Issuu

FA LL / W I N T E R 2026

Practice makes perfect

How to make your rehearsal a celebration of its own

m Sealed, We Wed delivered keepi

Little Acorn Events puts love on paper

Forever inked

y e o J rid Wedding-day tats make a lasting impression

Four local love stories, each with its own road to happily ever after

RUNNER-UP

BEST WEDDING MUSIC

The natural beauty of Glenmore created

a breathtaking backdrop for every part of our day! ★★★★★ Tyler C.

See more of our spaces here

events@theclubatglenmore.com @eventsatglenmore HEATHER DODGE PHOTOGRAPHY

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

In this issue...

Wedding Planner Let us help you plan your special day.

9 The One Bridal Salon only has eyes for you. 13 How to: Make the rehearsal as memorable as the wedding. 14 Little Acorn Events branches out into paper goods. 15 Take your celebration to the James River aboard a batteau. 16 One-stop weddings at Albemarle CiderWorks. 16 This year’s best wedding vendors, according to readers.

CASEY RIPP PHOTOGRAPHY

38 Making Marry Love (and a tattoo) is forever. ON THE COVER: Color Jason and Misha happy as can be. PHOTO: Hunter & Sarah Photography

REA L C HA R LOTT ESV I L L E W E D D I N GS

You’re invited...

Misha & Jason at Castle Hill Cider

Mallory & Jake at Keswick Vineyards

Adair & Katie at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

Kaitlyn & Oscar at Boars Head Resort

Historic IT'S YOUR DAY. MAKE IT

JEFFERSONTHEATER.COM

Beautifully restored, the historic Jefferson Theater is the perfect place to host your wedding celebration. Located on the Downtown Mall, you and your guests will enjoy a friendly staff, two full bars, professional staging, technical support and an on-site event manager to make your wedding day stress-free and truly memorable. We can host up to 200 seated guests for dinners and up to 500 guests for cocktail-style receptions. The Jefferson offers a variety of design options for your event including seating on the stage, use of both balconies and the grand lobby. CONTACT US TODAY TO SET UP A TOUR

rentals@jejfersontheater.co1n

C O N TR I BU TO R S

Like what you see? 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.

Amy Mitchell Photography amymitchellphotography.com

Casey Ripp Photography caseyrippphotography.com

Hunter & Sarah Photography hunterandsarah.com

Jen Fariello jenfariello.com

Mary Bell Photo

For more than 30 years, Blue Ridge Café & Catering has helped couples celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. From beautifully presented buffets to elegant plated dinners, our experienced chef and team brings warmth, creativity, and attentive service to every wedding.

marybellphotos.com

Meredith Coe Photography meredithcoephotography.com

Schedule your catering consultation

Sarah Murray smurrayphoto.com

c-ville.com/category/weddings WEDDINGS, a supplement to C-VILLE Weekly, is distributed in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Shenandoah Valley. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. WEDDINGS Editor Caite Hamilton. Contributor Carol Diggs. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Art Director Max March. Graphic Designer Tracy Federico. Advertising Director Bianca Johnson. Digital Sales Director Rob Davis Account Executives Brian Hrozencik. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Anna Harrison. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. A/R SPECIALIST Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2026 C-VILLE WEEKLY.

RUCKERSVILLE, VA 434-985-3633

BLUERIDGECAFE.COM OFF-SITE CATERING• ON-SITE CATERING•FULL BAR SERVICE• REHEARSAL DINNERS• BRIDAL SHOWERS• INTIMATE WEDDINGS• CUSTOM WEDDING CAKES• & MUCH MORE

THE SUMMIT HOUSE AT SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS VINEYARDS

A NEW DESTINATION FOR VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY WEDDINGS

Perched at one of the highest points on the estate, The Summit House was designed to capture sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, vineyards, and countryside. Shaped by the land, it feels both timeless and distinctly Virginian. c-ville.com/weddings

DISCOVER THE SUMMIT HOUSE

Wedding Services · Parades · Holid www.lexcarriage.com | 540.463.5

For Your Perfect Fairytale The perfect ending for your

Fairytale

Wedding Services Holidays

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FOR O

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EST. 2018

Rooted in nature. Refined in design. We believe flowers have the power to transform a space and make a moment memorable. Rooted in nature and guided by thoughtful design, we create artful, expressive florals with an emphasis on quality, sustainability, and a strong sense of place.

