My very favorite moments of this Virginia garden wedding are the simple ones. The pre-ceremony exchange of vows with only their parents in attendance, the private dinner made just for two, and the madly-in-love way these high school sweethearts still look at one another. It’s a celebration filled so much heart, and with some of our favorite vendors like Kristin Sweeting, Holly Chapple and JKW Beauty on the lineup, you better believe this is one gallery you can’t afford to miss.
From Kristin Sweeting… A secret garden, a private ceremony, and a floral veil are just a few of the magical details that took place at this April wedding on the plantation of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens.
Choosing a venue is one of the most important pieces of planning a wedding. When you find the perfect venue, it speaks to you – and all of the carefully planned details just fall into place. This is exactly what happened for an April bride touring Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. Its grand nature and historical past that sits on 415 acres, along with hidden details such as secret gardens, a tucked-away cottage, and the oldest standing greenhouse in the South. These little spots would provide the perfect setting for the couple’s planned private moments among the day’s celebration.
The bride and groom were high school sweethearts, attending senior prom together and dating for ten years, so a big celebration of their love was a long time coming. The couple wanted not only to include a large group of friends and family but also to share special moments with only each other to reflect upon and celebrate their love. A first look, then a pre-ceremony exchange of vows surrounded by only their parents, followed by a private dinner for two in the lush gardens by the pond.
The vintage feel of the estate and its surroundings matched the overall theme of tradition with a twist. Vintage silhouettes of the bride and groom, inspired by a family heirloom, were present on the invitations, stationery, signs, and seating chart. The bride’s big entrance came in the form of an elegant vintage car. Neutral colors in the bridesmaid dresses let the beauty of the florals, including fresh flowers in the bride’s veil, truly shine. Tables were lined with a garland of colorful flowers with fresh greenery and delicate twinkle lights sprinkled in. Shades of beige, pink, navy, and silver showed up in small but impactful details, like the groomsmen’s blue suits matching the blue anemone flowers in the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the blueberries on the wedding cake.
Longstanding tradition combined with personal touches and memories created with the couple’s closest friends and family against the magical backdrop of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens made the day feel like a timeless fairy tale.
Photography: Kristin Sweeting Photography | Event Planning: Tricia Christine Events | Floral Design: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers LTD | Cake: Cindy Michaels and Peggy Fletcher | Hair + Makeup: JKW Beauty | Band: Affirmative Groove | Venue: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens | Caterering: Tuscarora Mills | Rentals: Capital Party Rentals
