“Xiaoqi is not only a phenomenal photographer but also a complete joy to work with!…Her ability to capture candid moments of joy is incredible, and we will cherish our photos for so many years to come.” – Caitlin & Andrew


Although trusting your vendor team always makes the wedding day easier, it becomes especially true when there’s inclement weather in the forecast. Every vendor for Caitlin and Andrew’s rainy Showalter’s Orchard wedding absolutely pulled through to keep their day as stress-free as possible! 

We knew how much the couple wanted to enjoy an outdoor ceremony. Knowing they were down to brave a few potential drops of rain if needed, we moved quickly to start their ceremony a few minutes early. We got everyone inside just as the storm really picked up. Caitlin’s Dad’s reaction as they walked down the aisle was just perfect, recognizing our luck in the timing. And it was absolutely worth it for that beautiful mountain and greenery ceremony backdrop!

Typically couples worry about rain ruining their wedding day plans, but if anything, the rain only made Cailin and Andrew’s day that much better. Guests were embracing the light sprinkling of rain, and rain on a wedding day is good luck! The couple kept decor and floral arrangements simple for their Showalter’s Orchard wedding, letting the venue be the star. Caitlin and Andrew were married overlooking the beautiful apple orchards found on site, under a simple altar. 

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour under a tent before going into the greenhouse for the reception. Caitlin and Andrew shared a romantic first dance, followed by toasts and parent dances after dinner. I still laugh looking back at their cake cutting – they (read: Andrew) were so excited about it, they ended up cutting all three layers! All in all, the wedding was so much fun and exuded so much joy celebrating with this sweet couple. 

Keep scrolling to see more from this beautiful rainy Showalter’s Orchard wedding!

Vendor Team

Photography: Xiaoqi Li Photography

Planning & Design: Jazmin of Anyvent Event Planning

Venue: Emma at Showalter’s Orchard and Greenhouse

Catering: Harvest Moon Catering

MUA: Charlottesville Makeup Artist

DJ: Seth of Rhythm of Love Weddings

Ceremony Music: The Bloom Trio

Bakery: Bijou’s Sweet Treats

Florist: Colonial Florist

 

rainy day landscape of showalters greenhouse wedding day
bride and groom back to back before first look
bride and groom seeing one another for first time on wedding day
bride smiling and laughing while seeing groom for first time
bridal couple kissing after first look on showalters greenhouse wedding day
bride and groom overlooking view
bride and groom embracing before rainy day wedding
groom kissing bride's head during bridal portraits
bride and groom head to head during portraits
bride wearing lace wedding gown during bridal portraits
close up of bride's hands and pearl bracelets
bride smiling with hair in elegant updo bridal hairstyle for showalters greenhouse wedding
brunette bride with hair in elegant updo
groom wearing navy suit with hands in pockets
close up of groom's boutonniere burgundy dasiy
groom laughing and smiling during portraits
groom standing with groomsmen wearing navy suits
groom walking with bridal party on showalters greenhouse wedding day
bride smiling and laughing with bridesmaids wearing burgundy dresses
bride and bridesmaids walking
bride and bridesmaids wearing burgundy dresses
bride and groom and all of bridal party taking portraits
bride being walked down aisle by father on rainy showalters greenhouse wedding day
groom shaking bride's father's hand during wedding ceremony
bride and groom standing at alter during wedding ceremony
groomsmen standing and supporting groom during ceremony
bride and groom kissing after being announced husband and wife
small dish with bread on tray during reception
lollipop styled appetizers at wedding reception
appetizers with cracker and red food
wooden table and chairs at showalters greenhouse wedding reception
close up of wine glasses alongside blush napkins, candles and greenery on wedding table decor
white plates with blush napkins on top of wooden table for wedding table decor
bride and groom walking into reception holding hands
wedding guests clapping and smiling while bridal couple walks in
bride and groom dancing during first dance
bride and groom dancing as husband and wife during first dance
family giving toasts to bridal couple
little girl adjusting grandfather's glasses
bridesmaid giving toast at wedding reception
bride and groom laughing during speeches
bridal couple toasting groomsmen during speeches
groom dancing with mother and bride dancing with father
bride hugging father after father daughter dance
groom hugging mother after mother son dance
bride and father looking at ring
groom dancing during showalters greenhouse wedding
wedding guests dancing during wedding reception
textured ivory three tiered wedding cake
bridal couple cutting cake
wedding guests watching bridal couple eat cake
close up of three tiered textured wedding cake after slice taken out
cinnamon sugar donuts at wedding reception
bride and groom dancing together on dance floor
bride and groom kissing under alter during the rain

See their Raven’s Roost Engagement Session here! You can also check out my favorite Charlottesville wedding venues here, or browse more wedding inspiration.

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

Kind words from the couple:

“I cannot recommend Xiaoqi enough!! Xiaoqi is not only a phenomenal photographer but also a complete joy to work with! She was extremely organized from day 1 and kept us on track with wedding planning…she really served almost as a “second wedding planner” in terms of helping us create our wedding timeline. She helped us feel at ease, which really translated into both our engagement and wedding photos coming out natural and unstaged. She really listened to our feedback on what particular moments or special people in our lives we would like captured. Her ability to capture candid moments of joy is incredible, and we will cherish our photos for so many years to come. She was perfection from our first zoom meeting to our final reveal session and album creation. If you are looking for an extremely talented, kind, creative and organized photographer then look no further!”

-Caitlin & Andrew

Rainy Showalter’s Orchard Wedding // Caitlin + Andrew // Charlottesville, VA

bride being walked down aisle by father on rainy showalters greenhouse wedding day