Spring Wedding at Persimmon Creek Barn | Beaverdam, Virginia Wedding Photographer
A relaxed spring wedding at Persimmon Creek Barn in Beaverdam, Virginia featuring an outdoor ceremony by the pond and a reception that flowed naturally between the barn and open fields. A day full of celebration, quiet moments, and golden evening light.
A Spring Wedding by the Water at Persimmon Creek Barn
Caitlin and Johnathan’s spring wedding at Persimmon Creek Barn in Beaverdam, Virginia was a relaxed, outdoor celebration surrounded by water, open fields, and close family. As a Virginia wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to venues that allow space for both celebration and quiet moments and this one does exactly that.
The ceremony took place outdoors by the water, with guests seated under open sky and soft spring light reflecting off the pond behind them. It felt intimate without being small, the perfect size for meaningful connection without losing the energy of a full celebration.
After the ceremony, the couple chose to share private vows together a sweet, unhurried moment away from guests that grounded the entire day. Later, as the reception began, that same relaxed tone carried forward.
With a BBQ buffet, yard games scattered across the lawn, and a dance floor fueled by an incredible DJ, the evening felt more like the best kind of family gathering than a formal event. Guests lingered. Conversations stretched longer. Laughter carried across the property.
Why Persimmon Creek Barn Is a Unique Wedding Venue in Beaverdam, Virginia
The Groomsmen Cottage & Bridal Suite
One of the things that makes Persimmon Creek Barn such a strong wedding venue in Hanover County is the layout. The groom and his groomsmen had plenty of space in the cottage to get ready comfortably, while the bridal suite offered privacy and light-filled elegance. There was room for a quiet first look with family members without the groom ever catching a glimpse.
When I asked the venue what makes the space truly special, they didn’t point to just one feature. Instead, they spoke about experience.
“Having been a caterer for many years, we are keenly aware of how an event runs. Although not acting as a coordinator, we assist in many aspects of running the venue. We work to think of the ins and outs so clients can focus on enjoying their day.”
That intention shows up in the way the day flows. Nothing felt rushed. Nothing felt chaotic. Just thoughtful transitions from one meaningful moment to the next.
First Looks, Family Moments & Bridal Party Energy at Persimmon Creek Barn
One of the most meaningful parts of this day happened quietly, before the ceremony ever began.
Tucked along the tree-lined path beside the barn, the bride shared a first look with her dad. It was one of those moments that feels suspended in time, a deep breath, a steady smile, and then emotion rising all at once. The privacy of the grounds at Persimmon Creek Barn makes moments like this possible. There’s space to step away, to slow down, and to truly feel what’s happening.
Inside the bridal suite, laughter echoed between champagne toasts and final touches. There is a beautiful double door with a soft window treatment to keep the light lovely, but also creating privacy. Meanwhile, just across the property, the groom and his groomsmen gathered in the cottage, playing cards and settling nerves in the most authentic way possible.
One of the things the owners shared when I interviewed them was how important it is that couples feel comfortable here that the space feels welcoming, not overwhelming. You can feel that throughout the day. The layout allows everyone to have room to breathe, whether that’s a private first look, a full bridal party reveal, or simply a quiet moment before walking down the aisle.
When the bridal party gathered together, dressed in soft blue tones that echoed the spring sky, the energy shifted again from quiet anticipation to full celebration. The bridesmaids surrounded the bride in laughter and genuine joy, the kind that can’t be posed or forced.
This is the beauty of a well-designed venue: it supports both intimacy and celebration without ever feeling rushed.
Weddings aren’t just about two people. They’re about the generations who made that moment possible.
An Outdoor Waterfront Ceremony at Persimmon Creek Barn
A Joyful Waterfront Ceremony in Hanover County
There is something about an outdoor ceremony by the water that changes the energy of the day.
