Weddings | Fall 2022

FA LL / W I N T E R 2022 –23

DINO-MITE LOVE A unique ve approach to sa the dates PAGE 32

Here and there Put transportation at the top of your budget

Picture perfect A local photographer's day-of take on portraiture

One-stop shop

Four stunning weddings awash in romance

Sit back and relax with this new planning firm

you

Close to

Photo Courtesy: 3 Cats Photography

European Charm Meets Southern Hospitality Let our expert event and venue specialists bring your vision to life. Whether you are looking for a more intimate affair or all-out revelry, our expansive grounds, featuring panoramic vineyard views, and talented team will deliver a celebration worthy of your love.

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Curating wedding experiences in Central Virginia since 2011 Vacation Rentals Wine Tours Wedding Venues

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WEDDING PLANNER

WWW.JEFFERSONTHEATER.COM

Historic

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

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IT'S YOUR DAY. MAKE IT

THE DAY YOU’LL A LWAYS

REMEMBER FORGET DE SERV E S A LO CAT I O N

YOU’ LL NEVER

At The Omni Homestead Resort, we believe that a day unlike any other should happen at a place unlike any other. Plan your once-in-a-lifetime event at The Omni Homestead Resort and experience timeless elegance

PHOTOGRAPH BY M ICHELLE ELYSE PHOTOGRAPHY

rivaled only by the genuine hospitality and attention to detail provided by our dedicated team of professionals.

OmniHotels.com/TheHomestead 800-838-1766

TA B L E O F C O N TE N TS

In this issue...

Wedding Planner Month by month, we help you plan your special day.

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Register now for Camp McWolf!

19 How to consider wedding transportation.

21 20 ways to #supportblackbusinesses.

23 A new do-it-all wedding service.

27 High-touch detail: Wedding-day portraits.

29 Spotlight on: Eastwood Farm & Winery.

29 An upscale sipper for your budget.

62 Making Marry This couple wanted to, er, lighten the mood.

AMANDA MAGLIONE

32 Your month-by-month big-day planner

C HA RLOTT ESV I L L E W E D D I N GS

You’re invited...

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Reilly & Lauren Austere meets Austen for this big day at Pippin Hill.

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51

Roxanne & Brad A Zoroastrian wedding melds two traditions.

Kelly & Joshua With faith at its core, a garden wedding romances.

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Shannon & Jono Beaucoups de inspo at this lush Montalto affair.

ON THE COVER: Kelly and Joshua at The Market at Grelen. Photo: Audra Jones Photography

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c-ville.com/weddings

It takes a village...

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.

Amanda Maglione amandamaglione.com

Audra Jones Photography audrajonesphotography.com

Brittany Lowe Photography

AffordableElegance

brittanylowephotography.com

Hannah Malloy Photography hannahmalloyphoto.com

Hunter & Sarah Photography hunterandsarahphotography.com

Jen Fariello jenfariello.com

Jill Meriwether jillmeriwether.com

Kylie Martin klyiemartinphotography.com

Meredith Coe

Waynesboro Inn & Suites Conference Center

meredithcoephoto.com

Ray Photography Co. rayphotographyco.com

Robert Radifera

Our Blue Ridge Grand Ballroom can seat up to 350 people with the flexibility to choose any caterer.

radifera.com

The Kama Photography thekamaphotography.com

One of the closest hotels to Route 151 wineries

308 E. Main St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 817-2749 c-ville.com c-ville.com/weddings Weddings, a supplement to C-VILLE Weekly, is distributed all over Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Shenandoah Valley. C-VILLE Weddings Editor Caite Hamilton. Contributors Carol Diggs, Maeve Hayden.

Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Art Director Max March. Graphic Designer Tracy Federico. Account Executives Chloe Heimer, Lisa C. Hurdle, Gabby Kirk, Stephanie Vogtman, Beth Wood. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson.

Publisher Anna Harrison. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. A/R Specialist Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2022 C-VILLE Weekly.

Voted one of the Valley’s Favorite Hotels

bwwaynesboro.com 109 Apple Tree Lane Waynesboro, Virginia 22980 (540) 942 1100

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Zen Bride Yoga

The only business dedicated solely to offering yoga and sound bath healing to brides in the Charlottesville area.

www.zenbrideyoga.com

Planning an intimate dinner party or other special event?

I specialize in a wide array of French Cuisine, including Appetizers, Entrees and Dessert, for up to 30 guests

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c-ville.com/weddings

Photograph by: Aaron Watson

Wedding Planner

HUNTER & SARAH PHOTOGRAPHY

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

To pull off their theme wedding, Sophie and Brian had to deploy tasteful details (with full-on camp vibes) from welcome bag snacks to the altar.

