WV Weddings - Spring/Summer 2014

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

LOVE in the HILLS West Virginia’s

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE Real Weddings, Venues, Gowns & More!

HOUSE of FASHIONS

REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY

We treat your experience as if it were our own

Providing fashions for all of your wedding, tuxedo, prom, and formal needs.

121 daniel drive bridgeport, wv | 304.672.5490 | hofwv.com

“By offering the most sought after bridal jewelry, we can make your wedding memories last a lifetime.”

Join us on Facebook!

South Charleston and Teays Valley l 304.768.8821 l 304.757.3920 l www.calvinbroyles.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

volume 6, issue 1 published by New South Media, Inc. 709 Beechurst Ave., 14A, Morgantown, WV 26505 304.413.0104, mywvwedding.com

editor Nikki Bowman, nikki@newsouthmediainc.com art director Kelley Galbreath, kelley@newsouthmediainc.com graphic designer Carla Witt Ford, carla@newsouthmediainc.com managing editor Laura Wilcox Rote, laura@newsouthmediainc.com assistant editor Pam Kasey, pam@newsouthmediainc.com office & circulation manager Sarah Shaffer, sarah@newsouthmediainc.com staff Bekah Call, bekah@newsouthmediainc.com Katie Griffith, katie@newsouthmediainc.com

Best Jewelry, Best Selection, Best Prices

We Guarantee It!

Shay Maunz, shay@newsouthmediainc.com web manager Elizabeth Roth, liz@newsouthmediainc.com design assistant Becky Moore, becky@newsouthmediainc.com interns Courtney DePottey, Bethany Dzielski, Alexis Kessel, Shawnee Moran contributors Rachel Coon advertising account executives Christa Hamra, Season Martin, Carrie Stanley wvweddings@newsouthmediainc.com back issues Back issues may be purchased at mywvwedding.com or by calling 304.413.0104. editorial inquiries

Free layaway and financing available

1070 Suncrest Towne Centre • Morgantown, WV • 304.599.6981 5 East Main Street • Uniontown, PA • 724.439.4278

joycesjewelry.com

2 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Unsolicited photos are not accepted. Please send queries to wvweddings@newsouthmediainc.com.

WV Weddings is published by New South Media, Inc. subscription rate: $10 for 1 year, $18 for two years.

Subscribe online at mywvwedding.com or call 304.413.0104.

frequency: Biannual © New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher.

TWEETING THE EXTRAVAGANZA

OUR SOCIAL CIRCLES

Those who couldn’t make it to our third annual WV Weddings Extravaganza could follow the day’s events through Twitter!

WEDDING REGRETS We got some great

advice when we asked our Facebook followers what they wish they’d done differently on their wedding day.

WV WEDDINGS MAGAZINE: What do you wish you’d done differently on your wedding day? Share your lessons learned with us!

RACHEL COON: We had a small wedding and I wish we’d remembered to get one group photo of everyone together.

MISTI SIMS: Seen my husband before I walked down the aisle. He’s my best friend and no one could have calmed my nerves like him. Ladies, really think about the “reveal.”

@WVWEDDING: So many delectable cakes!

@WVWEDDING: Jack it up, brides! @MonteDurham shares tips with our lucky Extravaganza attendees. #wvweddings #extra14

@WVWEDDING: The Bridgeport Conference Center has been transformed with fabulous vintage travel decor!

PAPER & LACE: Had a hair trial before the big day!

PIN IT! With more than 80 Pinterest boards and 7,000+ pins, WV Weddings

has all the inspiration you’ll need for planning everything from the bachelorette to the honeymoon. Here’s what’s trending now:

ENTER TO WIN one these sweet lovebirds by visiting mywvwedding.com/ giveaways.

This coral and navy color palette first appeared on the Planner’s Palette blog on mywvwedding.com.

It’s been repinned almost 200 times since then!

SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, Unveiled, on mywvwedding.com and keep up with the latest from WV Weddings!

Our Rustic Weddings ideas board is our most popular and has almost 3,000 repins!

Mason jars are as popular as ever, but this candleholder is a great way to use them unexpectedly.

CONNECT WITH US: 4 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

facebook.com/wvweddings

twitter.com/wvwedding

pinterest.com/wvweddings

A

MATCH

MADE

NEAR

H E AV E N .

Weddings

Adventures on the Gorge is the perfect place for your destination wedding.

Our location right on the rim of the New River Gorge offers breathtaking views, impeccable service and fun for everyone.

And our all-inclusive weekend packages, unique lodging options and on-site catering mean you can have your day, your way.

Contact our event coordinator at

866.920.1256

weddings@onthegorge.com

Leading the world outdoors

EDITOR’S LETTER

SAY YES!

