Madeline and Tom are the kind of people who deserve every celebration this world has to offer. Thoughtful, generous, hardworking, and so much fun to be around, they’re always putting others first— so it felt extra special to see a day fully dedicated to celebrating them! Their Still Meadow Farm wedding day was more than just a beautiful event; it reflected all the love and joy they’ve poured into their community— from family and lifelong friends to colleagues and even the wedding industry itself.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it was going to be a special day.
I finally got to give Emily (their planner at Peña & Co., an absolute ICON!) a big hug after months of planning. She walked me through the venue as the team set up, then guided me to the house where Madeline and her ladies were getting ready. Hair and makeup were already underway, and everything looked stunning! (Thankfully, Madeline shared her setting spray secret with me after the wedding… her makeup lasted flawlessly from start to finish!)
I started the morning photographing M & T’s details, and wow—they were a mix of stunning and practical: seed-paper invitations ready to bloom, matchbooks with their names and a custom Still Meadow Farm illustration, timeless jewels, and rings. Every item had purpose and meaning, perfectly setting the stage for the day.
Before long, Madeline slipped into her gown with help from her mom and matron of honor, finishing her look with a delicate veil. Meanwhile, Sam was with Tom and his groomsmen in the reception barn, full of anticipation as everyone prepped for the day ahead!
Madeline shared a first look with her father, full of sweet laughs and tears, before heading to see Tom!
Their first look was one of my favorite moments: hugs, happy tears, and the realization that their Still Meadow Farm wedding day had officially begun!
The afternoon flew by with family and wedding party portraits. The love surrounding Madeline and Tom is extraordinary— you can feel how intentionally they love their people and how deeply they’re loved in return.
Before we knew it, guests arrived to Still Meadow, greeted with champagne topped with delicate edible flowers—a lovely first touch and nod towards the thoughtful guest experience to come. Their ceremony, officiated by a dear friend, included stories from their relationship, perfectly timed laughs, and even a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide who would say vows first. They exchanged personal vows that had everyone tearing up, placed rings on fingers, and sealed it all with a kiss.
Cocktail hour took place outside with stunning views of the Virginia countryside. Guests enjoyed cocktails, incredible apps, and hand-shucked oysters as golden light poured over the cow pastures (yes, cows!). It was one of those magical moments that made this Still Meadow Farm wedding day feel even more like a dream.
While Sam captured the fun of cocktail hour— passed apps, fresh hand-shucked oysters, and signature drinks just to name a few of the highlights, I photographed the reception space, which was breathtaking.
Lush florals, personalized oyster place cards, unique tablescapes, and table numbers tied to meaningful locations for M&T created a luxe yet welcoming atmosphere. Madeline and Tom’s vision, paired with their incredible vendor team, set the stage for a night everyone would remember forever!
We snuck away for golden hour portraits just before the end of cocktail hour (yes, with views of the cows— obsessed!), and Madeline and Tom twirled and dipped under the sunset before returning to their guests for the last few minutes of cocktail hour.
When guests entered the reception space, jaws dropped. But really… I just loved seeing their people take in the space! Every detail— from custom oyster place settings to the patterned plates creating a unique experience at each seat— was thoughtfully curated. The space felt both luxurious and welcoming. I just love that the reception space at Still Meadow Farm is able to be transformed to align with a couple’s unique vision! It was the perfect hosting space for a beautiful evening and every last detail made the ambience that much more special.
Courses were prepared by the company Madeline works for and guests enjoyed with lively conversation and laughs. Toasts followed, and then Madeline and Tom took to the dance floor for their choreographed first dance. They twirled and dipped as guests cheered, a moment that felt so warm and intimate and romantic and encapsulating of all of their love while celebrating the hard work they’ve put into building such a beautiful day. (Shoutout to Jorge! My pal from my Flywheel / DC days who started Yours Truly Dance a few years back! This was our first wedding together, and it was SO special to see his work performed in person after a few years of messaging back and forth about the wedding industry as Yours Truly Dance has grown and flourished!)
Their party playlist was personal and intentional— nearly every song dedicated to someone in the room.
Watching guests light up when “their” song came on was unforgettable. (Madeline even gave me a Betty Who song, and you better believe I was almost in tears! I mean… how thoughtful?!) The night only got better when the catering team, who had worked so hard all night, stormed the dance floor for a song, laughing and linking arms with guests to start a conga line. Knowing how much Madeline gives to her work, seeing them celebrate her and Tom in return was one of those full-circle wedding moments that gave me goosebumps.
The night ended with a private final dance, just the two of them, before they headed outside for a bubble exit, more epic dips, kisses, and countless cheers. In short, it was such a beautiful night that I’ll remember forever!
Madeline and Tom go above and beyond to celebrate the people around them, and their Still Meadow Farm wedding day returned that love tenfold.
Thoughtful, meaningful, fun, bright, and overflowing with heart— it was truly the best kind of wedding day!
Madeline & Tom, thank you for trusting me with your story. Your wedding was one for the books, and I’m so grateful to have documented it! Enjoy a glimpse into the magic that was their wedding at Still Meadow Farms!
A quick shoutout to their amazing vendor team before we get to the good stuff:
Planning & Design – Peña & Co. | Photographer – Cait Kramer Photography | Venue – Still Meadow Farm | Caterer – Main Event Caterers | Florist – The Rosy Posy | Music – Zandi Entertainment | Videographer – Shutter & Sound | Hair and Makeup – Tamar C Makeup | Rentals – Select Event Group | Oyster Shuckers – Oysters XO | Wedding Cake – &BakeDC | Welcome banner & seating chart – Leah Letters | Oyster place cards and signage – Live Life Lettered | Transportation – Reston Limousine | Invitation – The Green Atelier | Bridal Boutique & Alterations – The Bridal Room | Groom’s Tux – StudioSuits | First Dance Choreography – Yours Truly Dance
Mads and Murph… I don’t have words. THANK YOU for trusting me with such an incredible moment in your lives together!
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:
Woodend Nature Sanctuary Wedding Day | Kara and Kendall