Guests gathered along the pond at Persimmon Creek Barn in Beaverdam, Virginia, and the light filtered through the trees and reflected across the dock. The setting felt calm and intentional. The setting helped create a full and beautiful gallery. One of the things that makes this Hanover County wedding venue so special is the placement of the ceremony space. The water creates a natural focal point. The trees provide shade and depth. The layout allows guests to feel close to the moment without crowding it.
One of my absolute favorite captures is the walk back down the isle. Its a moment when all the planning and stress seems to completley evaporate. Couples are hand in hand, laughing and fully present. Let the celebration had begun.
As the owner shared with me:
“We like to think of it as comfortable and welcoming. It’s important to us for our couples, their family, and friends to feel a sense of home.”
And that’s exactly how this ceremony felt. Not staged. Not rushed. Just honest joy under open sky.
Between the ceremony and reception, Caitlin and Johnathan found a quiet moment together by the lake at Persimmon Creek Barn. The guests had started making their way toward cocktail hour, but for a few minutes, it was just the two of them sitting side by side, taking it all in. The water was still, the trees framed the shoreline, and you could feel the shift the nerves gone, the celebration ahead. These in-between pauses are often my favorite part of a wedding day. Nothing staged. Nothing directed. Just the weight of the moment settling in and the first breath as husband and wife.
A Relaxed, Joy-Filled Reception at Persimmon Creek Barn
Image captured in collaboration with Beth Mickalonis
One of the reasons I often recommend having two photographers on a wedding day is moments like this. While one of us focuses on the couple’s entrance and the overall feel of the room, the other can capture guest reactions, details, and the energy building across the space. It allows for fuller storytelling and ensures that no part of the celebration is missed especially in a venue as expansive and beautifully structured as Persimmon Creek Barn.
The reception at Persimmon Creek Barn feels warm the moment you step inside. The exposed timber beams, soft draping, and string lights create height and depth without overwhelming the space. It’s open enough for energy to build, but intimate enough that guests still feel connected to the couple.
When the newlyweds were announced into the room, the applause echoed through the beams and you could feel the celebration shift from ceremony to party. The layout allows everyone to see what’s happening entrances, first dances, and toasts without losing that cozy, gathered feeling.
One of the things that stood out during our venue conversation was how thoughtfully the reception flow is designed. As the venue owner shared,
“We want couples to feel like the space works with them, not against them. From ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, it should feel seamless.”
And it truly does. There’s a natural progression from one part of the day to the next, which allows the couple to stay present instead of managing logistics.
As the evening settled in and guests lingered over conversation, Caitlin and Johnathan slipped outside for a quiet moment by the water. One of the things that makes Persimmon Creek Barn so unique is how accessible the outdoor space remains throughout the reception. It’s not just a backdrop for the ceremony it becomes part of the experience.
They cast a line, laughed at the stillness, and let the day sink in. No timeline pressure. No spotlight. Just the two of them by the pond.
That balance celebration inside the barn and space to breathe outside by the water is what makes Persimmon Creek Barn such a beautiful setting for couples who want a wedding day that feels both joyful and grounded. It allows the story to unfold naturally, with room for energy, connection, and quiet moments in between.
If you’re planning a wedding at Persimmon Creek Barn or searching for a Virginia wedding venue that offers both warmth and open space, I’d love to connect and hear what you’re envisioning for your day.
If you’re planning a wedding at Persimmon Creek Barn or another outdoor venue in Central Virginia, you can see more of my wedding work here. I regularly photograph weddings throughout Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and the DC Metro area.
FAQs About Weddings at Persimmon Creek Barn
Where is Persimmon Creek Barn located?
Persimmon Creek Barn is located in Beaverdam, Virginia, in Hanover County, just outside of Richmond. The venue offers a quiet countryside setting while still being easily accessible for guests traveling from Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, and the surrounding areas.
How many guests does it hold?
