There’s something truly magical about the Williamsburg Inn that seamlessly blends history, elegance, and romance. Tom and Kate’s wedding at the iconic Williamsburg Inn captured all of these elements and more, creating a day that will be cherished forever.
Tom proposed in Colonial Williamsburg, setting the stage for their unforgettable journey as a couple. After a day spent exploring the historic grounds—bonded by their shared love for colonial American history—Tom chose a serene garden at sunset to pop the question. It was a full-circle moment for the couple, whose mutual affection for history had sparked early in their relationship. As Kate shared, “The moment I knew Tom was probably the one was when I found him watching the same niche 18th-century cooking YouTuber I always watched.” It makes perfect sense that the couple also chose to have their wedding at the historic Williamsburg Inn.
The Williamsburg Inn is located at 136 East Francis Street, right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, offering a perfect mix of historic charm and modern elegance for any wedding. When it comes to parking, the Inn provides convenient valet service for guests, so there’s no need to worry about finding a spot or walking far from the venue. There’s also ample parking available nearby, making it easy for everyone to arrive and enjoy the day without any hassle. Whether you’re a guest or a vendor, the Inn’s location and parking options make it a seamless experience from start to finish.
With their shared passion for history, it was no surprise that their wedding leaned into the rich charm of Colonial Williamsburg while maintaining an air of classic sophistication. Kate envisioned a black-tie gala-inspired aesthetic with a color palette of black, white, and subtle accents to complement the late fall setting. “My style vision can best be described as ‘the way a Frank Sinatra song feels,’” she said. From the grand decor to the timeless attire, the wedding embodied the elegance of old Hollywood.
The Williamsburg Inn proved to be the perfect backdrop for Tom and Kate’s celebration. From its historic grandeur to its impeccable service, the venue exceeded expectations at every turn. “What really sold us was when we found out Queen Elizabeth II held two events at the Inn. Tom said, ‘If it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for us!’” Kate shared.
Under the guidance of the venue coordinator Yuani Valentin and their day-of coordinator, the couple’s vision came to life flawlessly. The late fall weather added a touch of crisp elegance, allowing guests to fully embrace the black-tie dress code.
Heartfelt Gratitude
The bride and groom’s day wouldn’t have been possible without their incredible vendor team. From the skilled stylists at Sparrow and Grace to their supportive church team at Saint Bede, everyone played a pivotal role in bringing the celebration to life. And of course, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments. “After the day is over, all we have left are memories and pictures, and I trusted Alex completely to capture our day. These photos will hopefully outlive us and let our grandchildren say, ‘Wow, what an amazing day Grammy and Grandpa had!’”
Venue: Williamsburg Inn @cwresorts
Photography: @alexmccormick.photo
Coordination: @dayofweddingwonder
Florals: Williamsburg Inn @cwresorts
Catering: Williamsburg Inn @cwresorts
DJ: @colonial_djs
Gown: @charlottesweddings
A Day to Remember
Tom and Kate’s wedding at the Williamsburg Inn was more than an event—it was a timeless celebration of love, history, and the joy of shared memories. Congratulations to the happy couple, and here’s to many more chapters of their beautiful story!
The day was filled with meaningful details and surprises. The couple’s cocktail hour featured the Colonial Williamsburg fife and drum corps—a nostalgic and unexpected nod to the area’s history. Guests, mostly west coast natives, were delighted by this authentic touch that added a sense of place and wonder to the event. “I kept it mostly a secret, and almost all of our guests had no idea!” Kate said, noting how this detail made the experience all the more memorable.
Another highlight was the custom wedding crest, designed by the couple, which adorned all the paper goods and brought a cohesive and personalized element to the day. It was this attention to detail that made every moment feel intentional and thoughtfully crafted.
I can’t wait for the next chance to visit the Williamsburg Inn—hopefully for another incredible wedding celebration. As soon as I stepped onto the grounds, I felt like I had walked into a living postcard. The lush gardens, with their perfectly manicured greenery and vibrant pops of color, provide the ideal backdrop for stunning wedding portraits. I could already picture the couple standing there, bathed in soft, golden light, with the historic architecture of Colonial Williamsburg in the distance. The whole scene felt like something out of a dream, where every corner offers a new, breathtaking view.
The Williamsburg Inn strikes the perfect balance of classic charm and understated elegance, making it an ideal setting for a wedding. Inside, the grand ballroom, intimate spaces, and charming hallways each tell their own story, offering endless possibilities for a photographer. From sweeping wide-angle shots to intimate close-ups and candid moments, every angle reveals a new layer of beauty. Whether capturing the quiet, tender moments or the grandeur of the celebration, the venue’s blend of lush outdoor spaces and refined indoor settings ensures that each photo is rich with emotion and timeless appeal. It’s a place where every wedding is guaranteed to be photographed in a way that feels both personal and unforgettable.
Last but definitely not least, here are some of my favorite 35mm film photos taken throughout the day to compliment the digital gallery. At weddings, I love using my 35mm film camera to capture those quiet, intimate moments that often go unnoticed. I focus on the little details—the soft, in-between moments where the couple is simply themselves, like when they share a glance or a quiet laugh before the ceremony starts. There’s something magical about capturing the calm anticipation of the morning, the way light falls on the bride as she gets ready, or the gentle nervousness before they walk down the aisle.
The beauty of film is that it brings a timeless, raw quality to these moments, freezing the essence of the day in a way digital just can’t quite replicate. It’s the perfect way to capture not just the big moments, but the fleeting, tender in-between ones, too.
If you loved reading about Kate and Tom’s historic Virginia wedding, you might also enjoy exploring these other beautiful Virginia weddings!