Virginia Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

Rolling Hills and Nostalgic Fall Hues at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The couple were inspired by classic fall colors but wanted to add pops of color from
flowers that were grown locally. They chose various shades of green with an accent of
gold and added pops of color with caramels, maroons, and antique pinks as suggested by their floral design team, Tourterelle.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

They fell in love with Italian Garden Villa themed weddings and wanted to bring that same vibe to their special day. They were inspired by their venue, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, because of its natural stunning views of rolling hills and acres of vineyards. Their wedding planner, Kelsey Mayo-Ros from Donovan-Groves Events, knew the grounds well and assisted the couple in making their vision come to life. They added to the theme by including little details throughout the day like printing guests names on wine bottles to use as their seating chart. The Bride and Groom are so thankful for Jessica Lapp Photography and Lexa Visuals for capturing their special day and they will have those memories to share for years to come.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Steve suggested they take a vacation in July 2021. They chose to go to Atlantis, Bahamas
for some fun, sun, and relaxation! Since Steve never does anything on a small scale, he
planned for his brother-in-law to fly down to take pictures of the proposal, which was
supposed to be a surprise. Steve has never been able to keep a secret from Paula, so, in
his excitement, he told her in advance that he would be proposing on vacation. It was still
a shock to her when he got down on one knee in front of the Atlantis aquarium and said
those beautiful words: “You are the only fish in my sea. Will you marry me?” Of course,
the answer was “YES!!”[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Bride-to-be and her mother showed up for her first-ever bridal appointment and
noticed there was an Anne Barge trunk show at the salon. They focused their attention
solely on her beautiful designs. Their initial vision of the wedding gown was something
fitted with long sleeves and touches of beaded lace. Although she tried on the style she
initially envisioned, the Bride-to-be kept looking at a beautiful ball gown she knew she
had to try. The gown was exactly what she thought she did not want: ball gown
silhouette, strapless, minimal beading. This Ann Barge Buckingham gown had gorgeous
soft gold metallic brushed jacquard flowers all throughout the dress. The soft floral
design must have been a sign because it matched the florals that are grown along the
walkway to their wedding venue. She was so obsessed with the gown that she ordered it that day! The designer even accommodated her special request to remove the pockets.
The process of finding the perfect gown was a lot easier than they thought it would be.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The Bride-to-be loved the ease and selection of Azazie when she was a bridesmaid for
several friends’ weddings so, when it came to her own wedding she knew she wanted to
use them. She was able to order sample colors and fabric to ensure she was getting the
exact look she wanted for her bridesmaids. All six bridesmaids were able to choose their own style of gown so they could feel comfortable and beautiful. By choosing the same
color and fabric, they coordinated flawlessly! Completing the bride’s vision of classic
looks for herself and her wedding party was Carolyn Thombs and her team who executed hair and make-up flawlessly throughout the entire weekend.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom selected a traditional tuxedo style and color (black) for his groomsmen as he
wanted his guys to be dressed formally for the evening. He chose Jos. A. Bank to assist
with the perfect attire because many of his groomsmen live all over the east coast and it
allowed for a stress-free try on, pickup and drop off.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The groom especially wanted to be involved in the selections of the food & drink since
the couple are self-proclaimed foodies. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards curated a special
menu. From the passed canapes to the seated three-course dinner, all food was centered
around the warmth of the fall season. One of their favorite canapes was the skirt steak &
kimchi taco with radish sprout and bulgogi sauce. Their 108 guests dined on filet mignon,
Chesapeake Bay crab cake, truffled potato puree and grilled broccolini. Pippin Hill’s chef
even accommodated the groom’s special request to use Cheez Whiz on the Philly
cheesesteak toasties for the late-night snack. Guests were treated to a luxury open bar and
toasted the newly married couple with champagne. To continue with the vineyard theme,
four of the couple’s favorite Pippin Hill wines were included in their evening. The Zero
White and Red Pump, were selected for their cocktail hour and the Viognier and Cabernet Franc, were selected for their dinner pairing.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The couple wanted to embrace the florals of the season but remain traditional with the
fall color palette while adding pops of color for a modern feel. They allowed local florist
Tourtourelle to choose flowers in shades of ivory, cream and green, with accents of
antique pinks and caramels. Terracotta urns were brought in and stocked with selected
florals to complete the couple's vision of the Italian Garden Villa. The bride especially
wanted a bouquet that was delicate and did not overwhelm her dress. To make her
bouquet even more special, she included her father’s West Point pin which was loaned to
her by her grandmother. This was a sentimental surprise to her father. In addition, her
bridesmaids carried simple baby’s breath bouquets wrapped in a satin ribbon. The bride
wanted the reception to feel romantic so, in addition to floral arrangements, glass cylinder hurricanes and rose pillar candles were spread throughout the reception area.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple knew they wanted cake for their wedding but were undecided on style. Most
importantly, they wanted it to taste delicious while accommodating the many flavors the
couple enjoys. They decided to showcase three different cakes for their wedding. One
vintage piped two-tiered cake with one tier being funfetti flavored and the other a
chocolate cake with peanut butter cup buttercream. Their baker/cake designer, Maliha
Creations, even nestled a small replica of their golden retriever dog, Benny, into the cake
so he could be part of their special day! Two additional cakes were simply decorated with flavors of carrot cake and lemon cake inside. Guests had the option to choose as many flavors as they wanted to try throughout the evening.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The bride used leftover fabric from her wedding dress alterations, at Fariba’s Bridal
Alterations & Custom Design, to create a custom bow tie for the groom to wear on the wedding day. In addition, sewn into the skirt of her dress was fabric from her mother’s
wedding gown.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bride and groom became pawrents in January 2021 and knew they absolutely had to
include their golden retriever, Benny, in their special day. Benny was present during
pictures, was featured on the cocktail napkins for the evening, and had a figurine made of him that showed he was enjoying the cakes.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple wanted a unique remembrance of their wedding day, so they contacted Fine
Artist Steph Moraca to create a live event painting. Guests were able to see the stunning
canvas painting come to life throughout the entire event. Her artistry became a part of the wedding guest experience.[/field]
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For membership information, click here

Jessica Lapp

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Lush Fall Virginia Wedding at the Market at Grelen

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The wedding colors were a Dusty Rose and warm earth tones with pops of deep yellow, plum, olive, rusty orange and gold.

Dusty Rose” evoked a soft, muted pink hue reminiscent of antique roses, lending a vintage romantic feel to Ali & Jack’s wedding. The Muted fall colors in a range of earthy tones reflected the changing foliage of autumn and brought warmth to the large outdoor venue. The pops of golden yellow, plum and orange brought vibrancy and energy to the palette, adding a touch of brightness amidst the subdued tones of fall.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Ali and Jack envisioned a wedding that exuded elegance without feeling overly formal. With the guidance of Ali’s mother, Leslie Gregg, founder of The Market at Grelen, the couple embarked on their planning journey. Collaborating with renowned florist Mallory Joyce and planner Heather Clarke of the Hive was pivotal in translating their vision into reality. Together, they curated a stunning color palette designed to captivate guests and infuse the expansive venue with an intimate ambiance. Opting for locally sourced blooms and incorporating branches and greenery from the nursery added an extra layer of significance to the décor. Once the floral arrangements were finalized, attention turned to selecting tableware. Deep burnt orange napkins, fall colored vases and understated plates were chosen to complement rather than compete with the focal point—the flowers. Elevating the aesthetic, they upgraded to King Louis chairs and adorned the tables with lavish gold accents, including chargers, glasses, and flatware, adding a touch of glamor to the celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Ali and Jack both went to The University of Michigan and met in a bar the very night of Ali’s graduation (classic!). They cemented their immediate bond by spending a 5th year in Ann Arbor before ending up in Boston, MA, where they currently reside. Ali’s childhood summers were spent amidst the serene beauty of McGregor Bay, nestled within the Georgian Bay at the northern edge of Lake Huron in Canada. This idyllic locale holds profound significance for her, and when she introduced it to Jack, his appreciation for its natural splendor meant the world to her. Understanding the profound importance of Ali’s summer retreat, Jack orchestrated a proposal that captured the essence of their shared love for the outdoors. He chose to propose to Ali on her beloved hiking trail, fondly referred to by her family as “the blueberry hike” due to the abundance of blueberry bushes along its path. In a heartfelt gesture, Jack collaborated with Ali’s parents to secretly hike the trail early one morning, concealing a bottle of
champagne and a love letter in the geo-cache at the summit. Later, as Ali and Jack ascended to the peak, she discovered the heartfelt letter and was swept off her feet as Jack proposed against the breathtaking backdrop of their cherished landscape.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”] by Allison Webb (bought at Flair in Boston)

