We’re in luck today, with not one, but two wonderfully romantic weddings by Jen Fariello. This spring soiree won me over at first sight of these tulips in the prettiest shade of blush I think I have ever seen. This Bride, inspired by the color, added some bright pinks and subtle grays and every bit of her celebration was absolutely lovely. See every inch of pretty right here.
From the Bride… John and I met at the University of Georgia through mutual friends during freshman year. We didn’t start dating until senior year after working together on a marketing class project. After five years of dating, John proposed near the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season. He then took me to a romantic dinner in Alexandria, VA and surprised me with a visit from my parents. We were joined by friends and plenty of bubbly afterward to celebrate the night.
We loved the idea of bringing friends and family together in a chapel, then heading to an outdoor venue for the reception. My parents live near the University of Richmond and it has held many special memories for our family over the years. Tuckahoe Plantation was the perfect combination of southern charm, beauty and history for our outdoor reception. It worked out perfectly that garden week happened to fall over the wedding date so the flowers were in full bloom.
I wanted the wedding to feel classic and romantic with a twist. There were many traditional elements, but several unique touches throughout. My sister and matron of honor, Lauren, helped me create a color palette for the floral arrangements and bridesmaid dresses. The bridesmaids were able to pick any dresses they wanted that fell somewhere in the color palate. I wanted the bridesmaids to feel amazing and knew they each had their own special and fabulous style.
I held a monogrammed handkerchief from Greece around my bouquet which had been given to me by my sister, Lauren. My mom and I used old barn wood from my grandmother’s farm to make signs for the reception. The signature cocktail (Blissful Bride) consisted of blood orange soda, vodka and rosemary which tied in the pink color scheme. A photo booth was created by hanging a frame from a tree and setting props on a nearby table. I gave John a bourbon-cigar bar as his wedding gift which all guests enjoyed. The pink cake was accompanied by Dixie Donuts at the dessert table. The guest book was a vintage copy of the history of Tuckahoe Plantation.
People tend to say that your wedding day feels like a blur but I distinctly remember the details and I made a point to cherish the little moments. I knew that I would feel happy and have fun, but I was blown away by feeling the happiest that I have ever been. My favorite photos include the ones of me and John at Tuckahoe Plantation before heading into the tent and with my bridesmaids in the courtyard at the chapel before the ceremony.
Photography: Jen Fariello Photography | Videography: Chris Yeatts | Event Planning: Beverly Wakefield | Floral Design: Sarah Chiffriller | Wedding Dress: Bella Rosa Bridal | Cake: Cakes By Graham | Invitations: Reaves Engraving | Make Up: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics | Hair: Merritt Shelton | Venue: Tuckahoe Plantation