Persimmon Creek Barn is ideal for medium-sized weddings. The layout of the barn, ceremony space, and surrounding outdoor areas allows guests to move comfortably between the celebration spaces while still feeling connected to the day’s events. It’s a great fit for couples planning an intimate yet lively gathering.
Does the venue allow outdoor ceremonies?
Yes. One of the standout features of Persimmon Creek Barn is its outdoor ceremony space by the pond. The water creates a natural focal point, and the surrounding trees provide depth and a peaceful backdrop. The ceremony area feels open and relaxed while still being thoughtfully positioned for guests to feel close to the couple.
What time of year is best for weddings there?
All season are gorgeous! Spring and fall are especially beautiful at Persimmon Creek Barn. In the spring, the landscape feels fresh and open, with soft evening light reflecting off the pond. Fall brings warm tones and rich color to the surrounding trees. Summer weddings also photograph beautifully, particularly during golden hour when the light settles across the fields and water.
Vendor Team
Photographer: Amanda Kahnell Photography
Florals: DIY
DJ: Tyrone@apfent.com
Hair: Henley Hair Studio
Make-up: Kat’s Eye
Officient: Tom Caroll
Select reception and detail images photographed in collaboration with Beth Mickalonis
Cherry Blossom Engagement Session in Northern Virginia | Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria VA
Cherry blossom engagement session at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, VA. A romantic Northern Virginia spring session filled with soft blooms and natural moments.
Spring in Northern Virginia is something special and when the cherry blossoms bloom at Green Springs Garden never dissapoints.
This spring engagement session in Alexandria, Virginia was everything I love about photographing couples this time of year soft sunset light, delicate pink and white blossoms, and two people completely at ease with each other.
Alexandria offers some of the most beautiful garden backdrops in Northern Virginia, especially in spring when the flowering trees are in full bloom. It’s perfect for couples who want romantic images that feel natural and relaxed rather than overly posed.
We wandered through the gardens, paused where the blossoms framed them perfectly, and let the moments unfold naturally. My approach during engagement sessions is always a blend of gentle direction and space to simply be together. The result is a session that feels effortlessly romantic without being stiff, intentional without feeling staged.
If you’re planning a Northern Virginia wedding and hoping for engagement photos that feel natural and connected, spring in Alexandria is such a beautiful time for a session like this.
Why Green Spring Gardens is Perfect for Engagement Photos
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Green Spring Gardens is one of the most beautiful spring engagement session locations in Northern Virginia. When the flowering trees and gardens are in bloom, it creates a romantic backdrop that feels both elegant and relaxed.
While it can be a popular spot during peak bloom season, the gardens now require photographer reservations. This actually makes the experience better, limiting crowds and giving couples more breathing room to explore without feeling rushed.
The staff is wonderful to work with, and I take care of the reservation and check-in process for you. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the experience together.
What Makes Green Spring Gardens So Special:
Lush gardens that bloom beautifully in early spring
Layers of texture including stone paths, open lawns, and flowering trees
Easy accessibility with convenient parking
Gorgeous golden light just before sunset
While many couples immediately think of Washington, DC for cherry blossom photos, those locations often mean early mornings, heavy crowds, limited parking, and navigating permit restrictions.
Green Spring Gardens offers a more relaxed alternative. You can move freely, take your time, and actually enjoy the experience together all while still getting that beautiful spring atmosphere filled with blooms. This Alexandria location offers beauty, convenience, and variety just minutes from DC.
A Fun, Easy Spring Engagement Session
What I loved most about this session wasn’t just the cherry blossoms, it was how relaxed everything felt.
No stiff posing. No pressure.
We wandered through the gardens, paused where the light turned soft, and left space for natural interaction. The sunset filtered through the trees in the most magical way, creating that warm glow that only happens for a few fleeting weeks each spring.
Engagement sessions should feel like a date not a photoshoot. The goal isn’t perfect posing or forced smiles. It’s movement, connection, and capturing the way you naturally interact before your wedding day.
