An Autumn Wedding at Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse

Rachel
Nov 17
3 min read

Rachel and Steven’s wedding at Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouse in Timberville, Virginia, was one of those celebrations that stays with you long after you pack up your cameras — warm, joyful, meaningful, and filled with the kind of moments that remind you why wedding days are so special.

For Daniel and me, this wedding carried an extra layer of sweetness. Back in March of 2024, we went to a Dan + Shay concert in Charlottesville and ended up sitting right next to Rachel and one of her soon-to-be bridesmaids. We spent half the concert laughing about a rowdy group nearby, exchanged Instagram handles, and discovered we’d grown up in the same area. It felt like an instant connection — the kind you don’t plan, but you’re grateful for.

Months later, after Rachel and Steven got engaged, I commented a simple “congratulations!” on her post. Before long, she reached out to share that they loved my photography style. And when she later saw me post about a wedding I’d photographed at Showalter’s, they fell in love with the venue too. Somehow, that one concert seat assignment turned into them booking both their photographer and their venue. It’s the kind of thing you look back on and just know — that was a God-arranged moment from the start.

Rachel and Steven are incredibly genuine, laid-back people, and their day reflected that in the most beautiful ways. Their biggest priority was spending meaningful, unrushed time with their loved ones. So we designed the flow of the day around exactly that — intentional family portraits, relaxed couple photos, and, most importantly, time for them to join cocktail hour and enjoy being with their guests.

The morning began with a series of heartfelt first looks: one with Rachel’s dad, one with Steven, and then an unplanned but joy-filled moment with all the brothers. Her David’s Bridal gown — the very last one she tried on — suited her perfectly. Steven looked incredibly sharp in his navy suit, and aside from a groomsmen's missing pocket square, the morning couldn’t have unfolded more smoothly.

Their color palette of navy, green, and warm brown tones blended beautifully with the orchard’s natural surroundings — a perfect choice for fall. The day stayed cloudy (a photographer’s dream!), giving us soft, even light from morning to afternoon. And right after the ceremony, the sun slipped out just long enough for a touch of golden hour glow. It truly felt like a little wink from above.

The reception inside the greenhouse was warm, classy, and relaxed, with string lights twinkling overhead and guests floating between dancing and mingling. Even though we left a couple hours before the evening wrapped up, the atmosphere made it clear the celebration would continue long into the night with the same easy joy that filled the whole day.

Rachel and Steven, your wedding was such a beautiful reflection of who you are — intentional, steady, gracious, and surrounded by people who adore you. It was an honor to celebrate alongside you both.

Enjoy this look at the sneak peeks we sent the very next day!