Interior view of a traditional church with wooden pews and arched ceiling during a wedding ceremony.

Sarah and Griffin's beautiful Catholic wedding at St. Mary's Basilica. Reception at the Iconic Cedar Knoll Restaurant


The wedding of Sarah and Griffin, set in the historic and picturesque settings of St. Mary's Basilica and Old Town Alexandria, was a vivid portrayal of love, tradition, and joy. As a photographer and a Catholic, capturing weddings in Virginia's historic churches like St. Mary's Basilica always holds a special place in my heart. The grandeur of these churches, with their towering ceilings and intricate art, provides a solemn yet magnificent backdrop for such momentous occasions.


St. Mary's Basilica, with its architectural beauty and sacred ambiance, was an ideal setting for Sarah and Griffin to exchange their vows. The high ceilings and exquisite art created an atmosphere of reverence and awe, making the ceremony not just a union of two hearts but also a celebration in a space steeped in history and spirituality.

Close-up of a peach-colored rose with delicate petals in soft focus.
Elegant bride in long-sleeved lace wedding dress and veil getting ready in a blue-walled room.
Close-up of bridal bouquet featuring peach roses, white daisies, and greenery.
Bride in white lace dress holding a colorful bouquet with orange and white flowers.
Wedding party members in formal attire gathered on church steps for group photo.
Wedding ceremony in progress inside traditional church with ornate altar and architecture.
Church wedding ceremony with guests seated in wooden pews under vaulted ceiling.
Emotional moments between wedding party members inside church sanctuary.
White marble altar and sanctuary area of Catholic church during wedding ceremony.
Traditional Catholic church interior with wooden pews and religious artwork during ceremony.
Traditional church wedding ceremony taking place at an ornate altar with decorative flowers.
Church interior with stained glass windows, wooden pews, and red carpeting during a wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony in progress inside a traditional church with wooden pews and white decor.

Portraits & Puppies


Following the ceremony, we embarked on a portrait session in Old Town Alexandria. This historic neighborhood, with its rich tapestry of cobblestone streets and charming architecture, offered a plethora of picturesque spots. One of our key stops was the iconic Wilkes Street Tunnel in Old Town, a spot that never fails to add a unique character to any photograph.


A delightful and personal touch to the day was the inclusion of Sarah and Griffin's dog in their wedding photos. We made a quick detour to their home for some playful and heartwarming family portraits with their four-legged family member, adding a layer of personal sentiment to their wedding album.

Newlyweds posing for portraits against a rustic brick wall backdrop.
Couple walking along a stone path during autumn wedding photoshoot.
Candid wedding portraits along a historic stone wall pathway.
Romantic wedding portraits captured against autumn foliage and stone walls.
A couple shares romantic moments on a brick sidewalk during an autumn wedding photoshoot.
Romantic wedding moment captured outdoors with American flag in background.
Groom in navy suit and tie smiling during outdoor wedding portraits.
A romantic wedding couple poses together on a historic street with an American flag in the background.
An intimate black and white portrait of a couple in formal wedding attire embracing.
A romantic wedding couple shares tender moments on a grassy hill with their dog nearby.
A newlywed couple poses with their small white dog during their wedding photoshoot.
A joyful wedding couple laughs while holding their small white dog outdoors.

Cedar Knoll Restaurant Features


The reception at Cedar Knoll was as charming and elegant as one would expect. The restaurant's location offers a tranquil setting, ideal for intimate and memorable celebrations. Before entering the venue, we paused to take a few last portraits near the water, adding another scenic chapter to their wedding story.


Inside Cedar Knoll, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The cocktail hour flowed into dinner seamlessly, with guests enjoying a selection of exquisitely prepared dishes. Sarah and Griffin’s choice of Cedar Knoll for their reception was a testament to their impeccable taste – the food, from chicken to steak to crab, was a gastronomic delight, complemented by an array of delicious drinks prepared by their personal bartender.


What set this wedding apart was the way Sarah and Griffin chose to share their journey with their guests. Their toasts were not just expressions of gratitude and love but also a narrative of their journey together, filled with humorous anecdotes and heartfelt stories.


A wedding couple poses against a scenic waterfront backdrop during golden hour.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a sunlit natural path by the water.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors.
Close-up detail of lace sleeves and hands during a wedding photoshoot.
Wedding party members pose together outdoors at Cedar Knoll rustic venue on an autumn day.
Exterior view of a white wedding venue building with classic architecture and landscaping.
Groomsmen in navy suits share a laugh while posing together outdoors.
Wedding party and family members gather for group photos under trees in autumn.
Couple shares intimate moments under a decorative arch in an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding guests mingle on a brick patio during an outdoor reception.
Couple walks hand in hand through a garden setting during their wedding day.
Wedding invitation suite with floral details and rings displayed on wooden surface.
Rustic wedding bouquet with roses, eucalyptus and seasonal flowers on wooden surface.
Wedding reception guests share joyful moments during indoor celebration.
Groomsmen in dark suits reading papers during a wedding ceremony.

The Perfect Reception


The first dance was a beautiful sight, with Sarah and Griffin moving gracefully to the music, their love for each other evident in every step. The parent dances that followed were equally touching, a tribute to the love and support that had brought them to this momentous day. The cake cutting, infused with laughter and playfulness, was a fitting end to the formalities of the evening.


As the night drew to a close, the intimate space of Cedar Knoll was filled with conversations and laughter, a testament to the joy and warmth that Sarah and Griffin’s wedding had brought to all present. It was a privilege to capture these moments, to be a part of a day that was as much about love and commitment as it was about family, friendship, and fun.


Bride and groom cutting their white wedding cake together at the reception.
Couple sharing a playful moment while cutting their wedding cake.
Custom wedding cake topper featuring miniature bride and groom figurines on white frosting.
Couple sharing an intimate slow dance in formal wedding attire.
Couples dancing together on a dark wooden floor at a wedding reception.
A romantic dance between a couple in formal attire at an elegant wedding reception.
A couple shares a dance at their wedding reception in a warmly lit venue.
Two people embrace during an emotional dance at a wedding reception.
A person in a suit laughs while dancing at a wedding reception.
Two people dance together at a reception with guests watching in the background.
A couple shares an intimate moment near a stone fireplace.

Your Old Town Alexandria Wedding Photography Solution


For those of you planning a wedding in Old Town Alexandria or the surrounding areas and seeking a photographer who appreciates the depth and beauty of such occasions, Benson Park Photography is at your service. Our approach is not just about capturing images but about telling your story in a way that is authentic, heartfelt, and true to you. We aim to document your special day with a blend of classic elegance and a modern perspective, ensuring that your wedding photos are as timeless as the memories they encapsulate.


If you are looking for a photography experience that is professional, down-to-earth, and tailored to your unique story, consider Benson Park Photography for your wedding. Let us capture the moments that will become your cherished memories.


A couple stands in the doorway of a beautiful white stone church with gothic architecture.
Professional photographer in dark attire with camera gear outdoors.
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