Allie Strouse
- Aug 27, 2018
- 4 min read

Maggie + Steven | Boathouse at Sunday Park Wedding | Midlothian, Virginia

Last fall, we saw their engagement pop up on our social media. We looked at each other and simultaneously crossed our fingers in the hopes that we could shoot their wedding. When they chose us as their photographers, it was like being picked first for the varsity soccer team.

We fell in love with the Ferguson family several years ago when working with Kate and Brendan. We immediately felt welcomed and a part of the family. Just the thought of celebrating with them again in Maggie's wedding had us jumping for joy.

We arrived at the Ferguson family home on the most perfect August afternoon to find the girls in their silk robes, sipping mimosas and getting their final touches done on hair and makeup. They lounged in a sun room that was dripping with gorgeous natural light...it's almost as if it was designed by a photographer...or at least for a photographer.

We let the ladies relax while we started details shots. This wasn't the first time we got to see Maggie's gown. We got a sneak peek a few weeks ago as we battled mosquitos and humidity during her bridal shoot! This time, it was nice to enjoy the intricate lace and flowing veil in a cooler and more bug proof setting.

The guys were just as calm and collected with their navy blue pants, brown shoes, and crisp white shirts. With the shades drawn, it was easy to imagine them on the penthouse floor of a classy hotel trading jokes, listening to music, and catching some football highlights. The groomsmen were gifted with a box that featured an airplane sized bottle of Patron flanked by a navy tie and a gray/navy pair of socks. It was the epitome of a dapper gentleman's accessories.

The girls and guys converged in Sunday Park in various cars, including a blue Escalade with most of the groomsmen. The spacious grounds allowed us to spread out for pre-ceremony pictures without crossing paths. The Boathouse offers the unique views of a sailing club, wedding venue, and patio grill all rolled into one. We dodged geese and spectators alike throughout the night to find some spectacular views, especially the dock at sunset (more to come on that later).

Guests were treated to light refreshments upon arrival at the ceremony site and took their seats in the shade facing the water. The bridal party took their positions. It wasn't long until Maggie and her father, "Ferg", made the long trip down the stone steps and up the aisle. The ceremony included the traditional exchanging of vows and rings, but the officiant played a much bigger role than normal. Steven's uncle was the minister who presided over the ceremony. Fun Fact: he married Steven's parents as well!

We used cocktail hour to trek with Maggie and Steven from green space, to dock, to gardens, and back again. It was fun to have so many unique backdrops to play with and all along the way Maggie and Steven were trading short kisses and romantic looks.

After a very special first dance, it was time to move to toasts. Kate, Maggie's sister and maid of honor, shared stories of Disney princesses and borrowed clothes while Scott, Steven's younger brother and best man, shared stories of unsolicited wrestling matches and being left behind on purpose at a gas station during a family trip. After the laughter died down, it was time for dinner. Guests enjoyed a waterfront view with some being outside on the tented patio and the others being seated inside next to an ornate brick fireplace.

The dance floor filled fast and it didn't take long before a limbo contest broke out, anthems were screamed, and dance offs ensued. We stole Maggie and Steven away during the final moments of sunset for some pictures by the water. The sky was burnt orange, the ducks were slowly swimming by, and Maggie and Steven took a few minutes to catch their breath and enjoy the view. Steven's family owns a lake house and Maggie said the deck chair reminded her of special times shared during their years of dating. It's easy to tell these two share a special love of the water and why this venue was such great fit for their special day.

As the night came to close, guests lined the concrete patio with glow sticks to cheer Maggie and Steven on as they made a grand exit. They ran the gauntlet of family and friends, shared a long kiss at the top of the stairs, and hopped into a chauffeured town car to be whisked away into the night.

It was an honor to be chosen by Maggie and Steven. We honestly felt and were treated like family by both the Ferguson's and the Siker's. Maggie is a soft spoken sweetheart, and Steven is a confident and classy gentlemen. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Siker!