Beautiful music
We've surveyed the area's best strings
How to handpick a bouquet with meaning Good vibes only
These six couples nailed the assignment
(we've been waiting)!
Surrounded 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.
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
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.
rentals@jejfersontheater.co1n
Month by month, we help you plan your special day.
11 Spotlight on: Gallison Hall.
13 Four alternatives to tossing rice.
15 Beautiful music from the strings section.
15 Smaller venues for smaller parties.
16 Choosing a bouquet with meaning.
19 Reduce, reuse, Refemme.
20 Your month-by-month wedding planner
22 It’s in the details
We want these couples’ big-day vibes.
53 The big question(s)
Food, invites, and drones: We’ve asked the experts.
54 Making Marry
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...
28
Emily & Brian
Enchanted forest vibes play up the big-day magic.
CHARLOTTESVILLE WEDDINGS
You’re invited...
35 Rose & Neil At the Wool Factory, austere meets abundant.
40 Laura & Dustin
Unexpected retro details pump up the fun factor.
44 Ashlynn & Kevin East-meets-west at this Eastwood celebration.
ON THE COVER: Florals, greenery, and personal touches made Karly's big day a "triumph."
46 Karly & AJ
A mid-mod jungle at a classic Virginia vineyard.
Ashley Cox ashleypcox.com
Brittany Renee Photography brittanyreneephotography.com
Cramer Photo cramerphoto.com
Dear Lovers Photography dearlovers.com
Hannah Malloy Photography hannahmalloyphoto.com
Jen Fariello jenfariello.com
Kir Tuben Photography kir2ben.com
Meredith Coe meredithcoephoto.com
Omar Zeta omarzeta.com
Kate Ann Photography kateannphotography.com
Robert Radifera radifera.com
The Smiths helloamysmith.com
Tom Daly tomdalyphotography.com
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, Laura Drummond, Maeve Hayden. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Creative Director Max March.
Graphic Designers Tracy Federico. Account Executives Lisa Hurdle, Brittany Keller, Gabby Kirk, Theresa McClanahan, Stephanie Vogtman. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Anna Harrison. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. Marketing Manager Anna Harrison. A/R Specialist Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2023 C-VILLE Weekly.
Upon entry you are met with the stunning visual of rolling hills, Impressive Brick Manor Home & All expectations of the views of the Blue Ridge. Property features Miles of Trails touring the estate; 6/10ths of a mile along the South Fork of the Rivanna. Enjoy your private outdoors. Natural Beaches, a Campsite Area, Hunting, Fishing and Entertaining in your Saline Infinity Pool, Pickleball Court, Impressive garden, Stocked Pond & endless possibilities. Sprawling Main Level Living at its finest. 7 Bedrooms, 9.5 Bathrooms, Sauna,Dual Master Baths & Cedar Closet, Game Room, Sun Drenched Gym with Sunning Patio. Enjoy the Mountain Views in this Must See Gem only 4 Miles to Downtown
Gallison Hall is grand. If you’ve always dreamed of arriving at your wedding in a coach-and-four, like Cinderella at the ball, this place is for you—come through the ornate ironwork gates, down the tree-lined drive, and step down into the stone courtyard in front of the palace.
In fact, it’s likely the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg was one of the inspirations for Gallison Hall. The home’s original owners, Julio Suarez-Galban and his wife Evelyn (who met while attending UVA), loved to tour Virginia’s historic homes. In the early 1930s, they commissioned Lynchburg-based architect Stanhope Johnson to design them a stately home in Farmington; Johnson’s style was sometimes called James River Georgian because he drew on famous Virginia houses from Westover and Shirley to Gunston Hall and Bacon’s Castle. Gallison Hall’s landscape architect, Charles Gillette, was also known for his work on Virginia sites such as Kenmore, Agecroft, and Lewis Ginter Gardens.
