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As a prior English teacher, I love telling each of my couple's love story. Each story is unique and in a culmination of love and a little planning, the wedding day brings that love to life in front of family and friends. As a lover of heirlooms and legacies, it's a joy to be alongside each of my couples as they create memories that will last forever for their children and grandchildren!

I'm ali rae.

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Anne & Brandon | Married | Early Spring Wedding at Morais Vineyards | Bealeton, VA

Weddings

April 6, 2022

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Annie & Brandon’s wedding day was a beautiful documentation of their love for one another.

The beginning of the day started with the bridesmaid and bridesman celebrating Annie with mimosas while having their hair and makeup done. The “bartender,” also Annie’s bridesman, even made me a mocktail to enjoy with them! It was a remarkable day with the timeline running ahead of schedule, everything about their day seemed effortless.

While it was a bit chilly outside (it’s always a toss up in March in Virginia!), Annie made a quick decision to move their ceremony indoors so that everyone could enjoy their ceremony in the warmth. It was a sweet decision that shows the kind of thoughtfulness that Annie holds for every individual close to her. That was made apparent during the toasts where all three of the “toasters” were almost brought to tears when speaking about the significance Annie and Brandon have had in their lives.

One of my favorite things about their wedding day was Annie’s dedication to the color palette–if you look closely, you will notice that she dyed her hair pink to match her bridesmaids’ dresses! Together the blush pink and the sapphire blue made a bold and timeless color palette that enlivened the attire of the entire wedding party.

It is impossible to pick a single favorite thing about their day, but I was honored to capture a traditional Chinese Lion Dance that is customary in the Chinese culture, which is something I had never done before! In Annie and Brandon’s reception, they hosted a dance crew that honors Chinese culture and its traditions. The Chinese Lion danced around to each individual table where it received favors before presenting Annie and Brandon with a scroll that represents good will and blessings for the couple. It was probably the most fast-paced 10 minutes of any wedding I have ever photographed, and I loved every second!

This venue may look familiar to a few of you, as I have shot there many times before. It is truly one of my favorite venues for many reasons. Every direction you turn, there is another photo opportunity, from the bridal suite to the wine cellar to the expansive grounds with vines and a pond…you can’t go wrong. I was thankful that Annie and Brandon were game to brave their cold temperatures to grab some extra portraits, which I know they will treasure for years to come.

First, thank you to Annie, Brandon, and both their families who were so sweet throughout the entire day! Finally, so many vendors came together to make their special day incredible and unforgettable. Each vendor is noted below.


Vendor Team

Photography | Ali Rae Haney Photography
Venue | Morais Vineyards
Planner | Dragonfly Events & Design
Bridal Gown Designer | Maggie Sottero
Bridal Gown Boutique | Tang’s Bridal
Bridal Shoes | Manolo Blahnik & Rothy’s
Bridal Hair & Makeup | Best Face Forward
Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup | Best Face Forward
Bridesmaids’ Dresses | David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse
Florals | NOVA Florals
Caterer & Baker | Elegancia Caterers
Paper Goods | Shutterfly
DJ | Dominion Wedding Entertainment
Chinese Lion Dance Crew | Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe


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As a prior English teacher, I love telling each of my couple's love story. Each story is unique and in a culmination of love and a little planning, the wedding day brings that love to life in front of family and friends. As a lover of heirlooms and legacies, it's a joy to be alongside each of my couples as they create memories that will last forever for their children and grandchildren!

I'm ali rae.

Hey there!