c-ville.com/weddings

Wedding Planner TIPS, TRENDS, AND BEAUCOUPS OF REAL -LIFE BIG -DAY INSPO

Getting to yes At The One Bridal Salon, it’s all about you— and the dress

MARY BELL PHOTO

BY CAROL DIGGS

VIRGINIA PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN ENGAGEMENTS, ELOPEMENTS, AND WEDDINGS EARTHY, CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A POP OF COLOR FOR A ’TRUE YOU’ FEEL

• FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS • NO CAPS ON THE NUMBER OF PHOTOS DELIVERED • DISCOUNTED ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS WHEN BOOKING YOUR WEDDING

12 PASSENGER TRANSIT LIMOUSINE

The Transit Limousine has all the luxury you have come to expect from a standard limousine, but with enough room for everyone. This is the perfect vehicle to enjoy Charlottesville’s many wineries and breweries with friends and family.

P O P O F M O L LY P H O T O G R A P H Y L L C

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47–55 PASSENGER MOTOR COACH

The Motor Coach is the largest vehicle type in our fleet. We have two sizes of Motor Coach, 47 Passenger and 55 Passenger, both of which are ideal for large groups. These vehicles enable you to transport a significant number of passengers at one time

Save the date! Plan your dream wedding at The Greater Virginia Bridal Show: January 17th Graduate Hotel 1-4. Vabridalshow.com for details and tickets

25 PASSENGER MINI BUS

Our Mini Buses are great vehicles for medium sized groups. These 25 Passenger vehicles, with their large viewing windows and individual seating, are a great way to tour the local area or shuttle guests from one location to another.

RUNNER UP

RUNNER-UP

2024

RUNNER-UP

BEST TRANSPORTATION

Call Us at:

(434) 973-5466 (888) 725-5466 (LIMO) www.ambassadorlimos.com

FINALIST

WEDDING PLANNER

inding the perfect dress for your special day is one of the big dreams—and challenges—for most brides. As The One Bridal Salon in Charlottesville says on its website: “It all comes down to one simple feeling: When you know, you know.” Kelsey Lessick took the reins at The One about a year ago, after working at the shop since 2021 with its former owner, Peggie Donowitz, who retired in fall of 2025. Lessick has been employed in all aspects of the wedding industry since she was 18—a consultant in bridal salons, an event manager at wineries, at wedding magazines, and a wedding photographer. For Lessick, this venture with The One feels like a culmination.

est! They’re trying on all these beautiful dresses, and they get to find the one they want to be married in. The One has a point of view: One bride at a time. What was behind that decision?

The bridal salon I began [my career] working in had five appointments at a time every Saturday, in blocks of an hour and a half. My bride and her party would be on one couch, my colleague’s bride and her party on the other. That can be really distracting for the client—[including] seeing another person trying on a dress, and saying, “Oooh, I like that one!” It doesn’t give your bride her moment, the emotion that’s part of finding the dress. When Peggie set up this shop, she decided it would be one bride at a time.

TRISTAN WILLIAMS

C-VILLE Weddings: You’ve worked in almost every part of the wedding industry—and then stepped out of it during the pandemic. What drew you to come back and work at The One Bridal Salon? Kelsey Lessick: You get people at their happi-

your mother, your best friend, someone who knows you the best. Because you never know when you’re going to find The Dress! Too many voices may mean you can’t figure out [your instinctive response]; sometimes I have to help the bride trust their own feeling. And we do have Rhea, our hypoallergenic, non-shedding emotional support dog, on hand! Any guidelines in this process?

There are so many beautiful dresses— where do you start?

I start by asking a bride, “How do you want to feel on your special day?” Since I decide which designers I’m going to stock, and choose from their collections, I really know the inventory; it’s up to me to bring the bride styles and designs that fit their body and shape. That’s why online shopping hasn’t killed [this industry]— part of the fun is that you don’t know until you try it on! That surprises our clients all the time. With wedding dresses, there’s tradition, there’s Instagram, there’s their mother and their friends. How do you help your client decide?

The most helpful thing, I think: Bring with you the voices you need to say yes. That could be

I always ask beforehand about how much they want to spend. I don’t show them a dress out of their budget—that’s a mistake I made early in my career. Our gowns range from $1,500 to $6,500, with most styles falling between $2,200 and $3,400. Also, not every bridal salon has the same styles. I’m a romantic, I specialize in traditional with a modern twist. If I don’t have [a style the bride wants], I will never force her into it. I talk to other owners all the time, and I’ll refer clients to shops that might be a better fit. Does The One do custom wedding dresses?

