Meet your match
What questions to ask a potential videographer
Sip and swirl
9 Virginia wines to include at your fĂŞte
Room to bloom
How to sneak even more flowers into your wedding
S U MME R 201 9
Let's do this
A monthly guide to the big day PAGE 15
What a
beautiful day! With all the details in place, five local weddings offer plenty of love
c-ville.com/weddings
c-ville.com/weddings
Women’s Health Care Focused on You Women’s Health Care Focused on You • GYN Care • Next Day Appointments • Abortion Services • Free Pregnancy Testing • STD Testing • Walk In Emergency Contraceptive
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Our stores sell lifetime furniture for lifetime commitments. We provide you with the best quality, most comfortable furniture on the market. Because you deserve it! Invest in your future. Love the life you live.
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Š MMXIX Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Sotheby's International Realty and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks licensed to Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC.
Enclosed Front Porch seats up to 80
ost your Hfairytale event at fairfax hall
Dining Room seats 188
National Register of Historic Places waynesboro, virginia built in 1890 weddings, receptions banquets, parties civic events and large meetings
ax
airfax Hall
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ax Hall
New gazebo on the lawn, a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding! Includes tables and chairs for seating up to 210 guests
fairfaxhalldiningroom@lumos.net
Colonial Florist and Antiques
Providing 44 years of service for weddings all over Virginia & surrounding states. 100 N Main St, Gordonsville, VA 22942 540-832-3611 www.colonialfloristandantiques.com colonialfls@verizon.net
c-ville.com/weddings
TABL E O F C O N T E N TS
In this issue...
Wedding Planner
17 Pencil it in: Local events that could hinder your big day 17 Beer me (or, The buzz on a unique engagement session) 19 Pro tips: How to find the right videographer 19 Let’s go: Honeymoon spots worth considering 21 Back me up: Uncommon altarpieces for eccentric “I dos” 24 In stitches: Jeannine Lalonde Smith creates heirlooms 24 Mmm, cake: Three sweet ways to get dessert right 25 Hot shots: A local photographer’s new side hustle 26 Out of towners: How to hire vendors from afar 27 Perfect pairings: Nine local wines for your big day 29 To do: Your planning checklist 86 Making Marry Just dance!
SERA PETRAS
Month by month, we help you plan your special day.
32 The power of petals
The dress, the favors, the menu—there are more spots for beautiful blooms than you think. C HA RL OTT ESV I L L E W E D D I N GS
You’re invited...
45
53
58
66
75
Elaine & Brad
Amanda & Adria
Bailey & Dave
Jenna & William
Kara & Taylor
Charlottesville artisans take center stage.
A tropical paradise at... Keswick Vineyards?
As they say, all’s fair in love and tennis.
Dutch meets American in pretty blue details.
Rustic details capture the romance at Seven Oaks.
ON THE COVER: Elaine and Brad say “I do” at a private Covesville residence. Photo: Katie Stoops
9
Unique • Historic Downtown Venue
LOOK
Radiant ON YOUR
201 Second Street, NW Charlottesville, VA 22902 mcguffeyartcenter.com
Surround your friends and family in fine art for an event they’ll never forget!
BIG DAY!
SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL
WILLIAM FOX, MD, FACP
WF
complimentary consultations 434.244.5684 • www.doctorfox.com
Aesthetic Medicine
Home is Where Your Story Begins.
Let us help you write yours. Begin the chapter by visiting us at the Newport Model in Oak Hill Farm at 404 Margrave Way, Charlottesville, Virginia.
MODEL HOMES OPEN DAILY 12-5 | 434-973-3362 | craigbuilders.com
c-ville.com/weddings
It takes a village...
we plan and outfit
EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES
Like what you see?
a honeymoon as memorable as the wedding
If you’re planning a wedding, you can’t do better than these folks, who took the photos you see in the pages of this issue.
aaronwatsonphotography.com
Ashley Cox ashleypcox.com
Bethany Snyder bethanysnyderphotography.com
Limefish Studio limefishstudio.com
Matt Schmachtenberg mattschmachtenberg.com
Meredith Sledge meredithsledge.com
Michael & Jasmine Photography
cramerphoto.com
michaelandjasmine.com
Jack Looney
Rebecca Keeling Studios
jacklooney.com
rebeccakeelingblog.com
Jen Fariello
Sera Petras
jenfariello.com
serapetras.com
Katelyn James
Shannon Moffit
katelynjames.com
shannonmoffit.com
Katie Stoops
The Abbouds
katiestoops.com
theabbouds.com
Lauren Fair
What Em Sees
laurenfairphotography.com
whatemsees.com
est.
PEACE
25 Y
AV
TR
Cramer Photo
ears
1993
FROGS
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Aaron Watson Photography
EL|
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Great trips start here.
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farm
ROUNTON Wedding & Special Event Venue Rustic Elegance-Timeless Beauty
308 E. Main St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 817-2749 ■ c-ville.com c-ville.com/weddings
Meredith Sledge
Weddings, a supplement to C-VILLE Weekly, is distributed all over Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Shenandoah Valley. Editor Laura Longhine. Weddings Editor Caite Hamilton. Contributors Robert Harllee, Erika Howsare, Lisa Martin. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Creative Director Bill LeSueur. Editorial Designer Max March. Graphic Designers Tracy Federico, Lorena Perez. Account Executives Lisa Hurdle, Gabby Kirk, Theressa Leak, Chris Till, Beth Wood. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Aimee Atteberry. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. Marketing Manager Anna Harrison. A/R Specialist Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2019 C-VILLE Weekly.
www.rountonfarm.com • 540-661-6635 • mail@rountonfarm.com
11
Greencroft Club Loves Weddings
Wedding Ceremony n Wedding Reception Engagement Party n Rehearsal Dinner n Bridal Shower At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains just west of Charlottesville, the Greencroft Club has a country home feel, with flexible spaces to accommodate small or large weddings. The Greencroft Club is well known for its culinary delights and gracious hospitality. Let our event manager and culinary staff help you plan your perfect wedding.
´´´´´
The best decision we made “was choosing Greencroft!” —Mother of the Bride, March 2019
Indoor or outdoor settings n Flexible spaces for groups of 10 to 225 n Bridal suite n Bar services n Catering— offering buffet, plated, cocktail, family-style and station-serving styles. n Tables, chairs, linens, tableware, and glasses n Built-in dance floor n Lighting / Sound n Swimming pool & outdoor terraces n Massage services available on site n Free onsite parking n
Call our Events Manager: (434) 296-5597 or email: events@greencroftclub.net or visit: wedding.greencroftclub.com
c-ville.com/weddings 575 Rodes Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
For personal attention call Cruise Inc.! CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Frank can book your Romantic Honeymoon to the Carribean, Europe, South America. 12-night cruiseand – Feb 8, 2020 Don’t Wait! Get the Best Rooms and Rates Today! Royal Caribbean’s Ocean View: $1573.20 pp Interior - CAT 6V: $1348.20 pp Grandeur of the Seas Southern Caribbean: Baltimore to St. Croix; St. Kits & Nevis; St. Lucia; Barbados; St. Maarten
A Truly Magical Place for Your Special Day. Relaxed Charm on 129 Acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains Dramatic Ceremony Views, Indoor/Outdoor Reception Venue & On-Site Accommodations
Prices include ALL taxes and fees. Roundtrip Bus Transportation from LM clubhouse is $110pp.
Frank Saurman, Cruises Inc. 434-589-2799 or email fsaurman@comcast.net
montfairresortfarm.com | 434.823.5202 | events@montfairresortfarm.com
Maarten
1100 Crozet Avenue • Crozet, VA 22932
(434) 823-8883
www.crozetanimalwellnesscenter.com Animal Wellness Center Is an Integrative Veterinary Hospital in Crozet. This environmentally conscientious center is equipped with the latest advancements in innovative technologies for veterinary medicine including: Digital Radiographs, In-house laboratory, in house and online Pharmacy, Anesthetic Monitoring and Pain Control for Surgical as well as Dental Procedures, and ultrasound.
