An Elegant September Wedding at The Oak Barn at Loyalty

Some wedding days are all sunshine, and others have that soft, moody glow that only comes from overcast skies — the kind that make every photo feel a little dreamier. Kim and Stephen’s September wedding at The Oak Barn at Loyalty had that kind of beauty: calm, a little gray, and completely perfect in its own way.

Their ceremony was originally planned for the outdoor space overlooking the rolling Virginia hills, but when the skies stayed cloudy and the threat of rain lingered, the decision was made to move everything inside the barn. The indoor ceremony setup turned out beautifully — warm wood tones, the barn doors open behind them with a gorgeous view, and romantic florals that perfectly complemented their color palette of dark green, sienna, gold, ivory, and burgundy.

Kim looked absolutely radiant in her gown, her look completed with removable sleeves and soft, elegant hair and makeup. Before walking down the aisle, she and Stephen shared a private first look and emotional personal vows — one of those moments that makes everyone tear up (yes, including me behind the camera!).

Their bridal party was large and full of personality — the bridesmaids’ deep burgundy dresses added such a rich pop of color against the neutral tones of the barn. The overcast skies gave us soft, even light all day, creating some of the most romantic portraits.

The reception that followed brought the perfect energy to counter the gloomy day. Guests enjoyed good food, great music, and plenty of laughter as everyone celebrated this couple. Despite the gray skies, the day was nothing short of radiant — a reflection of Kim and Stephen’s love: tender and full of heart. It was an honor to capture every meaningful moment and preserve this beautiful story for them to relive for years to come.

Kim and Stephen chose our Grand wedding package, which gave them 8 hours of photo coverage to capture their getting ready moments through their send off. They got to enjoy almost 50 previews within 24-hours of their wedding, and their full gallery had over 800 photos.

Enjoy a look at their wedding day!

Vendors

Photography – Rachel Dodson Photography

Coordinator – Larissa Wedding Designs

Florals – Five Stems Farm

Hair + Makeup – Makeup by Rita Z

Venue – The Oak Barn at Loyalty

Entertainment – DJ Soundtastic

Catering – Smokin Willy BBQ & Catering

Bride’s Dress – Wonderland Bridal

Transportation – Road Yacht Voyagers

Planning your own wedding day?

Whether your day is filled with golden sunshine or soft, moody skies, your love story deserves to be captured beautifully. If you’re looking for a photographer who values timeless, genuine, and intentional imagery, I’d love to chat with you!

👉 Inquire about wedding photography with Rachel Dodson Photography