Category: Wedding

  • The Best Wedding Venues Along The East Coast

    The Best Wedding Venues Along The East Coast

    As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the incredible privilege of capturing countless love stories in some of the most beautiful venues along the East Coast. Each wedding venue has its own unique charm, contributing to unforgettable moments for the couples I work with and for me as their storyteller. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through some of my all-time favorite wedding venues, and also share a few dream destinations where I hope to photograph one day! Keep on scrolling for more!

    Sunset at a wedding at Norfolk Golf & Yacht by Sterling Life Photography.

    My Favorite Venues I’ve Had the Pleasure to Shoot

    Historic Cavalier – Virginia Beach, VA

    Along the beautiful coast of Virginia Beach, the Historic Cavalier Hotel has always captivated me. This iconic venue, with its classic architecture and luxurious interiors, offers a perfect blend of elegance and history. The grand staircase, gardens, and ocean views have provided a stunning backdrop for many of my wedding photographs. Each wedding here feels like a timeless fairy tale, complete with waves crashing in the background.

    Reception space at The Historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.

     

    Dumbarton House – Georgetown,VA

    Georgetown carries an old-world charm that I adore, and Dumbarton House is a perfect representation of this enchantment. This historic manor offers scenic gardens, elegant interiors, and an ambiance that transports you back in time. Every photo taken here is infused with the character of early American history!

    Dumbarton House Wedding in Georgetown
    A bride and groom walk the grounds at Dumbarton House

    Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards – Charlottesville, VA

    Pippin Hill is undeniably one of my favorites. In mountains of Charlottesville, the vineyard offers a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that changes with the seasons. The elegant barn, the rolling vineyards, and the panoramic views make every wedding here a visual treat! I could never get tired working here. Always a dream.

    Pippin Hill Wedding in the Virginia Mountains

    Early Mountain Vineyard – Madison, VA

    Early Mountain Vineyard is the epitome of Virginia’s wine country elegance. The vineyard provides a stunning setting with mountain views and green grapevines. The venue’s rustic charm combined with sophisticated amenities provides countless opportunities for beautiful and memorable photographs.

    Dover Hall – Manakin-Sabot, VA

    Dover Hall is an English inspired manor in the heart of Virginia, offering an extraordinary blend of luxury and rustic charm. This venue is a photographer’s paradise with its architectural features, gardens, and stunning interiors. The romantic, castle-like ambiance provides a fairytale setting that truly comes to life in photos. From the grand ballroom to the beautiful pond and woods, Dover Hall always feels like a step into an enchanting European estate.

    Tide’s Inn – Irvington, VA

    The Tide’s Inn has a serene, coastal elegance that’s perfect for intimate weddings. Overlooking Carters Creek, this venue provides breathtaking waterfront views that make for stunning sunset shots. The classic nautical charm, combined with the lawns and historic inn, creates a tranquil yet sophisticated backdrop!

     

    The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, VA

    Stepping into The Jefferson Hotel feels like stepping into a luxurious past. Its grand interiors, featuring beautiful marble staircases, chandeliers, and intricate architectural details, offer endless photographic opportunities. The elegance and timeless beauty of this historic hotel make every wedding an unforgettable experience.

    reception room at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Sterling Life Photography

    Union Trust – Philadelphia, PA

    Union Trust in Philadelphia is a venue that marries modern sophistication with historic looks. The building’s towering ceilings, opulent design, and ambient lighting create an atmosphere of urban elegance. The dramatic architecture and cityscape views provide a magnificent backdrop for any wedding.

    Union Trust wedding reception in Philadelphia.

    Daniel Island Club – Charleston, SC

    Down in the charming city of Charleston, the Daniel Island Club stands is nothing but elegance. The venue’s expansive golf courses, pristine lakes, and elegant clubhouse provide so many photo opportunities. The stunning landscape, wrapped in a Southern charm, makes every wedding here picturesque. With its wrap-around porches and breathtaking sunset views over the marshland, the Daniel Island Club always brings a touch of magic to weddings.