In addition to traditional veterinary medicine and surgery we offer complimentary therapies for dogs, cats, avian and exotic patients: • Certified Acupuncture • Certified Spinal Manipulation (Chiropractic) • Certified Canine Rehabilitation • Underwater Treadmill Therapy • Class IV Laser Therapy • Herbal Therapy • Nutritional Therapy
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RADIATE CONFIDENCE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY As leaders in body contouring, we provide the most effective treatments in permanent fat reduction, muscle building and skin tightening - without surgery! Schedule a FREE body consultation with one of our certified experts! Call 434.923.4646 or email info@signaturemedspa.com
- A DIVISION OF ALBEMARLE DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES 3350 BERKMAR DRIVE, CHARLOTTESVILLE • 434.923.4646 • BODYBYSIGNATURE.COM BONNIE STRAKA, MD • DOREEN SCHUETT, RN, BSN • CINDY SLAWSON, RN, BSN c-ville.com/weddings SARA HAWKEN, NP • JODY SPROUL, NP • OUR TEAM OF SKIN AND BODY EXPERTS
WeddingPlanner
MICHAEL & JASMINE PHOTOGRAPHY
I
f you’ve just started planning your wedding, you’ve likely noticed one thing: There’s a lot to think about (the venue, the photographer, the food, the place settings...) and maybe you’re wondering if you can do it alone. We’ll fill you in on a little secret: You can’t. Which is why we’re providing you with a month-bymonth checklist of tasks to help you stay organized, plus lots of tips and ideas from real couples who’ve already said, “I do.” Happy planning!
15
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WEDDING PLANNER ONE YEAR OUT: S ET A TE N TATIVE DATE FOR YOUR WE D D IN G
How to book a wedding date without conflicts
By Erika Howsare Choosing the big date? Don’t forget to consider Charlottesville’s busy calendar of events, which can mean local lodgings are in short supply at certain times of the year. You might want to work around... Virginia Festival of the Book:
March 18-22, 2020
MATT SCHMACHTENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY
Crowded house
Danielle Peacock and Josh Laseter were married May 11, 2019, at The Clifton—but not before they created a custom beer with Three Notch’d Brewing Company’s Dave Warwick. O NE Y E A R AH E AD: S C H E DU LE AN E NG AG E M E N T S E S S IO N
Brew-nique engagement
Charlottesville Ten Miler: Date TBA, but usually held in late March Tom Tom Festival:
April 13-19, 2020
A custom beer takes personalization to the next Notch
Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival:
Date TBA, but usually held in late April/early May
UVA commencement weekend:
May 15-17, 2020
LOCKN’ Festival:
August 22-25, 2019; dates for 2020 TBA Virginia Film Festival:
October 23-27, 2019; dates for 2020 TBA UVA football weekends:
Home games for 2019 are September 6, 14, 21; October 19; November 9, 23, 29; dates for 2020 will be announced in January or February UVA family weekend:
October 18-20, 2019; dates for 2020 TBA
By Caite Hamilton
T
he rolling hills of Albemarle, the verdant pavilions of UVA, the lush vines of neighboring wineries—there’s no end to the picturesque backdrops for your engagement photos. But we love a couple who thinks outside the box. Take it from Danielle Peacock and Josh Laseter, who shot their engagement session at Three Notch’d Brewing Company—while creating an exclusive beer for their wedding. “When we first started dating, we spent a lot of time there with our dog, playing board games, having birthday parties, or having a brew over dinner,” says Peacock. “We love Three Notch’d, so when we got
engaged, we knew we wanted to figure out a way to incorporate them.” When the brewery’s events coordinator suggested creating a custom beer with brewmaster Dave Warwick, the couple couldn’t say no. The process started over dinner with Warwick (“at Three Notch’d, of course,” says Peacock) to discuss the type of beer the couple wanted and some ideas for the name. They also suggested this serve as their engagement session with photographer Matt Schmachtenberg. Ultimately, the pair came up with a dry-hopped pale ale that they call Will You?, named for Wyoming (WY), where Laseter popped the question. Warwick let them be as involved as they wanted, and they ended up participating in every part of the process. As for cost, says Peacock, after brewing the beer, Three Notch’d distributed it directly to the wedding venue, so the couple paid for it as they would have with any other beverage. Peacock and Laseter served it at their Clifton wedding a month later, and filled as many growlers as they could to give away as gifts and save it as long as possible. The rest went on tap at the brewery the Monday after their wedding. No surprise here: “We made sure to stop by on our way back from our honeymoon to snap a picture of our brew on the menu and have a glass,” Peacock says.
IT’S BREW LOVE Interested in creating a custom brew for your wedding? Contact brewmaster Dave Warwick at dave@threenb.com to set up a session.
17
Amy Jackson Photography
HomeCare Unsurpassed quality you can depend on - from this day forward. CHARLOTTESVILLE SANITARY SUPPLY CORPORATION
1327 E. High St. 296-8131 8cssvac.com Mon—Fri (8am - 5:30pm)
A Presidential Wedding Venue Boxwood Gardens | Mountain Views Historic Charm | Indoor & Outdoor Facilities
highland.org | 434.293.8000
Specializing in entertainment for weddings. For over 15 years, we have proudly provided high quality, professional DJ & Emcee services for Central Virginia and beyond
T.D. Layman, Owner/DJ (434) 531-3202 soundenforcement.com c-ville.com/weddings
WEDDING PLANNER ONE YEAR OUT: BEG I N THE SE A RCH FOR OTHE R WE D D I NG V E ND O RS
What comes with the package?
Packages might include only an edited highlight film with music, or longer stretches of raw footage. Different vendors offer different options, so ask for nitty-gritty details. Sandridge, for example, offers four finished products with each package: a oneminute teaser that’s completed within a week of the wedding; an edited video; a documentary-style video of the ceremony in full; and a reception film. How many hours will the videographers stay?
“We usually recommend showing up as hair and makeup is finishing up,” says Sandridge. Eight to 10 hours of shooting covers most weddings. Find out, too, how many shooters will be on hand.
MAT SLAGLE
What recording equipment do you use?
It’s agreed: When it comes to hiring a videographer for your special day, one of the most important considerations is whether you, well, like them.
Video Q&A
Essential questions for your videographer By Erika Howsare
Y
ou know your maid of honor will slay them during her toast. If you hope to be laughing at her jokes decades from now, you’re going to want a wedding video. So what important questions should you ask potential videographers when you’re deciding who to hire? We talked with Ian Atkins of Ian’s Creations and Brett Sandridge of Gardenia Wedding Cinema to find out. What’s your style like?
Obviously, watching samples of a videographer’s work is key. But don’t forget to ask yourself why you want a wedding video in the first place. “There are some videographers out there that make more of a movie-style film,” says Sandridge, comparing those types of films to music videos. “Others are capturing candid moments and documenting”— recording the wedding so that you can relive it later. In Atkins’ words, “Do you want to present your day to others, or to experience your day all over again?”
Atkins and Sandridge both stress that good audio quality is essential. “I always watch videos without any audio,” says Atkins. “Do the visuals tell a story in and of themselves? And then flip that: Can you just listen and get a sense of the story? That speaks to the filmmaker as a storyteller.” Sandridge shares his techniques: “Most of the good audio we get during the ceremony comes from a lapel microphone clipped to the jacket of the groom or the officiant,” he says. “For the reception we reach out to the DJ or band beforehand and see what setup they’re using, so we can hook up our gear to their gear.” What’s your turnaround time?
Sandridge says that a typical wait for your finished videos can be up to six months. “We try and do a month to three months, depending where we are in the season,” he says. “There’s a lot of work to go through the footage and create something good.” Can I choose the music for my video?
You might be surprised to learn that videographers have to pay to license music for your wedding video, which can cost thousands of dollars for popular tunes (including, sadly, your wedding song). “We have a style of instrumental music we go for,” says Sandridge, “but we have had couples browse and find songs we both agree on that will work.” Do photographers like working with you?
“The photographer and videographer work in tandem,” says Atkins. “They’re dependent upon one another to do their best job.” Do I like you?
“Make sure the people you’re hiring are the people you want around you,” Atkins says. Sandridge agrees, reminding couples that their videographer will be close at hand for 70 to 80 percent of the day: “If you don’t like each other, it’ll put a weird taste in your mouth on your wedding day. And it could affect the videographer’s work if you guys aren’t clicking.” So schedule some face time with potential videographers before you sign on the dotted line.
