Gala 417 Virginia Wedding Photography ASSOCIATE WEDDING - Matthew + Allie
Gala 417 Virginia Wedding Photography | Allie & Matt’s Coastal Garden Party Celebration
There’s something truly magical about Gala 417 Virginia Wedding Photography — a venue that blends elegant coastal architecture, soft light, and the romantic charm of Virginia Beach.
Our associate photographer Kelly and second shooter Jessica beautifully captured Allie & Matt’s heartfelt celebration at Gala 417 in Virginia Beach, and every image told a story of grace, joy, and deep family love.
A Love Story That Began at a Wedding
Allie and Matt’s story began much like a fairytale — at another wedding! They met in December 2021, when Allie’s cousin Annie married Matt’s brother Brad. The two chatted that night, and their first date was just days later — on New Year’s Eve.
Since then, they’ve built a life full of laughter, cozy weekends, and Friday night date nights exploring new restaurants around Raleigh and the surrounding area. They love spending time with their families whenever they can — a value woven beautifully throughout their wedding day.
The Bride & Groom
Allie works as a medical coder for the Cardiology department at a local hospital in Raleigh, NC, while Matt serves as a federal employee, redacting documents for information requests — a role that takes focus and care, both of which shine through in the way he loves.
Together, they bring out the best in one another — steady, joyful, and deeply kind.
A Coastal Garden Party Vision
Their theme, a Coastal Garden Party, was inspired by the beach — the place where their story first began. They wanted their Virginia Beach wedding to feel timeless, airy, and full of natural beauty.
Virginia Beach Florist (@vabeachflorist) brought their dream to life with pastel florals, soft greenery, and romantic coastal touches that complemented the elegant space at Gala 417 perfectly.
Elegant Details That Told Their Story
Allie’s gown from Simply Blush Bridal (@simplyblushbridal) in Wendell, NC, was as meaningful as it was beautiful. The pearls on her veil came from her mother’s wedding dress, while her pearl bracelet was gifted at her first communion in 2001.
She also wore a treasured pinky ring passed down through generations of Curran women — every daughter and granddaughter has worn it on her wedding day.
A small blue heart sewn into the liner of her dress held her late father’s initials — her something blue and a touching reminder that he was still walking with her down the aisle.
The flower girl’s dress, made from fabric of her grandmother’s wedding gown, carried family legacy and love into another generation.
Moments to Remember
From the emotional first dance to the mother–son dance, toasts, and cake cutting, every moment was filled with warmth and connection.
One of the most moving moments came when Allie chose to honor her father’s memory by dancing with her mom — then inviting all mothers and daughters to join them on the dance floor.
The night ended with a sparkling grand exit, as the newlyweds departed in a stunning Bentley, surrounded by laughter and light.
Vendor Team Highlights
- Venue: Gala 417, Virginia Beach, VA
- Dress: Simply Blush Bridal | @simplyblushbridal
- Videography: Brandon Mitchell Films | @brandonmitchellfilms | brandon@brandonmitchellfilms.com
- Cake: Flower Child Bakery | @flourchildbakery | fcbakery@gmail.com
- Florist: Virginia Beach Florist | @vabeachflorist
Wedding Party
Matrons of Honor: Nicki Ayscue & Meg Simpson
Bridesmaids: Annie, Macy, Hannah
Best Men: Eric Schmalz & Brad Lupton
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Gala 417 located?
A: Gala 417 is a stunning waterfront wedding venue in Virginia Beach, perfect for couples who love bright, airy, coastal spaces.
Q: What makes Gala 417 special for wedding photography?
A: The floor-to-ceiling windows, modern coastal décor, and natural light make it ideal for romantic, timeless wedding photos that look beautiful year-round.
Q: How many hours of coverage did Kelly and Jessica provide?
A: They photographed a full-day celebration — from getting ready through the sparkler exit — capturing every heartfelt moment in vivid detail.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Allie and Matt, thank you for trusting our team to capture your beautiful story. Your love, your laughter, and the thoughtful touches you included made this Gala 417 Virginia Wedding Photography experience one we’ll always cherish.
We wish you countless adventures, more Friday night date nights, and a lifetime of joy together. 💛
See another beautiful wedding we photographed at The Gala 417.
