“WHEN COLIE SHOWED ME HER PICTURES, I THINK MY JAW HIT THE FLOOR. THEY ARE ALL SO BEAUTIFUL”
-A GUEST OF COLIE & COLIN’S WEDDING
A playful and vibrant garden wedding in the rolling hills of central Virginia near Charlottesville. Effortless and motion filled bridal portraits. Scenic newlywed photos at sunset. A glowing tent under the night sky. Artistic photos that capture the feeling of the warm sun, whimsy, and joy. And plenty of drone photos to capture the gorgeous setting of this countryside locale.
All film, digital, and drone photography by Michelle Elyse Photography.
We are so delighted to have been able to capture this gorgeous wedding weekend for Colie and Colie!
Vendors & Venues
Planning:Will and Rose Events
Photography: Michelle Elyse Photography @michelleelysephoto
Venue: The Market at Grelen
If you’re planning a wedding at one of the beautiful vineyards or gardens of Charlottesville Virginia—or anywhere in the world—and want images that are modern, artistic, and authentically you, explore our work via my portfolios and featured events on michelleelysephotography.com.
Colie & Colin’s Vibrant Garden Wedding at The Market at Grelen
Some weddings feel like they were pulled straight from the pages of a storybook. And Colie and Colin’s celebration at The Market at Grelen was exactly that. Set amongst the rolling hills of Somerset, Virginia, just outside Charlottesville, their wedding was a colorful, joy-filled day that perfectly reflected their personalities. While embracing the natural beauty of one of Central Virginia’s most beloved wedding venues.
As a documentary style wedding photography team, we’re always drawn to celebrations that feel authentic and effortless. Genuine moments unfold naturally and the details tell a meaningful story. Colie and Colin’s wedding offered all of that and more. From whimsical florals and vibrant colors to breathtaking landscapes captured from above. With drone photography, every part of the day felt intentional, artistic, and deeply personal.
Photographed on both digital and film formats, this wedding combined timeless imagery with candid storytelling, creating a collection of photographs that feel both elevated and honest. It was an honor to document such a beautiful celebration at one of the most picturesque venues in Virginia wine country.
The Beauty of The Market at Grelen
Nestled in Somerset, Virginia, The Market at Grelen sits in the heart of Central Virginia. Surrounded by vineyards, historic estates, horse farms, and gardens that make this region so beloved for destination weddings. Located just outside Charlottesville, the venue offers a unique blend of cultivated gardens, mountain views, and expansive landscapes that feel both refined and welcoming.
One of the things we love most about photographing weddings at The Market at Grelen is how every part of the property offers a completely different experience. Guests can wander through lush gardens, enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and experience the venue’s thoughtfully designed event spaces that seamlessly blend nature with elegant hospitality. Intimate dinners can even be held in their charming greenhouse.
For couples searching for a venue that captures the beauty of Charlottesville while offering a truly unique guest experience, The Market at Grelen consistently stands out as one of the most stunning wedding destinations in Virginia. We absolutely cannot wait to see and photograph their new Conservatory reception space that they will be building on the hillside. What a fantastic addition.
A Celebration Filled with Color and Personality
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Colie and Colin wanted their wedding to feel joyful, vibrant, and completely their own.
Their design palette embraced bold yellows, rich magentas, and playful floral arrangements featuring beautiful lilies and garden-inspired blooms. The colors popped against the venue’s lush greenery and created an atmosphere that felt fresh, cheerful, and full of life.
Every detail reflected their personalities. Instead of leaning into a traditional neutral aesthetic, they embraced color in a way that felt sophisticated yet whimsical. The result was a wedding design that felt elevated without taking itself too seriously. A perfect reflection of the couple and the spirit of the day.
One of our favorite details was their custom photo booth installation. Designed in the shape of a half moon surrounded by clouds. It became an instant gathering place for guests throughout the evening. It was creative, charming, and completely unforgettable. Details like this are often what guests remember most. And it perfectly complemented the playful elegance woven throughout the celebration.
A Garden Ceremony on the Half Moon Lawn
The ceremony took place on The Market at Grelen’s iconic Half Moon Lawn, one of the most beautiful ceremony locations in Virginia.
Nestled among manicured hedges and flourishing gardens, the space feels intimate while still showcasing the expansive beauty of the property. Guests arrived to find a vibrant floral lining the aisle. With colorful blooms creating a striking contrast against the lush green landscape.
As Colie walked down the aisle, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation and joy. One of the reasons we love documentary wedding photography is that it allows these moments to unfold naturally. Rather than focusing solely on posed images, we are able to preserve the emotions that make a wedding day meaningful. The smiles exchanged between family members. The nervous excitement before the ceremony begins. And the quiet moments shared between the couple.
The ceremony itself felt heartfelt and genuine. Surrounded by gardens, loved ones, and the natural beauty of Central Virginia. Colie and Colin exchanged vows in a setting that perfectly reflected the warmth of their relationship.
From a photographic perspective, the Half Moon Lawn offers incredible opportunities for storytelling. The symmetry of the hedges. The surrounding gardens. And the expansive views all contribute to images that feel timeless while still grounded in the landscape.