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S IX M O N T H S AHEAD : T H IN K AB O UT HONEYM O O N DE ST I NAT I ONS
Trip of a lifetime Best spots for honeymooners
Peace Frogs Travel owner Julie Arbelaez says that, when it comes to honeymoon spots, California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys are popular right now. But where else might you travel once you’ve said your I Dos? Here are some other spots Arbelaez says the newly betrothed are flocking to lately. St. Lucia
“It has some wonderful, luxurious, and romantic properties, like Jade Mountain and Ti Kaye.” Kauai
“A perennial favorite for honeymooners, with its dramatic coastline and low population.” St. Paul de Vence or St. Remy
“Small French villages like these have charming inns and hotels with gorgeous countryside and incredible cuisine.” Bora Bora
“For exclusive, over-the-water beach huts.”—Caite Hamilton
826 Hinton Ave • tavolavino.com
Let Moxie Make You Camera Ready For Your Special Day
please call 434.972.9463 to reserve in advance
Full Bridal Party Services Offered: Hair, Make-up, Waxing, Face & Body Treatments available
our private room nowreserve accepting reservations now accepting reservations for wedding showers, for holiday parties in our for holiday parties engagement partiesin our newand private dining room rehearsal dinners new private dining room new private dining room n for holiday parties in our o fo now accepting reservations n
Call for your appointment today. Moxie Hair & Body Lounge 608 Preston Avenue Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.979.5556 www.moxiehairlounge.com
Mon. 9–4pm • Tue.9–8pm • Wed/Thu. 9– 7pm • Fri/Sat. 9–5pm
please call 434.972.9463 to reserve in advance 826 Hinton Ave • tavolavino.com email info@tavolavino.com please 434.972.9463 reserveininadvance advance or callcall 434.972.9643 toto reserve 826 434.972.9463 Hinton Ave • tavolavino.com please call to reserve in advance
826 Hinton Ave • tavolavino.com
www.elarsonphoto.com • 434.242.1272
Lisa Barnes Rogers Commonwealth of Virginia
Marriage Commissioner/Officiant
• Customized wedding ceremonies to •
Effortless and affordable
fit your needs, values and beliefs • Available on short notice
434-5 3 1 -0064 • lis arogers55@ g mai l.c om c-ville.com/weddings
WEDDING PLANNER FOUR MON THS A HE A D : ORDER WE D D IN G D É CO R, FAVO RS, AN D OTHE R ACC E SSO RI E S
Behind the magic
Three unique backdrops for your “I dos” By Erika Howsare
I
t’s not hard to see why a ceremony backdrop is a key visual element for your wedding. If you’re on the hunt for a truly unique photo op at the moment of that crucial kiss, perhaps a custom-made backdrop is in order. Local artists and makers will create one just for your day— whether it’s a crisp and modern look you’re after, or something softer and romantic.
SWEET PEAR PAPER
Camberly Pearson, based in Richmond, builds backdrops from three-dimensional paper sculptures—most often flowers. “I currently have four different rental backdrop options that can be rented as-is or customized,” she says. The most popular choice? The Magnolia Wall, white paper flowers on a white backdrop. “Sometimes clients will add custom flowers or colored flowers to match their wedding colors,” she explains,
CRAMER PHOTO
REBECCA KEELING STUDIOS
Artist Brielle Duflon is the creative force behind this local business, and she is seriously into color and texture. Other wedding backdrops she’s created have used beautiful fabrics to construct a bohemian, handmade look for her clients. “I tend to use a lot of reclaimed fabric, but am happy to buy specialty fabrics or work with other textures such as paper, organic material, paint, etc.,” she says. Most often, says Duflon, couples contact her at least four months ahead of the date—this leaves time to talk through ideas together and for Duflon to make color drawings for her clients’ approval. “I make at least one trip to the wedding venue before the wedding to get a feel for the space, the direction of the light and the airflow of the space,” she says. She sends process photos along the way, too. Pricing for backdrops starts at $1,000 and varies depending on materials and whether you want to keep the piece after the wedding. One cool option: Duflon can turn part of your backdrop into a piece you’ll permanently display in your home.
JACK LOONEY
WINDOW AND WING
adding that all the flowers are designed, handmade, and hand-painted by her. If you have a totally different idea in mind, lay it on her: she’s not limited to flowers. To rent something customized from Sweet Pear, you should contact Pearson at least a month in advance, though she’d rather hear from you sooner. Pricing starts at $270-500 and goes up depending on custom elements and travel.
HEDGE FINE BLOOMS
We can’t forget the fresh flower option. Karen Walker and her team at Hedge are used to hearing from clients who want a floral backdrop, usu-
21
ally bringing photos to help explain what they’re after. “We brainstorm to come up with ways to make it personal for them,” says Walker. Start with a structure—be it a metal or wood frame, or a potted tree (which you can source from various local nurseries), and the Hedge team will figure out how to add fresh flowers. “Our designer Wynne worked with a client at Pippin Hill to create a carnation backdrop that was wonderful and had some movement to it,” says Walker. Get in touch with Hedge six months to a year ahead of time; they’ll let you know about pricing when you contact them.
Tavern & Grocery is an elegantly restored c. 1820 restaurant in downtown Charlottesville with award-winning cuisine, a highly trained staff, curated wine list, & craft cocktails. With several private rooms to choose from, we have the perfect space to host your event. Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner for 12, or a dinner for 150 people. Executive Chef Joe Wolfson is here to help you design your perfect menu. We have the perfect space for your private party, whether a wedding reception, bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner, we are here to ensure every detail is perfect for you & your guests. With a dedicated event coordinator, we can help make your event truly special and everything you have dreamed it would be. For more information, contact Kristi Ellis at
kristi@tavernandgrocery.com Or call us at 434-293-7403
www.tavernandgrocery.com
333 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
c-ville.com/weddings
Golden Horseshoe Inn Simple. Soulful. Weddings.
All Inclusive Weddings and Elopements in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
beggarsbanquetrentals.com • Orange, Virginia
c-ville.com/weddings
www.goldenhorseshoeinn.com
WEDDING PLANNER FOUR MON THS AHE A D : O RD E R OT HE R WE D D IN G ACCE SSO RI E S
Heirloom variety
Beloved Thread’s custom pieces are meant to be cherished By Caite Hamilton alk about happy accidents: Seven years ago, Jeannine Lalonde Smith got the notion to learn how to make curtains. She didn’t expect it would go beyond that. “I never thought of myself as especially crafty,” she says, “but this untapped creative side of me came roaring out when I looked at a combination sewing and embroidery machine!” She started researching techniques and was drawn to heirloom designs (characterized by their similarity to hand-stitching). Eventually, wedding industry friends caught on to her new hobby and asked her to help with details for photo shoots and weddings. “Then, through the magic of Instagram, I connected with other creatives in the area,” Smith says. Her hobby had blossomed into a business. She named it Beloved Thread.
JEN FARIELLO
T
Embroiderer Jeannine Lalonde Smith didn’t know when she started her new hobby that she was carrying on a 100-year-old tradition her grandmother started. “I have some of her pieces today. Her work was impeccable and as perfect as the work I do with my machines,” she says.
SIX MON THS A HE A D : OR DER YOUR W E D D I NG CA K E
Treat me right SAM STROUD
Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but if all you’re doing is copying the last couple, how do you, well, do you? Here are some unique dessert-related details we’re digging this season. Steal at your own risk.—Caite Hamilton
OLD METROPOLITAN HALL
A few sweet ideas to end the night
Front and center
If you’re like us and cake ranks as one of your top three favorite things about weddings (this editor nixed dinner altogether and served 18 different versions at her own), you might also agree with Laura and Stephen, who saw fit to give their cake a place of prominence—complete with a spotlight—thanks to the vision of their planner, Adam Donovan Groves.
24
Hole in one
On the flip side, if cake just isn’t your thing... get outta here! We kid. Don’t feel obligated to offer the standard tiered number. There’s always pie or—better yet!—donuts, which can be displayed any number of ways and, thanks to sprinkles, look super fun in pictures. Bonus: They’re portable on their own, so they can do double duty as wedding favors.
WEDDING PLANNER
She’s stitched table linens, robes, pajamas, handkerchiefs, tote bags, and ribbons, but one of Smith’s favorite projects is monogramming wedding gown labels. “I embroider a small piece of silk or satin with the bride’s monogram and date in blue thread,” she says. “The label can be sewn into the wedding gown as a ‘something blue’ and removed later as a keepsake or left in as a reminder if the dress is passed down in the family.” The design process starts from scratch with every couple, and Smith says part of the joy for her is hunting down the perfect color to match a wedding palette or creating a handful of mockups to get the design just right. “Most of the items I embroider for weddings are going to have a life after the big day, so I love thinking that my stitches will remind newlyweds of their happy day in the future,” Smith says.
COURTESY ERIC KELLEY
“Most of the items I embroider for weddings are going to have a life after the big day, so I love thinking that my stitches will remind newlyweds of their happy day in the future,” Smith says.
ONE YEAR AHEAD: BEGIN THE SEARCH FOR WEDDING VENDORS
Photo opportunity Eric Kelley is cultivating community through weddings By Lisa Martin
MEREDITH SLEDGE
E
Cheers!