The Magic of Cherry Blossom Season in Northern Virginia
Cherry blossom engagement sessions are incredibly popular in Northern Virginia — and for good reason.
They:
Add soft, natural color without overpowering the couple
Create romantic, textured backdrops
Photograph beautifully in golden hour light
Offer a seasonal feel that still feels timeless
Timing matters. Cherry blossoms in Northern Virginia typically peak between late March and early April, depending on the year and weather patterns. Because the bloom window is short, planning ahead makes all the difference. Weather influences the blossoms and how long they last.
If you’re hoping for spring engagement photos in Alexandria or anywhere in the Northern Virginia area, reserving your session early gives you the best chance of aligning with peak bloom and that magical golden light.
Make it stand out
What to Wear for a Cherry Blossom Engagement Session
For spring engagement photos during spring and cherry blossom season. I always recommend keeping outfits soft and natural so they complement the blossoms rather than compete with them. Most importantly though, be true to yourselves and be comfortable.
A few simple guidelines:
Soft neutrals like cream, blush, sage, light blue, or muted earth tones
Flowy fabrics that move naturally in the breeze
Avoiding harsh black or overly bold prints
Coordinating colors rather than perfectly matching
Cherry blossom sessions are all about light, movement, and connection. When your clothing reflects the softness of the season, it allows the focus to stay on you not the outfit and creates effortless, storytelling images that feel timeless.
Why Engagement Sessions Matter Before Your Wedding Day
Booking an engagement session isn’t just about getting cute photos for Instagram (though yes,you’ll absolutely get those too). It’s about building comfort, connection, and trust before your wedding day.
As a Northern Virginia engagement photographer, I see engagement sessions as the foundation for storytelling wedding photography.
Many couples searching for an “engagement photographer near me” are really looking for someone who helps them feel relaxed, confident, and completely themselves and that’s exactly what these sessions are designed to do.
Here’s why they matter:
• You get comfortable in front of the camera no pressure, no big audience, just the two of you.
• You experience my natural guidance style lightly posed, movement-based prompts that feel like you.
• You get images for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and social media.
• We build real trust before the wedding day.
By the time your wedding arrives, you already know how I work. You know I’m not going to over-pose you or make you perform. That comfort creates space for genuine, relaxed moments the kind that feel effortless and true to your relationship.
And that’s when the magic happens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Blossom Engagement Sessions
When is cherry blossom season in Northern Virginia?
Cherry blossoms in Northern Virginia typically bloom between late March and early April. Exact timing varies each year depending on winter temperatures and early spring weather patterns.
Because peak bloom only lasts about 7–10 days, flexibility with scheduling is key to securing the best color and light.
For updated bloom predictions, you can monitor the National Cherry Blossom Festival bloom watch here:
https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch/
Is Green Spring Gardens crowded during cherry blossom season?
Compared to Washington, DC cherry blossom locations like the Tidal Basin, Green Spring Gardens is significantly less crowded. It offers:
• Easier parking
• Walkable paths throughout the gardens
• A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
This makes it one of my favorite locations for Northern Virginia cherry blossom engagement sessions.
Do you need a permit for engagement photos at Green Spring Gardens?
Yes, a photography permit is required for professional engagement sessions at Green Spring Gardens.
The good news? I handle the entire permit process through Fairfax County Parks for you. All you need to do is show up, relax, and enjoy your session.
Planning a Spring Wedding in Northern Virginia?
If you’re recently engaged and planning a wedding in Alexandria, Northern Virginia, or the DC area, I’d love to help you document this season in a way that feels relaxed, natural, and genuinely true to you.
As a Northern Virginia wedding photographer, my approach is lightly guided and story-driven focused on real connection rather than stiff posing.
Engagement sessions are included in many of my wedding collections and are designed to feel effortless and meaningful. They create space for you to simply be together, so your photos reflect your relationship not a performance.
If that sounds like what you're looking for, I’d love to connect.