We don’t—we leave the alterations to the professionals. And every dress will need alterations. The model dresses are cut for women who are 5' 11", which most brides aren’t. When I place

an order for the dress, I take the bride’s measurements so I can order the closest possible size to her; once it arrives from the designer, it will have to be altered to fit perfectly. That’s why it’s important to shop ahead! (Note: Getting your dress from the designer can take four to six months. Lessick recommends that brides begin shopping for their dress 10 to 12 months ahead, but she can work with shorter timelines. Check The One Bridal Salon’s website for its current selection of designers.) Finally, tell us about your wedding dress.

It was a strapless pleated bodice, A-line organza gown with pick-ups on the train. I don’t think I truly loved it. I only went to the store [where] I worked, and had some familial complications while picking my dress. I definitely did not bring the right hype crew with me! This year, when I took my daughter to see a preview of the new Pronovias collection in New York, I allowed her one pick. When her dress came in, I realized it was my size and I tried it on to show her. It was the first time I ever went, “Oh wow, so this is how it feels!” Now, it wouldn’t have been the dress I chose as a 22-year-old walking down the aisle, but that was cool to experience even all these years later.

DESIGN Custom Jewelry Studio Goldsmith MiaStore van&Beek Downtown Mall Charlottesville

formiadesign.com 420 e. main st. charlottesville, va 22902 434-981-8389 info@formiadesign.com

Master Goldsmith Mia van Beek established Formia® Design Jewelry in 2004. A Jewelry studio in the heart of Charlottesville, VA. After 38 years of experience in her trade she specializes in custom design and redesign of fine jewelry. Alongside her today is her oldest daughter Josefine as a Goldmith apprentice making Formia Design officially a family business. Mia & Josefine will personally consult you in the process of your jewelry creations. They make this experience creative and fun while professionally guiding you with possibilities and ideas fitting you and your needs. They have full attention to details in their work in every stage of the process and most of all, satisfied customers, are their priority. Goldsmith Mia van Beek 420 E. Main St. • 434-981-8389 • info@formiadesign.com

RUNNER-UP BEST JEWELRY STORE

WEDDING PLANNER

The beginning of the wedding Think of the rehearsal dinner as the first step of your celebration By Carol Diggs rehearsal dinner should be an enjoyable meal, a time for conversation—and a very special occasion. It’s the beginning of one of the most significant moments in the lives of two people and the family members and friends that have been and will be part of their lives. “Looking at your wedding as a book,” says Marilyn Speight of wedding and events planning firm Just a Little Ditty. “This is the opening chapter.” And who doesn’t want the first chapter to draw you into the story? “It’s a different experience than the wedding,” says Speight. “It’s usually a more intimate affair—and for some families, this is the first chance everyone has had to meet each other.” That means one crucial element is providing your guests with an atmosphere for conversation. As a planner, Speight looks for ways to “give them something to discuss and share.” Speight often seeks a location that’s a little different from the wedding itself. Maybe the dinner should be held in a cozier setting if the next day will be a large formal church wedding, or in a restaurant if you’re looking forward to an outdoor vineyard wedding with music and dancing. The menu, too, can be a contrast to what’s planned for the main event, says Speight. If the wedding reception will be a sit-down dinner, maybe the rehearsal dinner starts with cocktails and an oyster bar. And if you’ve got a band lined up for after-wedding dancing all night, perhaps a classical duo or a jazz trio provides background music at the rehearsal dinner. One way to get everyone engaged is having some topics to bring up for the group, and being intentional about the seating. Another approach Speight often uses is layering in some personal touches: photos that include family members, handwritten notes at each place, even family heirlooms or mementos as part of the table setting. And the rehearsal dinner is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to make their toasts, formal and heartfelt or full of funny memories, in a smaller setting than the next day’s reception. Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner has been the province of the groom’s family. “It’s 2026; we’re less bound by tradition,” says Speight. “These days it’s often more of a joint effort.” So personal touches should reflect all sides of the couple’s families, which means thinking about

JEN FARIELLO

all your attendees—“and considering the comfort level of your guest,” Speight notes. And there’s no reason the rehearsal dinner can’t have a touch of fun or whimsy. Speight’s firm has incorporated live performers (including jugglers on stilts); golden horseshoe place markers; a skirt constructed of champagne flutes; and the couple’s initials in topiary. Speight’s colleague Emily King cites a recent wedding weekend in which, she said, “part of our [rehearsal dinner] design was what was not going on at the wedding. We didn’t want to step on the toes of the wedding—that’s the main event. It was held in a large tent at the Farmington Country Club, and was full of color and prints, so we staged the rehearsal dinner and welcome party at The Bradbury as a counterbalance to Saturday. The quieter color scheme was all light blues, white, and creams with pops of yellow—lovely, and in sync with the [more formal] setting.”

