A Summer Wedding at a Campground

Twin Lakes State Park, Green Bay, VA

On a hot but beautiful summer day in June 2024, Rachel and Andrew said I Do in front of 75 of their closest friends and family.

The bride and groom, their families, and wedding party all stayed on site for the week in the park’s cabins, making it a week long celebration. On the morning of the wedding, they were able to relax and spend time with their closest loved ones as they prepared to say I Do.

Pre-Ceremony

The couple chose to lean into the natural scenery and brought on vendors who could enhance the natural beauty.

They chose not to do a first look, first touch, or any similar type of interaction; they stayed completely separate until the ceremony. The ceremony was held outdoors in front of the lake backdrop under a gazebo. The gazebo was decorated beautifully with a large floral piece that took the bride’s breath away.

Ceremony

The family walked down the aisle to “All My Life” by SALIR, then the bride surprised Andrew with his favorite song “The Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel” for him and his mom (and the wedding party) to process in with. Rachel and her dad made the long walk to the ceremony space to “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle, perfect their sweet love story.

The ceremony was short and sweet with lots of emotions and sweet custom vows to each other. They recessed out, followed by their wedding party, and celebrated by cheering and dancing outside of the reception space.

Cocktail Hour

While the bride, groom, and their families went off to take pictures, guests were invited into the reception hall for drinks and to look at all of the beautiful, personal decor set up by the couple.

Reception

The reception started off with a bang, with the wedding party and newlyweds entering the hall to the Star Wars theme song – a favorite of the couple. Rachel and Andrew gave a welcome speech to thank everyone for coming to celebrate with them, and then it was time for dinner – buffet style bar-be-que. The bride even got a huge helping of her favorite vegan mac n cheese.

As dinner wrapped up, the maid of honor and best man gave heartfelt and funny speeches to the couple, acknowledging how special they are as individuals and together.

After the toasts, Rachel and Andrew had their first dance to “Life With You” by Kelsey Hart, followed by a father daughter dance to “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman and a mother son dance to “Saturday In the Park” by Chicago.

After the special dances, everyone went outside to open the dance floor and break it down for the next two hours. The couple got to cut their cake and enjoy some vegan desserts.

Grand Exit

When it was time to go home, the guests lined the pathway while Rachel and Andrew had a last private dance. After, they ran through a stream of bubbles, gave us one last kiss, and hopped into their getaway car.