Oakdale in Ashland, VA | Proof That Nothing Can Tear Love Apart

March in Virginia likes to keep us on our toes, and this blustery wedding day at Oakdale in Ashland, VA was no exception. Gusty winds, bright skies, and the promise of spring set the stage for a celebration that was heartfelt, hilarious, and unapologetically them. If you’ve ever wondered what a brunch wedding on a teacher’s DIY budget with a big dose of Taylor Swift energy looks like, this was it.

The bride, a school counselor with a creative eye and a Swiftie heart, leaned fully into a spring wildflower vibe. Soft, cheerful blooms popped up everywhere, perfectly paired with bridesmaids in light eucalyptus green dresses and groomsmen in classic navy blue suits. The groomsmen’s yellow floral ties tied (pun intended) the whole look together and added just the right amount of playful spring flair.

One of the sweetest details? The bride’s accessories. She wore the most adorable veil embroidered with delicate flowers, which perfectly matched her Kate Spade shoes—also embroidered with florals. These small, thoughtful touches made her look feel personal, whimsical, and effortlessly stylish.

Instead of a traditional evening reception, the couple opted for a brunch wedding and honestly, more weddings should take notes. Guests enjoyed pancakes, eggs, bacon, donuts, and both his and hers signature coffee drinks. The standout favorite, though, was “Maury’s Meowmosa Bar,” a DIY mimosa station named in honor of their beloved cat, Maury. It was charming, funny, and very on-brand for a couple who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Now let’s talk about the moments that will live forever in wedding legend.

At some point during the morning festivities, one groomsman decided it was a good idea to jump onto a hay bale. The result? A very public split pair of pants in front of all the groomsmen. Cue hysterical laughter. No one was surprised, he was THAT guy in the group. In fact, he’d come prepared with his own sewing kit, fully aware that alcohol before noon meant something was bound to happen.

These groomsmen had all known each other since high school, and long ago, a hammer (resembling a hand carved version of Thor’s hammer) had become a staple of their party antics. Naturally, the hammer made an appearance on the wedding day, weaving its way into the shenanigans like an old inside joke that refused to retire.

If that weren’t enough, during the reception guests were challenged to see who could crush their beer cans one-handed. And yes… it happened again. Another guest split his pants mid-crush. Two ripped pairs of pants at one wedding. What are the odds?!

The bride and groom laughed along with everyone else, guests teased good-naturedly about the surprise underwear appearances, and the day rolled on filled with joy, laughter, and zero stress.

This is the kind of wedding that reminds me why I love being a fun wedding photographer in Richmond VA. Windy Virginia weather, wildflowers, ripped pants and all, this Oakdale wedding was nothing short of unforgettable.