“We had a pretty elaborate escort card display, right at the entrance to the vault [The Bradbury is a former bank],” King says. “And the lighting was fun—there were bistro lights above the hall, so we hung some glowing Moravian star lights to create an atmosphere. Then the groom’s mother, who was really a part of [creating] the whole event, designed cookie favors for the wedding party that were produced by Austin Shelly of Ivy Cookie Company.” One benefit of the venue, King notes, was that the rehearsal dinner was held in an event room, and then the guests could move into another larger space for the welcome party. “The two events just flowed together,” she recalls, without the welcome party guests intruding on the earlier event. The most important factor, Speight says: “This is not just a random dinner. These are the people who brought you together.”

WEDDING PLANNER

HUNTER AND SARAH PHOTOGRAPHY

Paper trail Little Acorn Events branches out with Opal & Dove, a new line of bespoke wedding stationery By Caite Hamilton

efore the flowers, the tablescapes and the carefully chosen attire, there’s the envelope. For Little Acorn Events wedding planner Mia Crump, stationery isn’t just a vehicle for telling guests when and where to show up. It’s the opening act. “Stationery is your guests’ first touchpoint, an indicator of what’s to come,” Crump says. “We can tease the color palette, showcase a playful or more traditional tone, and start to set the

stage from the Save the Date to the invitation suite to the day-of paper collection.” Now Crump is making paper a bigger part of her business with Opal & Dove, a new online stationery venture she launched this fall. The idea grew out of conversations about expanding Little Acorn Events Co., when longtime team member Lauren Dollins shared her interest in stationery. “Within a couple hours of a visionary, creative conversation together, a brand began to take shape,” Crump says. Dollins will lead

design and production, while Crump handles the business side. Opal & Dove will specialize in “bespoke stationery and curated paper,” with services available both to Little Acorn Events clients and other couples. To Crump, bespoke means more than simply choosing a pretty font or color. “When something is ‘bespoke,’ it is rooted in being designed personally for the specific client,” she says. That might mean one-of-a-kind artwork, a favorite flower or even a lemon branch representing the couple’s shared love of going out for limoncello. Day-of pieces—place cards, menus, and table numbers among them—can carry those details through the celebration. The launch comes as Crump sees couples embracing a combination of personality and tradition in their paper goods. Save-the-dates are a place to play, with watercolors, venue portraits, botanicals, and romantic imagery, while invitations tend to go more classic. “The invitation suite is then more elevated, heavier paper weight, letter pressed, a beautiful element that is absolutely timeless,” Crump says. “I love finding that sweet spot between something that feels personal and special, while honoring elements of tradition that feel authentic and resonate for the couple.” There are practical considerations, too. Crump generally recommends sending save-the-dates nine to 12 months before the wedding and invitations two to three months out. Her preferred RSVP deadline is six weeks before the wedding—and always on a Friday, an etiquette rule she learned from former Rock Paper Scissors owner Heather Haynie. Since final counts are typically due to caterers, rental companies, and venues three to four weeks before the event, the earlier RSVP date leaves time to chase down stragglers. And while she appreciates tradition, there’s at least one bit of old-school stationery etiquette Crump would happily see disappear. “I genuinely wish we would all move away from dropping a woman’s first name when she’s married to a man,” she says, “because smash the patriarchy. Period.” As for whether custom paper deserves a chunk of the wedding budget, Crump’s rule is considerably simpler: “If it’s important to you, it’s worth the splurge!” For now, Opal & Dove will operate online. Crump hopes eventually to take its services beyond Charlottesville to couples around the world. “We are so excited to be launching this next chapter,” she says, “and truly so floored by the support in the community we have already received.”