Capturing the Day with Digital, Film, and Drone Photography
One of the most exciting aspects of documenting this wedding was capturing it through multiple mediums.
Throughout the day, we photographed on both digital and film cameras. Blending the reliability and versatility of modern photography with the timeless character of film. Film photography adds a softness and whimsy that feels especially fitting for garden weddings like this one. The subtle tones, organic grain, and natural rendering create images that feel both nostalgic and enduring.
At the same time, digital photography allowed us to document every fleeting moment with precision. Ensuring that no important memory was missed.
We also incorporated drone photography throughout the day.Providing a perspective that simply cannot be achieved from the ground.
As a high end wedding photographer with drone capabilities, I believe aerial imagery adds an entirely new dimension to wedding storytelling. From above, The Market at Grelen’s incredible landscape truly comes to life. The gardens, pathways, rolling hills, and event spaces reveal the scale and beauty of the property in a way that guests rarely get to experience themselves.
Some of our favorite images from the day were captured from the air. Showcasing the Half Moon Lawn ceremony, the garden terrace cocktail hour, and the stunning hilltop reception tent against the backdrop of Central Virginia’s countryside.
Cocktail Hour on the Garden Terrace
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the Garden Terrace for cocktail hour.
The terrace is one of the venue’s most inviting spaces, offering panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle and enjoy the surroundings. With colorful florals, signature cocktails, and perfect weather, the space buzzed with conversation and celebration.
This portion of the day is often one of our favorites to photograph. People naturally relax after the ceremony, creating countless opportunities for candid moments and genuine interactions. Friends reconnect, family members embrace, and couples finally have a chance to soak in the reality that they are officially married.
As documentary style wedding photographers, these unscripted moments are often some of the most meaningful images we deliver.
Effortless Portraits Among the Gardens
While candid storytelling remains at the heart of our approach, we also believe every couple deserves beautiful portraits that feel natural and timeless.
During golden hour, we explored some of The Market at Grelen’s most scenic locations, creating portraits that felt effortless rather than overly directed. Rather than focusing on rigid poses, we encouraged Colie and Colin to simply be together—walking through the gardens, sharing quiet moments, and enjoying the excitement of the day.
The result was a collection of images that balanced editorial beauty with authentic connection.
The gardens provided endless inspiration, with blooming flowers, winding pathways, and soft evening light creating an atmosphere that felt almost cinematic. Combined with the texture and character of film photography, these portraits became some of our favorite images from the entire wedding day.
A Celebration Under the Hilltop Tent
As the sun began to set, guests gathered beneath The Market at Grelen’s iconic hilltop clear tent for the reception.
The clear structure offered incredible views of the surrounding landscape while allowing the colorful décor and floral design to take center stage. As daylight faded, the tent transformed into a glowing space filled with warmth, laughter, and celebration.
The reception perfectly captured the spirit of the day. Heartfelt toasts, joyful dancing, and countless moments of connection unfolded throughout the evening. Everywhere we looked, there were meaningful interactions worth documenting.
One particularly exciting aspect of The Market at Grelen’s future is the venue’s upcoming conservatory, which will replace the current hilltop tent. Knowing how thoughtfully every aspect of this property is designed, we are incredibly excited to photograph weddings in the new conservatory once it opens.
The addition promises to offer couples an even more distinctive wedding experience while preserving the breathtaking views and natural beauty that make this venue so special.
Working with Will & Rose
A wedding day of this scale and beauty doesn’t happen without an exceptional team behind the scenes.
We loved working alongside the talented planners at Will & Rose. Their thoughtful coordination ensured that every detail flowed seamlessly throughout the day while allowing the couple to remain fully present and enjoy their celebration.
The best wedding planners create an environment where couples feel relaxed and cared for, and that energy ultimately translates into the photographs. Will & Rose brought professionalism, creativity, and warmth to every aspect of the day, making them wonderful collaborators.
Why We Love Photographing Weddings in Central Virginia
Charlottesville Wedding Photographer
Central Virginia continues to be one of our favorite regions to photograph weddings. Between Charlottesville’s renowned vineyards, historic estates, mountain views, and beautiful gardens, the area offers an incredible variety of settings for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience.
For photographers, it provides endless inspiration. For couples, it offers a destination that feels both luxurious and welcoming.
Colie and Colin’s wedding was a perfect example of everything we love about this region: stunning scenery, meaningful moments, thoughtful design, and a celebration centered around connection.
As a top wedding photographer in Central Virginia, documenting days like this reminds us why we are so passionate about what we do. Whether we’re photographing candid moments on film, creating elegant portraits, or capturing sweeping aerial views through drone photography, our goal remains the same—to tell each couple’s story in a way that feels authentic, timeless, and true to who they are.
If you’re planning a wedding in Charlottesville, Somerset, or anywhere throughout Central Virginia and are searching for the best Charlottesville wedding photographer, we’d love to connect and hear more about your vision. Every celebration is unique, and we believe your photographs should be as unforgettable as the day itself.