Cake and cocktails is a classic combo to be sure, but what about when the cocktail is inside the cake? That was the request Laura and JC made to Maliha Creations’ Anita Gupta: Make a cake that incorporates their favorite cocktail, the old fashioned. Gupta came up with an orangeflecked cake with cherry jam schmear and Blanton’s bourbon buttercream.
ric Kelley graduated from UVA in 2006, founded his own photography business in 2008, and in 2018 was named one of the 40 best wedding photographers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Kelley attributes his meteoric rise in part to the generous help of established photographers when he was just starting out. “The biggest thing I’ve been trying to do since college is to cultivate community,” says Kelley. “My dad always told me, everybody should have a mentor and everybody should be a mentee to someone else.” Toward that end, Kelley’s latest project is Referral.Network, an online community of photographers intended to create a more efficient market for their services. “I’m building a network of professionals who share their day-by-day availability,” he says. “So if I’m contacted about a job and I’m not available, I can easily find others who are, and who are in the right price
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Photographer Eric Kelley’s side hustle, Referral.Network, helps connect couples to photographers.
range for the job, and who I can endorse and refer to the client.” For a stressed-out bride or harried wedding planner, a reliable referral can be a godsend. “The client is happy that I could save them a bunch of time and a lot of emailing around to find a photographer for their event,” says Kelley, “and at the same time, I can quickly identify a friend or colleague who can do the job.” Kelley is always mindful of wedding budgets, and although he charges an average of $30,000 for his own jobs these days, the professionals in his network span a range of prices. A suggested referral fee of 3-5 percent for a successful booking encourages more popular photographers to actively participate in the community. “Very rarely does anybody have exactly the right amount of work,” he says, “and this network is meant to address that problem in a way that I don’t see happening with other apps or tools.” With a broad social network to build from, including 26,000 followers on his personal Instagram alone, Kelley’s new service has taken off. “I did a soft launch in September [2018] and started with a network of 165 people,” he says. “At this point it’s 10 times that—1,670 people—and growing. I’m trying to build a scalable model here, and I see a lot of other businesses that could benefit from a service like this.”
THREE MON THS O U T: ME E T WI TH V E ND O RS TO F I N ALIZ E O R DE R S
WEDDING PLANNER O N E DAY AH E AD : AT T END YO U R R E H E AR S A L D I NNER
Make mine Virginia wine
9 bottles that highlight our local bounty KATIE STOOPS
By Robert Harllee
A
Some out-of-town vendors are easier to work with than others, says planner Adam Donovan-Groves. Rental company Paisley & Jade, based in Richmond, is a popular choice in our area for its selection of beautiful furniture.
Pulling in talent What to know if you’re using non-local vendors By Erika Howsare
T
hinking of hiring vendors from beyond Charlottesville to help put together your big day? Maybe you want to source some Victorian furniture from Richmond-based Paisley & Jade, for example. Or maybe, like one of Adam Donovan-Groves’ former clients, you just happen to know a great photographer from Ireland. This artist, remembers Donovan-Groves, “had worked at the client’s sister’s wedding, and everyone loved the style that he had.” Donovan-Groves, a wedding planner, admits he wouldn’t have crossed the Atlantic looking for a photographer: “It was a little surprising to me. The clients had to pay travel expenses and everything else.” A bump in cost can be one of the main drawbacks to hiring non-local vendors, DonovanGroves says. “If we need somebody on Friday, they have to get here on Thursday,” he says. “It’s hotels, meals, it’s transportation; if they’re flying you also have to rent cars. It does add a decent amount of money.” On the other hand, if you’ve chosen your outof-town vendor because you have a personal relationship, you may be getting a discounted rate, points out local planner Jennifer Hamlin from Events with Panache. She’s also had cli-
ents—themselves coming from outside Charlottesville—who bring vendors with them based on a recommendation from a friend or family member back home. Consider the issue of communication with vendors during the planning process. Texting and emailing may not be the best way to convey your personal vision for, say, exactly the right flavor of ceremony music. Hiring outof-towners may send you to Skype to attempt those crucial conversations, and ups the ante for coordination between your planner and other vendors. As a planner, says Hamlin, “I always have a conversation via email and phone before the wedding, sending them all the details the client and I have worked out. I typically walk [out-of-town vendors] through the venue verbally and give insight before the weekend of the wedding. Usually that vendor will never have been to the venue before.” Some types of vendors may be easier to seamlessly incorporate than others even if coming from afar. Hamlin says photographers are the vendors most commonly hired from elsewhere, while Donovan-Groves has seen clients hire out-of-town bands. Caterers and florists, on the other hand, seldom make long trips with their perishable wares. And, Hamlin points out, “If it is a caterer, they have travel expenses for the full staff that day.” Donovan-Groves stresses that not only are local vendors familiar with Charlottesville’s wedding infrastructure, they’re on par in quality with anyone in the country. “Charlottesville is special when it comes to weddings,” he says. “This is not the norm for any other city in the U.S. to have this much strong talent concentrated in an area. We’re built for weddings.”
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s you’ve no doubt figured out by now, there are heaps of choices when it comes to planning a wedding (including a rehearsal dinner!), but choosing a venue is the most important one. It can dictate so many other things. If you have your sights set on a Virginia winery, be aware that most require you to purchase their wine for serving. Cideries are a bit more flexible, as in the case of Castle Hill, which requires couples to buy three cases of cider for an event, but allows outsider wine and beer. Choose a restaurant and you may be required to work with its limited wine list or, in some cases, order something from its wholesalers. Non-winery venues like Old Metropolitan Hall, Alumni Hall, The Space Downtown, Darden, and James Monroe’s Highland are the most flexible, allowing you to bring in your own wine and beer. Local independent wineshops will likely deliver to your venue and, bonus, are the best source of value for your budget. Here are our area picks—wherever you end up—for the best sips at your rehearsal dinner or on your special day.
Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Blancs Brut NV Claude Thibaut and Manuel Janisson bring to this sparkling wine generations of tradition from the Champagne region of France. They have captured the flavors and essence of the Virginia terroir. The Cuvée, made of 100 percent Chardonnay from the Monticello appellation, has vibrant aromas of pear and ripe apples; the taste is perfectly balanced, crisp, and refreshing. Pair with: crudites, appetizers, or save it for the toasts.
WEDDING PLANNER Early Mountain Vineyards Rosé 2018 (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot) Pale in color, this fresh, appealing rosé attracts with aromas of strawberries enlivened with notes of peach and white flowers. Offer it as an aperitif or serve it with almost any dish.
Stinson Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Stinson has two way-cool concrete egg fermenters in which the Sauvignon Blanc is made. The eggs provide for a fast fermentation with very little reduction (sulfur) and also gives the finished wine minerality, complexity, body, and texture. This texture, showing itself as a creaminess on the palate, adds to the pleasure this wine affords. Notes of yellow citrus, green herbs, and a soft acidity nicely round out the package.
Pair with: anything spicy (like mini taco hors d’oeuvres).
King Family Vineyards Crosé NV Done in the traditional Provençal style but with a darker color, this is a 100 percent varietal Merlot dry rosé. The nose opens with red and white cherry. The mouth is dry, fresh, and round with a cranberry finish. It’s great as an aperitif, but rich enough for a main course.
Pair with: salmon with any kind of citrus or herb preparation.
Early Mountain Vineyards Foothills Red Blend 2017 (Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and others) Made in the classic Merlot-based Bordeaux-style, this synergistic combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc creates an interplay of ripe black fruits with the complex herbal notes of the Cab Franc. A lingering finish shows a soft murmur of black olive from the Syrah.
Pair with: Mediterranean food or the cheese course. It’s also nice with salmon.
Jump Mountain Winery Grüner Veltliner 2017 Husband and wife team David Vermillion and Mary Hughes produce only some 500 cases a year in their humble Shenandoah Valley winery, but those wines are of a high quality. Their Grüner Veltliner is a perfect summer aperitif. Think Sauvignon Blanc from another dimension: vibrant and citrusy with a bit of green herbs and a hint of white pepper on the finish.
Pair with: any red meat or even barbecue.
Ox-Eye Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2016 Grown on the western slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ox-Eye’s Cab Franc is a consistent performer. It has a lightness of being combined with a soft finish. Spicy red and black fruit aromas are leavened with intriguing green bell pepper notes.
Pair with: salads or, unexpectedly, fried chicken.
Pair with: salmon, chicken, mini sliders.
