The Barns at Mattaponi Springs | Richmond Wedding Photographer

Munhoz Photography
Aug 6
5 min read

Updated: Sep 4

bride and groom during couples portraits at the barns at mattaponi springs in virginia

Caitlin & Brendan | The Barns at Mattaponi Springs

I wanted to sit down, swoon over Caitlin & Brendan’s wedding, and then come back with a story for you all.

According to Caitlin, I was sent her way! Neither of us remembers if it was Google or Instagram, but I prefer believing it was just God at all times.

During our first conversation on the phone, I knew we would be a great fit, but also that we would become friends. Caitlin has the most amazing personality – the type of girl you just want to be around, with an iconic sense of humor! She met Brendan in Tampa, FL, in 2019, and they absolutely love going to country concerts (I bet we will plan a Josh Turner concert together soon!!), and sporting events (hello hockey and football!!). I remember Caitlin mentioning that Brendan is the smartest person she knows and that he balances her out so well with his positivity. Can you tell how much she loves him already?

We were a great fit, let me tell you this!

As a Richmond wedding photographer, I photographed their engagement session at Maymont and at the Gather & Hem in downtown Richmond, VA (check it out here), and since then, I’ve been counting the days to photograph their wedding.

Last Saturday was their special day, and it could not have been more perfect in so many ways! The weather was amazing, their venue was stunning, the vendor team was impeccable, and their guests were the most fun of all time.

The summer weather was impressively perfect for August, and the coastal vibe Caitlin & Brendan brought to their wedding matched perfectly with The Barns at Mattaponi Springs, a beautiful country estate nestled on a hilltop with over 600 acres of surrounding property and breathtaking waterfront in Ruther Glen, Virginia.

Caitlin and Brendan chose to use the Carriage House for getting ready and Poplar Barn for the reception, accommodating comfortably 150 guests including vendors. I could talk all day about the venue because there wasn’t just one spot that stood out – there were several! The staircase and dining room at the manor house, the light-filled bridal suite (complete with cute hangers and a specific spot for the bride and bridesmaids’ dresses... LOVE IT), the unique barn, and of course, that breathtaking views.

Talking about their day… I started early so I could capture details of the venue, the guys and ladies getting ready, detail shots, reception details, and then head to the ceremony location at St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish Church. But before everything else, let me talk about Kristen Caputo, the wedding coordinator…

She was THE go-to person for me on the day, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have met her. Her team was kind and ready to go, she was absolutely well organized, and nailed every single moment of the day... not to mention the positive vibe she kept up for over 12 hours. She was still smiling from ear to ear when I said goodbye at 10pm.

Back to the wedding day…

Caitlin & Brendan’s ceremony was officiated by Deacon Frank Learning, who shared heartfelt blessings over their lives, witnessed by their family and friends. After they tied the knot, we headed back to the venue for bridal party and couple portraits.

I had scouted the location beforehand and knew I wanted to photograph in front of the manor house facing the springs in the late afternoon – and that’s exactly what we did! Caitlin & Brendan’s bridal party was phenomenal from start to finish. The guys were ready to go as soon as I arrived in the morning, and can I tell you how much I appreciate that?? Most of them are in the military, proudly serving our country, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have met such an incredible crew. The ladies matched Caitlin’s vibe perfectly and made my day – so helpful, always laughing out loud when I asked (and yes, I laughed with them many times haha!)

After portraits, it was time for the RECEPTION! Little did I know, the best was yet to come.

The vendor team at the reception was absolutely top-tier! I wish I could throw a party every weekend and have them all invited. The beautiful flowers from Kate’s Roots were precious, the ladies from The Veil Hair & Makeup Co. did a flawless job, John Lukehart from Black Tie Entertainment got EVERYONE on the dance floor with a playlist that had me singing all the way home, Jeremy Murray from JR Murray Productions (videographer), Andre, and I worked seamlessly as a team, and Autumn’s Catering brought the most delicious food to the table with such an amazing vibe!

I mean, everything was absolutely perfect. But did I mention how fun the dance floor was?

Forgive me if I did, but I’m just going to say it again. Everyone had the most amazing time... exactly what Caitlin & Brendan envisioned for their wedding. All the hard work these two put in to bring so many special people together needs to be recognized.

Caitlin & Brendan are two incredible souls that I want to carry with me not just as their wedding photographer but as a friend. I just CAN’T wait to see how marriage helps them grow even more.

All the happiness to the Mooneys!!!

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Vendor Team

Richmond Wedding Photographer | Munhoz Photography

Venue | The Barns at Mattaponi Springs

Invitation Suite | Truly Engaging

Wedding Coordinator | Kristen Caputo Weddings & Events

Dress | Lily's Bridal Outlet

Veil | Blanca Veils

Hair & Makeup | The Veil Hair & Makeup Co.

Florist | Kate's Roots

Church | St. Mary of the Annunciation