Consider this photography workshop captured by Jen Fariello Photography a two-for-one. From a garden inspired tablescape complete with moss runners and honeypot favors to a cozy barn dinner with farm-fresh details galore, there are crazy amounts of inspiration to be had and the grounds of Belle Haven are delivering. Jen teamed up with a host of great vendors including styling by Shindig Weddings & Events, flowers by Pat’s Floral Designs and instruction by herself as well as Robert Radifera + Katie Stoops and the result proves that rustic can be oh so glamorous. See that proof right here.
From Meghan Streit of Shindig Weddings & Events… It has been said that each place has a story to tell, and if that holds true, Belle Haven has volumes to share. As a historic home and farm established in the mid-1800s, Belle Haven features a variety of buildings and spaces, each with their own personality and appeal. From these unique, individual spaces, the inspiration for the “Wonder” photography workshop was born. Robert Radifera and Katie Stoops also came on board to instruct, and the vision became a reality!
A lovely terrace off the side of the Victorian home was quickly dubbed “the secret garden” by the workshop’s designers, as it featured an enchanting arbor with trailing roses, winding paths and an abundance of greenery. A beautiful bar was quickly tucked into a garden pocket overgrown with moss, and hanging votives completed the magic. A gorgeous farm table situated on antique architectural elements hosted an enchanting setting, complete with moss runner, individual honeypots (to which local bees soon swarmed!), and mushroom- and orchid-filled lanterns. Antique silverware and hemstitched linen napkins crowned the table in romantic elegance.
However, just south of the lovely Victorian terrace is the quintessential beauty of the Virginia countryside — rolling hay fields, a meticulously-maintained wildflower labyrinth, and, sitting atop on a quiet knoll, one of the most prestigious bank barns on the East Coast. With its charming and peeling red paint, the barn offers original wood-plank floors, solid wood columns and an exposed hayloft. The natural setting combined with this particular structure was an easy match for the design of a provincial farmer’s market, and so a farmer’s table was set. A market basket of bounty filled with eggplant, greens and fruits was the anchor of the table, and tall, dripping candelabras lent a high elegance. Each place setting was crowned with a fig and a hand-calligraphed place card and adorned by a lovingly-mismatched setting of glassware. Honey appeared again; this time as a golden flourish amongst the other elements, and twinkling above it all was an old wagon-wheel, original to the barn, dangling with candle votives.
The resulting magic could be summed up as nothing less than “high summer” — the bounty of a farm at its peak married to the beauty of original structures. Add in a young bride and groom whose smiles echo the same romance, and the picture of Belle Haven is complete … old world elegance that is happy to welcome the romance of today, oh so very beautifully.
Photography: Jen Fariello Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Belle Haven in Scottsville, Virginia / Floral Design: Pat’s Floral Designs / Decor: Shindig Weddings & Events / Catering: The Catering Outfit / Lighting: Blue Ridge A/V and Lighting / Rentals: Festive Fare / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Carine’s Bridal Atelier / Bride’s Shoes BHLDN / Workshop Instructors: Jen Fariello, Robert Radifera + Katie Stoops / Hair and Makeup: Avenue 42 / Models: Modelogic / Cake: Paradox Pastry