The Allison Webb wedding dress was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, adorned with delicate beading and a stunning tulle bow at the back. Much like the wedding decor, the dress was the perfect combination of sophistication, romantic charm and whimsy. A row of buttons cascades down the back, adding a timeless and classic detail to the design. With its intricate craftsmanship and ethereal beauty, this dress was captivating!
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaid Dresses: Dusty Rose crepe and chiffon by Revelry. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Groomsman Attire: Black tie. The groom’s tuxedo was custom made in Boston and the groomsmen rented similar looking tuxedos from Jos. A Bank.
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Once again, aiming for an exquisite blend of sophistication and comfort, Serendipity Catering curated a delightful menu inspired by the rich flavors of fall. The signature drinks were: Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour, Moscow Mule & Apple Cranberry Spritz (non-alcoholic). The appetizers tantalized the taste buds with a variety of delectable options, including cocktail meatballs in bourbon BBQ sauce, petite crab cakes, Virginia ham biscuits, and tomato basil soup served in demitasse cups with grilled cheese triangles. Following a refreshing fall-inspired salad featuring winter squash and pomegranate seeds, guests were treated to a selection of main courses, including Tuscan Grilled Chicken, Grilled Flank Steak with a Parsley Garlic Chimichurri Vinaigrette, or Wild Mushroom Ravioli. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Ali and Jack envisioned their wedding flowers to embody a natural, abundant, and breathtaking aesthetic. Florist Mallory Joyce exceeded expectations, bringing their vision to life with organic designs that mimicked the natural growth of flowers in their surroundings. The focal point of the ceremony was the stunning floral arbor, which continued to dazzle guests behind the bride and groom at the head table. This rounded arch was adorned with lush foliage, intertwining vines, and an array of blooming flowers, creating a truly enchanting and vibrant display. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake, skillfully crafted by Maliha Creations, offered a trio of enticing flavors: Carrot Cake with Cardamom Frosting, Almond Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting, and Lemon Cake with Passion Fruit Curd. As a delightful late-night treat, soft pretzel bites with cheese sauce and chocolate brownie mousse shooters added the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable culinary experience. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was held on the Berry Lawn overlooking Grelen Nursery, founded by Ali’s father, Dan Gregg, in 1990. The officiant, Randall Schlack, traveled from Michigan to join the wedding, representing a special connection to the
Schaffers’ hometown. Music played a significant role in the ceremony, with the ethereal melodies of the three-piece trio, Ninja Strings, setting the perfect ambiance. The ideal fall weather, soul-stirring music, and heartfelt personal vows that Ali and Jack exchanged made for a deeply moving experience for everyone present. Having just been married, Ali and Jack walked back down the aisle to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” and that’s exactly how it felt: perfect! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Cocktail hour in The Market at Grelen’s enchanting moon garden! Encircled by vibrant foliage and illuminated by twinkling bistro lights, this setting was an idyllic kickoff to the celebration following the ceremony. The half-circle bar (rented from Paisley & Jade) blended in effortlessly as it encircled the majestic cherry tree at the center. The bar was personalized on either side with the “JA” monogram which was also featured on the invitation, program, and menu. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The lush greenery inside the tent was truly stunning. Alongside the exquisite floral arrangements adorning the entrance, tables, and corners, the nursery embellished the space with towering trees flanking the bandstand. These additions created an enchanting ambiance, transporting guests to a picturesque autumn forest. And with the clear star-gazing tent overhead, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grelen has a rich history that spans over three decades. Founded by my husband, Dan Gregg, in 1990, Grelen Nursery started as a humble 5-acre test plot and has since blossomed into one of the largest rural businesses in Virginia. For more than 30 years, Dan poured his heart and soul into nurturing this land, and the result is a breathtaking 1000-acre tree nursery that stands as a testament to his dedication.
In 2013, I joined this beautiful journey and introduced The Market at Grelen, a European-style Garden Shop, Cafe, and Event/wedding Venue on the Grelen Nursery property. Little did we know that this venture would become a cherished part of our family’s story.
Our daughter, Ali, grew up hearing tales of Grelen around our dinner table. She learned about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the seasons that painted our landscape, and the countless hours of hard work that went into making Grelen what it is today. So, when the time came for Ali and her fiancé to choose a venue for their wedding, it was as if she was selecting a piece of her own history.
Although she had a huge selection of beautiful Central Virginia venues from which to choose, Ali couldn’t imagine saying “I do” anywhere else. She felt a deep connection to Grelen, which became even more profound when she and her fiance, Jack, temporarily moved from Boston during Covid to live in Boxwood Villa, one of our homes designed for Grelen wedding couples and guests. The two spent a lot of time exploring Grelen Nursery’s 6 miles of trails and grew to love this land as much as we do.
So it goes, in October of 2023, on a glorious fall weekend, Ali and Jack were married starting their own journey together surrounded by the same lush elegance, meticulous design, and breathtaking environment that has defined Grelen for decades. To put it mildly, her father and I couldn’t be more honored that they chose The Market at Grelen for their wedding. Ali & Jack’s wedding day was not only a celebration of the love that they share but a joyous culmination of the legacy we’ve built. It was truly a merging of two love stories—theirs and ours—that made their wedding day all the more special.
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BBJ La Tavola

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Seriously Chic Springtime Wedding In The Virginia Countryside

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were blush, sage, and neutrals.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Brigid and Brady’s dream was to get married at a winery in Charlottesville, the town where they first met. They loved the views of King Family Vineyard, and wanted a neutral color palette to enhance all the beauty of the venue instead of compete with it. They also leaned heavily into florals and pastel accent colors to celebrate Spring in the Virginia countryside. For their reception, they wanted a Bridgerton vibe — light bright garden-like florals, gold accents.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

With the help of some of our closest friends, Brady convinced Brigid that they were attending a photography session with friends who had extra time with their wedding photographer. Little did she know that Brady arranged the whole thing with a proposal in mind! After some very convincing group shots, Taylor Swift started playing and Brigid looked up to see Brady on one knee!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

After visiting many popular bridal boutiques, Brigid found her wedding gown in the same local bridal shop her mom found hers—Fantasy Bridal in Hamilton, NJ (now closed after 35 years in business). The designer was Casablanca Bridal.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bride selected a neutral misty sage for the bridesmaids dresses and encouraged each of her gals to select the type of dress (cut, neckline, etc) that made them feel most comfortable.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The Local, one of Charlottesville’s well known catering teams, curated a beautiful menu for the couple and their guests.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We worked with a local favored florist, Hedge Fine Blooms, to bring the bride’s vision for lush and romantic garden florals to life!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Why have one cake when you can have FIVE?! Because these lovers couldn’t decide on one flavor of cake for their guests to enjoy, they opted for five flavors from local Charlottesville cake baker extraordinaire, Cake Bloom. All cakes were showcased throughout reception and when it came time for the dessert course, guests could choose which flavor fit their fancy.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Guests enjoyed a live violin and cello duet, out on the lawn during cocktail hour.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Brigid and Brady’s families hadn’t met prior to wedding weekend, so the couple days leading up to their beautiful celebration at KFV were full of lots of laughs and getting-to-know you-fun and time spent together. From wine-tasting to rehearsal dinner and welcome party festivities, Brigid and Brady loved seeing their families gel together just as they knew they would.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Brigid dried and pressed garden flowers leading up to her wedding day so all of her wedding day signage, including the framed table numbers at each table, was a true labor of love crafted by the the bride herself. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]During dancing, guests were welcome to head to the s’mores station outside, to enjoy a fire, sweet treat and conversation. Brady & Brigid took a few minutes away from the dance floor to roast marshmallows and mingle with their guests![/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Jessica Lapp

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An Autumn Wedding at Dover Hall Inspired by Nineties Ralph Lauren Style

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]The color palette for the wedding day consisted of Olive, Slate Blue, and Burgundy. Complementary patterns and textures such as dark stained wood, chestnut brown leather, traditional plaid, and mixed metals rounded out this palette.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The design inspiration for this wedding day focused on nineties Ralph Lauren fashion with British Hunt Club undertones.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Aquiles and Victoria were engaged on July 29, 2021, on Topsail Island, North Carolina. After 8 years of dating, Aquiles was able to take his future wife by complete surprise as he turned a leisurely beach walk into a waterfront proposal surrounded by their closest friends and family. Even as it was happening, Victoria thought it was for someone else. As he began his romantic, heartfelt speech she realized what was happening. Through shock and lots of happy tears, Victoria said “Yes!”[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Victoria’s wedding gown was a timeless Anne Barge design with a strapless folded neckline, pleated sides, and dramatic draped train. Her look was complemented with details such as elbow-length satin white gloves, lace pointed-toe flats from Bella Belle Shoes and a dramatic veil featuring a pearl and lace trim.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids wore floor-length gowns in cool tones of sea glass, slate blue, moss green, and sage from Birdy Grey. The junior bridesmaids wore toile dresses alongside the flower girls in their plaid and burgundy peacoats from Pepa London.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Aquiles’ custom black velvet tuxedo was designed by Hive & Colony and featured a classic double-breasted style with a notch lapel.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Amidst the moody Ralph Lauren and hunt-club vibes, the couple aimed to create a culinary menu that paid homage to Aquiles’ El Salvadoran culture. As guests arrived at the ceremony, they were welcomed by a vibrant display of Agua Fresca drinks featuring a variety of Kiwi, Strawberry, and Watermelon flavors. The introduction to cocktail hour included a horchata display, adding a touch of Latin tradition.