WEDDING PLANNER

Go with the flow Make a laid-back evening on the James part of your wedding weekend By Carol Diggs here there’s a will, there’s a way—and where there are two Wills, there’s a wonderful evening along the James River in your future. Will Cash and Will Smith launched and steer the Scottsville-based James River Batteau Company, and their river cruises offer one of the most enjoyable ways to take advantage of this area’s history and its natural beauty—along with acoustic music and tasty food. For the last several years, the James River Batteau Company has been running cruises in its own batteaux—replicas of the flat-bottomed wooden boats that plied the river from early colonial times until the coming of the railroads in the mid-1800s. The company’s daytime option is a two-hour cruise, complete with a fascinating narration about the history of the James River (“the I-95 of 17th-century Virginia,” as Smith describes it) and a stop to enjoy lunch aboard and possibly a river dip. The sunset cruise includes all of the above, as well as the lovely golden hour along the river. This year, for the first time, Cash and Smith have partnered with the guest house Belle Meade on the James, part of the historic Snowdon property owned by Peter Jefferson, to offer a riverside gathering. This event includes a tented space next to the James, with more time for socializing and relaxing (as well as restrooms) for up to 20 guests, while still offering the historic background, live music, and dining aboard the batteaux. And the Belle Meade can accommodate up to 10 overnight guests in its two guest suites. Running the Batteau Company is a natural for Cash and Smith. They both grew up in Amherst, a small town north of Lynchburg, and went to the same high school, roomed together at college, and worked together in the tourism industry. Smith got acquainted with batteaux early. “My father built his first batteau the year I was born,” he recalls, “and Will and I started batteauing the year we graduated.” Smith and Cash spent years participating in the annual two-week James River Batteau Festival, during which a flotilla of batteau

JUSTIN IDE

replicas cruise the James from Lynchburg to Richmond. But eventually, batteauing once a year wasn’t enough. Looking to find a way to turn their avocation into self-employment, the two saw batteau cruises as a unique way for residents and visitors to learn more about the history of Virginia while enjoying its beauty. “It’s the best way to see the James, and a cool part of Virginia history,” says Smith. “So many people come to Charlottesville. And no one else does this.” Smith and Cash developed the Belle Meadebased event not only as an expansion of their cruise offerings, but also as a perfect fit for Charlottesville’s destination weddings. “We’re in this place where so many weddings are held,” says Smith. “Having this gathering space allows people to get the [riverside] experience at their own pace. There’s time for drinks and dinner by the riverside, complete with a tent and tables; guests can go out on the boats to get a feel for the river, and come back for an evening by the fireside.” S’mores, anyone? For the last three years, the company offered riverside dinner options catered by local chef Sarah Rennie of Two Fire Table, which featured meals prepared over an open fire. With Rennie moving into another venture, Smith and Cash

are developing a new catering model. (Their daytime and sunset cruises include delicious charcuterie boards prepared by Cash—but he’s also the guy on the front pole and the main boat builder, so he can’t be the full-time cook.) The Wills have also learned some lessons to help them develop their offerings. With two boats, their guest limit has been 20 people, but they are looking into adding another batteau. Their intention is to host special parties, rehearsal dinners, and day-after events as part of a wedding weekend; Smith says there’s even the option of adding a celebrant to stage an intimate ceremony (“A boat-ique experience,” he says.). Smith encourages clients who are interested to contact the company to explore customizing for their needs. As on their river cruises, Cash and Smith see their role as your hosts for the evening, present to talk about history, handle the batteaux, provide live music (Smith is the guitarist), and take care of logistics. “Hosting family and friends is a way to get everyone together and relax along the river,” Smith says. “This takes the weight off the couple–it’s really a chance to exhale.” After all, the two Wills have spent most of their lives riding the James River on batteaux— so you’re in good hands.

Vow factor Planning your big day? Voted on by our readers, these wedding pros know how to make your celebration unforgettable. CAKES AND DESSERTS

Cake Bloom cakebloom.com

Albemarle Baking Co. albemarlebakingco.com

CATERER

Harvest Moon Catering hmcatering.com

The Catering Outfit AMY MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

cateringoutfit.com

CEREMONY MUSICIAN

The Bloom Trio thebloomtrio.com

Charlottesville High School Band

SMALL BIG DAY

Getting married has become a reason to go all out with a huge event—often the bigger the better. For couples who want to celebrate their commitment without months of decision-making and a five-figure price tag, Albemarle CiderWorks has developed a less-is-more option: your very own microwedding. This year, on June 6, the cidery hosted its inaugural Day of I Do’s, celebrating the big day for two venturesome couples. It’s the complete package: Each couple had their own 30-minute slot for vows under the peach orchard arbor, officiated by local interfaith minister Rev. Kate Adamson; their own reception tent for a small group of family and besties; a professional photographer, so no one got delegated to cell phone camera duty; and a mini wedding cake and bottle of cider. Total tab: $750. Then, the couple and their guests were welcome to stay for an afternoon of live music. If this sounds more like your dream wedding than the extravaganzas on Instagram, Albemarle CiderWorks plans to hold a similar Day of I Do’s in November. Manager Effie Nicholson says she did event planning for large-scale weddings in a previous position in Northern Virginia, and saw “lots of stress and lots of waste.” She hopes A Day of I Do’s will become a regular offering. “I’d love to see this idea picked up in more places,” she says, “so people have a more affordable option.”—CD

cvillebands.com

EVENT RENTALS AND MANAGEMENT

MS Events mseventscville.com

Festive Rentals

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FLORIST

Hedge Fine Blooms hedgefineblooms.com

Willow Branch Flowers flowerswillowbranch.com

WEDDING PLANNER

WEDDING MUSIC

Big Ray and the Kool Kats bigrayandthekoolkats.com

Prime Time Event Group

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Meredith Coe Photography meredithcoephotography.com MEREDITH COE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jen Fariello Photography