Monte Durham celebrates with West Virginia brides and WV Weddings Editor Nikki Bowman at the annual Extravaganza.

Join Us

on April 26, 2014, at 6 p.m. as we celebrate our spring/ summer issue of WV Weddings at the grand opening of a new bridal boutique in Charleston, The Boutique by B.Belle Events. The boutique is located at 602 Virginia Street East, Charleston. One attendee will win a free WV Weddings register and one will win a free engagement announcement in the next WV Weddings issue.

See you there!

-

6 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

When West Virginia native Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta asked attendees at our 2014 WV Weddings Extravaganza how many brides-to-be were choosing short bridesmaid dresses, one third of them raised their hands. When he said, “No, you aren’t. And if you have already ordered them, send them back,” I held my breath. And then he went on to explain why he feels that longer dresses are a better option. He mentioned that when you have bridesmaids who are different shapes and sizes, long gowns do a better job of making everyone look more uniform.

“Some girls have bigger thighs or ankles, some have more on top,” he said. “Long gowns hide a lot of things. You don’t even have to shave your legs!” Well, then, enough said. He convinced me—and apparently many of our attendees. He did say brides should go shorter on the hemline if they are having an outdoor wedding on a farm, but that was his only concession. He said, “If you are getting married in a church or cathedral, long gowns are a must!” A mother of a bride pulled me aside afterward and said, “I just want to hug Monte. I’ve been begging my daughter to stay away from short dresses, but she wouldn’t listen to me.

Now that Monte has said it, it’s gospel.”

And that got me thinking, why are wedding magazines and informative events like our WV Weddings Extravaganza important? Because they serve as a resource to help you ask questions you may not even know to ask.

Monte demonstrated the proper way to walk down the aisle and where to hold your bouquet. He answered questions about updos and down dos. He prefers up, by the way. Should you wear a veil? According to Monte, if you are getting married in a church, yes. If you are getting married on the beach, no. Everyone left the extravaganza with great ideas and a little more confidence. If you didn’t attend our 2014 WV Weddings Extravaganza, mark your calendars for May 2015. The next one will be a two-day event, May 16 to 17, at Canaan Valley Resort State Park with great speakers, an over-the-top vendor expo, and fabulous giveaways.

And Monte has promised to come back!

nikki bowman, Editor Follow us on

,

, and

facebook.com/wvweddings twitter.com/wvwedding pinterest.com/wvweddings

.

Fall inLove ALL

OVER

AGAIN.

PHOTOS © ALLIE B PHOTOGRAPHY

We are certain The Blennerhassett Hotel will sweep you off your feet. Include us in your wedding plans, and you’ll be assured of attentive, personal service for you and your guests.

Our comprehensive wedding packages include special group rates for our luxurious, beautifully appointed guestrooms and decadent banquet services for up to 175 guests. Choose from our lavish Charleston Ballroom or our outdoor tented patio.

And thanks to our complete bridal planning portfolio, you can be sure we’ll be involved in every last detail.

1889

ting 125 Year Celebra s

2014

3 0 4 . 4 2 2 . 3 1 3 1 l 3 2 0 M A R K E T S T R E E T l PA R K E R S B U R G , W V

THEBLENNERHASSETT.COM

CONTENTS 39 WV WEDDINGS EXTRAVAGANZA

More than 100 brides fill Bridgeport Conference Center to hear from Monte Durham and more.

80

46 COURTING ROMANCE

46

Historic courthouses across the state make romantic backdrops for your nuptials.

66 HOME SWEET HOME

A California transplant comes home for her

wedding day at the beautiful Swift Level farm in Lewisburg.

88

74 RAIN OR SHINE

This sweet couple celebrates with a reception at the bride’s family’s home in Barboursville.

80 OLD SOULS IN LOVE

Glitz and glamour combine in this wedding near Blackwater Falls State Park.

94

88 HOME COURT ADVANTAGE

This classic wedding is chic at Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport.

94 A FRIENDLY AFFAIR

A longtime love blossoms with this wedding at Confluence Resort in Fayette County.

66

100 MIX AND MATCH

A little of this and a little of that go a long way for this marriage at Benton Grove Bed & Banquets in Morgantown.

SPR NG/SUMMER 2014

LOVE in HILLS

the

West Virginia’s

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE Real Weddings Venues Gowns & More!

74

100

cover photo We love this special moment captured by Amberlee Christey Photography of Erika Betler and Jeremy Bodkins near Stonewall Resort.

mywvwedding.com | 9

CONTENTS 16 WEDDING WOWS

Our picks for best dress, bouquet, ring shot, action shot, and more in beautiful photos.