Early Mountain Vineyards Five Forks White Blend 2018 The Five Forks white is a delightful blend of a richly fruited grape, Petit Manseng, and a crisp and vibrant grape, Sauvignon Blanc. The result is a pleasing marriage of a soft, juicy palate and a lively acidity. Every sip desires another.
Jump Mountain Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 The glorious vintage of 2015 produced this elegant red Bordeaux-style wine. Aromas of cassis combine with a mineral note and a robust body to make a well-rounded wine that lingers on the palate. Pour us another.
Pair with: roast chicken, fish dishes, sausage.
Pair with: steak.
COCKTAIL PARTY
If you’re backed into a corner, wine-wise, at your venue, try adding a little extra Virginia flare with Flying Fox Vermouth. Produced in four seasonal batches each year, the summer vermouth shows peach, nectarine, and grapefruit notes, spiced with wild heather and elderflower. Pass this recipe on to your bartender for your signature cocktail—it’s a favorite on the vineyard’s list of go-to “foxtails.”
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Summer Fox Combine: 2 oz. Summer Vermouth 1 oz. Virginia Distillery Whisky a dash of peach bitters Garnish with a slice of fresh peach.
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WEDDING PLANNER Start taking dance lessons for your first dance. Get your marriage license with your fiancé.
Six months before
One year before
Work out your budget. Know your limit
before considering much else. Set a tentative date for your wedding. Decide on your wedding style and formality. This may be determined, in part, by how many guests you want to invite, so think about the guest list now, too. Settle on a ceremony location. Put down a deposit for the reception location. Begin the search for other wedding vendors (transportation, flowers, invitations, music, makeup artist), starting with photographers and videographers. Once you’ve chosen your wedding photographer, schedule an engagement photo session. Start shopping for wedding rings. Reserve your officiant. If your reception venue doesn’t have a caterer, decide who’ll provide the food and book a tasting. Choose a rehearsal dinner location. Shop for a dress. It may seem too soon, but it can take several months for your dress to arrive, and it may require alterations. After you’ve found the perfect gown, schedule fittings and a delivery date. Choose your bridal party and invite them to be part of your special day.
Nine months before
Start finalizing the guest list and gathering addresses. Register for gifts. If there is a groom, decide to rent or purchase attire for him and the groomsmen. Once that’s decided, place your order. Finalize all the vendors and secure your wedding date by putting down deposits. Select the bridesmaids’ gowns. These’ll take a few months to come in, too. Send out save the dates.
ceremony and reception. Meet with your florist and choose arrangements for the ceremony and reception, as well as bouquets. If your caterer doesn’t provide one, order your wedding cake. Begin doing research for your marriage license. Meet with both sets of parents to coordinate their day-of attire. Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests. (Consider doing this even earlier if you’re planning a wedding on busy in-town weekends like homecoming or during other local events that draw a crowd.) Order invitations. Start thinking about honeymoon destinations.
Three weeks before Pick up wedding rings.
Confirm all arrival times with vendors. Confirm hotel arrangements for out-oftown guests. Have your final dress fitting. Finalize the seating arrangement for the reception. Attend your bachelor/bachelorette party.
One week before
Give the caterer your final guest count. Have final fittings for your groom and groomsmen. Give gifts to your wedding party, family and fiancé privately, or at the rehearsal dinner. Make arrangements for your wedding gifts to be brought to your home.
Four months before
Address and send out your invitations and
announcements. Include information regarding the accommodations. (Also consider creating a website with all of the accommodation information. Guests might like to get a head start on making those arrangements and most hotels close your block four weeks out.) Arrange for final dress fittings. Purchase wedding guest book. Order your wedding favors, bridal party gifts and other wedding accessories (Champagne glasses, ring bearer pillow, cake knife, etc.).
Two days before Get a mani/pedi.
Get a wax and a spray tan. Confirm flight, hotel and packing arrangements for the honeymoon. Make payment envelopes for each vendor and give them to your wedding day assistant along with your marriage license to take care of at the wedding. Confirm arrangements for the getaway car.
One day before
Three months before
Attend your rehearsal dinner.
Make an appointment with your stylist for
wedding day hairstyles for the bride and bridal party, as well as appointments for manis, pedis, massages or other spa treatments. Schedule a trial with your hairstylist and makeup artist. Start gathering your RSVPs. Finalize the dates for your last-minute dress fittings. Meet with all your wedding vendors to finalize any orders and reservations. Purchase bridal party gifts and a gift for your fiancé. Finalize the plans for your honeymoon. Update your passport and vaccinations, if necessary. Finalize ceremony.
Your wedding day
Get in a wedding day workout.
Get your hair and makeup done early. Make sure you get plenty to eat, and drink a lot of water. Have fun!
One month before
Finalize the details of your rehearsal dinner.
Go over song lists and requests with your band or DJ. Draw up preliminary seating arrangements for the reception. Have a trial session with your wedding-day hairstylist and makeup artist.
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JEN FARIELLO
THE ABBOUDS
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WHAT EM SEES
33
Petals aplenty! One of the first details to work out as you By Caite Hamilton
begin planning your wedding is, of course, the flowers. You’ll need arrangements for the altar, for the aisle, for your wedding party, for the tables, for the cake... The list goes on and on. But savvy couples know there’s more than one way to sneak beautiful blooms into your big day—from the dress to the dinner menu.
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Petal prices
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ON TREND Flower-covered arbors are getting a lot of play in the pages right now, but we asked a few local florists to tell us what’s popping up in our area. These are their picks for blossoming trends.
In our area, a bridal bouquet can run anywhere from $100-350, which gives you a good jumpingoff point for budgeting the rest of your arrangements. Here are a few tips to keep costs down. Stay in season. “People ask for peonies in fall
and winter, and they can be as much as $200 for 10 stems,” says Hedge Fine Blooms’ Karen Walker. Some popular flowers that are accessible all year? Roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, and lisianthus. Do double-duty. Instead of paying for bouquets
and table arrangements, toss the bridesmaids’ bouquets into vases at the reception tables. Two blooms, one stone, so to speak. Ask your florist. Don’t be afraid to admit
ASHLEY COX
you’re budget-conscious. Your florist will be able to make suggestions based on your needs. If you want a greenery table garland, for instance, your florist might clue you in to a less-expensive option: Instead of constructing a garland ahead of time, the florist lays greenery on the table the day-of. “This can save you $200 a table,” Walker says.
Natural beauty
OH, AND!
Here’s a thought, too: Fiori Floral Studio offers a DIY wholesale package: All buckets come prepped and hydrated, ready for the couple (and friends and family) to put the arrangements together. Bonus: Each package includes a hand-tied bridal bouquet.
JENN FINAZZO
Roses are a great, always available choice, if you’re keeping an eye on price- per-stem.
LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY
SHANNON MOFFIT
We’re not saying flower crowns are out (blasphemy!), but a few blooms in an updo can be a nice touch. “We always love doing hair flowers,” say Hedge Fine Blooms’ Karen Walker.
Keep looking up
Hanging structures—think grids, ladders, and wreaths—that can be hung over head tables or dance floors, says Southern Blooms’ Sherry Spencer, are gaining popularity. They’re a great way to bring the outdoors in, and add an unexpected detail.
Take it to go
Jenn Finazzo of Fiori Floral Studio recommends giving away potted plants and herbs as wedding favors. “They’re great way to decorate out of the box,” she says.
CRAMER PHOTO
36
Pro tip: Choose a venue with a lot of natural beauty, and you won’t have to worry so much about adding extras. Enter The Market at Grelen. You’ll get full use of the Somerset property, including a reception tent, hill overlook, greenhouse, back garden, stone patio, and outdoor walkways (a popular portrait spot). Each setting is filled to the brim with greenery, potted plants, and hanging arrangements, making your big day feel just that much more magical.
UNLIKE MANY BRIDES, Melissa Ogden wasn’t looking forward to dress shopping after she got engaged. She and her future husband, Baris Yildirim, weren’t planning a church wedding, and, in general, traditional weddings include a lot of anti-feminist rituals that made her uncomfortable. Plus, bucking trends runs in her family: “My mom got married in a blue dress,” Ogden says. “They eloped to St. Thomas!” But when her college friends came to town insisting on “a big day of mimosas and trying on princess gowns,” she went along for the ride.
