Charlottesville Wedding from Jen Fariello Photography
I want to marry this gown. This Jim Hjelm gown with it's many delicate layers, full skirt, and amazing top. Seriously. A gown this fabulous simply must be worn to a stunning wedding. Done and done. Jen Fariello Photography sent over a day worthy of the dreamiest gown on the planet and it has been total chaos in the SMP offices since setting sight on the full image gallery. It's AMAZING.
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We met while at UVA through our fraternity and sorority. We both graduated in 2005 but it was not until 2 years later when we “re-met” through mutual UVA friends in DC that our relationship started. We joined the same kickball team, happened to live right across the street from each other, and before long we were spending all of our time together!
Austin’s surprise proposal at the top of a mountain overlooking the valley at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia was breathtaking. He planned everything right down to champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and one beautiful hot pink “final rose”. Knowing that I’d want photos to capture the moment, he made sure to have a photographer on site! Just when I thought the surprises were over, both of our families were there to celebrate over a beautiful dinner together. It was truly amazing!!
I had wanted to be married in the UVA Chapel since my first day at UVA. We wanted the reception venue to capture the historic, elegant charm of Charlottesville and Farmington Country Club did just that! The Jefferson Room is just gorgeous and the Blue Ridge Mountains provided the perfect backdrop for our romantic, fairytale wedding!
We aimed to strike the perfect balance between deep and pale pinks (I have always loved pink) and the traditional, Jeffersonian architectural influences that distinguish our alma mater. It was the perfect combination between the romantic, whimsical and bold pinks with a touch of southern flare. We incorporated fun, personalized touches but maintained the atmosphere of a traditional, formal wedding.
I loved planning all the little details to really personalize the evening and make it a memorable celebration for us and our guests. Our tables were named after our favorite places at UVA. We served his and hers signature cocktails with pink and white striped straws and a
3-tier ice sculpture raw bar during cocktail hour as well as an extensive dessert bar of special wedding chocolates and sweets. Pink uplighting, draped white lights and a dance floor monogram created the dramatic atmosphere we wanted while our band’s classic and modern hits drove the energy up on the dance floor! We displayed our parents’ and grandparents’ wedding photos to honor and remember our grandparents and to signify the merging of our two families. Our friends and family surrounded us with bubbles following the ceremony and brilliant sparklers following the reception as we pulled away in our golf cart with its hand stamped, heart-shaped “Just Married” banner and tin cans that my siblings had made for us.
I will never forget when the doors to the UVA Chapel opened and all of our family and friends were on their feet watching me come in with my dad. The sound of Trumpet Voluntary filled the chapel, my sister and my best girlfriends looked beautiful in their bridesmaid dresses, and I was amazed by the floral arrangements that truly transformed the aisle and altar into a fairytale entranceway. As I walked down the aisle toward my groom, whose smile lit up his face, I was so happy that this moment was finally here!
Photographer: Jen Fariello Photography / Videographer: Kirby Martin / Floral Designer: Pat’s Floral Design / Event Planning & Design: Iris Luck of Barb Wired / Invitation Designer: Veronica Zulauf, of Printcbf / Wedding Cake: Farmington Country Club / Grooms Rotunda Cake: Maliha Creations / Wedding Gown Designer: Jim Hjelm, purchased at Adrienne’s Bridal NYC / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Jim Hjelm, purchased at RK Bridal NYC / Reception Band: The Dickens Band / Cocktail Hour Music: Terra Voce / Garden Reception: Willy Dalton and Conrad Zulauf from The Dalton Gang / Hair and make-up stylist: Judy Hayward of Bristles Salon / Lighting: MS Events