27 EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

From dressing for your body type to how to choose a tent for your outdoor wedding, we bring you all of the info you need to know now.

111 RESOURCE GUIDE

Florists, bridal shops, photographers, and more— check out our list of advertising vendors from across the state.

122 VENUE GUIDE

State parks, modern resorts, country farms—don’t know where to start? Check out our big list of venues in every neck of the woods in West Virginia.

10 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

CONTRIBUTORS

THE OBERPORTS

Emily Porter and Bobby Oberlander of The Oberports (formerly Emily Porter Photography) are married lifestyle and wedding photographers.

They specialize in a blend of art and journalism.

Emily and Bobby are inspired by fashion, classic cinema, and traveling.

They’ve both won international wedding photography awards (ISPWP, WPJA, and Fearless) and are available to shoot worldwide. theoberports.com

12 | WV WEDDINGS Fall/Winter 2013

LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

REBECCA KIGER FOTOGRAFIA

JESSICA FIKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Lauren and Tim Fair are a husband-wife team whose photography is organic and spontaneous, drenched in natural light and creativity.

They adore building relationships with amazing couples and traveling the world documenting love on film and digitally. Their work has been featured in numerous magazines and blogs like The Knot, Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty, Manhattan Bride, Glamour, and Ruffled. laurenfairphotography.com

Rebecca owns a boutique photography studio in her native Wheeling. After going to school and living in Massachusetts for 10 years and then having the opportunity to live overseas, she returned to West Virginia to raise a family.

She photographs weddings and families but also does editorial, corporate, and personal work. Her current personal project is creating multimedia stories about the complexities of love and relationships. rebeccakiger.com

Jessica is a self-taught photographer from southwest Pennsylvania.

Since starting her business in 2009, she has photographed 100 weddings across the region and traveled nationally and internationally for work.

Her favorite weddings include those that take place outdoors with unique details and fun couples. She lives in Garrett County, Maryland, with her two kiddos and husband. jessicafikephotography.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA Amanda

REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY

LEAH VANCE PHOTOGRAPHY Leah

LAUREN LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY Lauren

Kisamore is a West Virginia native inspired by light, love, and laughter.

The carefree innocence and loving spirit of her three sons guides her passion and keeps her going every day.

Realizing the importance of good photography, Amanda captures real moments and memories in a fresh and creative way to tell a story that is unique to each couple. She lives in Tucker County. photographybyamandak.com

Rebecca Devono is naturally dynamic and expressive. She specializes in wedding and portrait photography. As unique as her artistry, Rebecca’s creative style challenges traditional concepts by focusing her visions of immortalizing the celebration of life. She lives in Bridgeport. rebeccadevono.com

is an artist. She fell in love with photography as young as 14 with a 35-millimeter camera. She studied at the University of Charleston and the Hallmark Institute of Photography. Leah has been published locally and nationally and has worked all over the world.

She assisted for the German GQ Magazine for actor James Franco.

She loves wedding and portrait photography. leahvphotography.com

is a creator, a keeper of memories, an interpreter of light—an artist. She doesn’t see what she does as just taking photos, but documenting life with a careful, artistic eye and preserving moments to be cherished for years to come.

Her focus is on journalisticstyle photography. She loves the details of life and being able to tell a story through photographs. laurenlovephotography.com

Celebrations start with Eggplant

1011 Bridge Rd., Charleston, WV 304.346.3525 mywvwedding.com | 13

Your picturesque momen� WWW.WVLIVING.INFO

T PRICKETTS FORT STATE PARK

CLARION INN FAIRMONT

88 State Park Road, Fairmont 304.363.3030 www.prickettsfort.org

930 E. Grafton Road, Fairmont 304.366.5500 www.clarionfairmont.com

Schedule your wedding in a unique environment and make it a historic event.

Your home away from home.

Catering to families and wedding groups for 40 years.

he awe of nature, the bliss of love— some wonders are bigger than words. Highlight the beauty of your boundless devotion against the elegance of Marion County's sweeping outdoors.

Picture it: picture perfect.

1.800.834.7365

BETH FORESTER PHOTOGRAPHY

UNVEILED

Best Bridal Portrait From the wedding of Anna Catherine Irwin & Nicholas Brannon Hill, shot by Beth Forester Photography

WEDDING WOWS UNVEILED

Wedding Wows!

The editors of WV Weddings share their favorites from this issue’s submissions—from the best bridal portrait to their favorite bridesmaid dresses. WOW!

SPR NG/SUMMER 2014

LOVE in the HILLS

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

LOVE in HILLS

LOVE in the CITY

•

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE Real Weddings, Venues, Gowns & More!

the

P

West Virginia’s

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

West Virginia’s

LOVE in HILLS

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE Real Weddings, Venues, Decor & More!