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WEDDING PLANNER

Choose your own adventure

How to pull off a theme wedding—or any wedding, really? You be you

By Caite Hamilton ecause they’d been to plenty of weddings where they’d shelled out money for travel and accommodations and only laid eyes on the bride and groom for a few minutes, Sophie Wolf and Brian McPherson wanted to make sure their wedding was different. They had only one criterion: The venue should accommodate all of their guests for a whole weekend.

That really narrowed their search, but when they toured Montfair Resort Farm in Crozet— with cabins that could fit around 60 people— they knew they’d zeroed in on their “I do” spot.

From there, they decided to lean in.

“Getting to spend the whole weekend with your best friends in the woods, it felt just like camp,” Wolf (now McPherson) says. Thus, they created Camp McWolf. But they had to walk a fine line between camp and camp-y.

“We didn’t really think of it as a wedding with a ‘theme,’” she says. “We just thought of it as a weekend at camp with our best friends...where we also got married.”

To pull it off, McPherson’s sister designed a logo, which showed up on the invitations and save the dates, then set to work on the day-of details: A custom Instagram account provided guests with info on being a camper, cabin assignments, and schedules, and when guests arrived, they were greeted by goodie boxes with classic camp snacks and handwritten letters.

The rehearsal dinner featured DIY’d name plates in the style of camp flags, and guests were invited to partake in a s’mores bar and bonfire. The morning of the wedding, a brown-bag breakfast and kicked off a day of playing camp games before getting ready for the ceremony.

“We lucked out all weekend with great weather,” McPherson says. “Walking around camp seeing our friends in canoes, playing volleyball, and going for hikes was such a cool thing.”

Guests leaned into the theme, too, arriving with fun attitudes that “made the weekend electric,” as well as some custom-made Camp McWolf T-shirts. All in all, the wedding turned out exactly how they’d hoped.

McPherson has some ideas about how to pull off your own theme wedding. For one thing, they took inspiration from the venue for the wedding, not the other way around.

“If we had tried to turn a different kind of venue into a ‘camp’ theme, it would have felt a little try-hard,” she says. And, she says, the couple didn’t feel the need to make every detail

PHOTOS: RAY PHOTOGRAPHY

B

part of the theme. The big wedding things stayed the same, but they sprinkled in things that made sense for the weekend (McPherson, for instance, wore a traditional wedding dress—with boots underneath).

Her main advice for your big day, though?

Do you.

“What no one ever tells you about wedding planning is that there really don’t have to be

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any rules,” she says. “You can take the traditions that you like and leave the ones that you don’t.

The bride can stand on the right because that’s her good side, you can spend the whole morning of your wedding with your fiancé, you can serve assorted Oreos instead of wedding cake. ...Think about the weekend that will make you, your partner, and your guests the happiest, and go create that weekend.”

WEDDING PLANNER

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W E D D I N G S • R E H E A R S A L D I N N E R S • W E LC O M E PA RT I E S • B R U N C H E S THEBRADBURYDOWNTOWN.COM • 434-201-2373

EXCLUSIVE CATERING BY CHARLOTTESVILLE’S PREMIER CATERING COMPANY H M C A T E Rc-ville.com/weddings ING.COM • 434-296-9091

Avon Hill

Lodge + Bruce's Barn

Weddings + Events | Vacation Destination

Wes Shinn Photography

Kristina Guzman Photography

Manali Photography

heather Frable Photography

rockfish riverfront | mountain views | private pool | accommodations for 44 howardsville, VA | www.avonhilllodge.com c-ville.com/weddings

WEDDING PLANNER

Way to go

How to get to the church (or wherever) on time

By Carol Diggs ost wedding visions include the perfect life partner, the ultimate dress, the romantic setting, glorious weather, and wonderful food—but what about the dream motor coach?

“Transportation is a really important part that clients don’t often think about,” says Hannah Dubit of Hannah Rose Event Design. Fellow wedding planner Marilyn Speight of Just a Little Ditty agrees: “[Transportation] is one of our top priorities, and it’s often overlooked.”

Many couples—and wedding planners—have horror stories about a member of the bridal party getting lost, or a car full of guests becoming stuck on a country road behind a tractor.

“We encourage our clients to provide transportation for their guests to and from the wedding and reception,” says Speight, “and we prefer to manage that, as part of their experience.”

Smart couples begin lining up vendors a year in advance, and this should include transport services. Charlottesville is a very popular wedding destination, and that means calendars fill up fast.

Charlottesville also poses transportation challenges. That lovely small-town feel means there aren’t a huge number of taxis or driver services to tap into. The majority of wedding venues are out in the country, which means longer travel times, rural roads, and erratic cell service. And many venues have their own access issues: gravel roads, narrow or winding drives, steep hills, and no parking lot. There’s no use arranging charter buses if the vehicles can’t make the turn into your charming wedding site.