Galban was the scion of a Cuban sugar dynasty, and Gallison Hall (the name is an amalgam of Galban and Evelyn’s maiden name, Allison) is the epitome of the lifestyle of the rich in the 1930s. The house, on both the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia’s Landmarks Register, is remarkable for its quality craftsmanship and wealth of architectural detail, from the intricate woodwork on the entry stair (modeled on one at Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria) to the graduated Buckingham slate tiles of the steep-pitched roof.
Gallison Hall has always been a private residence, and it’s currently being carefully restored and brought to modern standards by Jason and Susan Williamson. The Williamsons love a good reno. “Our first house [in the 1990s] was a renovation,” says Jason, “and Susan has a great eye.” The North Carolina-based couple are both Wahoos (at separate times); two of their four children currently attend UVA, so the Williamsons were looking for both a local base and a project when Gallison Hall came on the market in 2020.
“We didn’t even know this house was here,” says Jason. “So when we found it, we thought ‘This is cool!’ We love history, we love Charlottesville, and we want people to be able to enjoy this place.” Thus, the wedding venue idea.
Gallison Hall is not available for parties to spend the night, but couples can certainly take advantage of the extensive and beautiful grounds. Much of the back lawn of the Hall (which was originally the barn and paddock area) was redesigned in the 1990s. The house’s eastern wing was extended to create an airy pool pavilion with a lounge area featuring an enormous carved marble fireplace. The pavilion doors open onto a wide double staircase featuring two parterre rose gardens, and leading to a spacious lawn half again as large as a football field.
At the end of the lawn is a galleried building that houses the former indoor tennis court, refloored for use as a dining or party space. (Its two small locker rooms are completely tiled in that hexagonal-white-and-black pattern that’s so midcentury modern.) There’s also a full-sized
catering kitchen—and an apartment above, in case anyone needs a nap.
The house’s rear façade, facing north and west, has a spacious patio and a small knot garden around a fountain, overlooking the sweep of lawns and the Blue Ridge views. To the west is a brick courtyard and boxwood garden, being restored according to the original Gillette drawings (“We’ve just planted 6,000 tulips,” says Jason). Another level down is the walled croquet court—what reception is complete without a spirited croquet match?
Set into the court’s wall are the delicately worked iron gates from the Galban mansion in Havana where Julio grew up, displaying the family’s initials. They are a reminder that, aside the from the historical architectural references, Gallison Hall has its own history.
Four alternatives to tossing rice post-”I do”
The practice of throwing grains at the newly married is an old one—from the ancient Romans to the Celts. A symbol of prosperity, fertility, and growth, guests of the celebration would toss rice as a way of wishing the happy couple luck beyond their wedding day. Except...ouch? We can’t imagine anything less romantic than being pelted with uncooked kernels at our happiest moment. Instead, we’re in favor of these four modern-day twists on the tradition, from feathery slips of paper to a straight-up bubble bath. —Caite Hamilton
Whether it’s popped out of a cannon or just stored in a cute bag until it’s go-time, confetti is an easy option, and fully customizable to your color palette. Just be sure to use biodegradable paper—your love may be forever, but Earth certainly isn’t.
Subtle and celebratory, ribbon wands are like pom-poms, but less aggressive. They say, “2, 4, 6, 8, we wish you luck with your new mate!” but in an understated, classy way. We especially like the elegant choice one couple made (wedding white!), but could see these going glam in gold, or whimsical in a shimmery iridescent.
Your florist will be able to hold back a few blooms from your bouquets for this one. Pre-fill sachets or, like this couple, a rolled piece of your song’s sheet music. Hot tip: Check with your venue before committing to this idea; some don’t like leaving petals on the ground to get slippery or stain.
You’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said your “I do,” you’re finally married. Now the fun begins, and nothing says fun like bubbles. Playful and silly, they float through the air (maybe they’re even scented? Are we crazy?) then POP! right on your nose. Time to get this party started.