P

the

1 SPR NG/SUMMER 2014

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

LOVE is in the AIR

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

West Virginia’s

West Virginia’s

Real Weddings, Venues, Décor & More!

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

TUNNEL of LOVE

Magic Moments ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE

4

3

2

MODERN LOVE

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE Real Weddings, Venues, Décor & More!

West Virginia’s

5

ULTIMATE WEDDING GUIDE

6

Real Weddings, Venues, Decor & More!

7

8

Cover SPRING/SUMMER 2014

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

LOVE is in the AIR

•

LOVE in BLOOM

9 16 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

10

FINALISTS

1. Erika Betler and Jeremy Bodkins, shot by Amberlee Christey Photography 2. Shayla Miller and Marc Rigsby, shot by Photography

by Mandi White 3. Erin Mundy and Brandon Harper, shot by Lauren Love Photography 4. Jessica Miller and Michael Lipscomb, shot by The Oberports 5. Alexandra Buss and Eric Adams, shot by The Oberports 6. Kortney Smith and Charles Major, shot by Black Ribbon Photography 7. Christina Cappadona and Blake Johnson, shot by The Oberports 8. Suzanna Crews and Nathan Davenport, shot by Lauren Fair Photography 9. Megan Holcomb and Drew Walker, shot by Kelli Carrico Photography 10. Alexandria Marino and Prasenjit Dutt, shot by Allie B Photography

Bridal

Turner Medical Spa has developed a useful bridal guide to help you prepare your skin, hair, body, and mind for your big day.

L A V I V R SU Guide

12 MONTHS BEFORE

Develop your personal Beauty Plan at initial consultation Develop wellness plan - look good and feel good

6 MONTHS BEFORE Laser hair removal Complexion perfection with glycolic peels, microdermabrasion and skin care

4 MONTHS BEFORE

most arresting

ACCESSORY

Kristin Bateman & Seth Rhodes, shot by Wendie Jordan Photography

Botox - rid yourself of expression induced wrinkles Bridal facials and massage - de-stressing is vital

3 MONTHS BEFORE Begin Latisse treatments for thicker, longer lashes

2 MONTHS BEFORE Velashape cellulite treatment

1 MONTH BEFORE Day at the Spa: Thank your bridesmaids by enjoying a day at the spa with them!

WEDDING WEEK Customized Facials Makeup Applications Paraffin Hand Treatment Celebrate - It’s your wedding day!

Samia Ghareeb Turner, MD most notable

INVITATION

Charleston, WV Cross Lanes, WV

304.776.1611 turnermedicalspa.com

Rachel Henderson & Mark Coon, shot by Amberlee Christey Photography mywvwedding.com | 17

WEDDING WOWS UNVEILED

bridal

BOUQUET

Catherine Heaps & Benjamin Troy Lauffer, shot by Wilson Lee. Flowers by Woodlands Floral.

18 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

romantic

RINGS

FROM TOP Whitney Blankenship & Madison Brown, shot by MC Photography; Elizabeth Claydon & Brian Merry, shot by Amberlee Christey Photography; and Dena Helmick & Ian Beckner shot by Seasons of Life Photography

mywvwedding.com | 19

COUPLE

portrait

BELOW Alexandra Buss & Eric Adams, shot by The Oberports

BRIDESMAID

dresses

Chelsy Carey & Wellington Smith, shot by Rebecca Devono Photography

20 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

adorable

ATTENDANTS

FROM TOP Breana Crites & John Williams, shot by Smitten Photography; Ashley Ausherman & Lee Watts, shot by Lovestruck Images; and Courtney Coleman & Chase Petry, shot by Star Buckner Photography

mywvwedding.com | 21

wedding

CAKES

BELOW Alexandra Buss & Eric Adams, shot by The Oberports, RIGHT Jessica Miller & Michael Lipscomb, shot by The Oberports

It’s not just a cupcake… it’s a Cupcakerie cupcake!

We would love to add a personal touch to your event, whether it is your wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, birthday, graduation, office party, or tailgate.