For planning purposes, the number of guests is important—including whether any attendees have physical limitations or access needs. Then, fitting the vehicle to the venue is key; if 55-seat charter buses won’t fit, better options might be mini-buses seating 20 to 40, or even 12-seat executive vans (often used for the wedding party, or the couple’s families). Charlottesville has a wealth of bus charter companies—Easy Riders, Albemarle Coach, Charlottesville Charter, and Quick’s, among others.

For smaller weddings, limousine services are an option—especially for the couple to get to the reception, and get away at the end. Stretch limos are not as popular as they once were, but firms like A&A Limousine, Albemarle Limousine, or Richmond-based James Limousine Service have a range of vehicles.

JEN FARIELLO

M

Classic or antique cars offer style and novelty to your wedding transport.

Depending on your wedding theme, trolleys can be a fun way to go; try Taylor’s Classic Travel or Crozet Trolley. But Dubit notes trolleys may have trouble on hilly sites, and an open-air vehicle might not be practical for that all-white winter wedding.

Want to go with more style, or a little novelty? Consider classic or antique cars, or perhaps even golf carts. Speight had one client who got married on the family farm and squired guests around in all-terrain vehicles. For these more individualized modes, check with Albemarle Limousine or Camelot Classic Cars.

Whatever mode you go with, wedding experts say, preparation is key. Dubit says transportation is one of the most stressful aspects because “so much is out of our control.” Speight recommends doing a dry run well in advance, with the

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chosen vendor, to scope out the route. And she will also check just before the big day for road construction or closures, missing road signs, GPS accuracy, and cell dead zones. It may be wise to consider the low-tech option: providing written directions.

Most wedding planners will assign staff to be at the pick-up site to make sure everyone gets on the right bus at the right time. Some planners even have a staffer ride along to communicate any delays or changes, since the drivers can’t call or text while at the wheel. And remember to factor in transportation arrangements when you’re planning wedding insurance.

In the end, transportation—like most logistics—means a lot of work ahead of time so on the day it seems effortless. After all, what you want everyone to remember is the wedding itself.

Make your love story offical at

“Our wedding at Greencroft was a dream! They were so helpful throughout the planning process, always quick to answer questions and offer their expertise. The wedding day went flawlessly.”

“If you are looking for a beautiful venue with the best in onsite catering, staff, and the most organized, helpful, can-do attitude wedding planner, Greencroft Club is your place.”

CONTACT OUR WEDDING PLANNER, KATY KIRBY, AT: 434.296.5597 www.greencroftclub.com c-ville.com/weddings

WEDDING PLANNER

On the list

ROBERT RADIFERA

Planning a wedding and want to #supportblackbusinesses? Start here.

Photographer Robert Radifera captures each of your precious moments.

ACCOMMODATIONS 10th Street Bed & Breakfast 10thstbandb.com

CAKES Cocoa & Sift cocoaandsift.com Commonwealth Cake Co. commonwealthcakecompany.com

CATERING Angelic’s Kitchen angelicskitchen.com JBD Mobile Catering & Events jbdcatering.com

Mel’s Café facebook.com/ melssoulfoodcafe

FLOWERS

Pearl Island Catering pearlislandcatering.com

HAIR

We Grow wegrowshopva.com

Top Knot Studio topknotstudio.com

The Pie Guy thepieguyusa.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

DÉCOR

Carrie Coleman Photography carriecolemanphotography.com

D’s Pretty Events dprettyevents.com

Eze Amos ezeamos.smugmug.com

FOOD TRUCKS

Kori Price koripricephotography.com

Sliced. Cake Bar slicedcakebar.com

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Robert Radifera radifera.com

PLANNING Anyvent Event Planning anyventeventplanning.com Day by Fay daybyfay.com

SPA SERVICES DreaTchal Massage & Hydration dreatchal.com

VENUE The Draftsman thedraftsmanhotel.com

Your special day is just that,

special!

The dessert you celebrate with should match!

All flavor combinations and fan favorites are available. You can even color match our icing/ sprinkles to your venue colors. Duck Donuts would be honored to be a part of your big day!

2075 Bond Street #120 • Charlottesville, VA 22901

(434) 823-1960 www.duckdonuts.com

c-ville.com/weddings

JEN FARIELLO

WEDDING PLANNER

A wedding at The Wool Factory brings an edgy, modern aesthetic to your big day.

Wedding in a box

New service helps get you to the altar

By Carol Diggs

T

his is it—you’ve found The One! You’re ready to hold the ceremony in which you tell each other, your families and friends, and the world that you are beginning a new life together, and you want the occasion to be perfect.

But to get there, you face months of decisionmaking—finding a venue, choosing vendors, negotiating calendars, cross-checking every detail—and signing lots of checks.

