Virginia Weddings

Most couples collapse post wedding, finally able to relax but these two hit the ground running… literally. They said “I do” then headed up to New England to compete in the Boston Marathon and if that is any indication on the type of marriage and life they’ll have together, we predict some pretty grand adventures! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet… we have an intimate, romantic vineyard wedding to dive into, thanks to Shannon Moffit’s pics right this way!

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From the Groom… Surrounded by our family and close friends, Kristina and I were married at Veritas Vineyard in Afton, Virginia. April 15, 2017 provided clear skies, lush landscapes, and a truly gorgeous bride – all of which were captured by our amazing photographer. We truly could not have been more pleased with the venue, meal, and band we enjoyed with the love and support of our guests.

After a delicious Easter brunch, the next morning we traveled to Boston, Massachusetts for our first success as husband and wife – completion of the Boston Marathon. The memorable weekend proved to set the pace for our marriage, and we are off and running!!

From Shannon Moffit Photography… From the moment I met Kristina and Bryan, I knew they were a fun-loving couple with a fondness for adventure. They said their vows on a beautiful day in April, against the scenic mountain views at Veritas Winery. They danced the night away with friends and family– all before jumping on a plane and heading to Massachusetts to run the Boston Marathon together two days later!

Photography: Shannon Moffit Photography | Floral Design: Blue Ridge Floral | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Makeup + Hair: Anna Breeding | Band: Bachelor Boys Band | Wedding Venue: Veritas Vineyards

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Bachelor Boys Band

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Crisp air, autumn leaves, a gorgeous farm setting, flowers in rich fall hues and one very in love couple — these are the elements of a perfect fall wedding, and thanks to vendors like Tourterelle Floral Design, Emma and Patrick’s big day. Get ready, because you’re going to want to pin every one of Tori Watson Photography‘s beautiful images in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Veritas Vineyards was the perfect setting for our small, intimate wedding. They had a beautiful farmhouse we were able to stay for the weekend; it was really special for us to be able to spend that extra time with our families and have them get to know each other better. The day of the wedding was incredible. The site of the ceremony was gorgeous, overlooking the vineyards, and it was so special to be surrounded by our family and close friends. The reception was beautiful and we enjoyed a delicious sit-down dinner. The best part was that we had time to enjoy ourselves as well as spend time with all of our guests. The whole weekend was everything we had been hoping for!

Photography: Tori Watson Photography | Floral Design: Tourterelle Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Bridals By Lori | Cake: Maliha Creations | Invitations: Paper on the Avenue | Bride's Shoes: Etsy | Catering: The Farmhouse At Veritas | Hair + Makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad | Officiant: Rev. Claire Goodman, Interfaith Minister - Sacred Ground Ceremonies | Harpist: Eve Watters | Venue: The Farmhouse At Veritas

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good floral crown. And this engagement session? Filled with all the things we L.O.V.E. A blooming halo of heavenly blooms complimented and a sweeter than sweet couple, we’ve got all that and more from Nikki Santerre Photography waiting for you in The Vault!

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From Nikki Santerre Photography…Swannanoa Palace has something hauntingly romantic about it that radiates from the structure. When Jessica and Colby decided on this location for their engagement session, I knew it would be the perfect venue. The marble dates back to the Italian Renaissance era, each piece brought over individually and carefully placed. It reminds me so much of Jessica and Colby’s story…classic love built with intention and gentleness over time.

These images are filled with a sweet intimacy as Jessica and Colby soak up every moment together this Spring. Colby is deploying in May, and they both are looking forward to his safe return home for their 2017 wedding celebration.

Photography: Nikki Santerre Photography | Floral Design: Good Earth Floral Design Studio | Hair + Makeup: BobbyPins & Blush | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Location: Swannanoa Palace

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Tips to Look Your Best at Your Engagement Session

Today’s agenda? Snuggle up and stay put with these pics by Annamarie Akins. That’s it, and that’s fine with me because we have enough beauty to last all day from this bridesmaid shoot. With dresses from Jenny Yoo and J.Crew and hair ideas that we’re pinning pronto thanks to Top Knot Studio, these pics are majorly boosting our VAULT – don’t miss Handspun Cinema’s film either! Tuesday just got a lot better.