By Maeve Hayden
Charlottesville truly is the ultimate wedding destination. Not only are the views insane and the catering options delicious, but the city is home to many talented musicians who offer their services at weddings. Whether you’re looking for toned-down elegance, a stand-out soloist, or just a rockin’ good time, these five local wedding performers make saying yes (to the band) easy.
You name it, and Ibis Music Group can play it. The group was founded by Patrick Keese with the belief that exceptional music should be accessible, relatable, and extraordinary. With options for ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions, and a repertoire that includes everything from Bach to Bruno Mars, Ibis can make it work for all kinds of weddings. $700-1700. ibismusicgroup.com
Stressed at the thought of having to pick out different performers for the ceremony and reception? The Classical Hillbillies, a new offering from Plum Blossom String Quartet, is like three bands in one. The string quartet plays classical music for the ceremony and lively Appalachian music for the cocktail hour, before transitioning into a full-on bluegrass hoedown for the reception. Around $1,150. classicalhillbillies.com
Terra Voce
It’s hard to resist the dulcet tones of the cello, especially when it’s paired with smooth flute. Cellist Andrew Gabbert and flutist Elizabeth Brightbill of Terra Voce have more than a decade of experience performing for weddings and events. The Crozet-based husband-and-wife duo play everything from well-known wedding staples to classic rock and modern pop. $440 and up. terravoce.com
Stan Hamrick
Sometimes, less is more. Take your wedding up a notch with understated, acoustic guitar. Hamrick’s gentle strumming is the perfect accompaniment for walking down the aisle and mingling at cocktail hour. Build your own music package from Hamrick’s extensive repertoire, which includes Duke Ellington classics, Ed Sheeran, The Beatles, and much more. $350 and up. stanhamrick.com
Duo Bohème
If you’re looking for timeless elegance, give Duo Bohème a listen. The violin and guitar duo of Anna and Dave Hennessy throw it back to the ’20s and ’30s with a selection of classical wedding tunes, mellow pop, and compositions by Romani-Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. $400 and up. duobohememusic.com
I t doesn’t take a global pandemic to convince us that littler is better when it comes to wedding celebrations (though it didn’t hurt). Luckily, Charlottesville’s plethora of pint-sized venues means the backyard isn’t your only option.
Under 75 guests
Glass House Winery (conservatory) glasshousewinery.com
The Depot eventsatgrelen.com
75-100 guests
Common House commonhouse.com
Oakhurst Inn oakhurstinn.com
Old Metropolitan Hall (seated dinner) oldmetropolitanhall.com
Potter’s Craft Cider (indoor wedding) potterscraftcider.com
100-150 guests
Dinsmore House dinsmorehouse.com
Thatch Winery thatchwinery.com
The Space thespacedowntown.com
A perfect antidote to wedding day jitters, lisianthus is said to bring calming energy to stressed soon-to-be spouses and, better yet, it symbolizes a lifelong bond. This sophisticated stem is a lovely look-alike for the earlier blooming rose and peony—and propagates in more pigments.
With a rainbow of hues, these perky posies announce the arrival of spring. Originating in Central Asia, the tulip signifies eternal love in Persian mythology and, with its inclusion in your bouquet, that meaning still stands today.
The soft and supple symbol of love comes alive in just about every shade under the summer sun. Different from modern roses, these fragrant florets have lush layers with a tender, dreamy feel.
According to Greek myth, anemones sprouted from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of Adonis. The goddess and her lover may not have had a happy ending, but the jewel-toned billowy blossom holds distinctive delight as a lasting representation of love and loyalty.
There’s so much to consider when it comes to your bouquet for the big day—color and kind, style and season. Not to mention, the blooms you choose can be symbols, telling stories through floriography, or the language of flowers. Good thing there are experts who can keep you from going too far afield. We asked floral designers at Liliharp Flowers, Hedge Fine Blooms, and Tourterelle Floral Design to share their favorite flowers to feature as focal points. These are their top picks. —Laura Drummond
It’s a French custom to give this fragrant flower, named by Romantic poet John Keats, to a bride on her wedding day as a symbol of gratitude and pleasure. In a bouquet, the delicate clusters of ruffled resplendence show off in solids, stripes, and bicolor combinations.