“Weddings are wonderful, but they’re still a pain to plan,” says Adam Healey, founder and CEO of Novela. “It’s hard to know what things cost and who’s good. The vendors all have different offerings and terms of service. And it’s also expensive.”

Healey started Novela in January 2022 to help couples navigate this process: “We see ourselves as a wedding concierge.” Novela does the up-

front market research and pre-vetting in order to connect its clients with venues and suppliers that fit their style—and their pocketbook. The goal, says Healey, is to put the right couple with the right partner for the perfect wedding.

Novela begins with an intake interview to go over what the couple wants, what they need, and what they want to spend. Then Novela develops a customized list of recommendations for wedding planners, venues, caterers, and a host of other services. The plan provides three options for each category—all of them prequalified to make sure they fit the budget and have availability for the couple’s date. “And we’re there to help guide you through the entire process,” says Healey.

To do the interview and plan development, Novela charges an up-front fee of $295; that fee is fully refunded once the couple hires any of the recommended vendors. The company’s business model is based on the referral fees paid

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by vendors, all of whom have been pre-vetted and agree to a best-rate guarantee.

“Charlottesville is our hometown, and we have a lot of relationships here,” Healey notes.

He has a background in the industry; in 2011, he founded Borrowed & Blue, a Charlottesvillebased wedding marketplace bought by Zola in 2018. Unlike Zola and The Knot, which are essentially vendor listings, Healey describes Novela as “a more curated service—really a new concept for the wedding industry.” Eventually, he hopes to expand the Novela model to other markets.

Why not just hire a planner straight off ?

“There’s a wide variety of tastes and personalities among planners,” says Healey. “And they offer different levels of service—some just handle event management for the day of, others will plan the event soup to nuts, or they offer everything in between.” For the full-service option, fees can vary from $10,000 to $15,000, he notes.

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.

EXECUTIVE SEDAN We proudly feature late model Lincoln Sedans in our fleet.

Any of our Executive Sedans will fit 3 Passengers with luggage comfortably. These meticulously maintained vehicles are the mainstay of the Chauffeured Transportation Industry.

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

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.

Callie Opie's has multiple wedding options on our 25-acre rustic property to fit your budget.

Onsite catering and beverage services available.

Call Us at: Minutes from the lake on Rt. 522, 4533 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Mineral Va

Minutes from Lake Anna on Rt. 522, 4533 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Mineral Va 540-894-4343 • www.calliesopieorchard.com

(434) 973-5466 (888) 725-5466 (LIMO)

c-ville.com/weddings

www.ambassadorlimos.com

You've had your dream wedding next, contact me to...

Find Your Dream Home Trey Durham, Associate Broker Serving Central VA for 21+ years Tiffany Hanlon Photography

Call or Text 434-409-8308 cvillehomes.com c-ville.com/weddings

You’ve got enough to worry about on

YOUR BIG DAY…

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MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM? We have a package for you, too. PicoSure skin rejuvenation for photo-ready freshness!

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Smoothskincville.com (434) 964-8714 2015 Woodbrook Court, Charlottesville, VA 22901 Be hairfree by your wedding day. Honeymoon. Forever!

c-ville.com/weddings

2216 ivy rd. townside shopping center charlottesville, va 22903

WEDDING PLANNER

Enduring images

JEN FARIELLO

A timeless take on wedding portraits

By Maeve Hayden

T

here’s no denying that photography is one of the most important parts of a wedding.

Months of planning come together for one perfect day—which tends to fly by. Couples might not even get a chance to appreciate the ceremony backdrop or centerpieces they took such care designing. That’s where wedding photographers come in—while you’re busy saying “I do,” they’re busy capturing all the important moments, so you can relive your wedding for many years to come.

The list of can’t-miss wedding shots includes everything from invitations and accessories to first looks and first dances. Not to mention the most important pictures of all—the portraits.

There are a million different ways to do wedding portraits—pre-ceremony, during an after session, editorial, photojournalistic, the list goes on. Photographer Jen Fariello’s fine art-inspired take on wedding portraits gives couples a spontaneous, unique experience—and, of course, the shots by which to remember it all.

While the newlyweds are enjoying dinner, Fariello will sneak away to a spare room to prepare her setup. Using a softbox light, studio backdrop, and a medium format film camera, Fariello snaps her signature black and white fine-art portraits. At first glance, you might not even be able to tell that Fariello’s portraits are from a wedding. They’re classy and utterly timeless, “almost like an old-fashioned take on the photo booth,” Fariello says.

