Will and Madeleine met at The University of Edinburg in Scotland, where their love blossomed. Many of Will's family and their friends traveled from the United Kingdom for their summertime wedding. Madeleine grew up in Charlottesville and its where her family still lives. So it was only fitting for the wedding to be back home for Madeleine. And everything was so family-oriented for both of them. Madeleine's mother planned the wedding, her aunt made the beautiful and delicious wedding cake, & Will's mother and grandmother made the gorgeous bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral arrangements for the centerpieces. 

The late afternoon ceremony was held in the beautiful chapel on the grounds of the University of Virginia.  Their dear friend Father O'Connor traveled all the way from Ireland to officiate their Catholic ceremony. The reception was held within walking distance of the chapel at The Colonnade Club, which is located at Pavilion VII part of Jefferson's Academic Village.  Photos were taken on The Lawn with the families and wedding party before they headed over to the reception. And then I slipped away briefly with Will and Madeleine in one of the Pavilion gardens along the way for photos. 

Arriving at The Colonnade Club, these two were introduced as Mr. & Mrs. and Madeleine's Dad presented a welcome and thank you to all of their guests. Then Father O'Connor said a prayer and a fabulous buffet dinner was served. The caterers outdid themselves! After dinner, the toasts were made followed by lots of laughs!  Will & Madeleine cut their gorgeous cake and shared a piece with one other. And then they did their first dance to traditional Irish music. What fun!  Then it was Madeleine's Dad's turn on the dance floor with her, and Will with his mother.  After the first dances, an instructor gave the guests lessons to the Ceilidh dance, for those who had never tried this before. Such a great idea! It was fun watching everyone and seeing such big smiles on everyone's faces. 

The day was such a joyous occasion from the very beginning. Will and Madeleine were so easy-going, warm, and kind, as were their families! I felt honored to be a part the celebration with such wonderful traditions. 

ceremony | University of Virginia Chapel

reception | The Colonnade Club

celebrant | Father John O'Connor

ceremony music | Organist - Gabriela Goralczyk, Cantor - Rory Lamb, and the Choir

flowers | Provided by Pharsalia - Designed by Alison Swain and Ann Hunt

catering | Eric Stamer Catering

wedding cake | Monica Marshall

cocktail hour music | Pianist - Nick Berkin

reception music | Blue Ridge Irish Music School - Irish Ceilidh Song & Dance

bride's hair | Anne Marie & Company

all images | © Elizabeth Larson Photography | 2018