Matthew & Christina's Spring Estate Wedding, Pt. I: Getting Ready | Virginia Wedding Photographers at West Manor Estate

It was a beautiful spring day when we pulled into the long gravel drive that leads to West Manor. It's surrounded by pastureland with horses grazing just outside the bride's cottage. Christina's mom, bridesmaids, and cousins were all helping do each other's hair and makeup in the cottage before walking up to the manor to get dressed and do final touches.

Meanwhile, one story down in the cellar man-cave, Matthew and his groomsmen were putting on their suits and ties. But their silly socks underneath the suits told a much truer story, of childhood friends and long nights of video game battles coming to a head this morning. Matthew kept to himself in the corner, quietly getting dressed, but he couldn't wipe the huge grin off his face. He was so excited to see his bride.

She wanted to keep the first time they saw each other for the ceremony, but they still needed just a minute together. So they had a first look-no peek in the secret garden on the property. They prayed together, they giggled like little kids together, and then they parted again to leave for the chapel!