Fariello, who won Best Wedding Photographer in the 2022 Best of C-VILLE readers’ poll, began her photography career in the ’90s, after graduating from UVA with a fine arts degree. She worked for C-VILLE Weekly, where an assignment to shoot Peter Griesar from the Dave Matthews Band launched her into portrait work. Fariello shot her first wedding in 1997, and eventually went to work for The Hook, where her pictures filled the wedding issue for years.

“I’m a people photographer, a portrait photographer, and my aesthetic are these moody,

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artsy, black and white photographs,” says Fariello, “That’s translated well into weddings.”

Now, Fariello shoots about 40 weddings a year, and she likes to surprise couples with a bonus portrait shoot whenever there’s time. (“Time is precious, and I don’t ever want to take anything away from the wedding day,” Fariello says.) Once everything is set up, she’ll grab a few wedding guests and let them play around while she gets some test shots, then she’ll bring in the bride and groom.

These kinds of portraits are also venue-dependent, she says. There needs to be an extra room that can fit all the equipment. Fariello’s found local venues like Pippin Hill, Veritas, King Family, and Mount Ida to be the perfect size. As for when to take portraits, the wedding day is best. Even though wedding and reception dresses are only worn for a couple of hours, they tend to get pretty disheveled by the end of the night. Brides already have their hair and makeup done, plus there’s that bridal glow that can only be captured on the wedding day.

Bridal - Makeup - Custom Color Weddings - Salon 434.207.2121 annierighton@gmail.com AnnieRightonStyling annierightonstyling

WEDDING PLANNER

Look over there Given Charlottesville and Albemarle’s proximity to the mountains, a list of wedding venue must-haves often includes a view. Add Eastwood Farm & Winery to the tally.

Inside Charlottesville city limits, Eastwood has three photo-worthy spots to say “I do”: The Mountaintop, situated at the top of a forest of ancient trees; The Terrace, framed by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the orchards; and the orchards themselves, surrounded by apple and pear trees.—CH

Pop, pop, Fizz, Fizz HANNAH MALLOY PHOTOGRAPHY

You likely already know the name Thibaut-Janisson for its Champagne-style blanc de blanc (once served at the White House State Dinner it’s that good), but it’s the winery’s Virginia Fizz that you’ll be sipping at local weddings. A fruitier, creamier, lessexpensive sparkler than its fancy counterpart, Fizz comes in at under $20 a bottle, making it an easy addition to your event drink menu.—CH

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D E S I GN

Which Solitaire Ring is Your Favorite?

formiadesi 420 e. charlottesville, v

434-9 info@formiadesi

Goldsmith Mia van Beek With 34 years of experience as a Goldsmith, Mia will guide you in person when creating the wedding rings of your dreams - all custom and handmade in her downtown studio. Whether you are looking for a brand new ring or planning to update an heirloom piece, you can be assured that it will be elegant and breathtaking!

Customer 5 star google review: "Mia is incredible! So timely, and made my design exactly as I had envisioned it. She is a professional, a master of her craft, and I highly recommend her services!" -Lucy

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

Bridal Party Gifts Give them something special to remember your special day.

MARIA DUFFY WEDDINGS & EVENTS LLC www.mariaduffyevents.com maria@mariaduffyevents.com

MD

Engraved Wedding Invitation Trays Sterling, Pewter and Silverplated We carry Jefferson Cups & Virginia Cups Bridesmaids & Groomsman Gifts

Maria Duffy

– on the Historic downtown mall – 319 east main street

W E D D I N G S & E V E N T S

“Your Family Friendly Jewelry Store Since 1945”

434-295-4258

gregory britt weddings

5445 Gordonsville Road Keswick, VA 22947 540.522.0531 gregorybrittdesign.com

by appointment

c-ville.com/weddings

WEDDING PLANNER

I do list We've made it easy—check the boxes as you get closer to your big day

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.

Six months before

Prepare all maps and directions for the 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.

Three weeks before

If you're a first-timer, schedule a wax or laser hair removal consult.

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.

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.

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.).

Three months before

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.

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.

Start taking dance lessons for your first dance.

Get your marriage license with your fiancé.

32

AMANDA MAGLIONE

One year before

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.

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

Attend your rehearsal dinner.

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!

JILL MERIWETHER

WEDDING PLANNER

33

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Madison is the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding.

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KYLIE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Love stories

39

heart yours MY

IS

Photography by

Words by

Kylie Martin Photography

Caite Hamilton

A romantic, intimate wedding—with a bit of British inspiration

40

LOVE STORIES

&

Lauren McBride Reilly McDonnell

APRIL 30, 2022, AT PIPPIN HILL FARM & VINEYARDS

W

hile Lauren is a big fan of Jane Austen and was craving a wedding with a 17th-century Britain aesthetic, Reilly wanted a more whimsical feel. But they both knew that, whatever they came up with, the central theme had to be romance. They hired a harpist to play during the ceremony, and incorporated wax seals throughout the décor. They utilized free-flowing greenery and twinkle lights to amp up the playful, intimate vibe, while personalized details—like Reilly’s Pink Penelope cocktail, named for their

ragdoll cat, custom welcome boxes with a few of their favorite things, and the alstroemeria Lauren held in her bridal bouquet honoring her mother—achieved a sentimental mood.