In a plentiful palette from light to bright, this parade of paper-thin petals begins its bloom in spring. The romantic ranunculus represents radiance—just as you do on your special day.
Designer,
entrepreneur, sewist, activist—it’s hard to use just one word when describing Gabriela Romo.
Through Refemme, her Charlottesville-based business, Romo offers a thoughtful and approachable take on garment repair, upcycling, and alteration.
Romo’s passion for design and sewing developed as a young girl, watching her mother embroider and her grandmother sew. By age 9, she was using her mother’s sewing machine.
“I grew up surrounded by very creative and hardworking women,” says Romo. “I grew up watching my grandma make the same dress over and over, probably like 20 pieces of the same model using different fabrics, and I think that’s what really sparked my curiosity to make and play with fabric.”
That curiosity and desire to create something new led Romo to her first entrepreneurial venture, a swimwear line started with her twin sister.
In 2017, Romo left all of her equipment behind and moved to the U.S., where she settled in Aspen, Colorado. The chilly temps made swimwear a hard sell, so she pivoted to part-time alterations and worked full-time as a surgical assistant (talk about steady hands). Last fall, Romo landed in Charlottesville and launched Refemme as her full-time gig, her commitment to sustainability at the core of Refemme’s mission.
Every year, thousands of pounds of scrap fabric are burned, and millions of tonnes of garments end up in landfills. Romo works to divert unnecessary textile waste by giving wellworn or damaged items a second chance using a variety of repair techniques, including invisible and visible mending. In addition, she fully reworks and restores old garments with sentimental value that wouldn’t get much wear today due to their dated style.
Romo also hosts visible mending workshops at The Scrappy Elephant, and regularly pops up at Darling x Dashing and Bluebird & Co. to accept alterations and repairs.
“Throughout all of these [popups] we’ve been able to divert close to 200 garments that otherwise would have just simply followed the process to a landfill,” says Romo. “I’m so happy that I actually get to impact the people that I work
with and at the same time create a positive impact in the environment.”
During wedding season, Romo’s schedule is packed with gown fittings. She recommends brides schedule an initial fitting at least four months in advance of their big day.
Here are a few of Gabriela’s tips for a flawless fitting.
Bring your shoes! Or a heel with a similar height.
Wear any undergarments you’ll be wearing under your gown—sticky cups, Spanx, tape, bra, etc.
Accessories, accessories, accessories— bring them.
Have an open mind and don’t overthink it.
Bring a friend—or two—to the final fitting. Someone’s going to have to help you bustle on the big day, and this is a great practice run.
“At the initial consultation I get to learn about your dream day, your dream dress, and how we can tailor a custom alteration package for you based on that,” Romo says. “I really like to start with knowing what their relationship with their dress is. How long have they been searching for the dress? How did they feel when they said yes to the dress? What’s the expectation that they have fit-wise?”
Most fittings are completed in three to four visits, depending on how drastic the changes are and how much design work is needed. (One of Romo’s more involved alteration projects, for instance, involved hemming a poofy princess-style wedding dress with yards and yards of fabric.)
“You have to remove all of the embellishments and appliqués from the tulle, process the alterations, execute all the changes, and then bring it back on to the dress as if nothing happened,” she says.
The best part is after the wedding, bridesmaids, and even brides (who says you can’t wear it twice?), can bring their dresses back to Refemme for a complete rework. Instead of a one-and-done bridesmaid dress collecting dust in the closet, or a landfill, now you’ve got a whole new look.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.).
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.
We've made it easy—check the boxes as you get closer to your big day
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.
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.
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!
CRAMER PHOTO
Nothing better than a genuine reaction to vows caught on camera.