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WEDDING PLANNER

Hannah Rose Design HAIR STYLIST

PROPOSAL SPOT

Moxie Hair Lounge

Shenandoah National Park

Posh Bride

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Little Acorn Events

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Keswick Hall keswick.com

WEDDING VENUE (LARGE)

MAKEUP ARTIST

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Posh Bride

The Local

Moxie Hair Lounge

The Wool Factory

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King Family Vineyards kingfamilyvineyards.com

WEDDING VENUE (SMALL)

PRE-WEDDING ACTIVITY

TRANSPORTATION

Veritas Vineyards and Winery

Potter’s Craft Cider

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Albemarle Limousine

albemarlelimousine.com

potterscraftcider.com

SunPins

Easy Riders Bus Company

Hardware Hills Vineyard

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On the Historic Downtown Mall

Wedding Specialist Since 1920

Tuxedo Sales & Rentals

Photo by Jen Fariello Photography

THE

MEN’S & BOYS’ SHOP

Thibaut-Janisson was born from a long friendship that began in a Grand Cru village in the Champagne region of France and continues today in Blue Ridge Mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia. Thibaut-Janisson Winery | Charlottesville, Virginia | (434) 996-3307 | claude@tjwinery.com

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We’re excited, Charlottesville!

We’re eager to continue serving you and create unforgettable memories together. Call today to schedule an appointment with our sales team and start planning your next event.

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e v o L stories REAL LO CAL WEDDINGS WE LOVE

Perfect For Misha and Jason, two traditions became one.

PHOTOGRA P H Y BY

Hunter & Sarah Photography

union 23

WORDS BY

Caite Hamilton

Misha Bansal Jason Manis

SEP TE MBER 6, 2025, AT C A S TLE HILL CIDER

he couple built their wedding weekend around celebrating Misha’s Indian heritage and Jason’s Jewish heritage, beginning Friday night with a traditional Indian Sangeet at Veritas Vineyards. Guests were encouraged to dress in traditional Indian attire—and wear as much color as possible— amid décor and flowers bursting with bright reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows. The next day at Castle Hill Cider, the palette shifted to autumn, with deep reds, mustard yellows, and burnt oranges. Misha wore red for the ceremony before changing into white for the Jewish hora and reception. But the blending went far beyond color and clothes. Rather than hold two separate ceremonies, Misha and Jason worked with a Jewish rabbi and Hindu priestess to create one that drew on similarities between the two faiths. The mandap in Hindu tradition and chuppah in Judaism, for instance, both create a sacred structure for the wedding ceremony. The number seven also holds significance in each: Indian couples traditionally circle the fire seven times, while Jewish wedding traditions incorporate seven circles and seven blessings. “We really tried to merge the two traditions together instead of having two distinct ceremonies,” Misha says. For Jason, watching Misha walk down the aisle was a highlight, as was the hora that kicked off the reception. “We were blown away by the incredible energy that everyone brought,” Misha says. Her own favorite came the night before, watching—and joining—friends and family as they performed choreographed dances during the sangeet. The pair met through mutual friends on a trip to Coachella and dated for six years before marrying. And they didn’t waste any time starting the next adventure: The Sunday after the wedding, they left for their honeymoon in South Africa.

THE FINE DETAILS X Wedding planner: Kelsey Mayo Ros

(Donovan Grove Events)

X Officiants: Rabbi Deborah Reichmann

(Jewish officiant) and Pandita Kushmani Doobay (Hindu officiant)

X Catering: Bukhara Grill Caterers X Flowers: Brittany Barnett

(Horse and Hen Floral Design)

X Cake: Paris Levinovitz (Passionflower Cakes) X Music: Fly Fidelity (South Carolina) X Groom’s attire: Enzo Custom X Groomsmen’s attire: Various black tie X Bridesmaids’ dresses: Various black tie X Rings: Brilliant Earth (groom),

R & R Jewelers (bride)

X Hair: Amanda Fiorita X Makeup: Stacie Ford Beauty Co. X Henna: Mala Amin X Videographer: Lexa Visuals