Still, the couple’s favorite moments of their big day were the ones they stole for themselves. Reilly counts among her most treasured memories of the day their first look, when she and Lauren exchanged their vows with only one another. Later, they slipped away from the party and took a quiet moment on the veranda to drink in the night sky.

41

farm

ROUNTON Wedding & Special Event Venue Rustic Elegance-Timeless Beauty

Scratch-made french macarons, desserts, and simple cakes for your special occasion Heather Kidd Photography

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LOVE STORIES BOTTLE SERVICE

On their first date, in the fall of 2016, the couple made homemade pizza together. Lauren brought a bottle of Charlottesville wine.

PERFECT PLACE

Residents of Washington, D.C., Lauren and Reilly often escape the city on weekends to visit Charlottes­ville wineries. Pippin Hill checked all their wedding venue boxes, with catering included and a list of preferred vendors to make planning from afar much easier.

ITALIAN GETAWAY

The couple honeymooned in the Amalfi Coast of Italy. “It was absolutely gorgeous and such a fun time, from the boat day to the private cooking class,” Lauren says.

THE DETAILS Event planner: Adam Donovan-Groves Officiant: Maria Minnick Catering: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Flowers: Nature Composed Cake: Cakes by Rachel Music: Trademark Band Harpist: Eve Watters Brides’ attire: Alpha dress from Vagabond Bridal (Lauren), Monique Lhuillier gown, Mandi Jackson Bridal veil (Reilly, ceremony), Alice + Olivia (Reilly, reception) Shoes: Sam Edelman (Lauren), Loeffler Randall and glitter Kate Spade Keds (Reilly) Rings: Brilliant Earth (Reilly), custom (Lauren) Bridal party attire: Azazie (matrons of honor), custom Sid Mashburn (bridesman), Jenny Yoo dresses from Bella Bridesmaids (Lauren’s maid of honor and bridesmaids) Hair and makeup: Lipstick and Chiffon

43

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JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS

Time-honored

A traditional Zoroastrian day finally arrives Photography by

Words by

Meredith Coe

Caite Hamilton

45

WEDDING PLANNER

R

oxanne and Brad had started planning an elaborate, multi-day Zoroastrian ceremony and reception in the Virgin Islands for January 2021.

Then the pandemic hit. The couple pivoted, marrying in an intimate ceremony with their families at Bramblewood Farm in Keswick, where they were riding out COVID. In the meantime, they worked on plans for a do-over reception in 2022.

“I based the ceremony and party on a traditional Zoroastrian ceremony and reception,” Roxanne says. Women were invited to wear traditional Indian sarees and lehengas, for instance, and Roxanne added in a lot of subtle traditional details, like incorporating banana leaves (often used as plates in Zoroastrian receptions) in the décor.

Roxanne says her favorite part, though, was walking down the aisle with the couple’s 8-month-old daughter to join Brad for the union ceremony.

“Brad and I are holding hands and there is a cloth separating us,” Roxanne says. “Our family passed a string around us seven times to bind us. At the end of the seventh round, the union is complete and the sheet drops. The bride and groom are each holding rice and throw rice on each other when the sheet is dropped.”

&

Roxanne Irani Bradford Manning MAY 5, 2022, AT BRAMBLEWOOD FARM

46

LOVE STORIES

ON THE MENU

For their Indian/Persian-inspired menu, the couple chose to highlight BAM Chips from Roxanne’s own food company. Made with a superfood bean from India called black gram, the chips were served to guests during appetizers, and BAM rotini pasta was the first course.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

During the ceremony, Brad and Roxanne lit a candle to signify their bond. Then, the candle was moved to a table so guests could light their own from the flame, “bonding us all together in the ceremony,” Roxanne says.

PARTY PEOPLE

THE DETAILS

Event planner: Taz Greer Officiant: Xerxes Antia Catering: Occasions Catering Flowers: Beehive Events Sweets: Occasions Catering Music: Peter Markush Bride’s attire: White Lehenga from Rahul’s Couture; after-dinner dress by Alon Livne Shoes: Emmy Groom’s attire: White tux from Alan David with Feta (traditional Zoroastrian ceremony hat) Rings: Peter Reines Jewelers Hair and makeup: Moxie Hair Lounge Videographer: Peter Roessler

47

Roxanne and Brad met in New York City at a party for mutual friends who attended UVA. They dated three and a half years before their September 2020 marriage.

