Marissa and Austin, a Copper Beachfront Wedding at Herrington on the Bay

Brooke Tyson Photography

I am so happy to share Marissa and Austin’s wedding today!

Marissa and Austin were married at Herrington on the Bay on October 21, 2022.

Marissa and Austin met in college at James Madison University during their senior year. They both enrolled in an 8:00 AM Psychology course and ended up volunteering together at the same location as part of the course. Soon after, they began dating and now, then, on February 6, 2021 Austin proposed in Washington D.C. in front of the reflecting pool by the Lincoln Memorial. Now, these two are married!!

Marissa began the day getting ready at the suites at Herrington on the Bay with her bridal party, while Austin got ready at a separate suite across the courtyard.

After Marissa was dressed, she shared a first look with her bridal party and her dad before heading over to the gateway to the ceremony location at Herrington on the Bay for her first look with Austin! After their emotional first look (Austin’s reaction was what every bride dreams of!), they read each other their vows. It was such a sweet and special touch and such a nice way to share their special and personal words with one another. We even had an adorable little cat join us during portraits – which we all thought was a good sign since Marissa and Austin have two cats! And then it was portrait time! We did some quick bride and groom portraits and then wedding party portraits – and then it was time for the ceremony!

Marissa and Austin were married on the beautiful palm tree lined lawn at Herrington on the Bay. It is such a magical ceremony spot and Marissa and Austin’s wedding was a PERFECT fall day. It was gorgeous!!

After the wedding ceremony, we had some time for quick sunset bride and groom portraits (this was such perfect timing – these pictures are gorgeous!!). The space around Herrington on the Bay is SO pretty and Marissa and Austin are such a stunning couple. The amazing sunlight, the water, the rocky path, and the beautiful landscape all make it such an incredible space. I can’t get over how PERFECT their portraits are. I love them so much!!

And then it was time to party! The reception began with Marissa and Austin’s grand entrance and first dance on the first floor, and then transitioned upstairs for speeches and dinner. Following dinner, Marissa and Austin shared dances with their parents and then the dance floor opened. And this group was SO ready to dance!!! What a fun group!! The dance floor was packed all night and everyone had such a great time. This was a fun group to party with!

The reception space was beautifully decorated in copper and greenery, with a fun selfie guestbook station with words of advice for the bride and groom. The couple had two signature drinks, adorably named after their cats, Penny and Poe. And Marissa and Austin treated their guests to all kinds of tasty treats, including decorated cookies and a fun late night French far bar with tons of toppings!

At the end of the night, Marissa and Austin shared a private last dance in their reception space, and then exited to a crowd of cheering friends and family – and sparklers!! We love a sparkler exit and I love their sparkler exit photos so much!!

Marissa and Austin are such kind, thoughtful people. At the end of their night, after their private dance, they stopped and thanked all of their wedding vendors. It was so genuine, kind, and sweet. That is just who they are – incredibly nice people. Marissa and Austin, we are so, so happy for you and we loved being part of your day!! It was such a fun night and everyone had a great time. We loved celebrating your day, Marissa and Austin. It was so perfect and I am so excited for the adventures ahead for you both!!

Congratulations, Marissa and Austin!! We are so happy for you two!! Enjoy some highlights from your beautiful wedding day!