The customization of drinks continued with their signature cocktails: a traditional Red Sangria and a Spicy Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita.

The culinary experience, curated by Dover Hall’s esteemed Executive Chef Leah Randolph, recently honored as Virginia’s Chef of the Year in 2023, featured crowd-pleasing Ceviche and Lamb Chops during cocktail hour and a delectable three-course dinner served by candlelight.

The plated dinner commenced with a seasonal Fig and Prosciutto salad, setting the stage for the main event: a duet of Red Wine Braised Short Rib and Airline Chicken Breast, perfectly suited for the chilly October day. To culminate the evening, guests indulged in housemade Pistachio and Mango gelato, providing a sweet and memorable conclusion to the celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The floral design featured dramatic, large-scale installations accentuating areas such as the grand staircase, the stone fireplace mantle (standing 15′ high!), and the grand tunnel entrance to the Glass Hall. The bouquets featured lush florals with minimal greens with a color palette ranging from creamy beiges to pale burgundy and mauve blooms complimenting the soft greens and blues of the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Table lamps with soft warm lighting were placed down the length of the three 32-foot-long guest tables draped in velvet linens and plaid runners. The white lampshades glowed among the lush florals and candles set against the backdrop of a custom hunter-green bar staged to mimic the feel of an English Tudor library.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake featured tiers of textural designs to offset the softness of the floral accents. The cake created a modern focal point against the vast traditional and classic setting of the venue and event design set[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Guests were greeted by a string quartet as they made their way to their blanket-draped seats. The ceremony was performed in Spanish and English to cater to the culturally diverse makeup of Tori and Aquiles’ wedding guest list. They were legally married by an ordained officiant but the groom’s best friend led the ceremony with confidence and poise that matched the sophisticated setting of the day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The couple displayed family heirlooms among lush florals and candles as guests entered the two-story foyer at Dover Hall. A grandmother’s wedding veil, jewelry worn decades prior, and thoughtfully framed wedding portraits were just a few of the items displayed putting family and love at the center of this very important day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The invitations were designed as a curated experience for guests upon arrival at their home. The invitation card was placed in a box adorned with a custom fabric liner, velvet wrap, and a wood tag featuring the couple’s monogram. The box containing a booklet with brass brads and custom artwork was wrapped in slate blue paper and a plaid shipping label featuring a hand calligraphy design. The experience of receiving and opening this invitation set the tone for this memorable and uniquely designed wedding day.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Victoria’s best friend and younger cousin Jessica was invited to take over the second half of the father-daughter dance. (note: see photos to understand the implications of this moment)[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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The Lighting & Sound Company

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Sweet Summer Strawberries Delighted Guests at This Tented Wedding at The Clifton Inn

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The bride fell in love with the idea of a classic, neutral color palette that played out through an abundance of white florals accented with greenery and taupe floral embroidered BBJ Linens. Gold and grey colored accents were woven throughout the tabletop decor and bridesmaid dresses.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

“Hospitality – this was the key word and driving factor from the very beginning of wedding planning. Family and friends traveled from literally all over the world to celebrate Morgan and James’ union. In thanks, our goal was to create an entire wedding weekend itinerary for guests to enjoy while experiencing everything Morgan and James loved about the area! The Clifton was easily the perfect backdrop for this “Virginia garden party” themed celebration while providing the opportunity for family and friends to spend an extended weekend together. For many of the guests, this was their first experience in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains so we crafted an itinerary that included tours around the local Charlottesville vineyards, a fun Welcome Party at a local brewery (complete with food trucks and wood fired pizza!), and wrapped up the weekend with a polo themed post-wedding luncheon complete with craft cocktails and a “hat bar”.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride’s chiffon dress was a v-neck style appliqued with floral embellishments also in white.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The intimate size bridal party wore differing styles of grey silk dresses.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom and groomsmen were in traditional black tuxedos.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The dining experience was such an important piece of this event. The bride is a sommelier and carefully selected wines to pair with each delectable course crafted by The Clifton‘s culinary team led by Michelin-starred executive chef Matthew Bousquet. The locally sourced dinner menu featured choices of trout, duck, and short ribs included ingredients sourced from the Chef’s own garden on the venue’s property!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted to utilize seasonal, yet unexpected, elements into the table scapes to elevate our “garden party” vive. Incorporating seasonal fruit, in this case locally grown strawberries, added a pop of color (red; a small way to pay homage to this Memorial Day Weekend celebration) and visual interest into the table scapes.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The five tier white wedding cake by Maliha Creations was decorated with white flowers inspired by the bride’s dress. The couple’s pup playfully peeked out from the bottom tier!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Led by the bride and groom, the guests were escorted from cocktail hour by their band in a New Orleans style “second line” over to the tented reception.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The couple hosted a unique “guest book,” which was a rotary phone that guests could pick up and leave a heartfelt recorded message for the couple.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]A custom invitation suite featuring die cut detail card and Flowering dogwoods (the state flower), that we later carried into the day-of paper goods and decor, drove home the overall Virginia theme.[/field]
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Hunter Ryan Photo

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Perfecting the Enchanted Garden Aesthetic at Pippin Hill Farm

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Purple, blush pink, dusty blue, white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]We wanted a really lush floral arch and an elegant yet whimsical aesthetic. Christian told the florist to think of this as Allison Wonderland’s wedding. We wanted fully green chandeliers dripping with wisteria.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Bride wore a Monique Lhuillier dress with a beautiful floral pattern. She made 5 trips by train from DC to NYC to choose the dress and complete all fittings. She also wore a Monique Lhuillier veil with colorful florals embroidered throughout. She wanted a unique scent to remember her wedding day by and loved wearing Monique Lhuillier perfume.
[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]We gave the bridesmaids the color scheme and some inspiration and let each bridesmaid choose their own dress based on their preference.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Macerated strawberry paired with sparkling rose for an amuse bouche
First Course Heirloom tomato and burrata with chardonnay wine pairing
Second Course braised short rib[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Draping wisteria from the chandeliers, a lush floral arch and lined aisle for the ceremony [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Simple white cake wrapped in greenery[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Both parents had readings during the ceremony[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Bride purchased extra wedding dress material and sewed a tie for the groom. She surprised him with this on their wedding day. He was really surprised, thought it really sweet, and cried when he saw it. There were hints of this in the wedding invite unbeknownst to the groom and guests.
[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]They included their 7 year old dog, a Beagle-Dachshund named Citizen, as their flower girl and ring bearer. They had a custom white dress made for her because she has a long dachshund body and not other dresses quite fit. She high-fived the groom when she made it down the aisle and this was caught in a photo! We used a dog service to bring her to the venue, put her in her outfit, watch her until she went down the aisle, and took her home after some portraits with the couple.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]We chose to support women-owned small businesses by only hiring women-owned businesses for ALL wedding vendors (with the exception of the DJ).[/field]
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A Style-Centered Keswick Vineyards Wedding That Wows