The red lip! The dresses! The look of love—we can't get enough.
Master Goldsmith Mia van Beek established Formia Design Jewelry in 2004. A small, full service Jewelry studio in the heart of Charlottesville, VA Specializes in Custom Jewelry, redesign and repair fine jewelry (engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary gifts and more)
Mia will personally consult you in the process of your jewelry creations. She makes this experience creative and fun while professionally guiding you with possibilities and ideas fitting you and your needs. Mia has full attention to details in her work in every stage of the process and most of all, satisfied customers, are her priority.
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.
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
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.
JUNE 25, 2022, AT THE CLIFTON
Emily and Brian knew from the start that they wanted to create a colorful experience for their guests.
“I knew I wanted our wedding to be something we’d never seen before—a day that was completely our own,” Emily says.
Achieving the goal started with the flowers. Maryland-based Sophie Felts Floral Design brought in live trees for the reception area, creating a kind of enchanted forest vibe. In fact, many guests said they felt they were on a movie set (“Harry Potter, to be exact,” says Emily). From there, a floral ceremony arch featured an ombre of orange, yellow, and fuchsia,
colors reflected in bouquets throughout the wedding, as well as a unique seating display of custom vases with calligraphied names of each guest. But while the colorful details contributed to guests’ enjoyment of the day, the couple looks back on a few particular moments that have nothing to do with the details at all. Like this one:
“After we said our ‘I dos,’ our officiant asked us to turn and look at all the people who came to support us on our wedding day,” Emily says. “We felt so much love and gratitude and having a moment to acknowledge our wonderful guests was very special to us.”
Emily and Brian wanted a venue where guests could stay on the property after the big day was over. “We knew we wouldn’t want the night to end—and we really didn’t,” says Emily. “We stayed up until like 5:30am.”
Brian and Emily met at a conference for scientists. “He told me about his dissertation work and handed me his business card!” she says.
Event planner: Kim Newton Weddings
Catering: The Clifton Rentals: Something Vintage Linens: La Tavola Invites and paper goods: Kelsey Malie
Designs Calligraphy: Leah Letters Vinyl signs: Grofik Designs Flowers: Sophie Felts Cake: Liberty Baking Co.
Music: Dan Goldman Entertainment
Bride’s attire: The Bridal Room Shoes: Vans (embroidered by After August Co. Groom’s attire: J.Crew Groomsmen’s attire: J.Crew Bridesmaids’
dresses: Revelry Hair: Styled for Elegance Makeup: Avenue 42 Salon Videographer: Silver Streak Media
MAY 7, 2022, AT THE WOOL FACTORY
When the curtains parted and Rose saw the reception area for the first time—that modern, industrial Wool Factory space covered in bright blooms—she gasped. “It exceeded all of my expectations,” she says. The couple had wanted it to feel and look fun.
A shy person by nature, Rose says it was important to the both of them that wedding be as much about “family and friends being together and having a good time” as it was about the couple themselves.
Mission accomplished: Neil’s family flew in from Ireland and his brother, Shane,
brought the house down with his best man’s speech. Of particular importance was the memories they were able to make with Neil’s dad, who has since passed.
“It gave us an amazing memory to have him there and remember how much he loved it,” Rose says.
Rose says they chose The Wool Factory for a few reasons: “Convenient to downtown. Elegant without being stuffy. A gorgeous natural setting of the Rivanna River. Known for great food!”
Though the couple has been living in Durham, North Carolina, for eight years, they wanted to hold their wedding in Charlottesville as a nod to how they met—as undergrads at UVA in 2008.