    Wedding Venues on my Dream List

    While I’ve had the joy of shooting at remarkable venues, there are still a few on my dream list where I’d love to capture weddings someday. These destinations have caught my eye for their unique beauty, elegance, and potential for stunning imagery.

    Virginia:

    Clifton Inn

    The mix of elegance and charm with its beautiful grounds and historic interiors make it a dream location for any wedding photographer. The intimacy and classic beauty of Clifton Inn promise timeless, romantic photographs.

    Catesby Farm Estate

    This estate offers a sprawling  landscape that is perfect for capturing the natural beauty of Virginia. The expansive grounds, traditional architecture, and tranquil surroundings are ideal for creating serene and captivating wedding albums.

    Keswick Vineyards

    Another gem in Virginia’s wine country, Keswick Vineyards boasts stunning vineyards and a gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The venue’s elegant yet relaxed setting would allow for a mix of candid and posed photographs, truly capturing the essence of the couple’s special day.

    Trump Winery

    Known for its ambiance, Trump Winery offers a rich, elegant setting surrounded by beautiful vineyards and rolling hills. This venue is perfect for couples seeking a lavish, picturesque wedding and for photographers who love capturing the height of sophistication.

    Primland Resort

    Set amid the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort offers breathtaking views and amazing amenities. The landscape and sky-high scenery provide endless possibilities for stunning, panoramic wedding photos.

    South Carolina:

    Kiawah Island Golf Resort: This idyllic island resort is a paradise for wedding photography. With its beaches, golf courses, and elegant event spaces, Kiawah Island Golf Resort combines natural beauty with charm. The opportunity to capture a beach wedding with rolling waves and golden sunsets is a dream come true.

    South Carolina Society Hall

    A historic and prestigious venue, the South Carolina Society Hall is renowned for its grand architecture and timeless elegance. The stunning columns, high ceilings, and rich history of this venue offer a perfect backdrop for elegant and classic wedding photos.

    Philadelphia:

    Front and Palmer

    Known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, Front and Palmer is a modern venue with a unique blend of elegance and urban edge! The exposed brick walls, tall ceilings, and eclectic decor provide a distinctive and gorgeous setting for weddings. The venue’s unique charm stands as a testament to the artistic spirit of Philadelphia.

     

    From the rolling vineyards of Virginia to the historic streets of Philadelphia and the charming coastal settings of South Carolina, the East Coast offers an incredible array of wedding venues. Each venue tells its own story and provides a unique canvas for capturing one of the most important days in a couple’s life. My journey as a wedding photographer has been enriched by the mesmerizing beauty and diverse styles of these locations. While I treasure the experiences I’ve had at my favorite venues, I also look forward to the adventures and creative opportunities that await me at the dream venues still on my list.

    For couples seeking the perfect place to say “I do,” these locations promise not just a beautiful setting for your celebration, but a plethora of stunning moments that will be immortalized in your wedding photographs. To all the couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with, thank you for inviting me into your special moments and allowing me to capture your love in these magnificent settings. And to those whose weddings I have yet to photograph, I can’t wait to see what beautiful stories we will create together!

  • Virginia Beach Wedding Day | Sammie + Tyler

    Virginia Beach Wedding Day | Sammie + Tyler

    Sammie and Tyler’s wedding was truly a day to remember, filled with heartwarming moments and vibrant celebrations. The ceremony took place at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach! The anticipation of the day was visible as Sammie had chosen to do first looks. She had them with her family, bridesmaids, and Tyler. It was such a sweet series of moments to capture—tears of joy from her parents, excited cheers from her bridesmaids, and an overwhelming blend of happiness and awe from Tyler.

    Princess Anne Country Club located in Virginia Beach, is an amazing venue for weddings. The club’s dedicated event planning team ensures every detail is flawlessly executed. From catering to personalized decor, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests. It was the perfect location for Sammie and Tyler’s wedding day! Moving from the area of the church to the elegant setting of Princess Anne Country Club for the reception, the energy ramped up exponentially!! The reception was incredible to say the least. They had a live band that lit up the night with their sound enriched by saxophones and singing.