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were greens, whites, creams, earth tones, and textured rattan with pops of golds.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The bride, Kedron, has an impeccable taste and sense of fashion, so we collaborated to give her the wedding design of her dreams that matched her own style. Kedron’s and Aaron’s ceremony overlooked the vineyards and their altar space was flanked by a beautiful broken arch of white and green florals. Cocktails were enjoyed on the patio along with passed canapes, and as guests entered into the sailcloth tent for the reception, they were met with a beautiful design of neutral, earthy tones and textures, subtle pops of mixed metals, and a whimsical green floral print on linens with complimenting floral arrangements and tall tapered candles.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Kedron wore a beautiful down with an asymmetrical neckline from Lovely Bride Charleston. It fit her like a glove — in the most perfect way! After their ceremony, Kedron and Aaron poured champagne in their champagne tower surrounded by their wedding party, then Kedron popped on a pair of white-framed vintage sunglasses and strutted around the venue hand in hand with her groom sipping on signature cocktails – blood orange cosmos and black walnut old fashioneds – and hugging their loved ones.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Bridesmaids dresses were curated by the bride herself — she gave her ladies a palette of inspiration and encouraged them each to select dresses that fit the design and made them feel most comfortable. The colors ranged from deep forest green to light stage – and everything in between – and some were patterned while others were a single solid color. The majority of bridesmaids dresses were sourced from BHLDN.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Aaron and his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos for the special day. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The newlyweds wedding reception featured an incredible spread of stations — Mediterranean station featuring an elaborate mezze spread of grilled pita, hummus, peppers, sambousek, and keftedes; a Southwest station featuring scrumptious tacos, mahi, cilantro lime rice, and cord salad; and a Summer Grill station with chicken, asparagus, and quinoa salad. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Collaborating with Willow Branch Flowers And Design, the florals effortlessly complemented the design of the wedding. White orchids, lush creamy garden roses, ranunculus, cosmos, baby’s breath and greenery were all blended together to create gorgeous ceremony arrangements, delicate cocktail hour bud vases, and stunning reception tent detail.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Kedron and Aaron cut into the most charming carrot cake created by Cake Bloom! After feeding each other bits of their cake, coffee and tea were made available to their guests as well as small bite sized assorted desserts such as mini key lime tarts, cheesecakes, and chocolate pot de cremes.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The bride’s best friend’s father officiated Kedron and Aaron’s wedding ceremony. Having a loved one pronouncing newlyweds married for the first time is such a special treat! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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A Peachy Pink Swedish-American Disco in Coastal Virginia

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

From the beginning, the couple knew they wanted a white-to-beige base color palette bursting with touches of pink, peach, and orange. Virignia Beach-based florist The Wandering Petal was the main vendor assigned to really nail the color pops along with the bridal attendants’ mix of gowns.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Mix together the band ABBA, an early summer garden, an Aperol Spritz, and a black tie dress code. What do you get? This wedding. Disco balls, colorful blooms, and a party atmosphere took front stage for this country club fête. The Sweden-based couple wanted to transform the groom’s hometown of Virginia Beach into a European-focused party town; we think we accomplished that with vim to spare.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]A clean, a-line, square neck gown is an easy way to infuse modern tradition with classic silouhettes. It complimented the more wild, colorful nature of the bouquet as well as stood out among the array of patterned and textured bridesmaid dresses.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Matching bridesmaid dresses are a thing of the past; today’s bridesmaids are given instructions to select their own gowns given a set of parameters. This wedding was no different with gowns ranging from solid hot pinks to patterned tiered yellows. It all ended up being a great match to the floral recipes as well as an excellent pairing aside the men’s classic tuxedos.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

One Swedish tradition that the couple wanted to bring to the United States was the longer, multi-course dinners that happen on wedding evenings. For this particular wedding, we worked with Princess Anne Country Club to create a stunning three course meal comprised of a crab Napoleon stack, filet mignon with pasta primavera, and passed cake slices with coffee. Between courses, guests were served wine and treated to different speeches and activities from the Swedish hosts, known as toastmasters.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

For this wedding, we attempted and succeeded in doing something Princess Anne Country Club hadn’t seen previously: a tented wedding. All newlyweds-to-be elect to hold their reception in the club’s ballroom. However, we raised the bar and figured out how to hold their wedding in a tent on the grounds a couple of blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. With rentals from Curated Events, Astro Entertainment, Stage Right Lighting, and BBJ La Tavola, we executed their initial vision with precision from the tent entrance draping to the haning disco balls to the linen selection. The florals played the largest role in bringing color to complete our clear top tent goals.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake from Custom Cake Shoppe was a classic three-tier with a gluten free version off to the side. Blooms were added to accentuate the cake, and the cake slices were passed to each guest during the final course of the evening’s dinner.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

One highlight of the evening was the couple’s first dance following the final course of dinner and parent dances. In coordination with Amber Justine Events and the couple’s DJ, DJ Cuban of Zandi Entertainment, the groom surprised all guests by serenading the bride with the first verse of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. They switched to dancing with guests literally standing in their seats and cheerings. From there, all the guests joined the dance floor for the end of the song, kicking off the rest of the epic evening.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One new-to-us element of the wedding was the introduction of Swedish toastmasters, which are pre-determined guests that act as hosts for the evening. The verdict? We loved it. The toastmasters took over all announcements from cocktail hour to the end of dinner service. From welcoming guests to explaining Swedish traditions to humorous little quips between courses (including a Michael Jackson dance-off session in a silver jumpsuit), they were the life of the party.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Disco balls took the literal center stage during this wedding. Guests entering the tent from cocktail hour were greeted with three escort mirror “walls” designed by creative The Native Lion. On the mirrors were suctioned mini disco balls and escort cards for guest to take and keep. Inside the clear top tent, we focused attention on the hanging elements such as rustic chandeliers and a cluster of greenery with disco balls over the dance floor. ABBA vibes were the goal, and the disco balls helped us to achieve it.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

This five-hour wedding included copious dancing via Zandi Entertainment after dinner service was complete. European disco was the vibe, which meant maximizing party time and going until midnight with transportation to an after party to follow in the wee hours. And a party it was – light up viking helmets to honor the bride’s ancestry, silver kitten ears thrown into the crowd, a mix of Swedish and American favorites, and lighting effects to rival the best clubs in Europe. It was a party to end all parties!

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BBJ La Tavola

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Virginia Floral Garden Wedding In Fun And Festive Sorbet Tones

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The colors were yellow, peach, tangerine, creams, and dusty blue.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

From the bride… Our style is fairly traditional, elegant, refined but also fun, and colorful. We were inspired by the beautiful property and scenery of Clifton Inn and aimed to amplify the “garden feel” with our florals. I would describe our wedding as garden chic – elegant, timeless, overflowing with florals, and very welcoming. We added bistro lighting and crystal chandeliers to the tent for a touch of elegance and to compliment our crystal tablescape design. Our top priority for our wedding day was creating an environment for our guests to have fun and celebrate with us. While planning our wedding weekend, we kept our guests top of mind, as we wanted our guests’ experience to be unforgettable too. We wanted to set the tone for the remainder of the event at cocktail hour. Between our fun design elements of having our custom crest blown up on our cocktail hour bar, lounge seating, and having live jazz music, we were hoping our guests would let loose and start having fun before the kick-off of our reception.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Connor and I met through mutual friends at the University of South Carolina in 2015. While our paths had crossed many times during our years in undergrad, it wasn’t until our senior year that we finally connected. After a year of long-distance directly following our graduation, we both made the move to Washington D.C. to be closer together and continue our professional careers. In October 2020, Connor planned a trip to Charlottesville, Virginia for us to visit some friends and enjoy the wineries. Connor proposed while at King Family Vineyard with the Blue Ridge mountains peeking through the clouds behind us, which was equally surprising & romantic. After getting engaged in Charlottesville, we knew we wanted our wedding there. The same night we got engaged, Connor and I googled “wedding venues in Charlottesville” and immediately fell in love with Clifton Inn. The beautiful grounds and views of the Blue Ridge mountains were a perfect backdrop for our ceremony. We loved that we were able to have our immediate family and closest friends stay on the property for the duration of our wedding weekend. With many of our friends and family residing in different states, it was so special to have everyone together in one place and truly made the weekend feel like it was more than just one day and a mini-vacation for all of us.

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While dress shopping, I was very torn between getting a fitted or an A-Line dress. I really loved both styles but was having a hard time finding a dress that really felt like “me”. Once I put this dress on, I knew it was the one! I had never seen a wedding dress like this before with the fitted silhouette but also having an overlay that made the dress more A-Line (best of both worlds for me)! I loved the delicate chiffon lace and the cap sleeves. The dress was romantic, matched our garden party aesthetic, and was unique with the almond undertones and the long train overlay skirt.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids wore soft, French blue Jenny Yoo chiffon dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. The styles were mismatched within the same blue shade, creating a beautiful and romantic mix and setting the backdrop for fun sorbet tones of the florals.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Connor and the groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos, which were a sharp and perfect contrast to the French blue bridesmaid dresses and the punchy sorbet palette carried by the florals.

