JOY MILLS

The Journal

Hi, I'm Joy, a wedding photographer based in Coastal Virginia.
So glad you're here!

A Williamsburg Inn Wedding

Natasha and Justyn’s wedding at the Williamsburg Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia was the perfect Fall wedding. Fall in Virginia is beautiful, and comfortably warm for the most part in the daytime, with chilly evenings. Combined with the lovely backdrop at the Inn and the decadent dark colors- dark red, burgundy and black, and fine details, their wedding was enchantingly elegant.

Their Story

Natasha and Justyn met online while Natasha was living in New York and going to culinary school.  After dating for four months, they moved down to Virginia.  In 2020, Natasha, Justyn, and both of their families went on a vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  During their vacation, Justyn popped the question in front of both of their families.  Natasha, of course, said yes!

Preparing for the Wedding Day

Their wedding day began with the ladies in a room at the Inn, while the gentlemen got ready in a room at the Williamsburg Lodge. Natasha’s gown, a Cinderella inspired gown by Allure, was exquisite and was the perfect wedding gown for her! I loved capturing her details- her invitations, burgundy red velvet ring box and bouquet complimented her elegant style. After capturing her and her sweet bridesmaids, she slipped on her wedding dress. Her sister assisted her with fastening the back of her dress, then helped to attach the veil to Natasha’s hair. Natasha looked so lovely and was truly a beautiful bride.

The gentlemen hung out at the Williamsburg Lodge to get ready for the day, where my second photographer worked with them. Justyn and his groomsmen looked dapper in their black wedding attire complete with black dress shirt, vest, and tie and deep red rose boutonnieres. They were such a fun, energetic group of guys, and my second photographer enjoyed working with them.

The First Look

The first look took place adjacent to the East Lawn. Justyn waited with anticipation for his sweet bride to approach him. The moment he turned to see her was nothing short of magical. I loved seeing Justyn’s reaction to his gorgeous bride! It was so wonderful to see these two genuinely kind individuals spend a few moments together before the ceremony was to begin. Immediately following the first look, we were able to capture them together as a couple, individually for bride and groom portraits, and with their bridal party. The burgundy velour bridesmaid dresses were a strikingly vivid contrast to Natasha’s wedding gown and the surrounding backdrop of the fine architecture of the Inn and the immaculate landscaping.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the East Lawn immediately behind the Inn. The golden sunlight illuminated their ceremony in the most beautiful way as Natasha gracefully walked down the aisle to exchange vows with her groom. Family and friends looked on in support as Natasha and Justyn said their vows and exchanged rings under the Roman Tuscan column lined pergola, which was gracefully adorned with a dark red sash.

Golden Hour Bride and Groom

After the ceremony and family group pictures, we had this amazing golden light as we captured the newlyweds! The light could not have been any better as we worked to capture Natasha and Justyn together and individually. It was such a pleasure to capture the love of such a sweet, authentic couple.

A Regency Room Reception

As we walked into the Regency Room for the reception the details in the room stood out boldly.  The Regency Room itself is an elegant space for wedding receptions.  Combined with the dark, romantic wine florals and black details, it was exquisite.  During the reception, when the activity died down a little, I took Natasha and Justyn out to the front of Williamsburg Inn where the Reflection Pond is located.  It was dark, which added to the dramatic and romantic vibe.   With the ambient light from the Inn combined with my off camera flash, I photographed them as they slow danced behind the pond. From the grandest moments to the quietest exchanges, Natasha and Justyn’s wedding day was a stunning reminder that the most beautiful celebrations are rooted in genuine connection.

Congratulations Natasha and Justyn! May you have many years of happiness!

The Amazing Vendor Team:

Venue:  Williamsburg Inn

Planner:  McKenzie Leigh Events

Photographer:  Joy Mills Photography

Caterer:  Williamsburg Inn

Cake:  Williamsburg Inn

DJ:  Colonial DJ’s

Rentals:  Big Top Entertainment

Wedding Gown:  Studio I Do / Virginia Beach

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Revelry

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist:  Lindsay Codekas at Williamsburg Inn

Hair:  Flawless On Site (Madison)

Makeup:  Blush Tones (Lindsey)

Invitations: Prints of Love

Hi, I'm Joy, a wedding photographer based in Coastal Virginia.
So glad you're here!

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I only have ten photos from my wedding day. Ten moments frozen in faded 4x6 Fuji-film time, bound together in folding-folio, leatherette fashion... as if everything our story stood for could be contained in the four corners of just ten frames. If I'm being honest, we skimped when it came to a photographer. A last minute budget cut. A practical decision. Only, we had no idea how much it would cost us...

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