    As if the reception wasn’t enough of a party, Sammie and Tyler also planned an after-party that took the celebrations to another level!! It was the perfect setting for guests to unwind and let loose after the formalities of the day. Capturing these candid, often hilarious moments added another layer to the story of Sammie and Tyler’s unforgettable day!

    As a wedding photographer, it’s days like this that remind me why I chose this profession—to capture the essence of connections and the beauty of life’s most cherished moments. Congratulations, Sammie and Tyler, on a wedding that was as amazing as you both are!!

    If you’d like to see a glimpse into their day, scroll for more!


    I hope you enjoyed reading about Sammie and Tyler’s Virginia beach wedding day. If you’re looking for someone to capture your special moments, click here to contact me!

    Kind Words

    “LIZ HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFULLY ARTISTIC EYE. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING MY VISION, EXCEEDING MY EXPECTATIONS, MAKING ME LAUGH AND HAVING FUN WITH ME. THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY DAY TRULY PERFECT.”

    -Catie

  • A Gorgeous Greenhouse Wedding

    It’s been forever since I’ve blogged… and some say that blogging is dead but I actually love seeing all the images from the day laid out in a good old-fashioned blog post. I’ve had such a busy fall that I’m finally getting a chance to go back through the year and relive all the amazing weddings I got to be a part of this year. This one was no exception!

    An Intimate Lynchburg Wedding – From Greenhouse to Downtown

     

    Rozalyn and Jason rocked their beautiful greenhouse wedding in Lynchburg, Virginia. I’ve missed living in Lynchburg at times because it truly is such a beautiful place and a wonderful place to raise a family. I enjoyed my many years there before returning to Virginia Beach. I was so happy when Rozalyn reached out about her wedding at The Vaughan House. It is a beautiful greenhouse out in Forest, Virginia owned by Megan and Mitch Vaughan. Getting ready at The Virginian Hotel is also my favorite!

    It couldn’t have been more perfect for them, and I’m so happy to share some of my favorite images with you! Hoping I can keep up with the blogging because I have so many fabulous weddings to share!

    For more information on availability for 2023 and beyond – shoot me a message here! 

     

     

  • A Wedding at The Seclusion – Kristen & David

    A Lexington, Virginia Mountain Wedding

    Tucked away in the mountains of Virginia is a beautiful new venue called The Seclusion. It couldn’t have been a more perfect place for Kristen and David to have their wedding. Now, I’ve known David’s family for a long time, we grew up in the same area of Virginia Beach and when he reached out to ask me about photographing their wedding – I was so excited to be able to be a part of this day.

    They were able to plan this amazing fall wedding in less than 6 months and it all came together so perfectly. All the trees were at the height of their fall foliage and it was something that not everyone gets to have on their wedding day. Kristen is probably one of the most sincere and kind people I have ever met, I can absolutely see what everyone else sees in her. Together – I know they will have all the love they could ever need to grow their marriage into everything God has in store for them.

    To the Wickre and Vlattas families – thank you for allowing me to be a part of this day with you all. I loved every second of it and I will not soon forget it.

  • Commonwealth Club Wedding – Richmond

    A Downtown Richmond Wedding

    Wedding season is winding down which means I am in the thick of editing – I probably don’t have time to be blogging, but I’m doing it anyway because I just have to share. I just finished this beautiful Richmond wedding at The Commonwealth Club and it was so beautiful to edit these. In all my weddings, I have never seen a bride light up with a smile in each moment of the day. Bridget’s smile is so contagious and I love how much Chris makes her laugh. The day started at The Jefferson Hotel with the guys while the girls got ready at home.  The reception hall was absolutely stunning with gorgeous uplighting which always makes for amazing reception images. I hope I will get to be back there again soon for another amazing day.

    Bridget and Chris – I adore you and I have so much awe for your faith and love. I wish all the joy and happiness for you both.