Event planner: Wilson Keller (Evoke Design and Creative) Officiant: Vinny Ringrose Catering: The Wool Factory Flowers: Mallory Joyce
Cake:
Wool Factory (by Rachel De Jong of Cou Cou Rachou) Music: DJ Stoundyn Bride’s attire: Alexandra Grecco from Gilded Bridal, alterations by Cordella Bridal Shoes: Loeffler Randall Jewelry: Jennifer Behr Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse Groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaids’ dresses: Park & Fifth Co Rings: Melanie Casey (bride), Hamilton Hill (groom) Hair and makeup: Avenue 42 Salon Invitations: Steph B. & Co
Words by Caite Hamilton
Photography by Hannah Malloy Photography
Formal but fun was the order of the day for this romantic couple
APRIL 30, 2022, AT THE MARKET AT GRELEN
Anative of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Laura knew weddings there tend to be more formal. But when it came time to plan her own big day, she and her fiancé Dustin wanted to make sure the event felt like them: fun and friendly (with a little formal thrown in).
The venue helped guide the choices they made, right down to picking their wedding planner.
“I told [them] I had a vision of a black-and-white checkered dance floor, and ’60s mod colors like fuchsia, orange, pistachio and of course black, white, and metallics,” Laura says. “The team at Grelen said, ‘You need Heather Clarke.’”
The Richmond-based planner helped the look come to life, with a retro orange TV set and matching phone booth, plus pistachio table cloths, a checkered dance floor, and a disco ball.
“I had never seen a wedding like that,” says Laura. “All the elements came together harmoniously.”
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
The couple’s favorite moments? Laura says it was the first look, a moment when they could take in the day—and one another—alone together. Dustin’s? “Our first kiss.”
Their original Japanese honeymoon was postponed thanks to COVID, so the couple re-routed, doing a tour of Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. “In May of 2023, we are planning to go to Japan and enjoy the second part of our honeymoon,” Dustin says.
The couple met in 2016 through a dating app called Happn, where you cross each other’s paths. Dustin sent Laura several heart charms, and they agreed to meet at Barnes & Noble.
For the “hora loca,” a Latin wedding tradition, the couple amped up the party with blow-up farm animals, guitars, and a 6'-tall alien. “It was so random,” Laura says, “and a great addition to the fun feel of the wedding.”
Event planner: Heather Clarke (The Hive Wedding Collective) Officiant: Casey Dokoupil Catering: Groovin’ Gourmets Flowers: Photosynthesis Floral Design Cake: Maliha Creations Music: Hercules Entertainment Bride’s attire: Atelier Lisa Porrata (Puerto Rico) Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Bank Groomsmen’s attire: Jos. A. Bank Rings: Brilliant Earth Invitations and stationery: Fingers in Ink Hair: Samphois Vickers Makeup: Rachel Austin Boxley Videographer: Amanda Monroe Finn Linens and décor: Rent Equip Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals
AUGUST
First they decided on a cross-country move from Colorado to Virginia. Then they decided to have a baby. In the spring of 2022, Kevin proposed and they decided on a small, intimate celebration over the summer before the baby’s fall arrival. But when Ashlynn’s parents revealed they’d been saving a wedding fund for the occasion, they decided to go all in.
“We figured we’d rather have the party we could plan impulsively in a couple of months, versus the party we might never have if we waited until after the baby came,” Ashlynn says.
Mia Crump of Little Acorn Events helped them achieve their east-meets-west wedding dreams, with inspiration from Kevin’s native Singapore and Ashlynn’s artist heart. (“We both felt represented by bold, vibrant colors,” Ashlynn says.)
Between the short notice, spiked airfare, and lingering COVID concerns, they ended up with a more intimate guest count after all, but it worked in their favor.
“We had a small wedding with a big wedding lineup,” Ashlynn says. “It was abundant and glorious.”
Words by Caite Hamilton Photography by Omar Zeta Photography
The couple entered their reception to Elvis’ live intro of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (better known as the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme). “Kevin really hammed it up with Elvis poses and a fierce air guitar solo in the dance, using one of our party favor parasols as a guitar,” says Ashlynn. “It was truly magical.”
“I had a vision of an outdoor tent, lit up at night,” says Ashlynn. “Eastwood had the prettiest outdoor tent we could find in the area, and a gorgeous outdoor setting for the ceremony.”