HUNTER AND SARAH PHOTOGRAPHY
SERA PETRAS
GARDEN PARTY
The perfect dress
Butter, sugar, flower FLOWERS HAVE BEEN part of cooking since the beginning of time—bitter herbs feature in the Bible, while people in the Middle East have been using rose and orange blossoms to enhance libations and cuisine for centuries. In our area, plenty of caterers incorporate the local flora into dishes for your big day for both visuals and flavor. Says chef Walter Slawski, “The Catering Outfit uses edible flowers, blossoms, shoots, and microgreens to enhance both the look and taste of our dishes.” As an example, a recent dish of seared chilicrusted Ahi tuna tostada with avocado salad and mango featured cucumber blossom, “for a crisp, bright green punch against the richness of the Ahi and avocado.” Slawski says different edible flowers add different flavors. Chive blossoms, with their oniony bite, harmonize with an heirloom tomato and burrata caprese with smoked salt and white balsamic reduction. Marigold flowers’ hint of saffron work perfectly sprinkled on mixed mushroom risotto with grana padana and truffle butter. And, he says, he uses one edible flower for its peppery flavor—and its sentimental significance. “Nasturtiums,” Slawski says. “My grandmother grew these in her garden and they were the first edible flower I encountered. I was captivated by the way water forms little silver pearls on their leaves.”
“I just went into the process with an open mind hoping to find a dress that fit my personality and the nontraditional wedding we had planned,” Ogden says. “I tried on a ton of Cinderella gowns and mermaid lace dresses and everything in between.” Ultimately, she found her floral Paula Varsalona dress at Sealed With A Kiss on the Downtown Mall. So many brides had tried it on before her, but asked if they could order it in plain white or ivory. Because of that, the sample sat on the shelf for a few years. For Ogden, it was already perfect. In fact, the only alteration she made was removing the train, which SWAK used a swatch from to create a pocket square for Yildirim. Speaking of which, did her husband-to-be still like the dress, even though it wasn’t traditionally “bridal”? “When I asked him on our wedding day, after he saw it,” Ogden says, “he said it still looked like a white dress to him!”
CRAMER PHOTO
Melissa Ogden wed Baris Yildirim at Spotswood Lodge on May 11, 2019.
“[We] use edible flowers to enhance both the look and taste of our dishes,” says The Catering Outfit’s Walter Slawski.
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On-Site & Off-Site Catering Available! Whether your event is held at Massanutten Resort, area winery, or other special venue, let our skilled team bring our passion to your table. View sample menus online at www.MassResort.com/Catering
Bringing Our Passion to Your Table c-ville.com/weddings
Shenandoah Provisions, Inc. 540.289.4905 | spbanquets@massresort.com
e v o L stories KATIE STOOPS
Five weddings with romance, beauty, and beaucoup real-life inspiration.
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PRIVATE EVENTS AT OA K H A RT SO C I A L
private, flexible space ideal for seated rehearsal dinners or cocktail-style events accommodates up to 60 people full private bar personalized canapĂŠ & dinner menus
5 1 5 W E S T M A I N S T 2 N D F L O O R • C H A R L O T T E S V I L L E VA E M A I L P R I VAT E E V E N T S @ O A K H A R T S O C I A L . C O M T O R E S E R V E
L
Love 45
A bevy of Charlottesville goods round out a romantic wedding
photography by
Katie Stoops Words by
Caite Hamilton
local
Bridal Party Gifts Give them something special to remember your special day.
Engraved Wedding Invitation Trays Sterling, Pewter and Silverplated Engraving done on premise We carry Jefferson Cups & Virginia Cups Bridesmaids & Groomsman Gifts
– on the downtown mall – 319 east main street
“Your Friendly Jewelry Store Since 1945”
434-295-4258
Rob & Melanie Lewis
Locally sourced catering services, specialty produce & baked goods.
434-987-4647 rillcrossfarm@gmail.com www.rillcrossfarm.com c-ville.com/weddings
LOVE STORIES
&
Elaine Butcher Bradley Jaeger
H
aving lived and launched a business in Charlottesville, Elaine Butcher was aware of the city’s wealth of talented artisans. So when it came time to design her wedding to Brad Jaeger, she knew where to turn: everywhere. The couple’s vendor list reads like a who’s who of wedding industry It Folk: Orpha Events, Nature Composed, A Pimento Catering, Honeycomb, Paradox Pastry, and Elaine herself. The Detroit-based jewelry designer put a personal stamp on her and Brad’s wedding rings (though he had another local artisan, Gabriel Ofiesh, design her engagement ring). “The community in Charlottesville is super creative, and when I was there I collaborated with so many people in the wedding, design, and event industry,” Elaine says. “It was important to me to include all of my favorite businesses and let them do what they do best.”
SEP TE MBER 30, 2017, AT HIGHL AND ORCHARD IN COVE S VILLE, VIRGINIA
GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE
As they were reciting their vows, it was revealed that the couple, unbeknownst to each other, had written the same phrase: “so happy to be super chill homies for life.” “I used to say that we were super chill homies before we were dating,” Elaine says. “That definitely got a good laugh from our guests.”
USE YOUR RESOURCES!
Elaine and Brad wouldn’t have known about their wedding site without their planner, Marisa Vrooman of Orpha Events, who was friends with the property owner. “She orchestrated all of the infrastructure and built such a magical world for us to celebrate in, tucked right in between the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Elaine says.
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Begin your greatest
Adventure
Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows is the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding. Celebrate your special day with the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Nelson County, VA. We specialize in rehearsal dinners and send-off brunches. With private lodging on site for up to 24 people, Devils Backbone is the perfect location for the entire weekend. events@dbbrewingcompany.com | lodging@dbbrewingcompany.com
dbbrewingcompany.com
LOVE STORIES
BLOOMIN’ BEAUTIFUL
Elaine sent a few photos for bouquet inspiration, but let her florist, Jenn Pineau, do the rest. “It turned out super magical, pretty natural, and insanely romantic,” she says. “A beautiful mix of burgundy, lavender, gray, and peach, along with foraged greenery and a variety of local blooms, all tied together with silk ribbons from local silk designer Willow Knows.”
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ON THE LIST
No surprise here: Some of the couple’s favorite registry items came from Charlottesville makers, such as cooking pans from Blanc Creative and dishware from Rebekah Wostrel Ceramics.
WE’RE WITH THE BAND
For the reception, Love Canon played. “It was awesome,” says Elaine. “Like having a concert at your wedding!”
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C O M PA N Y
LOVE STORIES MEET CUTE
In the summer of 2009, Brad’s new boss was taking him on a tour of his favorite restaurants when they finally made it to Elaine’s family’s Thai spot, Monsoon. “After meeting a few times [there] and some friendly banter, we ran into each on the Downtown Mall one day,” Elaine says. “The rest is history.”
ON THE MENU
A Pimento Catering fulfilled the couple’s wish for Asian-inspired dishes that incorporated local ingredients. “There were summer rolls, fish, and tons of veggies,” Elaine says. “It was clean and colorful.”
A longtime friend of Elaine’s, Arley Arrington of Arley Cakes made a three-tier champagne cake with buttercream frosting.
THE DETAILS
Event planner: Orpha Events Officiant: David Brown Catering: A Pimento, Paradox Pastry Flowers: Nature Composed Cake: Arley Cakes Music: Olivarez Trio (ceremony), Love Canon (reception), Thomas Dean (late-night) Bride’s attire: Carol Hannah (skirt), Dijana Bucalo (top) Shoes: Bogota, Colombia Groom’s attire: Romualdo’s Rings: Gabriel Ofiesh (engagement ring), Elaine B (wedding bands) Hair and makeup: Honeycomb Videographer: Orpha Events
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AUDREY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
WWW.MYCAKEBYRACHEL.COM WWW.MYCAKEBYRACHEL.COM @CAKESBYRACHELBAKESHOP @CAKESBYRACHELBAKESHOP
c-ville.com/weddings
Oh,
photography by
What Em Sees Words by
Caite Hamilton
happy Bright blooms and distinctive details enhance a Keswick wedding
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day!
APRIL 27, 2018, AT KESWICK VINE YARDS
&
Adria Wilson Amanda Septien
W
hile Adria calls it “a jumble of bright details,” Amanda says their wedding had “a romantic vintage feel that mixed in personal touches of our cultures and past.” However it’s described, one thing is clear about the couple’s spring nuptials: They were truly personal. “My family is Cuban and Adria’s is ItalianAmerican, so we wanted to pay homage to both of our families’ heritages,” Amanda says. “We did that through the food offered and the music played—lots of Buena Vista Social Club and old-school big band music mixed in with our favorite bluegrass and indie tunes.” The other elements—a mix of DIYed pieces from friends and family; bright, tropical-inspired floral arrangements; and romantic centerpieces—capitalized on the BHLDN-esque vibe the ladies wanted to achieve. Says Amanda, “Somehow it all worked together really well!”
