There’s something especially meaningful about returning to the place where your story began. For Erika and Rohan, their William & Mary wedding wasn’t simply about choosing a beautiful venue; it was about celebrating the campus that shaped so many of their memories together.

As William & Mary alumni, they wanted their wedding day to reflect their journey. Rather than heading straight to the ceremony, we spent time exploring campus together, revisiting places that had been part of their story before they became husband and wife.

Beginning the Day at Lake Matoaka

Their first look took place at Lake Matoaka, one of the quieter parts of campus.

Tucked beneath the trees, the lake offers a peaceful setting that’s perfect for couples who want a private moment before the excitement of the ceremony begins. Watching Erika and Rohan see each other for the first time there made it clear that this wasn’t just another portrait location, it was part of their story.

Photographing the Places That Matter Most

One of my favorite parts of a William & Mary wedding is weaving meaningful locations into the day.

We wandered through campus, stopping at familiar landmarks while also making room for a few lighthearted moments. One of my favorites? A photo in front of Wawa. It may not be the most traditional wedding portrait, but for Erika and Rohan, it represented memories of everyday college life together.

Those are often the images that become family favorites years later because they tell the complete story, not just the formal moments.

A Ceremony Inside the Historic Wren Chapel

Their ceremony took place inside the iconic Wren Chapel, one of the most recognizable and meaningful spaces on campus.

The chapel’s historic architecture and intimate setting create a timeless backdrop for exchanging vows. For alumni, there’s something incredibly special about beginning married life in a place that has witnessed generations of William & Mary students before them.

A Wren Chapel wedding beautifully blends history, tradition, and personal significance.

You can learn more about the historic Wren Building and Chapel here.

Celebrating at the Blue Talon

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered at the Blue Talon for a relaxed reception in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg.

It’s one of those locations that feels warm and welcoming, allowing guests to enjoy great food while continuing the celebration just steps away from campus. The combination of a William & Mary wedding ceremony and a Colonial Williamsburg reception makes it easy for guests to experience two of Williamsburg’s most beloved places in one day.

Why I Love Photographing William & Mary Weddings

As a William & Mary alum myself, these weddings always feel especially meaningful.

I know the campus well; not just the iconic landmarks, but also the quiet pathways, hidden corners, and beautiful light that make each wedding unique. Whether it’s photographing portraits at Lake Matoaka, walking through the Sunken Garden, or finding beautiful light near the Wren Building, every couple has an opportunity to create images that reflect their own story.

That’s one of my favorite parts of photographing alumni weddings. No two love stories are exactly alike, and the campus offers endless ways to celebrate them.

Wrapping Up

Erika and Rohan’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that some places become part of who we are. From a quiet first look at Lake Matoaka to laughter during portraits around campus, vows inside the Wren Chapel, and celebrating with family and friends at the Blue Talon, every part of the day reflected their journey together.

If you’re planning a William & Mary wedding and want photographs that capture both your celebration and the places that mean the most to you, I’d love to help tell your story! Let’s connect!