COLOR POP

The bride loves flowers, and chose bold, warm, and bright-colored ones, in addition to traditional red and white garlands for the ceremony.

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Believe love IN

Photos by

Audra Jones Photography Words by

Caite Hamilton

With their faith at the center, a couple says ‘I do’ 51

WEDDING PLANNER

&Joshua King

Kelly Martin

JULY 30, 2022, AT THE MARKET AT GRELEN

K

elly was getting something to eat at the UVA food court one day when a stranger walked up to her.

“He said he’d seen me around and asked for my phone number,” she says. “We went on two dates, and then I decided I wasn’t interested.” But that didn’t deter Joshua. A year later, they saw each other at a coffee shop and he suggested they meet up to catch up. That was September 8, 2018. On September 8, 2021, he proposed.

The couple decided on The Market at Grelen after spending a day touring the venue (rather than hiking their trail, as they’d planned to do for Joshua’s birthday), and set to planning.

“We both wanted to highlight our faith during the ceremony and include people from every stage of our lives,” Kelly says. They took communion with their guests, and braided colored cords to symbolize Jesus at the center of their marriage. And about an hour before the ceremony, the couple had a “first touch.”

“We didn’t want to see each other, so we met up by the greenhouse and stood back to back,” Kelly says. “We talked and prayed together.

As I’d been getting ready throughout the day, I kept thinking, ‘I just want to see Joshua.’ We only talked for a few minutes, but our first touch calmed my nerves immensely.”

52

LOVE STORIES

ALL TOGETHER NOW

The couple asked friends and family to contribute to the day in special ways.

Kelly’s 89-year-old Grandma Lillie was the flower girl and Joshua’s 7-year-old cousin was the ring bearer.

SWEET SURPRISES

HANDS IN

Since getting married, Kelly has discovered her husband is an amazing cook—lentil stew, pork loin, omelets? “All fantastic,” she says. And Joshua says he’s never been more excited to come home from work.

When it came to DIY, Joshua’s mom made the wedding favors (gift bags with trail mix, mints, and personalized ink pens), while Kelly’s sisters created signage.

THE DETAILS

GOOD EATS

On the menu was Groovin’ Gourmet’s flint steak (“Joshua has been pining for it since our tasting in March,” Kelly says), TNT Cakery’s almond cake, and a special blackberry cheesecake for Kelly’s maid of honor, Michelle.

Event planner: Johanna Allen from Orange Blossom Style Officiant: Pastor Nathan Walton Catering: Groovin’ Gourmet Flowers: Orange Blossom Style (Johanna Allen) Cake: Tanisha Chase (TNT Cakery) Music: DJ Donald Dickerson Bride’s attire: Ava Laurenne (dress and veil), Glamour Bride USA on Etsy (hairpiece) Bride’s jewelry: Emilia Rae Bridal Jewelry & Accessories (Etsy) Bride’s shoes: Lulu’s Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse Groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaids’ dresses: Birdy Grey Rings: Andrew Minton Jewelers Hair: Vickie Whiting Makeup: Alaina Hudson (AKBeautiful) Videographer: Sydney Koerber Films

53

style ‘us’ WEDDING PLANNER

IN THE At Montalto, a couple dreams up an elegant soirée

OF

54

WEDDING PLANNER

Photos by

Jen Fariello Words by

Caite Hamilton

55

R

ather than dreaming up a theme for their wedding, Shannon and Jono wanted to focus on the future. They love to entertain, so the guiding principle when planning their wedding became, “Is this an item I would have in my home?” Thus, they chose wedding colors already in their home décor, and flowers they could grow in their backyard. And the plan worked!

“Since our wedding, we have incorporated our customized décor items—like monogrammed pillows and napkins—into our

LOVE STORIES

Shannon O’Donnell Jono McCusty

&

JUNE 12, 2021, AT MONTALTO

56

home,” Shannon says. “They fit seamlessly into its design and it’s fun to have a daily reminder of our wedding.”

Their big day, at Montalto, was a grand affair—with abundant floral arrangements, a custom dance floor, and a weekend full of festivities. And while the pandemic had forced a few changes (pivoting from a church to the Montalto mountaintop), Shannon says, in the end, they didn’t make a single concession.

As she puts it, “Our plan B far surpassed our plan A.”

WEDDING PLANNER BUZZ, BUZZ

Guests were greeted after dinner with trays of espresso martinis to get the party started. Each one was topped with a cookie in the shape of the couple’s dog, TJ.

TWO SLICES

For a late-night snack, the couple served personal Detroit pizzas (a nod to their impending move to the Motor City) and cheesy bread from The College Inn (a favorite from their UVA days). “I’ve been told they decided to stay open for an extra night when they received the large order for our wedding,” Shannon says.

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC?