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We selected our catering menu based on what we could source locally and fresh to the season. We served a selection of meats and cheeses and passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour (Ratatouille Crostini, Maryland Crabcakes, Country Ham and Pimiento Cheese Biscuits, Duck Confit Spring Rolls, Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus). For our plated dinner, we had a spring salad complete with goat cheese, fresh fruit, and candied pecans. Our main courses were Roasted Chicken Breast, Braised Short Ribs, and a Spiced Lentil Cake. Our specialty cocktail was a Clifton classic cocktail – The 1799. This was made from cucumber vodka, elderflower liquor, pineapple, and lime, and it was a perfectly refreshing and summery drink!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Our ceremony florals were the first impression of our wedding day, so we really wanted to wow our guests with our floral-lined aisle and floral arch. Our florist, Mallory Joyce, TRULY encapsulated our vision of a garden party with her playful arrangements and gorgeous flower pairings. We chose bright yellows, peach, tangerine, creams, and pinks for our florals to compliment the blue linens and bridesmaid dresses. We love color and wanted to take risks with colors that aren’t typically seen paired together for a wedding to be a bit unique but still classic.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Our cake was a Lemon Chiffon Cake filled with Triple Cream and Raspberry Curd, iced with Chambord Buttercream, and decorated with buttercream flowers that complimented our color palette. We also had a coffee bar and Mini Fruit Tart & Mini Tarte Tatins to keep us dancing into the evening!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

One of our favorite memories from our wedding weekend is our first look and exchanging of our private vows. We wanted to have a private moment amid a busy day to center ourselves and to be with each other prior to our guests’ arrival. We chose to exchange private vows during our first look so we could soak in what we were promising to each other and not be overwhelmed by emotion during our ceremony. To us, the first look allowed us to get jitters out of the way early on and truly spend our wedding day together rather than apart for most of the day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

We chose to incorporate unique touches that would be fun for guests to enjoy, like having a trumpet player lead the way from cocktail hour to the reception and having a live painter to watch throughout the evening. We were excited to surprise our friends and family with a live painter. Wed On Canvas captured our wedding ceremony beautifully, which provided our guests entertainment throughout the evening and provided Connor and I a beautiful piece of art to hang in our home.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

We worked with The Welcoming District to design a crest that is reflective of our wedding day and personalities. We had our dog, Piper, included as well as florals that matched our floral design and colors. We used our crest for fun details like our cocktail hour bar, garden flag, matchboxes, and welcome bags. Our welcome bags included some of our favorite things, like local Virginia peanuts, custom sugar cookies, and white wine with details of the weekend events.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]From the bride: Connor and I took dance lessons for the month leading up to our wedding so we could feel a bit more comfortable for our first dance, even though we did forget some of the choreography! My dad also joined in the lessons for our father/daughter dance, which was a really entertaining experience for all of us.[/field]
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Sidney Leigh Photography

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Fall Wedding Inspiration at Virginia House

You won’t believe your eyes when you see this Virginia wedding that looks like it was shot at an English manor. Janna Brown Design Co made the most beautiful of visions a reality and filled the day with flowers in rich autumnal tones. Every dreamy detail is elegantly captured in imagery by Jacqueline Aleace Photography, you’ll love every picture inside the full gallery.

From Jacqueline Aleace Photography… What started off as a dreary, drizzly day quickly cleared into beautiful blue skies for this shoot at the Virginia House. The result is simply spectacular.

It’s hard to believe you’re in Richmond, Virginia, and not in the Cotswolds when you have this beautiful English Manor as the backdrop for this elegant wedding inspiration.

Janna Brown Design Co’s lush bridal bouquet complimented the detailing on both of the bride’s Ines Di Santo gowns- while the rich warm tones of the roses played off the bride’s hair and the rich colors of the fall season.

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BBJ La Tavola

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A Timeless Virginia Wedding Celebrating Bold Autumn Colors

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.”

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Katie Trauffer Photography

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A Nantucket Inspired Summer Wedding Packed with Charm

Ready for an instant dose of New England summer? Today’s nantucket-inspired wedding is giving us all the warmth we’re craving on this chilly December day. Sarah Kazemburg Events + Styling brought the couple’s grandmillenial meets garden party vision to life, while Floral & Bloom Designs brought the colorful aesthetic to new heights with the addition of coral charm peonies, butterfly ranunculus, delphinium and more! See all the charm at the full gallery captured beautifully by Sarah Shank Photography!

From Sarah Kazemburg Events + Styling…While Lauren and Jimmy’s wedding took place in Virginia near both of their hometowns, they envisioned it being a colorful, grandmillenial summer garden party inspired by their favorite vacation spot/happy place in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard where they were engaged in 2020 after five years of dating. They fell in love with the historic Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House’s lush open garden lawn for ceremony, romantic fountain for cocktail hour and tented reception space for an al fresco celebration.

Invitations by Emily Baird Design set the initial scene, featuring a colorful, grandmillenial inspired monogram, a custom floral and lobster pattern and a die-cut lobster card insert to nod to the Nantucket staple. An all-calligraphy, letterpressed invitation card kept the suite balanced and clean paired with more colorful inserts to felt curated but not too “matchy”.

As they arrived for the wedding weekend, guests received mini welcome totes filled with treats to enjoy over the weekend including Cape Cod chips and mini lobster gummies. Lauren gifted each of her bridesmaid a handkerchief, each with a unique floral embroidery pattern that she collected over the course of wedding planning.

Sumptuous, colorful flowers were a big priority to Lauren and included all of her favorite summertime blooms – coral charm peonies, butterfly ranunculus, delphinium and more. Lush floral gardens in pink and white lined the ceremony aisle where Lauren and Jimmy exchanged vows under a large Oak tree. Their sweet golden retriever Edgar was included the processional right before Lauren walked down the aisle with her dad.

During cocktail hour, guests were greeted with refreshing Orange Crushes and Aperol Spritz’s and grazed over a coastal harvest raw bar set in a boat. One of Lauren’s favorite moments was when her dad, a professional fiddler, joined their string quartet to perform a few songs during cocktail hour.

The custom lobster pattern and monogram from their invitation suite was brought into the bar design to bring the look full circle. Their seating chart featured lobster-cut die cards calligraphed with guests names to lead them to their tables, with a punny headline “You’re My Greatest Catch” set on a striped backdrop wall.

A kings table set in the center of the reception tent created a wow factor for the space, set with a blue and white striped linen and colorful florals running down the length. Place settings featured wicker base plates and floral patterned china to complete the look.

Their buttercream wedding cake featured textured stripes and the monogram motif, set on a mini market cart decked out with the aisle florals repurposed from the ceremony.

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This Adorable Brunch Reception Will Have You Reconsidering Your Entire Wedding Theme

Here at SMP, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot in our hearts for brunch weddings 🥰 Espresso sans the martini, a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, sun-soaked ceremonies… it’s all just too sweet. Plus, an addition of the most beautiful floral bridesmaid dresses ever is the cherry on top! The soon-to-be Mom and Dad exchanged “I do’s” under a blooming arbor by Helen Olivia Flowers and celebrated with their loved ones under a tented reception, all planned by Pamela Barefoot Events. See all the sweetness at the full gallery from Astrid Photography!

From the couple… We (Emma & Tom) went to high school together and met during my sophomore year. We were both at school early for varsity preseason athletics. We maintained friends throughout the years in high school and after. It wasn’t until the beginning of Covid that we were both back in Alexandria and that is when our love blossomed into something neither of us had planned!

Our overall design theme was a brunch time garden wedding. We chose an outdoor venue with lots of flowers and a water view! Rather than a huge wedding, we opted for a more intimate gathering with our extended families and closest friends. Since Emma was pregnant, we chose to have a coffee bar open for the day with a variety of flavored syrups available. It was something delicious and unique that everyone enjoyed! We also served a peach mocktail named Lola, in honor of our daughter on the way!

My favorite parts of the day were the beautiful weather and how beautiful my wife looked. When I saw her being walked down the aisle with her father I had the absolute certainty I was the luckiest man in the world. That was the best feeling of my life.

We were able to relax and enjoy the day, which is what we both wanted overall. With Natalie’s assistance throughout the entire process we both felt so comfortable and didn’t have to worry!

From the planner… Emma and Tom both have family roots in Alexandria, Virginia. They attended the same high school together, however, it was not until the pandemic of 2020 that they reconnected and their love blossomed!

When I first spoke with Emma and Tom they were both very much in sync – their love was so palpable and truly inspiring! They wanted to do something in their hometown of Alexandria. Charming, intimate, outdoors, and brunch were a few words they used to describe the vision for their day. George Washington’s historic River Farm/Horticultural Society was the perfect venue for their garden brunch wedding.

The bride’s romantic eyelet lace dress and exciting pregnancy were two fun factors that guided the design and planning process. Leaning into River Farm’s landscape, Emma and Tom envisioned a clean yet whimsical vibe. White blooms, loads of greenery, and farm tables paired with chic upholstered chairs were a must! Organic white florals and colorful floral paper products paired beautifully under their gorgeously white-draped tent amidst the garden and scenic river views.

The couple had an epic brunch wedding and dessert table. As a fun twist, they named their specialty peach mocktail “Lola” in honor of their daughter on the way. And with the Groom’s love for coffee, they incorporated a coffee/espresso bar with a variety of fun flavored offerings.

We were able to find table runners that perfectly complemented the bride’s gorgeous dress. We paired this beautiful delicate floral china with these rattan chargers that were just the right amount of chic yet had a relaxed vibe with evergreen and sage paper, creating this beautiful earthy tablescape.

