Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | West Virginia Wedding Photographer | Derek + Madison

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits

When you hear the phrase "destination wedding," West Virginia is probably not the first location that comes to mind - but this was one unforgettable day! With an amazing spot like Adventures on the Gorge, it's no wonder Madison and Derek spent not just one day but the whole weekend kayaking, white water rafting, and adventuring with friends and family as they said I do. Family came from Texas, Virginia, and all over the country to this amazing location to celebrate the union of two lives becoming one.

With sunflowers and deep maroon bridesmaids dresses, Derek and Madison's day kicked off a beautiful fall season on the mountains of West Virginia with a ceremony overlooking the New River Gorge and trees lining the hills behind them. These two have been together for so many years that their love was comfortable and familiar, yet exciting and joyful at the same time. It was on a beautiful September day that they officially became family, but it was obvious that their unity was strong as they walked into marriage.

Their reception was filled with activities that went beyond the scope of dancing, from a giant Jenga tower to a s'mores bar right by a firepit to cornhole out on the back deck. As Derek and Madison kissed underneath the light of a thousand stars and dozen of sparklers held by those they love most, they knew that their adventure was just beginning.

Venue: Adventures on the Gorge | Coordinator: Jessica Campbell | Bride's Dress: Maya Couture | Floral Design: Bessie's Floral Designs, Inc. | Hair + Makeup: Exclusive Designs | Cake/Catering: Adventures on the Gorge | DJ: George Whittaker

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Burlap wedding invitations
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Vintage pearl ring shot
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wood chandelier
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Writing a letter to the groom
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Sunflower and orange bouquets
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Maroon bridesmaid dresses
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Lace wedding dress
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic wedding ceremony on hay bales
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Barrel ceremony decorations
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic red rose and berry boutonniere
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Groom waiting for the bride
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Flower girl with fall leaves and tulle skirt
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride and father walking down the aisle
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride and father walking down aisle
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic wedding ceremony
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Parents watching the wedding ceremony
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride and groom first kiss
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Maroon bridesmaid dresses
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Orange and yellow sunflower bouquets
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Groomsmen portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Maroon and gray bridal party portraits

These bouquets are just gorgeous and perfect for their fall-themed day!

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Sunflower and orange bridal bouquet
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Sunflower and orange bridesmaid bouquet

Everywhere we looked was a gorgeous backdrop...oh how I love the mountains of West Virginia!

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Sunflower bridal bouquet
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bridal portrait
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic wood reception decorations
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic wood reception decorations

Before the reception events kicked off we took advantage of the golden light and an amazing New River Gorge overlook that I had stumbled upon earlier that morning.

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom portraits

The reception started out at Smokey's restaurant and moved down to the outside deck which had been completely transformed since the ceremony earlier that day.

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic wood reception decorations
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Rustic wood monogrammed wedding cake
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding cake cutting
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Outdoor rustic wedding reception
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom first dance
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding reception dancing
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding reception dancing
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Giant Jenga game
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding reception dancing
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding reception dancing
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding reception dancing

After s'mores, dancing, and loads of fun, Derek and Madison shared one last kiss before heading off as husband and wife!

Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Wedding reception s'mores bar
Adventures on the Gorge Destination Wedding | Maroon + Orange Wedding | Bride + groom sparkler exit

Maria Grace Photography

My name is Maria, and I am a wedding and family photographer based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia, but I am always excited about traveling. I love families who truly enjoy spending time with each other and living life together. I love couples that are looking forward to their wedding day because they are so excited to finally be married to.