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Firstthings

first

Mallory Bielecki

PH OTO G R A P HY B Y

Sarah Murray Photography

Jake Brudish

WO R D S B Y

NOVE MBER 8, 2025, AT K E S WICK VINE YARDS

Caite Hamilton

or their November wedding at Keswick Vineyards, Mallory and Jake wanted fall without going full pumpkin spice, so the couple leaned into autumn’s richer side with a palette of cream, deep green, and maroon, softened by brown accents in the signage and bridesmaid dresses. Their florist worked touches of burnt orange into the arrangements for an extra hit of seasonal color. “We wanted the overall aesthetic to feel elegant yet playful,” Mallory says, “and I think we accomplished exactly that!” The weather played along, too: Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s made it possible to take full advantage of the vineyard setting. Rather than wait until the reception, Mallory and Jake shared their first dance during cocktail hour, surrounded by friends and family in the courtyard as the sun set. “The whole night honestly was a dream,” Mallory says. For Jake, a favorite moment came toward the end of cocktail hour, when the newlyweds slipped away with their photographer for some time alone among the vines. The quiet interlude made their return to the party even sweeter: They walked into the tent to find all their favorite people waiting for them, with a dinner playlist packed with songs they loved playing in the background. The couple’s story began five years earlier at Mallory’s housewarming party, where a mutual friend introduced them. They hit it off immediately—and apparently weren’t interested in taking things slowly. Jake moved in after about a month of dating. Their honeymoon will come with another milestone attached. Mallory and Jake are headed to Mallorca, Spain, in September for what they’re calling their “Honey/ Babymoon”—a Mediterranean getaway before their family grows by one.

THE FINE DETAILS X Event planner: Nadia Anderson

(Mary Elizabeth Events)

X Officiant: Kayla Allen X Catering: Timber Pizza Co., The

Catering Outfit

X Flowers: Steelcut Flower Co. X Cake: Caked Up Cville X Music: Melodious Strings X Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein X Brides dress: Saint Bridal X Groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein

X Bridesmaids’ dresses:

Amanda Uprichard, Azazie, Lulus, Bec + Bridge X Rings: Meritage Jewelers

(Lutherville, Maryland)

X Hair: Agape Artistry X Makeup: Captivating Complexion X Videographer: Films By Carina X Stationary and signage:

Mallory Bielecki X Rentals: MS Events, Paisley

and Jade

c-ville.com/weddings

spark Creative

PHOTOGRA PHY BY

Meredith Coe Photography WORDS BY

Caite Hamilton

Adair Moore

Katie Garland O C TOBER 12, 2025, AT MERRIE MILL FAR M & VINE YARD

dair and Katie met online as self-described “weird art kids,” bonding over their creative interests and shared sense of humor before realizing they lived close enough to meet in person. They started dating in college and have been together ever since. So when it came time to plan their wedding, creativity was naturally at the center of it. The couple wanted the day to feel “vibrant, welcoming, and joyful,” Katie says, and found plenty of inspiration at Merrie Mill. Its colorful, quirky interiors helped guide a palette of greens, whites, and pinks, with abundant florals and playful details. Even the tasting room’s coloredglass ceiling lights inspired the couple’s choice of colorful drinking glasses. The look evolved collaboratively, with Adair and Katie creating artwork for the décor, Katie’s mother suggesting paper lanterns for the dancing tent, and their planner helping turn loosely formed ideas into a cohesive celebration. That spirit of playfulness extended to the reception. Inspired by the zebra head mounted above Merrie Mill’s fireplace, Katie and her mother dreamed up a “name the zebra” contest for guests, with the winning entry earning a bottle of wine. But some of Katie’s favorite details connected her to something much older. She got ready with her mother, slipping into the same wedding dress her mom had worn—and her grandmother before her. Later, she and Adair exchanged vows beneath an arch “exploding with colorful flowers” against a stormy slate-blue sky. The couple has postponed their honeymoon while Katie finishes her Ph.D., but they already know where they’re headed when school allows: Europe, with time set aside for southern France.