Emma and Tom’s garden wedding was full of charm and loads of love! All the guests were so happy and relaxed. It was the beautiful intimate celebration which they had both envisioned!

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A Floral Designer’s Artful Summer Wedding Teeming With Personal Touches

When the floral gene runs deep in your family (we’re talking dating back to the 1800’s deep), creating your dream floral design at your future wedding is part of your DNA. Summer blues, bright citrus hues and earthy mustards served as the perfect color palette for today’s cheerful yet artfully curated Virgina wedding – designed entirely by the bride herself, Avery of ASH TO OAK FLORISTRY. From the intimate church ceremony to the tented reception, see all the pretty captured by Kim Branagan at the full gallery!

Robert & Avery’s wedding start to finish was filled with intentional detail. Avery (bride) comes from a lineage of floral designers dating back to 1884 when her family first opened up a flower shop. Now, as a floral designer herself, you can imagine the floral focus of her wedding. The couple focused on Summer blues, citrus oranges, and earthy mustards and mauves to accomplish a cheerful yet artful wedding experience.

The invites included stamps curated by the couple to reflect their home states, current state, and their professions. (NC, SC, DC Engineering and Floral design). Robert engineered Avery’s engagement ring with a team of designer’s to make sure it reflected their love of tradition and beauty.

The ceremony aesthetic was framed by the couples love of their local church. The church is adorned with a modern twist to historic European architecture. Avery wore her aunt’s veil that was 51 years old. Her aunt’s church exit with petals in 1971 inspired her to recreate this same exit for their wedding as it is also a common appearance English Church weddings.

Groom’s attire was a nod to his southern roots and continuation of summer blues tones. The attire could be dressed up for the formal ceremony and then fit the atmosphere of a garden tent reception. Avery really wanted to work with texture and pattern for bridesmaids dresses and assure they could be used again. The immediate family coordinated outfits and the MOB custom designed her dress to pair well with the other bridesmaids.

Garden tent reception with a sailcloth tent and farm tables each designed uniquely. Avery wanted to give different dimension to the tent by using 3 different floral designs among the tables. Her floral team custom made the ceramic trough vessels to accomplish her vision. The goal was to have a tent brimming with flowers as this was some of her guests first time at a wedding she designed.

Avery was set on incorporating texture to the sailcloth. She handmade the fabric chandelier to add a bit of playfulness to the reception and bamboo lanterns as a nod to her southern roots.

The reception goal was an elevated garden oasis with casual and comfortable elements (watermelon, tacos, cookie table, popsicles).

The dance party was filled with fun bedazzled bride hat, Clemson tiger tails, a popsicle butler, and glow wands.

Bursting With Blooms Bridgerton Inspired Pippin Hill Wedding

The Duke and Dutchess themselves would delight at this Bridgerton-inspired Pippin Hill Farm wedding. Laurel Elise Events planned a day that brought the couple’s love story to life, and Cultivate Event Co filled it with floral installations as far as the eyes could see. You’ll fall in love with every second of the special day artfully captured by Rebecca Theresa Photography. See it all unfold inside the full gallery.

From Rebecca Theresa Photography… Janie and Zach’s Bridgerton-inspired destination wedding at Pippin Hill Farm was an epic celebration with over-the-top florals and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Using the expertise of Laurel Elise Events, they chose a lavender, pink, green, and ivory design which was seen all throughout their day, from the incredible custom suite and crest by Emily Mayne Studio, to the stunning cake display by Cakes by Rachel. The pair and their family from Dallas hosted just under 150 guests for a complete wedding weekend in Charlottesville, complete with a welcome dinner and post-wedding brunch. The duo first met when Janie showed up late to a pre-orientation program prior to freshman year at Washington & Lee. Everyone else was there already, and she rolled in 10 minutes late smiling and apologizing. Zach was attracted to her immediately and the rest is history. They now have 2 dogs and a cat, all rescues, and we love working from home with them in our Dallas townhome. They had a memorable honeymoon in Paris to complete their fairytale wedding experience. From the bride: “Janie and Zach met at a small college in Virginia, where they fell in love with each other and the Blue Ridge Mountains too. Upon their graduation, they moved to Dallas together to start a new chapter. Two years and three rescue animals later, Zach designed a custom engagement ring with a local jeweler in anticipation of proposing during a family vacation to the beach. But as soon as he had it in his hands, he knew he couldn’t wait another day — he invited Janie to the rooftop deck of their newly purchased home and popped the question as the sun set behind the Dallas skyline. Janie and Zach knew they wanted to celebrate their wedding in front of a sweeping view of the mountains of Virginia.

The first and best decision they made in their wedding planning process was hiring their talented Charlottesville-based planner Elise from Laurel Elise Events. With her careful guidance, they signed with their venue Pippin Hill Farm sight-unseen due to the pandemic. When it came to planning the aesthetics of their wedding, the couple knew only one thing: they LOVED over-the-top florals and greenery! They had even cultivated their own vibrant garden on the same rooftop where Zach had proposed. As Janie was dress shopping, her father pulled a dress that felt “right” the moment she put it on. The sweetheart gown by Mira Zwillinger was covered in gorgeous hand-embroidered leaves that reminded her of Zach and his passion for gardening. It was love at first sight! The dress helped set an organic tone to their wedding theme. On the flight to meet Elise and see Pippin Hill Farm for the first time, Janie watched the first season of Bridgerton, which provided her with more fantastic inspiration. “Romantic, whimsical, overgrown, secret garden, and floral-forward” were all phrases the couple suggested to guide their planner’s creative vision. Per Janie’s request to steer clear of pink, but keep it springy, the team kept to a color scheme of dusty lavender and green. With Elise’s guiding help, the couple settled on vendors and the details of what each one would bring to the big day. At each turn in the creative process, Elise helped incorporate the romantic “secret garden” theme. Even the invitations were decked out in a custom flower print, which tied in the same variety of flowers that their florist Cultivate Event Co would incorporate on the wedding day. On the day-of, Janie wore a gold four-leafed clover tied with a blue ribbon around her ankle, a good-luck charm adorned by each bride in her family. The aisle was lined in organic, vertical arrangements that appeared to grow straight out of the ground. They swayed romantically as the crisp April air whipped through Pippin Hill Farm‘s Vineyard. The altar arrangement matched, and was kept low to preserve the beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As the couple concluded their simple ceremony, Zach stopped halfway down the aisle to dip Janie for one more kiss. Not only was it fantastic material for the photographers and videographers — it was also exhilarating and fun!

As the couple rounded the corner back into Pippin Hill Farm, they were greeted with their first drink as husband and wife: a glass of champagne shared out of a sterling silver “Loving Cup.” The cup was engraved with their initials, which appeared beside those of other couples in Janie’s family who had shared their own first drinks from it. Meanwhile, their guests enjoyed signature cocktails named after the couples’ animals, who made special appearances in the form of watercolor portraits printed on the cocktail napkins. As Janie and Zach exited the cocktail hour on the veranda and entered the reception space, they were amazed by how Elise had transformed it. Smilax dripped from the chandeliers, across the ceilings, and down the walls. The cake was ringed with fresh florals as if it had sprung up from a garden. Above the head table hung an installment of greenery and purple flowers, reminiscent of the wisteria which adorned the Bridgerton home’s façade. The installment, illuminated from below by flickering candlelight, gave a magical and intimate feel to the head table. Beneath it, the couple enjoyed a fantastic toast by the father of the bride and a delicious dinner service as they were surrounded by their closest friends. Janie and Zach opened the dance floor with their first dance to John Denver’s “Annie’s Song,” which once again tied together the beauty of nature with their everlasting love for each other. After dancing the night away with DJ GBaby, the couple enjoyed one last private dance together. As they swayed together, they soaked in the amazing day one last time before heading out in a getaway car. While the whole wedding was a fantastic and magical experience, the couple agrees: “being married is the best part!”

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Pink Poppies In Honor of the Bride’s Grandfather Inspired This Couple’s Virginia Estate Wedding

Pops of pink are as meaningful as they are pretty at this Virginia Estate wedding. Our bride lovingly called her late grandfather “Poppi”, so naturally poppies in artful arrangements by Olivera Floral Design were the perfect flower to fill this special day with. Jamie Lynn Signature Weddings designed and planned the affair complete with an ombre champagne wall to welcome guests. Each photo by Madeline Trent is more enchanting than the last, see them all inside the full gallery.

