Just an hour from Washington, DC, I had the privilege of capturing Ashley and Pete’s wedding ceremony at the renowned Georgian mansion of Great Marsh Estate. As a live wedding painter, the venue’s 121 acres of pristine grounds and historic architecture provided an incredible backdrop for their early autumn celebration.
Behind The Scenes – Live Wedding Painting
Setting up beneath the estate’s iconic columns, I positioned my easel to capture the South Courtyard ceremony site, where Calla Lane Florals transformed the stone terrace into an enchanted garden. The composition showcased the perfect marriage of Great Marsh’s pastoral charm with elegant design elements – from the geometric stonework to the estate’s signature tree-lined views stretching across the Virginia countryside.
Live Wedding Painting – Ceremony Reference Photos
Working alongside Casey Smith Photography and Leigh & Co Events, I documented the ceremony unfolding against the mansion’s historic facade. The late September light played beautifully across the scene, illuminating the restored period features that make Great Marsh one of Northern Virginia’s most sought-after wedding venues.
What made this piece particularly special was capturing the architectural details of Great Marsh’s stunning facade while maintaining the intimate feeling of the garden ceremony. The late afternoon light cast a golden glow across the scene, illuminating the flowing white dress and formal attire of the wedding party.
Ceremony Painting Details
One of my favorite artistic elements to paint was the elegant mirror strategically placed at the ceremony entrance – its reflective surface perfectly framed the historic manor house, creating a magical visual connection between the ceremony space and Great Marsh’s stunning Georgian architecture. This thoughtful detail added an extra layer of depth to the composition while celebrating the estate’s architectural heritage.
The painting captures the essence of a luxury DC-area wedding – where historic charm meets modern sophistication. From the cane-back ceremony chairs to the lush floral arrangements in warm peach and ivory tones, every detail reflected the estate’s reputation for timeless elegance.
Wedding Painting – Finishing Touches
A special moment came when the newlyweds added their own artistic touch to the painting during the reception – a meaningful way to personalize their wedding day keepsake. The finished piece now serves as a lasting memory of their celebration, where Southern charm met classic romance at one of Virginia’s most elegant estates.
Located in Bealeton, VA, Great Marsh Estate continues to be an iconic setting for couples seeking a blend of Southern charm and refined luxury just outside the nation’s capital. Ashley and Pete’s celebration perfectly embodied this balance, creating memories now preserved both in paint and in the hearts of all who attended.
Northern Virginia Wedding Vendors
Flowers: Calla Lane Florals
Photo: Casey Noel Co Photography
Venue: Great Marsh Estate
Wedding Painting: Hannah Paints Events
Planning: Leigh & Co Events
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