The floral installation above the dance floor was a décor highlight for the bride, who says the combination of stems dripping from the ceiling and twinkle lights nestled in the flowers created the most magical dance floor experience.

ORDER UP

The couple wanted the dinner portion to have a restaurant vibe.

Rather than choosing an entrée ahead of time, guests were presented with a menu of three options, prepared to order. Likewise, the seating reflected a restaurant experience, with banquettes and intimate four- and six-tops.

HOW LUCKY

Little did the couple know, when they met at a St. Patrick’s Day party in 2017, that they’d grown up 10 minutes apart and had both attended UVA. “It felt a little like fate when we finally met,” Shannon says, “and we quickly fell in love.”

THE DETAILS

Event planner: Just A Little Ditty/Marilyn Speight Officiant: Reverend Miles Smith Catering: Occasions Caterers Flowers: Southern Blooms Cake: Maliha Creations Music: Simply Irresistible and Melodious Strings Bride’s attire: Monique Lhuillier Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Groom’s attire: Beecroft & Bull Rings: G. Jezarian Makeup: Rouge 9 Hair: Avenue 42 Videographer: Shaking Hands Productions Stylist: The Stylish Bride Stationery: Emily Baird Design

57

Surround Yourself With Something Blue.

Celebrate a day you’ll never forget wrapped in the love of your family and friends and the spectacular beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Early Mountain Vineyards.

Let us help you plan a wedding that is all you. Simply choose your something old, something new and email us at ido@earlymountain.com.

Photo: Amy Jackson

earlymountain.com

6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, Madison, VA 22727

A quintessential destination for Virginia weddings and social events, the Quirk Hotel is an artful blend of contemporary meets vintage.

By design, the Quirk Hotel features a myriad of versatile event spaces that range from traditional ballrooms to more unique sites like an alfresco film screening pavilion, art gallery, rooftop restaurant and outdoor lawn.

Beyond the venue, count on a team of dedicated specialists to flawlessly execute a memorable event. A four-season destination, the Quirk Hotel is your steppingstone to infuse your special day with the allure and southern charm of the Commonwealth.

501 W. Main St. Charlottesville, VA | quirksalescva@destinationhotels.com

THE KAMA PHOTOGRAPHY

M AK I N G M A R RY

Save the da—ROAR!

M

olly Freeman has a love-hate relationship with tradition. So, when it came time to send save-the-date cards for her upcoming wedding to Joshua Moore, she wanted to do something a bit, well, nontraditional.

She was in the shower when it hit her: Wear costumes.

“I got the idea from my tattoo artist out in Oregon,” Freeman, who owns Magnolia Tattoo Studio, says.

“We were discussing the pandemic and she had mentioned that all she did was order five inflatable T-rex costumes to use with her friends to lighten the mood.”

So Freeman went to Amazon and bought two inflatable suits—a dinosaur (for Joshua) and a unicorn (for herself ). Then, the couple headed to their wedding venue, Avon Hill, and clowned—er, unicorned around. They’re still trying to figure out a way to work them into their November wedding, but Freeman made the savethe-dates magnets, so guests could keep them on their fridge.

“My favorite was Joshua’s best man’s kiddo asking when the dinosaur party is,” she says.— Caite Hamilton

62

The Mountains Are Stunning...

But she’ll be the star of this show!

S

urrounded by the exquisite Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort provides a magical setting with stunning vistas and a one-stop-shop planning department for a memorable wedding experience. Wintergreen Resort’s all-inclusive wedding packages can accommodate the most intimate gatherings to extravagant affairs providing a convenient and unforgettable event. Every detail will be perfect including pre- and post-wedding events, ceremony, reception, lodging and more. Plus, your wedding guests can make a complete vacation out of the trip with 45-holes of golf, world-renowned tennis, spa, shopping, delectable dining, indoor and outdoor pools, an adventure center and the list goes on.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Happily Ever After Please contact our on-site Wedding Coordinator at 434-325-8139 or sales@ wintergreenresort.com to learn more about pricing and availability for your special event.

wintergreenresort.com | 434-325-8139

Destination weddings and intimate parties

in virginia wine country

E ach of our four distinct wedding venues offer a unique experience tying in Charlottesville’s

historic and lush character. Our private 4,000 acre reserve features historic manor homes and cozy cottages for overnight stays.

O ur on-site Tasting Room + Taphouse uniquely offers a craft brewery in addition to our

estate grown wines for a tasting or to enjoy with pairings from our kitchen. We specialize in dinners and parties to complete your wedding weekend and celebrate your milestones.

www.mountidareserve.com

info@mountidareserve.com

434-960-4655

We welcome you to join our community.

Parcels and properties available for sale on the Reserve. www.turkeyruncville.com

Charlottesville, VA