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From Annamarie Akins Photography… Is there anything more nostalgic or glamorous than getting ready with your closest family and friends on the best day of your life? We have always loved our dress-up games, spending time with sisters and champagne toasts – so what better way to begin your wedding day! With this shoot we wanted to bring to life the effortlessness of a day spent being pampered and showered in glamour, surrounded by romantic landscapes and friends.

Did we mention the marble? Swannanoa is the epitome of romance and history, with its abandoned mansion made entirely of marble, overgrown gardens and secret hallways, all nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains – swoon! The all-white background was the perfect setting for our champagne, white, and ivory hues. The floral wrist corsages delicately placed on the bridesmaids complemented the lace coverlet that graced the bride’s collarbone. We were in heaven.

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More chic style inspiration here!

Photography: Annamarie Akins Photography | Cinematography: Handspun Cinema | Event Planning: The Darling Event | Event Planning: Merren Events | Floral Design: Petals & Twigs | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup: Elizabeth Wilson Makeup | Hair: Top Knot Studio | Calligraphy: Calligraphy By Kalika | Venue: Swannanoa Palace | Bridal Boutique: Annalise Bridal Boutique | Desserts: Sweet Fix RVA

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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With a variety of styles this stunning, how can you pick a fav? We have some Watters Bridal beauties and dreamy lingerie for our Bride to fawn over before heading outdoors to a countryside scene guaranteed to take your breath away. Gianny Campos captured every gorgeous glance created by Amore Events By Cody and this gallery is what I would describe as an absolute breath of fresh fashion air.

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From Gianny Campos Photography… The inspiration for the stylized shoot is an elegant yet simple style for future brides. Veritas Winery & Vineyard was a perfect fit for the venue as it is filled with gorgeous scenery of the Virginia mountains and a stunning refined farmhouse building. Not to mention the bridal suite with all its mouldings and furniture that just makes the pre wedding images so romantic. Girl with a Serious Dream provided the most delicate and fine pieces for the pre wedding shots. The dresses were chosen from the classic line of Watters. An elegant A-line tulle gown along with an embroidered empire gown was used for each of our models. The direction we used for makeup was a very simple touch to accentuate the brides beauty while creating a soft and airy updo for both. Leann from Whimsical Florals tied in a lovely mixture of flowers to create an organic bouquet. The whites and the different shades of green just blended all the details of the shoot so well. The bouquet included: Amaryllis, Anemone, Eucalyptus, Orlaya, Garden roses, French tulips, Evergreens, and Berzillia berries. The simple colors and shades of white, ivory, and green displayed a timeless look for all weddings.

Photography: Gianny Campos Photography | Event Design: Amore Events by Cody | Floral Design: Whimsical Floral Design | Wedding Dresses: Watters Bridal | Makeup: Gohar Beaver | Hair: Brianna B Adams | Venue: Veritas Vineyards | Bridal Gown Boutique: Bella Rosa Bridal | Lingerie: Girl With A Serious Dream

I totally get why this beautiful bride watches her wedding film from East West “all of the time” – it’s awesome.  The kind of awesome that is the perfect sneak peek into the lives of two cuties who were totally meant to be, and celebrated that soul mate status with a rustic meets sophisticated affair dripping with beautiful details and a timeless elegance that is all sorts of amazing.  Press play, lovelies.

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From the Bride… I’m sure brides can relate, but I watch my wedding video all the time! It not only captures all of the highlights of the day and our gorgeous backdrop, but it reminds me of all of the little things that made our wedding day perfect.

Ryan and I met eight years ago during a senior class ski trip to Canada. Although we had attended the same high school in Northern Virginia for years, it wasn’t until that trip that we caught each other’s eye. Five years later, Ryan proposed on Christmas Day in front of my parents and grandparents. At the time, we were living outside of Orlando, FL – both of us worked for Disney – but we knew immediately that the wedding would take place back in Virginia.

After months of searching, I came across Veritas Vineyard in a random picture online and I was determined to see it in person. Despite pouring rain during our first visit, we were certain we found our venue. It was the perfect setting for our “big day” – beautiful, inviting, and timeless.

