Lauren + Nick’s Wedding Weekend at Dover Hall
If you ask us, the best wedding venues don’t just look good in photos—they feel like a world apart. And Dover Hall? She’s a stunner, inside and out.
We’re Sam and Austin—a husband and wife destination wedding photographer and videographer team. We live for love stories, gorgeous light, and genuine connection. If you’ve landed here, you might be dreaming up a wedding that’s more than a day. You want a place that feels like both a European escape and home. Dover Hall, tucked away in the scenic Virginia countryside, is that kind of magic.
Let’s take you inside Lauren and Nick’s wedding weekend—a celebration that felt like a love letter to everything this Luxury European wedding venue offers. Maybe you’ll see a bit of your own story in theirs.
Dover Hall: A Venue that Feels like a Fancy Family Reunion
The first time we drove up Dover Hall’s winding drive, we felt it in our bones: this place is special. Imagine an English Tudor estate dropped in the middle of rolling green hills—towering ivy-covered stone turrets, old-world charm, and a sense that something extraordinary could happen around every corner.
Walking through those grand doors, you’re wrapped in a hush of history and hospitality—soaring ceilings, marble fireplaces, chandeliers that throw the prettiest sparkles at dusk. Every room feels lovingly curated and just a little bit mysterious. (The kind of place you’d swear has a secret passageway or two.)
For Lauren and Nick, Dover Hall wasn’t just a backdrop. It became part of their story. Their wedding was intimate, with only close family and friends gathering for a weekend that was less “event” and more “beautiful escape.” The estate’s 55 acres gave them space to savor every moment. Morning coffee in cozy nooks, laughter echoing down the corridors, sunset strolls through manicured gardens. It was like living inside their own classic romance.
The estate is nestled just outside Richmond, but you’d swear you’d landed somewhere in the English countryside or a dreamy storybook. It’s the sort of place where every corner begs for a photo and a closer look.
The best part? Dover Hall is designed for more than just a ceremony. It’s your own private estate for the weekend. Think luxury suites for you and your favorite people, endless nooks for conversation, and a staff that feels like family. You can check out the boutique lodging options named after British royalty here: https://www.doverhall.com/lodging-1.
Aesthetics for Old Souls and Modern Hearts
Lauren and Nick chose Dover Hall because they wanted more than a quick walk down the aisle. Instead, they envisioned bringing their closest family and friends together for a full celebration—something intimate, joyful, and deeply personal. Dover Hall was the perfect canvas. They even began their wedding weekend with dinner and casino games.
From the getting-ready mimosa moments (shoutout to Boho Braids by Ivy and Haley Joan Makeup for the magic) to the laughter echoing through the halls, it all felt cinematic. An intimate light-filled room set the stage for Lauren’s first look with her dad—cue the tears—and the sun-kissed lawn and fields beyond were made for golden hour portraits. That gorgeous Virginia light wrapped everyone in a glow you really have to see to believe (so check it out below).
We worked alongside the wonderful Roberts & Co. (who made every detail feel effortless) and Two Bloomin’ Friends, who transformed the manor’s spaces with ground florals that looked like they’d been plucked straight from a European garden. The clusters of white and blue hydrangeas paired against the historic architecture will make your heart skip.
When it came time to dance, Anthony Bryant kept the party going long into the night, and Dover Hall’s staff made sure everyone was cared for. We’re still thinking about all those little moments: the laughter over dinner, scenic walks in the gardens, and the hugs during the reception. It was perfect from beginning to end.
Why Dover Hall Wins Our Hearts—And Our Cameras
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Virginia but want something that feels like a luxury European wedding venue, Dover Hall checks every box. Here’s why we love it (and why Lauren and Nick did, too):
- Privacy & Exclusivity: You get the entire estate to yourself. No strangers peeking in—just your people, your weekend, your memories.
- Luxurious Accommodations: Ten spacious guest suites (with a gourmet breakfast included!), each with distinct character and views. Perfect for intimate gatherings, late-night chats, and getting-ready giggles.
- Versatile Spaces: Whether you want a garden ceremony, a grand ballroom dinner, or cocktails on the terrace, every space is extraordinary. They have the:
- Dining Room & Pub Bar
- All-season Solarium
- Billiards Room & Great Room
- Ballroom
- Terrace Bar
- Wine Cellar
- Bluestone Terrace
- Cobblestone Court
- Gardens
- Reflection Pool
- Glass Hall
- Glass Hall
- Ten Boutique Lodging Rooms
- That European Aesthetic: The architecture is a photographer’s dream—stone turrets, castle features, ornate fireplaces, and all the drama you could want (the good kind).
- Culinary Excellence: Dover Hall’s in-house catering is legendary. Your guests will still be raving about the food long after the last dance.
- Seamless Experience: The experienced event team is a well-oiled machine—gracious, attentive, and genuinely invested in your joy.
Why Your Wedding Photo + Video Team Matters
We get it—finding the right wedding photographer and videographer is a big decision. You want a team that not only knows how to capture the grandeur of a place like Dover Hall, but also the tiny, in-between moments: your grandmother’s hug, the nervous giggle before your first dance, that look you share when you think no one’s watching.
As a destination wedding photographer and videographer duo (and a married couple ourselves), we know how to bring out the story and the soul. Dover Hall’s grandeur is best told by someone who sees that quick brush of hands; who knows exactly how the light falls through the windows at sunset; who believes your wedding should feel as unique as your connection.
We work in sync—photo and video together—so your gallery and film feel cohesive, intentional, and true to you. No chasing different styles or timelines. Just honest, gorgeous storytelling, shaped by the rhythm of your day and the energy of your people. We’re there for the big moments, yes—but also for the quiet ones: the stolen kisses in the garden, the way your hands find each other without thinking, the candlelit toasts that turn into belly laughs. Years from now, when you flip through those images or press play on your film, we want you to feel every bit of the love that surrounded you.
Vendor Team
Venue | Dover Hall
Planner | Roberts & Co.
Photo + Video | S/A Photo and Film
Hair | Boho Braids by Ivy
Makeup | Haley Joan Makeup
Florals | Two Bloomin’ Friends
DJ | Anthony Bryant
