When Lauren and Joe shared that the atmosphere for their wedding would feel like it was hosted in a secret garden, there really couldn’t be a better spot for this cottagecore wedding at the Market at Grelen. Nestled on the grounds of a 1,000-acre tree nursery with their guests dining on alfresco the lawn of a recently renovated 1850s era cottage, this venue is truly charming. Browse these incredible vendors who made this day come to life:

Coordination by Brousseau Events | Hair by Top Knot Studio| Wedding Dress by Made With Love Bridal | Wedding Rings by London Gold | Florals by Wedding Muse | Catering by The Catering Outfit | Floral Pressed Cake by Maliha Creations | Live Music by the Vinyl Headlights

To top it off, a cascading oak tree shades the ceremony site and when the breeze rustles the leaves, it feels like you’re in the most peaceful place in Virginia. For Lauren and Joe, their first look was the moment they looked forward to the most, leading up to their big day. They eagerly planned to take some quiet, intentional time to see one another and celebrate in the moment that their wedding day had (finally!) arrived. Their ceremony was marked with handfasting, a special Celtic tradition. Dating back to 7000 B.C., handfasting represents the joining of two homes into one and was traditionally used to signify an engagement. Since then, it has evolved into part of the wedding ceremony for many couples but Lauren and Joe made it their own with a cord woven from Joe’s white lab coat and fabric from Lauren’s wedding dress. As a seamstress, details, textiles and texture make her heart sing so this was truly a special item to craft!
Lauren and Joe also shared a mantra that they have shared since the beginning of their relationship. The whole ceremony was incredibly personal and a true marker of their relationship.

As the day wound down, Lauren and Joe joined their family on the dance floor to whirl the night away. With live music, hardly anyone could remain seated. The tangible air of excitement really kept the party going!

If this cottagecore wedding at the Market at Grelen inspired you, be sure to scroll through the other celebrations I’ve photographed there! Here’s a recent summer wedding you won’t want to miss.

Kyra Gustwick is a Virginia Wedding Photographer specializing in weddings, engagements, couples’ portraits and empowering boudoir experiences.