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LOVE STORIES
HANDS-ON
For some of the personal details, the couple turned to friends and family—Amanda’s sister designed the invitations, donation cards, and itinerary sign, while her dad cut wooden rounds for the centerpiece platforms. Adria wrote the table numbers on blue talavera tiles herself.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
The couple was based in Washington, D.C., but knew that, come wedding time, they’d have family traveling from New Jersey and North Carolina. “Picking Charlottesville seemed like a great compromise,” says Amanda. And, since Amanda worked at WeddingWire, they were able to research venues in the area that supported same-sex weddings. “The second we drove up [to Keswick Vineyards],” says Amanda, “we knew it was where our big day would be.”
ON THE MENU
The couple wanted to incorporate both Adria’s Italian background and Amanda’s Cuban heritage into the food. That meant a menu where mojo pork shoulder and rice and beans mingled with lemon and rosemary roasted chicken and grilled broccolini with garlic butter on the buffet. “The most feedback we received from our guests after the wedding was how good the food was,” says Amanda. “And it truly was!”
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“It was the coolest thing ever to get carried off from cheering guests in a pearl white 1940 Senior Packard Limousine,” says Adria.
WORTH THE WAIT
Amanda and Adria met via OkCupid in 2013— while Adria was in the middle of finishing up her doctoral dissertation (“she was extremely busy,” Amanda says). But Amanda “stuck it out long enough to get past that madness,” and they’ve been together ever since.
GOOD CHOICES
“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having vendors who regard the day with as much importance as you do as a couple,” Amanda says.
THE DETAILS
Event planner: Angelica Laws of Angelica & Co. Officiant: Jeremy McClure Catering: Harvest Moon Catering Flowers: Ginger & Blooms Cake: Passionflower Cakes Music: Sound Enforcement DJ Services Brides’ attire: BHLDN Shoes: Jessica Simpson (Amanda), Michael Kohrs (Adria) Wedding party attire: Lulu’s Air of Romance (bridesmaids), The Black Tux (“manmaids”) Rings: Ken & Dana Designs (NYC) Hair and makeup: GloOut Glamour Bar (hair), Cindy Allwine (makeup) Transportation: Albemarle Limousine
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Perfect 58
photography by
Bethany Snyder Words by
Caite Hamilton
match Tennis-themed details spell love-all for this big day
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AUDREY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
AUDREY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
CAROLINE LIMA PHOTOGRAPHY
TOM DALY PHOTOGRAPHY
AUDREY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
ELISA BRICKER PHOTOGRAPHY
ARIEL LOPEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
HEATHER DODGE PHOTOGRAPHY
BETHANY SNYDER PHOTOGRAPHY
LOVE STORIES
&
Bailey Logan David Hardy
B
ailey and Dave met while playing tennis, so it felt natural to utilize elements from the game in their big day. “Angelica [Laws] came up with an alternative idea for a guest book inspired by the Paris lock bridge,” says Bailey. “We had guests write us [messages] and lock [them] on antique tennis racquets that we plan to hang up in our house.” The couple’s selfie station incorporated racquets into the backdrop, and the props included visors, sweatbands, aviator sunglasses, and a John McEnroe wig. But Bailey wouldn’t say tennis was the wedding’s theme. “We went with pinks and lots of greenery,” she says. “We wanted it to be light and springy”—perfect for hitting the court (or the aisle).
APRIL 27, 2019, AT THE CLIF TON
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Chandler’s BAKERY says
Thank you CharloTTesville for your voTes! (434) 975-2253 (434) 975-5203 202 Albemarle Square Charlottesville, VA 22901 RUNNER UP www.chandlersbakery.com Cakes & Desserts
edding Music
e Finest W Providing th
1998 service since d e liz a n o rs mbles Local, pe ~ String Ense Bands ~ DJs phy ra y ~ Videog Photograph uth.net
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We are a full line scratch bakery that has been providing beautiful wedding cakes for over 25 years. Call Samantha, our wedding cake specialist, with your wedding cake questions!
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C KB
arn ross eys - the Venue with a View The barn is located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and conveniently 10 minutes from Harrisonburg and only 4.5 miles off of Interstate 81. Perfect for a country wedding or a relaxing meeting atmosphere, dinner party, high school or family reunion and birthday parties!
540-820-1744 CrossKeysBarn@gmail.com 921 Cross Keys Barn, Harrisonburg, VA www.CrossKeysBarn.com
c-ville.com/weddings
LOVE STORIES
“We wanted to keep it natural,” says Bailey, “like flowers you could have picked from the grounds at Clifton.”
NO PEEKING—ANYONE!
Bailey says the couple’s favorite moment was the first look, in The Clifton’s “secret garden.” “I walked up to Dave, who had his back to me, and as I got closer I could see that our dog, Myles, was sitting next to Dave and had his back to me, too,” she says.
WEDDING PARTY
Holding a wedding at The Clifton meant that the couple’s guests could stay close throughout the weekend and maximize the time they had together. “Weddings can go by so quickly!” Bailey says.
SHOW OFF
Dinner highlighted the best elements of a Virginia spring: an arugula and pear salad to start, then a choice of roasted chicken or beef short rib with grits.
THE DETAILS
Event planner: Angelica Laws of Angelica & Co. Weddings Officiant: Jon Sarosiek Catering: The Clifton Flowers: Tourterelle Floral Design Desserts: Paradox Pastry Music: Justin Goodman Bride’s attire: Sealed With A Kiss Rings: Aidah Jewelry (Virginia Beach) Hair and makeup: Top Knot Studio
(hair) and Rouge 9 (makeup)
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Love Story
Create the perfect expression of your personal
W I T H A D O U B L E T R E E B Y H I LT O N W E D D I N G
WEDDINGS | REHEARSAL DINNERS | BRIDAL SHOWERS | BRUNCHES Multi-million dollar renovation now completed! New lobby, front desk, business center and guest rooms and new restaurant, Root 29 Craft Kitchen & Bar now open.
990 Hilton Heights Road, Charlottesville 434-973-2121 • charlottesville.doubletree.com
RELAX And
EnJOY
your wedding day ❤ knowing you are confidently prepared to deliver a memorable toast or vow...
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The Barns at Layz S Ranch Wedding Venue S I M P LY E L E G A N T, E L E G A N T LY S I M P L E
A family farm with rolling hills, open pastures, and beautiful countryside awaits your special day. www.layzsranch.com • 2253 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra • layzsranchevents@gmail.com
c-ville.com/weddings
It
Dutch details enrich a classic American fĂŞte
takes
two
photography by
Jen Fariello Words by
Caite Hamilton
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MARRY TOWN with COUNTRY FOR THE ULTIMATE CHARLOTTESVILLE WEDDING EXPERIENCES
WEDDINGS
REHEARSAL DINNERS
401 East Main St., Downtown Charlottesville events @ redpumpkitchen.com 434.202.6040 | redpumpkitchen.com
FAREWELL BRUNCHES
LATE NIGHT RECEPTIONS
5022 Plank Road, North Garden, Virginia events @ pippinhillfarm.com 434.202.8063 | pippinhillfarm.com
LOVE STORIES
JULY 28, 2018, AT PIPPIN HILL FAR M & VINE YARDS
&
Jenna Hartin William de Hoop Scheffer
T
he groom is Dutch, the bride is American. How to bridge the gap? Says Jenna, “We decided to honor William’s Dutch heritage with our color palette and styling.” Shades of orange and Delft blue (a color often seen in traditional Dutch pottery) show up everywhere—from the vintage blue and white plates and Dutch vases, to pops of color in the flowers and the groom’s bow tie. “We displayed his family crest on an American bourbon barrel head which matches his family ring that he wore during the ceremony,” says Jenna. But the most fun nod to William’s Dutch heritage were the bicycles at the ceremony entrance—they doubled as the couple’s getaway vehicles!
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Photo by Lauren D Rogers Photography RAC H EL MAY PH OTOG RAPH Y
C U S TO M W E D D I N G I N V I TAT I O N S PROGRAMS
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MENUS
.
.
S AV E T H E D A T E S
ESCORT CARDS
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S TAT I O N E RY
give us a call or email to schedule an appointment to discuss your wedding papers historic downtown mall . 321 east main street . charlottesville, virginia . 434.979.6366 hey@thinkrockpaperscissors.com . www.thinkrockpaperscissors.com
LOVE STORIES
aphy NATURAL BEAUTY
“Southern Blooms executed everything I dreamed of—overflowing arrangements of greenery with pops of orange,” says Jenna.