L’Étoile provided a menu to accommodate vegan and gluten-free guests. Plus, sent the couple home with leftovers that froze well and lasted until their sleepless newborn days in November.
Kevin’s aunt is a retired fashion designer in Singapore, so while the couple was visiting, she and his mother took Ashlynn to the garment district to choose materials for her dress. She would be 28 weeks pregnant at the time of their wedding, so they decided on an empire waist and silk tulle in the skirt.
Event planner: Mia Crump (Little Acorn Events) Officiant: Arehn McCarty of Soulprint Journeys Catering: L’Étoile Flowers: Good Vibes Garden Cake: Bowerbird Bakeshop Music: 2Hype Entertainment (who was able to offer karaoke!) Bride’s attire: Custom, with modifications by Yady’s Alterations Groom’s attire: Bonobo’s Bridesmaids’ dress: Anthropologie Rings: Aurum Jewelers (Iceland) Hair and makeup: A More Beautiful
You Videographer: Henri Saint-Jean (Piximpress) Transportation: Easy Riders Bus Company Ceremony and cocktail hour music: Beleza
A few bright ideas enhanced this wedding do-over
SEPTEMBER 17, 2021, AT KESWICK VINEYARDS
When Karly and AJ had to switch from a Washington, D.C., wedding on New Year’s Eve to a fall wedding in Virginia due to COVID, all of the details ended up switching, too.
“Everything was white, green, and gold,” says Karly. “When we had to pivot to a fall wedding, I wanted the complete opposite.” The bride gave creative liberty to her florist, specifying she wanted tons of florals, greenery, and pattern play. Oh, and lots of candles.
What the couple ended up with was beyond their wildest dreams, and Karly says seeing the reception space after their “I dos” was her favorite moment.
“While everything was planned to a T, somehow seeing it all come together felt like a surprise,” she says. Because they had to cancel their original wedding, “it felt like such a special triumph within those first few wedded moments as husband and wife following the ceremony.”
An enchanting country estate where timeless elegance blends with modern luxury.
Gardens, The Barn, The Ruins, The Hall, Relaxation Pool, and Blue Ridge Mountain views. Accommodations available for you & your guests.
Welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunches, you can have it all here on our 40-acre estate.
Guests arrived and were greeted with an Aperol Spritz. For dinner, family-style Italian cuisine from Harvest Moon created a convivial feel. Plus, the food continued late into the night, with a wall of Italian desserts. “Lots of carbs!” says the bride.
Karly and AJ met during their senior year at Radford University and were together eight years before tying the knot.
The bride says she and AJ incorporated lots of personal touches throughout the day to make their wedding feel more like “them,” including having the string quartet play current hits from Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, using a classic black and white dance floor, and changing outfits (both of them!) toward the end of the evening.
Event planner: Rachel Rice (The One Moment Events) Officiant: Sarah Pete Catering: Harvest Moon Catering Flowers: Bee Inspired Music: Gravatt Productions (ceremony), DJ Dan Huynh (reception) Bride’s attire: Lovely Bride (first dress), Bronx and Banco (second dress) Shoes: Lulu’s Bridesmaids’ dresses: Revelry Rings: Ascot Diamonds, Cartier (bands) Hair: Claudine Fay Makeup: Makeup by Shirin Videographer: TLIC Media
Wedding planning sure does raise a lot of questions. From dresses and décor to photography and food, the list of decisions to make can easily feel overwhelming. To help you with your planning, three area experts give insight into tasting meetings, budget-friendly invitation hacks, and things to keep in mind when thinking about in-the-air photography.—Maeve
HaydenWhat should I be sure to ask at my tasting?
From Jaclyn Grieger, director of catering and events at Exchange Events: “We host our tastings during the off-season, and often encourage clients to meet us at their venues sometime during the weekend as well. Since our tastings are generally for contracted clients, this preliminary walkthrough helps us all get on the same page with the design vision, and helps with the rental selection that occurs after our tastings.