THE FINE DETAILS X Event planner: Kristin Ridge X Officiant: Doug Garland

(Katie’s father)

X Catering:

The Catering Outfit X Flowers: Steelcut Flower Co. X Cake: Maliha Cakery X Music: DJ Tobler X Rings: S.E. Needham Jeweler

(Logan, Utah)

X Hair: Shannon Roadcap X Makeup: Michelle Morris

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Signed, sealed,

delivered P H OTO G R A PH Y B Y

Ripp Photography

WORDS BY

Caite Hamilton

THE FINE DETAILS X Event planner: Nadia Anderson

X Bride’s alterations: BeFitted

X Ceremony venue: UVA Chapel

X Bridesmaids’ dresses: Azazie

X Officiant: Ricky Wallerstein

X Groom’s ring: David Yurman

X Catering: Boars Head Resort

X Bride’s rings: Blue Nile

(Mary Elizabeth Events)

X Flowers: Gossamer Floral Design X Cake: Cakes by Rachel X Music: Prime Time Event Group X Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Bank X Groomsmen’s attire: JoS. A.

Bank

X Bride’s attire: Ava Laurenne

Tailoring Co

(engagement), Hitched (wedding band)

X Hair and makeup: Avenue 42

Salon (Richmond)

X Videographer: Ashley and

Virginia Content

X Rentals: MS Events & Argent

Events

Kaitlyn Badlato

Oscar Adams IV M ARCH 21, 2026, AT BOAR’S HE AD RE S ORT

he couple’s sophisticated, mid-century modern wedding paired the historic backdrop of the University of Virginia Chapel and Boar’s Head Resort with bold color and a playful postal motif inspired by two of their favorite things: Kaitlyn’s love of vintage postcards and Oscar’s interest in postage stamps. Kaitlyn was especially taken with the Chapel’s vibrant chartreuse green and used it as a jumping-off point for the reception’s punchier palette. Guests found their seats via postcards depicting places the couple had visited, while table numbers took the form of postage stamps celebrating favorite places and passions. Kaitlyn even DIYed a replica USPS mailbox for the guest book. “We loved the design process with Nadia [Anderson, with Mary Elizabeth Events] and adding our own personal DIY touches,” Kaitlyn says. “It was great to see it all come together.” The fashion followed suit. Looking for a gown with “a unique, bold architectural structure,” Kaitlyn fell for the movement of the Lennox dress from Ava Laurenne. Oscar, meanwhile, pulled off his own costume change: a cream dinner jacket for the ceremony followed by a custom plum jacquard dinner jacket for the reception. The pair first connected the modern way—they both swiped right on Bumble in May 2022—and had their first date at Duke’s Grocery in Washington, D.C. Oscar proposed in March 2024 at his alma mater, Maine Maritime Academy. For Kaitlyn, though, it was the ceremony that made everything click. “The ceremony was the first moment where I really felt like the day was a dream come true!” she says. Among her other favorite memories: a first look with her father and grandmother, hitting the dance floor with friends, and sneaking away with Oscar for a quiet amaretto as the celebration wound down. Next stop: a mini-moon at The Omni Homestead, followed by an autumn honeymoon through the French Riviera and Sicily.

M A K I N G M A R RY

AMATIVE CREATIVE

Inked in

edding favors have a tendency to disappear. A tattoo, on the other hand, is sticking around. Charlottesville native and Magnolia Tattoo Studio artist Molly Freeman has been tattooing since 2011. So when a couple approached her about bringing her setup to their wedding at King Family Vineyards, she was game. The bride and groom planned to get each other’s first initial tattooed on their wrists during the reception and wanted to offer their guests some options, too. Freeman created 10 to 15 custom flash designs based on the couple’s interests, including travel, glassware and plants, plus a sheet of astrological constellations. “Honestly the astrological constellations were the most popular,” Freeman says. For the reception, “I basically brought the tattoo shop with me,” she says. Freeman and an assistant brought a table, tray, printer and stencil printer and set up indoors, away from food and drinks. During cocktail hour,

guests joined a signup list, and Freeman’s assistant texted each person when their turn approached. The response surprised her: More than 40 people signed up, and Freeman estimates she tattooed 16 to 18 before the night was over. “They all seemed very excited to have a permanent memento from the event celebrating their friends and family,” she says. For couples considering live tattooing, Freeman recommends first making sure the venue allows it and has a safe indoor space for the artist to work. The tattooer also needs final say over who gets inked, particularly if a guest is underage or too intoxicated. And couples themselves should build their tattoo time into the wedding-day schedule. Most important? Choose your artist carefully. “If you are going to include tattooing at your wedding I would not go cheap,” Freeman says. “I would make sure that you are familiar with the artist’s work and do your research before hiring someone.”—CH

Forever deserves a worthy DESTINATION. At The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, your special day deserves an extraordinary setting. With 12 distinct venues to choose from, say “I do” surrounded by timeless elegance and breathtaking scenery—because a once-in-a-lifetime moment deserves a truly unforgettable destination. THEOMNIHOMESTEAD.COM