304.212.5464 194 Willey St. Morgantown, WV

orders@thecupcakerie.com thecupcakerie.com 22 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

DESSERT

presentation

Lindsey Reifel & Miles Evenson, Hometown Cake, Parkersburg, shot by Jacqueline Reifel

Charleston’s Newest Full-Service Hotel 304.344.4092 | fourpointscharleston.com

A Fresh New Venue! · Scenic and Convenient Location · Beautifully Renovated Ballroom Spaces · Full Service Catering

ACTION shot Brenda Moore & Darrell Withrow, shot by Ariel Views Photo

· State-of-the-Art Audio, Visual, and Lighting · Free Custom Wedding Website · Newly Renovated Sleeping Rooms and Suites

genius

GUESTBOOK

Kate Turner & Josh Wagner, shot by Art by Crim mywvwedding.com | 23

WEDDING WOWS UNVEILED

table

DÉCOR

FROM LEFT Jessica Crouch & Jonathan Carroll, shot by Kristin Burke Photography; Morgan Heflin & Jeremy Parsons, shot by Jess Martin Photography

DRESS

shot

Alexandra Buss & Eric Adams, shot by The Oberports

unique

LOCALE

Sandra Shewey & Thomas Wallace, shot by Mark Webb Photography

24 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

GETAWAY shot FROM TOP Elizabeth Claydon & Brian Merry, shot

by Amberlee Christey Photography; Dena Helmick & Ian Beckner, shot by Seasons of Life Photography. mywvwedding.com | 25

Gif ts-Weddings-Receptions

Imagine.

The Ultimate Backdrop for the Ultimate Event

Tamarack is the ideal setting for every part of your wedding celebration. Our unique ambiance, intimate service and superb catering will make your special day even more unforgettable. From your rehearsal dinner, reception and bridesmaids’ brunch to your ceremony, Tamarack is the perfect choice for a perfect day.

OPEN DAILY

|

EXIT 45 I -77/I - 64 BECKLEY g

t a m a r a c k w v . c o m | 1- 8 8 - T A M A R A C K

The Editor’s ——Ideas, Advice, and Inspiration —— WRITTEN BY NIKKI BOWMAN

COURTNEY COLEMAN & CHASE PETRY BY STAR BUCKNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Engaging

STATISTICS

DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING OR WAS IT A SURPRISE?

say “I chose it!”

78% 22% 78% HAD AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY

TOOK AN “ENGAGEMENT MOON”

TOOK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

mywvwedding.com | 27

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK UNVEILED

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

BEACH WEDDING

Before Buying Your Wedding Dress

DRESS FOR THE VENUE

Before choosing your gown, choose your venue and keep that in mind as your try on dresses.

Picking the perfect gown can be an overwhelming experience. Here are a few tips to tuck away before heading to the bridal boutiques.

Ball gowns don’t work well on the beach. Think breezy, romantic, and fuss-free. Flowy fabrics like silk chiffon work well.

OUTDOOR RUSTIC WEDDING

HAVE A BUDGET IN MIND.

Lace and vintageinspired gowns feel at home in rustic venues, but ditch the long train.

Know what you can spend and stay in your price range.

CHURCH WEDDING

If your church or cathedral is grand, dress the part with a ball gown-style dress and full-length veil.

Remember

ALTERATIONS ARE A MUST.

ART GALLERY OR CONTEMPORARY LOFT

All dresses will need to be altered.

Think clean and modern sheath or slip-style gown.

TAKE SHOES

with a heel height that you are comfortable wearing.

(see our chart below).

BEFORE YOU BEGIN TRYING ON DRESSES

use WV Weddings magazine as a resource for bridal shops. Mark what dresses you like and note where they were purchased—that’s why we include the vendor.

DRESSING for your SHAPE WIDE HIPS?

A-line is the most flattering choice with embellishments and detail on the top.

BUSTY?

Try a halter bodice or a V-neck gown with straps.

28 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

ARMFUL?

Lace or sheer sleeves are the way to go.

MEDDLING MIDDLE?

Diagonal ruching will hide a bloated belly.

PLUS SIZE?

Call the salon before your appointment and ask if they have plus size samples for you to try on.

SKINNY MINNY?

Accentuate your slimness wi h a slip-style gown or a mermaidstyle that flares out from your knees.

SHORT STATURE?

Stay away from ball gowns that will swallow you.

Try a ballerina length instead.

CATHERINE IRWIN BY BETH FORESTER PHOTOGRAPHY

KNOW WHAT STYLES FIT YOUR FIGURE

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK UNVEILED

Things You’ll Regret Doing At Your Wedding

DOS & DON’TS When it comes to weddings, we get many questions. We may not be Emily Post, but we have a few thoughts on what to do and what to avoid.

WEARING UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES

ID !

I D N’T!

Don’t buy cheap shoes. You’ll be on your feet the entire day.

Think about switching to flats during the reception.

SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS?

CASH BAR?

We say it’s a DO! Calendars fill up, and save-the-date cards give your guests ample notice. It is also a great way to set the tone of your wedding and start building excitement.

DON’T. DON’T. DON’T. And DON’T.

