Bride and Groom with a vintage car in front of a rustic barn

Alex and Garrett’s Summer Wedding

By Terry Meadows




Alex and Garrett's tale began nine years ago—or eight, depending on who you ask. With Alex in high school and Garrett in college, few foresaw a lasting bond. Their journey weaved through two years of long-distance challenges, two cherished years at Virginia Tech, and another set of years spent apart. It was a path filled with joyous peaks and inevitable valleys, all underscored by countless journeys along Interstate 81.

Now, after nine (or is it eight?) years, a beloved dog, and two homes shared, Garrett chose their most treasured place to kneel and propose. In that moment, Alex and Garrett chose to weave their futures together, forever.

Zion Springs Real Wedding invitation, save-the-date, wedding ring, wedding shoes, wedding veil

The Engagement

Downtown Leesburg

Zion Springs engaged couple embracing on a wet street

The Rehearsal

Dinner:  Rigatoni and Meatballs  |  Tiramisu

Zion Springs wedding rehearsal South Terrace fire pitZion Springs wedding rehearsal South TGerrace, couple dancingBride sitting in bathtub with glass of champage

"As soon as we stepped foot onto the Zion Springs property, we knew it was the venue for us. Everyone was so welcoming, the barn and scenery was breathtaking, we loved the idea of an all-inclusive wedding to take the stress off our shoulders, and the final selling point was the End of the Night Video shown to us at the end of our tour. We had full body chills watching it, and that was the moment we knew we wanted to get married there."

Zion Springs groomsmen playing cornhole on estate grounds lawnsZion Springs Real Wedding bride standing in front of white window in wedding dress fixing her earring

Dress: Lovely Bride in Washington, D.C.

Zion Springs groom reviewing wedding vows, rustic barn

Suit: Jos A. Bank

Zion Springs bride and groom celebrating with wedding party on estate lawn

Bridesmaids: Revelry  |  Groomsmen: Jos A. Bank

The Ceremony

Processional Music  -  Alex: “From This Moment On”  |  Garrett: “Anyone

Zion Springs bride and groom wedding ceremony under flower pagodaZion Springs banquet table with glasses and flowers and table setting with twinkling lights
Dinner:  Pulled Pork, Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese, Vegetable Medley  |  Donuts and Ice Cream
Zion Springs wedding reception with bar service and minging guests
First Dance:  "You're Still the One"
Zion Springs bride and groom dancing in rustic barn with spotlight and American FlagZion Springs reception dancing with slow motion lighting flaresZion Springs wedding cake with white flowers on a wood table

Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Frosting

What advice would you give to other wedding couples?

"The entire staff at Zion Springs was amazing to work with. There was zero stress from the moment we started working with them, until the day we went home after the wedding. From Laura's meticulous planning, to Sofia's stunning floral arrangements, the design team made every detail come to life, exactly as we dreamt it. Doug, Tommy, and Bethany made taking pictures so much fun, capturing every moment so we can keep them forever."

Zion Springs Real Wedding bride and groom on a hilltop with cloudless blue sky and veil floating in the breeze

Zion Springs: Your Dream Wedding Awaits in This Picturesque Setting

Excited for your wedding day? Discover inspiring stories of love and celebration in our Real Weddings section on the Answers and Advice page. These narratives showcase the unique and beautiful weddings held at Zion Springs.

As an all-inclusive venue, we're here to simplify your wedding planning, so you can concentrate on celebrating your love story. Our extensive range of articles is designed to assist you at every stage of your wedding journey, ensuring your day is not just memorable, but the highlight of your life together.


All photos in this article are courtesy of Zion Springs' in-house photographer.