Why Intimate Weddings Shine | Richmond Wedding Photography
Why I Love Microweddings: Stories from 10 Years Behind the Lens
When I think back on the hundreds of weddings I’ve photographed over the last decade, some of the most powerful, heartfelt moments have come from the smallest celebrations. There’s just something about microweddings — the intimacy, the stillness, the way love feels more concentrated when it’s only shared with the people who matter most.
Microweddings aren’t about cutting corners. They’re about stripping away the noise and focusing on what really matters: two people promising forever, surrounded by their closest circle. And from behind my lens, I’ve seen firsthand how these small celebrations create some of the biggest emotions.
A Bride, a Church, and a Graveyard Full of Memories
One of my favorite microweddings took place at Berea Baptist Church in Rockville, Virginia. The ceremony itself was simple and beautiful, but what struck me most was what came after. Next to the church was an old graveyard, and when I asked the bride if she’d be open to taking photos there, her whole face lit up.
She told me she used to play in that very graveyard as a child. What might have looked somber to anyone else suddenly became deeply sentimental — a place where her childhood memories intertwined with the beginning of her marriage. Capturing her joy in that moment reminded me that weddings are never just about the “where.” They’re about the why.
Just the Two of Them at Maymont
Another time, I photographed a couple at Maymont. No guests. No wedding party. Just the two of them, exchanging vows under the pergola in the Italian Gardens.
What made that day unforgettable wasn’t an elaborate setup or timeline. It was the way they looked at each other — eyes locked, completely unbothered by distractions. I could see how deeply in love they were simply by their expressions. In a larger wedding, those quiet, uninterrupted moments can be rare. But here, they had all the space in the world just to be.
A Wedding and a Maternity Session in One
At St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Stafford, Virginia, I had the honor of photographing a ceremony that was both emotional and joy-filled. The bride and groom exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends, and from the very beginning, you could feel the weight of the moment — not just because they were becoming husband and wife, but because they were also preparing to welcome their first child.
After the ceremony, we drove to the gardens at Chatham Manor to take portraits. There were no elaborate props or styled details — just the two of them, completely present with one another. The bride, glowing and sweet, kept telling me how grateful she was that I had shown up for her when other vendors hadn’t. The groom was equally loving, clearly thrilled to finally be married and ready to step into fatherhood.
What struck me most was how excited they both were for the life ahead of them — marriage and parenthood, all wrapped into one incredible new chapter. Their portraits weren’t just wedding photos; they were a glimpse of a family beginning. And in that moment, I was reminded why I love these smaller, more intimate weddings: they strip away everything except what matters most.
Why Microweddings Matter
Microweddings have a magic all their own. Without 200 guests, endless timelines, or constant interruptions, couples get to breathe. They get to focus on each other and the commitment they’re making. They can have a ceremony on a mountaintop, a backyard, or a private hotel room — and still feel like it was the wedding of their dreams.
For me as a photographer, smaller weddings also mean I can get more creative. With fewer moving parts and little to no time pressure, I can focus on capturing authentic, bold, and emotional moments — the kind of photos that don’t just document a day, but truly tell a love story.
Final Thoughts
After ten years behind the lens, I can confidently say this: bigger doesn’t always mean better. Some of the most unforgettable weddings I’ve witnessed were the ones with the smallest guest lists.
If you’re planning your wedding and wondering if a microwedding might be right for you, know this — you can still have jaw-dropping photos, meaningful traditions, and moments that feel larger than life. The difference is, they’ll be focused entirely on you.
Because at the end of the day, love doesn’t need a crowd. It just needs two people, ready to begin forever together.