ELECTRONIC SAVE-THE-DATES?

UNEVEN NUMBER IN A BRIDAL PARTY?

Another DO! There are many savvy digital designs and services that will help you create a one-of-a-kind announcement. Just remember that not all of your guests will be technologically savvy, so you may want to also include the more traditional paper version.

DON’T feel like you have to add extra bridesmaids to match the number of groomsmen. Photographers can arrange the photos so that it doesn’t look asymmetrical. And by the way, symmetrical poses are so 1980s— another DON’T.

FALSE EYELASHES?

MOTHER OF THE GROOM?

A definite DO! Have a professional makeup artist apply them or adhere them yourself but practice several times before the day of your wedding.

A mother of the groom DOES NOT have to wear beige.

NOT RETOUCHING YOUR MAKEUP

Oil absorbing sheets are a bride’s best friend. You want to glow, but you don’t want to shine.

MAKING GUESTS WAIT AT RECEPTION ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

You don’t want to rush your photography session, but you also don’t want to make your guests wait too long to eat. If there’s an open bar, make sure you are serving appetizers or have a vegetable and cheese table.

CASH BAR

Wedding experts say this is a no-no. Have an open bar but limit the selection.

NOT HIRING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Your photographs will be your most cherished takeaway from your wedding—after your groom, of course. Choose your photographer wisely.

NOT HIRING A VIDEOGRAPHER

A well shot and edited video will be enjoyed for years to come.

TRASHING YOUR DRESS

One great photo shouldn’t be the death of your wedding dress.

DRINKING TOO MUCH

FRANZ XAVER WINTERHALTER

You’ll want to remember your special day. Be smart.

NOT EATING

There’s a lot going on, but make sure you eat, especially if you are having a glass of wine or two—or three.

BEST GUY?

Sure! If your best friend is a man, DO include him in your bridal party.

DRESS

TWEET PHOTOS OF BRIDAL PARTY GETTING READY?

Please DON’T. The unveiling of the bride should happen as she comes down the aisle, not on social media.

YES! 89%

Rehearsal Was your dress new when you bought it?

NO 11% mywvwedding.com | 29

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK UNVEILED

1 3

2

4 5

6

OFF the CUFF

1. Stephen Webster MBE sterling silver and black rhodium British bulldog head cuff links with red enamel Union Jack backs, $250, Joyce’s Jewelry, joyces-jewelry.com 2. Holcombs Woodworking cuff links in maple, walnut, koa, curly maple, Hormigo, spanish cedar, and other woods, $12, Holcombs Woodworking, 304.927.4831, wvdulcimers@frontier.com 3. Sterling silver William Henry skull cuff links with black diamond eyes and antique patina, $695, Calvin Broyles Jewelers, calvinbroyles.com 4. Thorn Collection sterling silver cuff links with lapis inlay, $250, Joyce’s Jewelry, joyces-jewelry.com 5. William Henry yellow, gold-plated cuff links inlaid with lapis lazuli gemstone, $375, Calvin Broyles Jewelers, calvinbroyles.com 6. Custom square, hand-carved cuff links in 14-karat gold with 3/8 carat of diamonds, $2,000, Calvin Broyles Jewelers, calvinbroyles.com

TO ASK or NOT TO ASK? That is the question.

YES!

NO! She’s listed on your favorites on your phone before your fiancé.

✔ ✔

My fiancé’s sister. You are marrying into the family. Start off on the right foot.

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 30 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

I was in her wedding and feel like I should ask her even though we aren’t as close anymore.

I haven’t seen my high school best friend in five years.

You wouldn’t buy a dress without her opinion.

If you want an honest opinion, she’s your go-to girl.

CHRISTINA CAPPADONA BY THE OBERPORTS

College roommate or best friend from grade school? Fiancé’s sister or co-worker? Choosing your bridesmaid shouldn’t be stressful. Use our quiz to determine who makes the cut.

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK UNVEILED

WV WEDDINGS’ GUIDE TO

PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING

BASIC POLE TENTS Generally inexpensive, these must be installed on grass or where stakes can be driven into ground.

HIGH-PEAK POLE TENTS These tents are more graceful in appearance than the basic pole tent, with elegant peaks and sweeping lines.

SOLID-SIDED TENTS These retain heat in the cooler months and provide privacy while hiding unpleasant outside scenery.

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS are more popular than ever, and the possibilities are endless! ££State parks ££Waterfront areas like riverbanks, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, and creeks

££Beautiful homes with manicured gardens ££Rooftop locations ££Wineries ££Barns

32 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

££Outdoor patios ££Backyards ££Golf courses ££Resorts

CATHEDRAL WINDOW SIDED TENTS These protect guests from the elements but allow them to see outside. The windows give a distinguished look.