From Madeline Trent… The whimsy and colorful shades of poppies laid the foundation for this vibrant pink-hued wedding in Virginia horse country. Emily and Christian met on Emily’s very first day of work after her college graduation. Fast forward over four years to a riverside engagement and Emily and Christian were married in front of 180 guests in a lush pink garden soirée nestled in the rural countryside of Virginia. Shades of pink and coral, inspired by the bride’s sentimental love of poppies, could be found incorporated throughout the wedding day from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the flower arrangements, linens and paper goods. The couple chose Dover Hall Estate, an English Tudor estate with rolling hills and stone terraces in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, as their venue. Dover Hall Estate sits in close proximity to where Emily and Christian both grew up. Upon their first visit to the property, the couple was immediately attracted to the estate’s luxurious grounds and interior spaces. As self-proclaimed “foodies,” Christian and Emily also loved that Dover Hall Estate provides its own cuisine and bar, and is well known for its culinary experience. Turning onto the long estate driveway, visitors are greeted by sprawling vines of the estate’s Seven Lady Vineyards, which supplies a portion of the estate’s wine selection. Both project managers by nature and profession, Emily and Christian appreciate a close attention to details and logistics, and knew they wanted to hire an experienced planner to assist them with their wedding. When the couple first started planning with luxury event design firm, Jamie Lynn Signature Weddings, their main request was to create an atmosphere of fun and comfort for their guests. “Choose your own adventure” became the mantra for the event design concept. The idea was to encourage guests to meander through the old-world inspired venue, while always being within earshot of the live band and never too far from the wedding festivities. Emily also requested colorful shades of pink and orange, grazing stations and soft seating for a relaxed guest experience, and very specifically: poppies in honor of her late grandfather, “Poppi.”

The inspiration for the wedding quickly developed around the poppy’s whimsical nature and vibrant colors – a variety of pink hues, coral, and orange. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, poppies went out of season the week before the wedding and were mostly unattainable, giving florist Olivera Floral Design the challenge to bring this vision to life in a newly-imagined way within the same color palette. The bouquets were each constructed entirely of blooms. Emily had no fear of color on her wedding day, and envisioned floral designs that were different than the greenery-heavy arrangements that are popular right now. Her bouquet incorporated locally grown California poppies, foxglove, snapdragons, dahlias, and scabiosa, as well as coral charm peonies, garden roses, butterfly ranunculus and sweet peas. Poppies were also a main feature of the couple’s stationery, designed by North Carolina company, Ivy and Linen Design. The custom save the dates featured light pink cotton paper with a letterpress poppy design and fonts in a deeper shade of rose. The wedding invitations incorporated letterpress printing and a pink rose oil painting envelope liner as a nod to the fresh-picked garden vibe of the event. The invitation suites were sealed with a custom burgundy monogram wax seal with the initials of Emily and Christian’s first names. Emily’s bridesmaids wore matching floor-length ‘Raya’ dresses by Jenny Yoo in the wild rose shade. She gifted her girls Flora Nikrooz silk pajamas from Saks Fifth Avenue and earrings from Olive + Piper to wear on the wedding day. The girls carried small hand-tied bouquets featuring the same variety of blooms as Emily’s bouquet. Christian and Emily’s French bulldog, Milo, made an appearance in a pink bow tie prior to the ceremony for his photo op with the couple. Milo’s sweet portrait also took center stage on the cocktail napkins and drink koozies at the bars. An ombre champagne display with custom neon sign welcomed guests as they arrived for the 6 o’clock ceremony. The acrylic shelves were stocked with sparkling libations consisting of the estate’s own champagne, rosé, and mimosas mixed with grapefruit or orange juice. The ceremony was held in the estate’s Two-Tiered Garden. A lush installation of whimsical, asymmetrical floral pillars and ground meadow arrangements set the backdrop for the ‘I dos.’ Campanula, statice, cherry blossoms, and a variety of locally-foraged greens accompanied the blooms used in the bouquets to create the ceremony installation focal point. Emily found her lace, off-the-shoulder wedding gown at Washington DC boutique, Ava Laurenne. She wore her cousin’s cathedral-length veil as her “something borrowed” piece. Bella Belle ‘Bridget’ tulle heels and earrings by Lindsay Marie Design completed Emily’s wedding day look. Christian’s father had the honor of officiating the wedding ceremony, offering advice and reflection on the couple’s relationship from a personal perspective. Ceremony musician duo, Perfect Harmony Strings, played “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles as Emily and Christian took their walk down the aisle as a married couple. Transfusions, the couple’s signature drink, were offered to guests during cocktail hour on the Bluestone Terrace. The vodka-infused concoctions were served with custom acrylic drink stirrers with the monogram used in the invitation suites.

The terrace featured overhead bistro lighting and comfortable seating options with furniture rentals from Paisley and Jade. Sam Hill Entertainment band, The Dickens Band, kept the party going all evening. Emily and Christian opted for an informal-style dinner consisting of chef-attended grazing stations available throughout the night instead of a seated dinner, giving them more time to party with their guests on the dance floor. Guests dined on the estate’s popular shrimp and grits, truffle mac and cheese, beef tenderloin and fresh-roasted local vegetables. The outdoor gardens were brought inside the ballroom with greenery-adorned bistro lighting strung overhead. The intent of the design was to make the multi-story space feel more intimate and inviting for this relaxed reception. Highboy tables with barstools were intermingled with a few large round tables dressed in BBJ La Tavola ‘Charles Pink’ linens and compote floral centerpieces. Thanks to ideal weather, the floor-to-ceiling ballroom doors were left open to connect the outdoor terrace to the ballroom, providing easy flow between the spaces. Guests on the terrace could experience the sights and sounds of the band even from outside. The tall 4-tiered buttercream cake was created by Richmond-based bakery, Sweet Fix RVA. The off-white tiers were iced in a textured application with the appearance of handmade paper using pressed flowers. A combination of hand-sculpted gumpaste flowers and live flowers were applied to add the finishing touch of pink, and of course, the poppies. The cake sat atop a patterned linen in front of the grand sandstone fireplace, originating from Scotland, and surrounded by a meadow of flowers repurposed from the ceremony. Emily and Christian danced the night away with their guests before they ended the evening enjoying Taco Bell hard and soft tacos with their guests before their sparkler sendoff and honeymoon at The Greenbrier.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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BBJ La Tavola

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Whimsical Romance At This Mountain Vineyard Wedding At Pippin Hill Farm

This mountain vineyard wedding at Pippin Hill Farm is sure to melt your heart. Our brides both embraced their own unique style in their wedding fashion but the feeling of love and joy captured in the photos by Kylie Martin Photography was all-encompassing. Donovan-Groves Events planned the day in calming shades of green, white, and blue, and the floral design by Nature Composed was equal parts whimsical and romantic. You’ll love every magical moment inside the full gallery.

From Kylie Martin Photography… Reilly and Lauren were joined by their closest loved ones at their mountain vineyard wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia. Reilly recently shared where her inspiration came from and what experience she and Lauren were hoping to create for their guests on their special day.

“We wanted it to be a classic elegance that still felt warm and inviting for our loved ones. We kept the wedding at about 105 people which really helped with the intimacy of the event, and we truly felt surrounded by loved ones – rather than a crowd of people. This also allowed us to include little details for our guests, like toiletry items in the bathroom with monogrammed hand towels, our custom matchbooks and welcome boxes, and the custom linen napkins on the head table. We also wanted to make sure our sweet ragdoll cat Penelope was incorporated – as we featured her on all the table cards and my specialty cocktail was named after her “the Pink Penelope”. The live music was another element that I found particularly important and felt like it pulled the night together with a bow – this ranged from our harpist during the ceremony Eve Watters to the Trademark Band that kept the party going all night.” Lauren added that she wanted a nod to late 16th/18th century English style with the wax seals, harpist and the Shakespearean Sonnet because of her love for the romanticism of British literature.”

“For our looks, Lauren went for a clean, sophisticated, elegant look which was mirrored in her sleek bun, tighter bouquet and classic dress. She also wore her mother’s necklace and gold bangle, as well as incorporating her mother’s favorite flowers into her bouquet – alstroemeria. My look – I went for something more romantic and whimsical, which was reflected in my lace Monique Lhuillier dress and the looser, larger bouquet. My shoes were my “something blue” and I wore my mother’s pearl earrings that were actually a gift from my father on their wedding day. My own wedding gift from Lauren was her mother’s wedding ring redesigned, which I wore that day, and again the sapphires in the beautiful custom ring were a nod to our overall blue and white theme. I also REALLY wanted a veil – it’s what made the whole thing feel bridal to me. And then swapped out the veil for a fun flower headband for the reception.”

Reilly and Lauren chose to exchange personalized vows during their first look, Lauren stated “I wanted to have a special moment with just us two, because we anticipated a day full of love from everyone else (which is great) but at the end of the day, it was OUR day and I wanted to be sure we had that special moment together! I am so glad we went that route because it was something I’ll never forget.”

