February 1, 2026
Real Weddings
Oakdale Wedding in Ashland, VA | An LGBTQ+ Inclusive Celebration: Chosen Family, Happy Tears, and One Very Good Dog
An Oakdale wedding in Ashland, VA always feels magical, but Adam and Shane’s celebration was something truly special, a day rooted in love, chosen family, and creating a space where everyone felt safe, seen, and celebrated. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was more than a wedding; it was a joyful declaration of an LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding, built intentionally as a safe space for all.
Set against the timeless charm of Oakdale, the couple chose a classic color palette of emerald green and navy blue. The rich tones felt elegant yet welcoming, perfectly reflecting Adam and Shane’s style refined, heartfelt, and deeply personal. As a pet friendly wedding, Oakdale allowed one very important guest to steal the show early on: their beloved dog, Otis.
Otis was, without question, the star of the day. Loved by literally everyone in attendance, he proudly wore a collar adorned with flowers and pranced down the aisle with purpose, delivering the wedding bands attached to his collar. There were laughs, happy tears, and plenty of whispered “oh my gosh” moments as Otis did his very important job. If there was ever a moment that captured pure joy, this was it.
The ceremony itself was incredibly moving. Adam and Shane were surrounded by what they lovingly call their chosen family, friends and loved ones who have been their support system, their cheerleaders, and their safe place through every chapter. Nearly every guest was in tears, a testament to how deeply loved this couple is and how intentional they were about inviting only those who truly mattered. This wedding wasn’t just inclusive, it was affirming, warm, and overflowing with love.
Adding to the emotional atmosphere, local harpist Christina Thomas provided live music during the ceremony. As Adam and Shane exchanged vows, she played beautiful harp renditions of songs by Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift, giving modern love songs a soft, romantic twist. The music floated through the air and made the moment feel intimate, cinematic, and unforgettable.
The reception continued the theme of meaningful details. Each table featured special Christmas ornaments displayed alongside handcrafted wooden plaques explaining the significance of the trips where the ornaments were collected. It was such a thoughtful way to share their story with guests. At every place setting, attendees found a handcrafted RVA ornament made by Adam and Shane themselves, a heartfelt keepsake and a personal thank-you to everyone who helped create their safe, loving community.
As the night went on, the party energy ramped up in the best way. A “make your own hangover kit” station had guests laughing and planning ahead, stocked with Advil, aspirin, Liquid IV packets, and Pepto-Bismol. It was equal parts practical and hilarious. And just when everyone thought the night couldn’t get better, late-night Taco Bell arrived. The crowd absolutely lost it. Proof that nothing brings people together quite like tacos at the end of a perfect night.
As a wedding photographer in Richmond VA, it’s an honor to document days like this. Weddings that are unapologetically themselves, deeply inclusive, and full of heart. Adam and Shane’s Oakdale wedding in Ashland, VA was a reminder of why representation matters and how powerful it is to create weddings that are truly a safe space for all. Add in a flower-collared dog named Otis, and it’s a day no one will ever forget.
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography | Awesomesauce Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venue | Oakdale
Caterer | EAT Kitchen and Catering
Florist | The Freckled Flower Farm
Ceremony Music | RVA Harpist
DJ | Hunter Omohundro
Dessert| Pearl’s Bake Shoppe
Officiant | Sincerely Pete
Awesomesauce Photography provides colorful, fun, and emotional wedding photography as an LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding photographer specializing in pet friendly weddings.