A Timeless Virginia Wedding Celebrating Bold Autumn Colors

Melissa Hammam
January 26, 2023
Categories: Fall, Real Weddings, Romantic, Seasonal Wedding Trend, The Blog, Whimsical

Celebrate the beauty of the autumn season with this simply inspired Virginia wedding. The celebration was artfully planned by White Birch Events, who thoughtfully crafted every dreamy detail of the day. The blooms designed by Mallory Joyce exquisitely tell the story of true love, with free-flowing arrangements in the festive tones of fall. Romantic and timeless imagery by Katie Trauffer Photography is a sight to behold, enjoy it all inside the full gallery.

From Katie Trauffer Photography… Classic details give a modern twist with a bold autumn-inspired reception design. On an idyllic Fall day at the historic Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, VA, timeless romance and bold seasonal color came together in an abundance of Autumn beauty. Thoughtfully planned by White Birch Events, this day was brought to life with florals by Mallory Joyce who expertly weaved together a locally sourced palette of impactful Autumnal colors. Katie Trauffer Photography thoughtfully captured every sublime detail in a full gallery alive with the colors of Fall! Florist Mallory Joyce says “Celia loved classic, white flowers but she also was drawn to the bright and varied tones of early autumn. We decided to marry the two visions by keeping her ceremony and personal flowers all neutral tones and then pumping up the color for the reception.”

For their invitation suite, the couple chose to incorporate a stunning custom portrait of their venue by artist Line In the Sam. They worked with local stationer Carly Reed Designs to choose a neutral color palette with an earthy green envelope. Choosing their venue was a natural fit, it was the first venue they toured and the couple explains that with “the historical significance of The Clifton and after we tried the food, it was a no-brainer. We booked their next available date.”

For the bride, colorful flowers have always been a way to spread joy thanks to her father who is “famous for his dahlia gardens.” She explains “Instead of bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party, my dad will bring a huge, beautiful bouquet of fresh-picked dahlias from his garden – in his signature vase – a recycled tennis ball can. The flowers are always vibrant colors, a mix of dahlias and any other local blooms or greenery he has at the time.”

Embracing this joyful inspiration, florist Mallory Joyce created a statement reception palette by using “a lot of local flowers including dahlias, cosmos, and celosia in pinky-peach hues and ground(ing) the punchy colors with touches of honey-toned roses to keep the palette autumnal.”

The bride’s Jane Hill dress paired a classic sleek silhouette with romantic and distinctly bridal detailing. The bride explains “It was a silhouette and neckline that I find myself wearing in everyday life – but the bridal details really elevated a silhouette and neckline I love. For me, the pearl buttons were the deciding factor.”

Photographer Katie Trauffer Photography embraced the Autumnal inspiration, capturing enduring, romantic portraits with an eye for the turn of the season. From streaming golden light through trees at the peek of their Fall transition to the leaf-blanketed secret garden courtyard, she used the emergence of Autumn to craft portraits that would embrace and honor the vibrancy of the couple’s color palette while feeling authentic to their love and eternally stylish.

“Newlywed portraits are always one of my favorite parts of a wedding day as I have the opportunity to translate my couple’s love and vision for their day into heirlooms they will hold onto decades after the last champagne is poured. Especially here, I wanted their portraits to retain the timeless yet colorful inspiration for their event. Beyond portraits, though, I cherish capturing those little moments in between- the way the bride smiled at her new husband during toasts over a table laden with bountiful blooms, the way the groom kissed her hand as they walked with their wedding party to line up for the ceremony- those are some of my favorite images in a gallery that is truly overflowing with favorites!”

Planner White Birch Events seamlessly organized an event that was flawlessly executed and immensely personal. From the couple’s gift table, complete with their prized tennis trophy as a cardholder, to the bathroom champagne bar- a highlight for the couple who loved how it “made the bathroom a fun place to gather and hang out (at) before heading back to the dance floor”- Cinda ensured every detail was beautifully honored and that the entire event had ample time for each carefully chosen vendor to craft their best work. A highlight of the night was the couple’s choreographed first dance “Derek and I spent months (half seriously) practicing the Dirty Dancing lift. After a disastrous and hilarious practice routine fall, we settled for a death drop instead” for a moment that had the entire tent cheering. At the end of the night, “After the guests were led out in a second line to “When the Saints Go Marching In”, Derek and I stayed behind for a private dance to “Lover” by Taylor Swift.” The bride says “whenever I hear this song, I think of Derek and after our wedding, it brings even more special memories of our Last Dance.”