“During the tasting, we answer so many questions! We ask a ton as well, as we are formulating a catering timeline during this meeting, as well as identifying any additional needs—such as a pre-ceremony bar (additional staff time!), popsicle late-night (needs dry ice!) or cake pops for dessert (we need a special stand for this!). Asking your caterer to accommodate these items during the tasting helps head off surprises in the last weeks of planning.”
How can I send “fancy” invitations without breaking the bank?
From Heather M. Haynie, co-owner of rock paper scissors: “Wedding invitations are often the first cue to your guests as to what they can expect on the day of your wedding: Is the venue more modern or more traditional? How formal will it be? What should they wear?
“Keep in mind that you’re conveying quite a bit to your guests with your wedding invitations. That said, there are so many great options available to couples on a strict budget.
“The first option to consider is digital printing. While it is a more economical print method than, say, letterpress or engraving, it allows you to print in full color and often gives a very rich feel. We also love the idea of upgrading a digital invitation to cotton paper, or even twoply cotton paper—the feel of it in your hand is sumptuous and gives off a luxurious vibe. We’re also seeing a lot of RSVPing on websites these days; that eliminates the need for a reply envelope (and the printing of the mailing address), plus a postage stamp. We suggest investing time in your wedding website and directing folks there for all the necessary details.
“Another fun idea is to create a ‘package’ feel by adding a simple belly band that bundles it
all together. Envelope liners can also go a long way in communicating the look and feel of your wedding style and colors. From vintage botanicals to modern geometric patterns to romantic florals, the sky’s the limit!
“For couples on a budget, hiring a calligrapher for partial words on an invitation, or even envelope addressing can add up quickly. There are tons of great fonts that mimic the feel of handwriting, so perhaps you can find one that suits you and can be printed digitally instead.
“Lastly, do you have a friend or family member who is a professional artist? We love this hyper-personalized option of incorporating art that literally can’t be found elsewhere!”
Should I hire a drone (or ask my photographer to include aerials) on my wedding day? From Meredith Coe, photographer: There are a few things to consider.
1. Noise. Drones can be loud and invasive, so it depends on location and if I’m able to get the right shot without adding any uninvited noise to all parts of the day (loud buzzing above your heads during the ceremony? No thank you!). I tend to pull back fairly far for these shots to capture the landscape of the scene rather than right above a ceremony. For al fresco cocktail hour, it’s fair game as there’s music and chatting that covers the noise of the drone.
2. Another angle. Just as I bring a second photographer to capture a different vantage point, this holds true for the drone. It’s essentially another view of your day. And if having this sort of view speaks to you, then by all means bring out the drone!
3. Art. A drone shot elevates, in all senses of the word, your wedding visually. Artistic large prints in your home or a full two-page spread in your album is always jaw-dropping.
Thomas Lynch proposed to Caitlin Harpin on a midday walk through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in October 2021. When it came time to plan the wedding for the following May, the venue decision was easy as, well, pie.
“We wanted to try something new,” says Thomas. “We always have the most fun at the reception, so we figured we’d basically make that the whole wedding with a quick ceremony at the top.”
They settled on Crozet Pizza at the Buddhist Biker Bar. They had fond memories of the Corner from their days at
UVA undergrads living in Brown College, and liked the pizza spot’s leafy outdoor space. Not to mention its pizza.
“People were pretty amused and altogether seemed to have a good time,” Thomas says. “There are a lot of formal expectations going into weddings and the offbeat venue choice gave us an opportunity to throw many of those to the wayside.”
Thomas’ and Caitlin’s wedding was the first Crozet Pizza had ever hosted, and the couple set the bar pretty high—with 21 pies, a garden platter, and cupcakes from Bee Conscious Baking Co. How do they know it was the right decision?
Says Thomas, “We ended up with one slice left.”