FRAME TENTS These withstand winds better than pole tents.

SARA FITZWATER & JOSHUA MILLER BY LAVENDER PHOTOGRAPHY

MESH-SIDED TENTS In warmer months, these provide ventilation while keeping bugs out.

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK UNVEILED

DECORATING IDEAS for OUTDOOR TENTS ✽✽ PAPER LANTERNS add a pop of color. ✽✽ GLOBE LIGHTS add drama at twilight. ✽✽ CHANDELIERS create elegant backdrops. ✽✽ PAPER, FABRIC, OR FLORAL GARLANDS add drama. ✽✽ FRAMED PHOTOS OR EMPTY GILDED FRAMES hanging from the ceiling or along the walls can lend a vintage feel. ✽✽ POTTED TREES bring the outside in.

REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY; THE OBERPORTS; LAUREN LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY; THE OBERPORTS

✽✽ FLOOR-LENGTH TABLE SKIRTS are a must.

Add colorful toppers for a splash of color.

FOR MORE OUTDOOR WEDDING IDEAS,

you can find great examples in our Wedding Register, pg. 107

THINGS to CONSIDER ££ What is covered in the cost of a tent? ££ Do you need fans or heaters? ££ Audio-visual equipment? ££ Lighting and electrical setup? ££ Dance floor, and if so, how large? ££ Room for a band?

IF YOU HAVE . . .

A to Z Rentals gives us a primer on tents.

75

100

200

250

A 40’ x 40’ tent with a 9 x 12’ dance floor

A 40’ x 60’ tent with a 12’ x 16’ dance floor

A 40’ x 100’ tent with a 12 x 21’ dance floor

A 40’ x 120’ tent with a 12 x 21’ dance floor

GUESTS

GUESTS

GUESTS

GUESTS

££ Will location support tent? ££ Do you need a floor? mywvwedding.com | 33

LEFT TO RIGHT Audra Mayhew, Rachel Harman, Jess Walker, Whitney Cayton, Ashley Cage

NICO SPALON'S

MAKEUP MUSTS Audra Mayhew

✽✽ MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH NATURAL

✽✽ BITE HIGH PIGMENT MATTE PENCIL in Pomegranate

✽✽ BARE MINERALS ALL-OVER FACE COLOR WARMTH

✽✽ BENEFIT COSMETICS WATT’S UP! Luminous Champagne – Soft Focus Highlighter for Face

Jess Walker

✽✽ ANASTASIA BEAUTY EXPRESS

Ashley Cage ✽✽ MAKE UP FOR EVER EYELASHES STRIP 156 Genevieve ✽✽ DIORSHOW MASCARA ✽✽ LORAC PRO EYESHADOW PALETTE ✽✽ URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION TUBE – Original

34 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

✽✽ LAURA MERCIER OIL-FREE FOUNDATION PRIMER ✽✽ ALMAY CLEAR COMPLEXION CONCEALER ✽✽ TARTE MATTE WATERPROOF BRONZER ✽✽ SMASHBOX JETSET WATERPROOF EYE LINER (Deep Black and/or Dark Brown)

Rachel Harman ✽✽ KAT VON D TATTOO LINER Ink Black

Whitney Cayton

✽✽ MAKE UP FOR EVER HD INVISIBLE COVER FOUNDATION (or Mat Velvet based on skin type)

✽✽ URBAN DECAY Naked 2 or Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette

✽✽ REVLON COLORSTAY OVERTIME LIPCOLOR

✽✽ NARS BLUSH (Laguna and/or Deep Throat)

✽✽ SIGMA MAKEUP BRUSHES – Essential Kit

NICHOLAS ROMANOLI

✽✽ TOO FACED ROMANTIC EYE Eyeshadow Palette

Melissa Perella Photography

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EXTRAVAGANZA

20 14

PASSPORT to a perfect wedding written by

Alexis Kessel CarlaWitt Ford photographed by

N

ot even Old Man Winter could stop brides from storming the third annual WV Weddings Extravaganza. Despite icy conditions, more than 150 attendees braved the elements on January 19, 2014, to gain insight into the wonders of wedding planning, making this year our biggest turnout ever.

This year’s theme was vintage travel, and guests arrived at the Bridgeport Conference Center (BCC) to spaces filled with retro décor and antiques like suitcases, globes, and photographs.