When asked what moment from the day left an impression, Lauren shared “My highlight is probably when Reilly and I snuck away from everyone later in the night and just had a moment alone on the veranda looking into the mountains while everyone was partying.” Reilly shared her favorite memory of “running through the vineyard together for our couples photos – it’s always been a dream to run through a vineyard in my gown with my wife by my side. So that was so dreamy. And then I also loved dancing with Lauren in front of everyone at the end of the night to “King of my Heart” by Taylor Swift because Lauren is truly the Queen of my heart, and we were able to just be our hammy selves in front of everyone.”

A Modern Summer Wedding Complete With an Eclectic, Vibrant Palette!

Who says contemporary weddings are strictly black and white? Today’s Virginia nuptials coupled a vibrant, bold palette with modern style and design – it’s safe to say the result speaks for itself! Lane Stewart Events curated every last detail to perfection, enlisting Olivera Floral Design to make a vibrant statement with blooms. Don’t walk, run to the full gallery to see all the pretty – taken by Allison Dash Photography!

From Allison Dash Photography…Alex and Max envisioned having an urban wedding in the heart of downtown Richmond, where they are both from. With the ceremony and reception held at separate locations, Alex and Max wanted to play into the vibe of each venue for their details. They started with their custom invitations designed by Alex’s best friend and MOH, Cate with Cate By Design. The invitations set the tone for their modern, eclectic summer wedding for their guests. When styling these pieces, photographer Allison Dash (the groom’s sister!), incorporated a key from the reception venue that members receive to access the house as well as a fan that guests were able to use during the ceremony to keep cool.

The ceremony was held at the historic Virginia House, which gave the perfect whimsical garden feel for their intimate ceremony. Without taking away from the beauty of the architecture and gardens at Virginia House, the asymmetrical florals designed by Olivera Floral Design added the perfect pop of color to their ceremony. The vibrant touches of color, with lots of pinks, oranges and warm citrus tones and greenery popped against their more classic black and white ensembles.

Common House No. 2 set the tone for guests for a modern, yet eclectic reception. Guests were able to feel relaxed and embrace the true meaning of a social club while mingling with a station style dinner. Here they were surrounded by varying styles of centerpiece compotes, bud vases, and candle votives to bring texture and dimension to the long farmhouse style tables. They featured signature ‘His and Her’ cocktails, with a Whiskey Sour for Max and a Cape Cod for Alex, which is a personal touch as they live in New England! The Cape Cod was also the most vibrant and beautiful shade of fuchsia, matching the florals by Olivera.

The photo booth backdrop provided by Paisley & Jade with dripping orchids from Olivera provided guests an interactive experience that still reflected the overall vision for the day.

No wedding is complete without a specialty send off and we knew there was no better way to send this couple off than with a rose petal exit!

From the bride… Traditional aspects like the stone architecture and lush greenery at Virginia House, mixed with modern elements like a social club reception and poolside portraits offered different yet complementary layers to our wedding. They provided us the perfect balance of a whimsical, modern, and eclectic feel on our special day. With our July date, we wanted to play into the vibrant color palette of summer throughout our invitation suite and florals. We exchanged traditional vows during our ceremony, but shared personal vows privately in the garden during our first look. It was so special to add a private, personal touch to our day.”

“Max and I have actually known each other since pre-school! We started dating in college and for three and a half years, we dated long-distance. Max worked and lived in Atlanta and then Connecticut, while I completed grad school and began teaching in the Richmond area. These years were filled with hours in a car, on planes, and on trains, each goodbye getting harder than before. Almost a year after he moved to Connecticut for his dream job at ESPN, we got engaged on Labor Day 2020 and it was the most special day! My school year had just begun, so we wouldn’t get married until I had completed the school year in Virginia and could then move to Connecticut. Since I have summers off, we knew a summer wedding would be perfect for us! We envisioned a summer soiree for all of our guests to enjoy and have the best night celebrating with us. After years of many miles apart, we were so excited to become husband and wife and celebrate the official end of long distance! We recessed from the ceremony to one of our favorite songs, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys“, where the lyrics are the perfect nod to no more long distance while also fitting the summer vibe!”

Sophisticated Vineyard Wedding in Virginia’s Wine Country

Elegant yet masculine design, rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, locally sourced favorites, and enough love to last a lifetime – today’s Early Mountain Vineyards wedding designed by Miranda Bricker is everything we could ask for and more. Katie Ranger Design Studio created organic arrangements to compliment the already stunning setting, while Natalie Jayne Photography was behind the lens capturing every last detail. Make sure you don’t miss out on the full gallery of inspiration!

From Miranda Bricker… Steven & Brandon fell in love among the bucolic, rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country, so it was a no brainer for the California residents to choose the viticulture of central Virginia to host their nuptials. With guests traveling from all over the country to enjoy the everlasting charm of the Monticello Wine Trail, Early Mountain Vineyards became the perfect location for their early Summer celebration.

With every detail intentionally planned and each vendor thoughtfully selected, this soirée became the ultimate reflection of Steven & Brandon’s long-lasting relationship – solidified by their love of each other, their love of Virginia, and their love of fabulous wine.

The couple hosted an intimate gathering with 60 of their closest loved ones gathering from near and far. Guests arrived at an outdoor ceremony surrounded by idyllic views of the vines and agrarian scenery. Complementary organic greenery arrangements by Katie Ranger Design Studio allowed the couple to be forefront of the occasion, and the ceremony was officiated by a family friend with ties to both grooms.

Their elegant yet masculine aesthetic provided an anchor throughout every piece of the event. Designed by dear friend of the couple Miranda Bricker, the organic and celebratory environment was palpable around every corner. From the neutral al-fresco cocktail hour, to the clean tabletop design inviting guests to the reception, to the timeless champagne tower, the wedding was wrought with the simplest of loving touches.

The couple sourced local favorites – like Virginia Diner Peanuts and C-Ville Candy Company treats – to create custom gift boxes to welcome each guest to their reception. They even made sure to include confetti nonpareils in celebration of their wedding occurring during Pride month!

Brandon is a self-acclaimed foodie (not to mention a fabulous cook!), so the culinary experience was number one on their list of must-haves. Early Mountain’s cuisine did not disappoint, as Executive Chef Tim Moore hails from Michelin-star rated The Inn at Little Washington. When paired with a variety of Early Mountain’s award-winning and estate grown wine, the comprehensive meal will stand the test of time in the memory of their attendees.

Expertly captured by the easy-going Natalie Jayne Photography, Steven & Brandon’s overwhelming love shines through every image. Cheers to the happy couple!

A Beautiful Homage To The Bride’s Parents Leads To An Unexpected Sign

They say rain is good luck on your wedding day and for this couple, it certainly is the case! After losing both her parents, it was especially important to our bride to honor them at such a momentous event. As the rabbi officiating their ceremony began talking about Allie’s parents, rain started to fall from the sky making our bride feel as if her parents were truly watching over her on her wedding day. Donovan-Groves Events planned the heartfelt day, and Blue Ridge Floral filled it with beautiful blooms. You’ll love every image elegantly captured by Mina Von Feilitzsch Photography, see every sweet moment inside the full gallery.

From the bride… Beyond the typical challenges of being a COVID wedding (we were originally going to wed on Nov 1, 2020), I knew our wedding would be extra special. Unfortunately, I lost my father at the age of 18 and then lost my mother 6 years later, in 2017. I was an only child and extremely close with both of them. It was extremely important to me to commemorate them on my big day. There are so many ways people have commemorated loved ones no longer living and there is no one way that is meaningful to everyone.

After a lot of hard thinking, I came up with a few ways. I included two empty chairs in the front row of the ceremony – one with my mother’s scarf and one with my father-in-law’s jacket, with my favorite picture of my father and me in the pocket. I found it most appropriate to walk down the aisle alone – there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. I also chose to walk down to “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” a nod to my parents and grandmother. When I reached the middle of the aisle, my husband Lee came to meet me and we walked the rest of the way together – symbolic of our future together. When I reached my parents’ seats, a piece of my bouquet was made to break away and I placed a piece of it on my mother’s seat. The radar was watched closely and showed no sign of rain. Just as I started walking down the aisle, however, a rain cloud approached.

Every single person in attendance will confirm that just as our rabbi started talking about my parents, the clouds separated and the rain fell down. All of our vendors and guests told us they have never seen anything like it and how supernatural and surreal it was to experience. We did a quick change of plans and re-situated the ceremony under the winery’s covered patio. After the ceremony, the quick rain shower left us the most beautiful rainbow and sunset for incredible cocktail hour photos. Aside from being an incredibly planned party by our wedding planner, Adam of Donovan-Groves Events, at an INCREDIBLE venue (Jennifer Aniston married Justin Theroux there!), the miracle that happened during our ceremony was once-in-a-lifetime and a story that deserves to be shared!