CAN I GET YOUR AUTOGRAPH?
To tie in the groom’s love of guitars, the couple swapped out a traditional guestbook in favor of...an actual guitar. The signed axe now hangs on the wall in their home.
SITE SPECIFIC
Pippin Hill makes the decisions easy, says the bride. Menu-wise, they embraced summer with a burrata and tomato salad, followed by beef tenderloin and Maine lobster tail. And the setting only added to the romance: “We immediately knew it was ‘the place,’ with its lush green vineyards, hydrangea entrance, wildflowers, and the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
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Inside. Outside. Home. c-ville.com/weddings
LOVE STORIES
FAMILY BAND
Jenna says the highlight of the evening was when William and his friends took the stage. “They’re all great musicians and I soon got pulled up for our own rendition of ‘Twist and Shout.’”
FEEL THE BURN
Jenna and William met on the Tinder dating app while living in Houston, Texas. “This brought a lot of laughter during my sister’s maid-of-honor speech, when she surprised us with a Tinder cut-out frame that eventually made it to the dance floor,” Jenna says.
THE DETAILS
Event planner: Donovan-Groves Events Officiant: R. Charles Grant Catering: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Flowers: Southern Blooms Cake: Favorite Cakes Music: Plum Blossom Quartet (ceremony/cocktail), The New Royals (reception) Bride’s attire: Lela Rose Shoes: Badgley Mischka Groom’s attire: DC Custom Clothiers Groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Warehouse Bridesmaids’ dresses: Nouvelle Amsale Rings: David Gardner’s Hair and makeup: Avenue 42 Videographer: Shaking Hands Productions Stationary: The Preppy Pink Pony Calligraphy: Sarah Bohl Designs
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VOTED 2017 BEST REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE
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Stay and relax in our new Inn, located right on the Brewery property. Whole-house rental sleeps up to 12 guests and provides additional venue options for wedding ceremonies and other small events . E-mail inn@bluemountainbrewery.com for more information. 9519 CRITZERS SHOP RD, AFTON, VA 22920 | 540-456-8020 | EVENTS@BLUEMOUNTAINBREWERY.COM | WWW.BLUEMOUNTAINBREWERY.COM
Falling for
you
A rustic winery wedding rings in the romance
photography by
Cramer Photo Words by
Caite Hamilton
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Cherished Memories Studios Fine Art Photography & Film Since 1991
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY AND WEDDING CAKES.
Your love story should be told beautifully, honestly.... Your wedding will be documented from the heart, by someone who is invested with all their heart.
540.958.2209
www.cherishedmemoriesstudios.com cherishedmemoriesstudios@gmail.com
c-ville.com/weddings
LOVE STORIES
&
Kara Jones
T
Taylor Hogge
he choice of venue can dictate a lot of other decisions about your big day—the flowers, the caterer, even your DIYed elements. It was no different for Kara and Taylor, whose Septenary Winery setting enhanced what they’d been envisioning. “I’m a big nature lover, so accenting the natural beauty of one of my favorite places in the world was most important to me,” Taylor says. “We both wanted a rustic theme, which felt very at home in the setting.” Hoping to create a “romantic garden party” vibe, the couple utilized lots of greenery, with aubergine, cream, and wood accents. Kara created moss-covered table numbers and her aunt and uncle fashioned wooden wedding signs, including one that read, “What a beautiful place to be with friends,” from Harry Potter. It currently hangs in their apartment. Still, after choosing a date, the couple didn’t have to work too hard to add to the atmosphere. “We both love fall and didn’t want to detract from the natural beauty of the property,” says Kara.
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Our Vow is to You!
At Boar’s Head Resort, we celebrate what endures — the beauty of the land, the grace of our traditions and the hospitality of our people. Let our staff make your day a day to remember. Say yes to Boar’s Head Resort. Visit www.BoarsHeadResort.com/weddings or call (434) 972-2227.
Owned & Operated by the UVA Foundation, Charlottesville, VA
LOVE STORIES GOOD LOOK
After their first look, the couple’s photographer, Sarah Cramer Shields, took them to a spot on the east lawn, where they read their private vows to each other. “It was wonderful to spend a few minutes laughing, crying, and making promises,” says Kara. And to top it off, a dragonfly landed on her shoulder (“to wish us good luck,” she says).
RUSTIC EATS
Smoked local trout, sweet potato biscuits, roasted veggies, chicken with cider cream sauce—Roadside Chive created a menu that was very on-theme for the couple’s fall nuptials.
ROOM FOR LOVE
The couple met the summer before their fourth year at UVA, when Taylor rented a room in Kara’s house for a few months. “We hung out a lot that summer, going to survivor hours and trivia at Mellow Mushroom,” she says, “but didn’t start dating until school started and Taylor moved out.” They dated for a little under six years before getting married.
OC TOBER 13, 2018, AT SEP TENARY WINERY AT SE VEN OAK S FAR M
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1620 Barrenridge Rd, Waynesboro, VA 22980 540.294.5573 redaugustfarm.com
The farm provides a most pristine backdrop for the wedding of your dreams.
This 1876 vintage barn provides the perfect place for your special occasion. Accommodates 300 guests with a backup plan for rain.
Lee Alter ~ Artist at McGuffey Art Center Teaching adults, teens and children new semester in September through December and the rest of the year as well through 2020. Art work at Hamilton’s, McGuffey, Skyline Cleaners, Pack and Ship and Hot Cakes and Kardinal Hall. 434-760-9658 leealterartist.com on Facebook as Lee Alter and Lee Alter Art c-ville.com/weddings
LOVE STORIES
SETTING THE SITE
“The venue encapsulates so much of what makes Charlottesville special: great wine, beautiful views, and warm and welcoming owners,” says Taylor.
DI-WHY OH WHY?
Kara admits that leaving two large baking projects until the week before the wedding was “a poor choice,” but her Smitten Kitchen rice crispy treats and Dining In shortbread cookies got rave reviews. “Apparently they were the perfect drunk brunch snack and hungover breakfast,” she says, “which is the best feedback I could have hoped for.”
THE DETAILS
Event planner: Jennifer Hamlin from Events with Panache Officiant: Beth Pepper Catering: Roadside Chive Flowers: Carbon & Salt Cake: Paradox Pastry Music: Garland Studios Bride’s attire: Alexandra Grecco Shoes: Gianvito Rossi Groom’s attire: The Black Tux Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux Bridesmaids’ dresses: Watters Rings: Blue Nile Hair and makeup: Topknot Studios (hair), Brideface (makeup)
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August 18, 2019
January 19, 2020
Omni Hotel - Charlottesville
Omni Hotel - Charlottesville
212 Ridge McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA
212 Ridge McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA
1pm – 4pm
12pm – 4pm
Bridal Show Hours 12pm – 12:55pm Vip Event*
Bridal Show Hours 11am – 11:55am Vip Event*
Fashion show by Amanda’s Touch Bridal and Formal & Men's Wearhouse
Advance Tickets Online: $10 At the Door Tickets: $15
Register Early & Save $3 on tickets! *Vip Events tickets prices. Visit website for details.
To Register Today: 434.298.4636
www.eleganceinbridalshow.com
• Exhibits • Seminars • Door Prizes • FREE Bridal Magazines • Giveaways and more! BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEAVENLY HAVEN PRODUCTIONS
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a boutigue culinary design firm the catering outfit | www.cateringoutfit.com | charlottesville virginia 22902 | (434) 951-4699
M A K I N G M A R RY
Let’s dance
JEN FARIELLO
AARON WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY
THE ABBOUDS
AARON WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY
KATELYN JAMES
JEN FARIELLO
ASHLEY COX
JEN FARIELLO
MICHAEL & JASMINE PHOTOGRAPHY
After the “I dos,” there’s just one thing left to check off the list: Hit the dance floor. Peep these couples getting their groove on. 86
Restoration & Hall at Old Trail A PLACE TO GATHER, DINE, AND CELEBRATE
Restoration Restaurant and Events Hall is located in Old Trail Village, offering the best in dining with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are gathering for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch as a family or planning one of life’s big celebrations, we welcome you. Join us at Restoration & Hall at Old Trail. We look forward to helping you to gather, dine, and celebrate.
5494 GOLF DRIVE, CROZET, VA • (434) 823-1841 • RESTORATIONCROZET.COM
HANNAH JOY PHOTOGRAPHY • MS EVENTS • FOXTAIL COTTAGE FLORAL • CAKES BY RACHEL • AMANDA’S TOUCH BRIDAL • ALI & CO • CLASSIC TUXEDOS
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