the joy that fills every corner of the day. Krystyna and Smith’s Rixey Manor wedding was one of those. With a lively mix of jewel tones, the warm light of an early October day, and two people who couldn’t stop smiling, it was the kind of celebration that reminded us why we love photographing weddings so much. The best part is that these two found us by accident!

Rixey Manor, nestled in the Virginia countryside, provided the perfect backdrop. Before the ceremony, Krystyna and Smith shared a heartfelt first look on the property, a quiet moment just for them before the excitement began. Their laughter came easily, and the way they looked at each other made it feel like time had stopped. Throughout the day, their focus stayed on what mattered most: being surrounded by the people they love. They made sure to join their guests for cocktail hour, soaking in every conversation and every hug. During the ceremony and reception, we blended into the background to capture moments as they naturally unfolded, and afterward, they told us they forgot we were even there. That’s the best compliment a photographer could hope for.

From the many flower girls (who later traded their dresses for adorable pajamas during the reception!) to the radiant sunset portraits and the final dance to Taylor Swift surrounded by laughter and little feet twirling across the floor, it was the perfect blend of heartfelt and fun. Krystyna’s gown, with its flowing train, moved beautifully with every step, especially during those golden-hour portraits that Rixey Manor is known for.

What Krystyna & Smith Booked

We like to share booking details in our blog posts so couples can get a realistic point of reference while browsing our work.

For Krystyna and Smith, we provided:

• 6 hours of wedding day coverage. They opted to begin their photography earlier in the day and end right after the dance floor kicked off.

• They received 700 images delivered in their final wedding gallery. Below is an overview of what their gallery looked like!

  
  

Key Notes From Their Wedding Day

• They chose to a first look so they could get portraits of themselves, their bridal party, and some family done pre-ceremony

• We scheduled their portraits so they could enjoy cocktail hour with their guests

• We stepped away for golden-hour sunset portraits just as dinner was finishing up!

If you’re planning a wedding in or near the Shenandoah Valley and looking for timeless, genuine, and intentional photography to match your special day — we’d love to connect. At Rachel Dodson Photography, we specialize in classy, refined weddings with a timeless feel, crisp whites, natural colors that pop, and a relaxed but intentional photo experience. Reach out to me (Rachel) today so we can chat about your vision and craft a photo plan that supports it. Let’s make your wedding day as calm, beautiful, and unforgettable as you hope it will be.