We didn’t want a fancy, over-the-top affair – that’s not our style. Our goal was for our guests to have fun, and to accomplish that, I wanted an atmosphere that was welcoming, but still special. My vision for the day was simple, rustic elegance, so we mixed high-end pieces with personal touches, handmade items I found on Etsy, and a number of DIY projects. We also had beer brought in from a Charlottesville brewery located just a few miles away. It was a great touch and the guests loved it! In addition, my dad, Ryan, and his dad wore matching black cowboy boots (a tradition in my family) that they picked out together.

Looking back at the video from our wedding day, everyone – especially Ryan and I – was having fun. From the first look to the formal photos to the sparkler exit, we were grinning from ear to ear. Our wedding was exactly what I had hoped for and more, and that’s only solidified when months later, Ryan and I still hear stories about how much our guests enjoyed it and “it was the best wedding they’ve been to.”  In the end, we wanted it to be a big celebration of love and happiness… and I think we accomplished just that!

Photography: Daane Studios | Cinematography: East West | Florist: Blue Ridge Floral | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Cake: Cakes Unlimited | Stationery: Say Hello | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | DJ: Derek Tobler | Men's Attire: Allure Bridal | Officiant: Rev. Claire Goodman, Interfaith Minister - Sacred Ground Ceremonies | Transportation: Albemarle Vintage Limousines | Wedding Venue: Veritas Vineyards | Bride Hanger: Foxblossom Co. | Bridesmaids' Robes: Victoria's Secret | Hair And Make-up: Alison Harper and Company

Crisis mode. When the bus with more than half your guests breaks down an hour before the ceremony, you’d better thank your lucky stars you have an expert wedding planner on your side! From Windy at Weddings by Windy … While the bride, groom & the wedding party were enjoying wine & appetizers in the bridal suite, Veritas’ event manager, Chloe Frey & I were completely re-arranging the evening’s order of events to accommodate a very late bus of 60 or so people …

This, however, would cause the ceremony to begin much later than the planned 6pm. Starting without those guests was not an option. Chloe had her staff fire up some appetizers for the guests who were already there and we began cocktail hour prior to the ceremony.

In the meantime, how was the bride doing?

While I could tell that Katie wasn’t thrilled that everything was running late, she was happy to hear that the guests who had arrived were very well taken care of and quite happy! She was calmed by the fact that the other bus had picked up the guests and were on their way. She and Lee had a “first look” session and many of the photos were done in some extraordinary light!  Again, I believe that everything happens for a reason.

Next – the ceremony lighting. We were in the mountains, and it was October, so the sun was setting and was going to be all the way down by the time the ceremony started… luckily for us, the photographers we were working with – Sam & Mel Worthington, a husband & wife team from Worthington Photography from Richmond, VA, had shot a candlelit ceremony for one of my clients in the fall of 2009 and it was amazing. So I knew what they would be fine with minimal light. Chloe and her staff at Veritas collected as many candles that had been left over the years and we began creating the most amazing lighting for a ceremony that one could ask for!

6:45 arrived and so did the bus. We ushered the guests to the ceremony site and the ceremony began promptly at 7:00 and it… was…. gorgeous!. The glow of the candles coupled with the glow of the bride was breathtaking.

After the ceremony, as the wedding party gathered on the deck, Mel came up to the couple and said, “I know that wasn’t the ideal situation for you guys, but that was completely the ceremony you were supposed to have.” Katie & Lee totally agreed, especially after seeing the beautiful shots! We escorted the guests right into the ballroom for dinner after the ceremony and the rest of the evening, thankfully, went off without a single issue. Dinner was delicious, the room looked lovely, the band rocked the night away, and most importantly the 2nd bus was fixed and at Veritas by 11:00 for the departure of all the guests. Whew! I realize how lucky I was to have a great couple & families to work with given the situation – everyone was very understanding and thrilled with the end result. I completely feel that this was meant to be! They got the best of both worlds, the earlier light with their planned “1st sighting” of each other prior to the ceremony and then the dramatic look of a candlelight ceremony. Mel was right – it truly was the ceremony they were supposed to have!

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Photography: Worthington Photography (more photos on their blog ~ here) / Flowers: Flowers by Natalie – Charlottesville, VA / Event Planning & Design: Weddings by Windy – Richmond, VA / Reception & Ceremony Location: Veritas Vineyards – Afton, VA / Invitations: By Invitation Only – Richmond, VA / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston