“Xiaoqi was absolutely incredible to work with…she perfectly captured all the love and joy of our big day! Book her immediately!!” -Alex & Hallie

 

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Hallie and Alex’s fall Castle Hill Cider wedding was nothing short of their dream day. The first item they chose while planning their wedding was Alex’s shoes: The Russell Loafer in Eden from Taft. They were so inspired by these gorgeous shoes that they decided on the theme of “fall picnic chic.” Vivid fall colors seen in everything from their florals to their attire created a beautiful backdrop for sharing their love story with friends and family. Their talented event & design team, Sugar Taylor Co. helped plan an entire weekend of events for their guests to enjoy.

The couple met years ago at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill. As a nod to the start of their love story and their love for their home city of DC, we did their engagement session at the Kennedy Center. It was a blast, and only made me more excited for their wedding day!

Having met them at the engagement session, I knew that the energy of their day was going to be incredible. Castle Hill conveniently has two getting ready spaces available on site, to make logistics of any wedding day easier. Alex got ready with his groomsmen, the dads, and his uncle in the office loft, while Hallie and her mom and bridesmaids got ready in the bridal loft on the other end of the hall. I loved the energy of the room all morning as they popped champagne, danced, and of course cried some happy tears. Her bridesmaids wore rich, fall colored gowns that brought the fall picnic vibe together. 

Castle Hill Cider’s Linden Grove ceremony site is such a gorgeous location for celebrating their union. They mentioned during our planning calls that capturing the emotion and love felt at their ceremony was one of their biggest photography must-haves. They made it easy with how loving and present everyone was at the ceremony. I love how much they involved their closest people in their ceremony. Hallie and Alex each walked in between their parents, and, following Jewish traditions, also had several readings. 

To kick off their reception, towards the end of their first dance, Hallie and Alex shared a surprise choreographed dance with their wedding party. This turned into an invitation for everyone to join them on the dance floor to have a dance sesh before dinner. The laughter continued during their toasts, as their parents and siblings shared kind words and also of course roasted the couple. 

To see all these moments and more fall wedding inspiration, keep scrolling!

 

Vendor Team:

Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography

Venue: Castle Hill Cider

Planning + Design and Stationery: Sugar Taylor Creative Co. 

Catering: APimento Catering

Hair and Makeup: Locks & Lashes

Ceremony Music: Louis Pettinelli Entertainment

DJ / Reception Music: Kevin Cannady via Debonair Entertainment

Floral Design: Sweet Pea Florals

Dessert Donuts: Carpe Donut

Rentals: Festive Fare Rentals

Custom Bar: Paisley & Jade

Ceremony Decor: Blue Ridge Productions

Groom’s Shoes: Taft

 

 

Castle Hill is definitely one of my favorite Charlottesville wedding venues, but you can explore more here!

Already dreaming of an incredible wedding photography experience with me? Let’s chat soon! 

 

 

Kind words from the couple:

“Xiaoqi was absolutely incredible to work with and gave us the most amazing wedding photos that we will be able to cherish for years to come. She perfectly captured all the love and joy of our big day! She is knowledgeable, professional and so very thoughtful in her work. Book her immediately!!” -Alex & Hallie