Their registration “passport” was their guide to the day’s events. As always, the schedule included informational sessions with wedding experts inundating brides with planning pointers, from wedding day photography to makeup tips to planning on a budget. At midday, guests were all ears while keynote speaker Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta used his trademark Southern flair to deliver even more valuable wedding advice during a lavish luncheon prepared by BCC— complemented by decadent treats from Almost Heaven Desserts, Bonnie Belle’s Pastries, and The Cupcakerie. After his entertaining and informative speech, Monte stayed an extra two hours for photos and to answer individual questions from brides. With all the excitement and practical wedding advice, it’s safe to say this year’s Extravaganza was our best yet.

BCC

BRIDGEPORT CONFERENCE CENTER DATE

LOCATION

01/19/14

Bridgeport, West Virginia

THE BRIDGEPORT CONFERENCE CENTER,

a popular in-state destination for weddings, receptions, and business events, hosted this year’s WV Weddings Extravaganza. A 12,000-square-foot building with six large meeting rooms—three of which become one large ballroom—the BCC’s modern spaces were the perfect location for our biggest event to-date as they showcased our travel-inspired theme. The entrance hall was transformed into a vintage-chic attic with antiques like clocks, books, and cameras on display. Our decorating team hung large airplanes decoupaged with West Virginia maps and used globes as table centerpieces to set the scene in the dining room, where guests admired the décor during a luncheon sampler of the BCC’s wedding catering menu.

The Bridgeport Conference Center, a popular location for wedding receptions in the

state, hosts this year’s WV Weddings Extravaganza and caters the luncheon.

VENDORS & SPEAKERS Exceptional vendors and knowledgeable speakers are two of the main ingredients that make the WV Weddings Extravaganza one-of-a-kind. Clockwise from top left: Nico Spalon offers airbrush makeup.

Blooms Florist furnished all of the flowers for the event. Little Black Dress Events gives guests suggestions on planning an elegant wedding on a budget. Cupcakes of all flavors from The Cupcakerie go fast at the luncheon. Makeup experts from Nico Spalon provide quick tips. WV Weddings Editor Nikki Bowman talks about the importance of great wedding photos.

Bonnie Belle’s Pastries offers cupcakes in addition to cakes. Event planner Joel Brown inspires guests with innovative DIY ideas. Goodie bags for brides include everything from high-end hairspray to local chocolates. You can have just about anything you can dream up when it comes to Bonnie Belle’s Pastries.

mywvwedding.com | 41

clothing advice as a personal shopper, that he discovered his knack for styling LOUS OUR FABU weddings. “Girls would watch me dress R E K A SPE KE YNOTE the mannequins and say, ‘Hey, could you do our hair and makeup?’ and I’d say, ‘Well, I don’t think I can—it’s different on a mannequin than it is on a human being.” After more prompting, he gave in. “I started doing hair for weddings and I wasn’t even a hairdresser. I was making veils—it was crazy.” Monte took an advanced course in London at Graham Webb International and went on to work at Elizabeth Arden Red R O pr of es si on T C E Door Spa in Virginia.

IR D SHION BRIDAL FA In his many roles as a salon owner, stylist, and wedding planner, Monte A T N TLA fr om E DRESS A H T O became friends with Lori Allen T S E SAY Y of Bridals by Lori in Atlanta. He nati ve of styled her daughter’s wedding, INIA WEST VIRG DOTHAN, which was featured on WE TV’s Platinum Weddings. When TLC spotted the episode and caught wind of Lori’s impressive bridal shop, they knew Lori and Monte would be perfect for their Say Yes to the Dress spin-off.

The Atlanta show, which just finished its sixth season, features Monte in his position as an image consultant who always gives brides-to-be his honest opinion—with a onte durham has made it big touch of Southern sass. His work on weddings has graced as a reality TV star on TLC’s Say Yes to the the cover of magazines, but the thing he loves most about Dress: Atlanta, but his love for all things his job is the long-term connection he has with a family. fashion began when he was still a youngster in Fayette “I’m going to be a part of that family’s history. My work County. Growing up in the small community of Dothan, is going to be in your photo album, in the pictures on the Monte was always drawn to the subject of style. A Jackie mantel, and on the piano,” he says. “And hopefully that Kennedy aficionado, he credits the lives on, that I’m able to be a part of glamorous icon as his muse from an someone’s very important day. I’m I WAS RAISED early age, but also says he inherited honored to do that.”

IN THE KENNEDY some of his good taste from his He has seen wide success in ERA, AND JACKIE parents. “I was raised in the Kennedy his travels, but Monte always KENNEDY WAS IN era, and Jackie Kennedy was in the appreciates returning to his THE FOREFRONT forefront of every magazine and West Virginia roots. “I love paper we looked at—she was all over OF EVERY MAGAZINE the down-home feel, the the place. I think that was a huge friendliness. A handshake still AND PAPER WE influence. But my father and mother means something in West Virginia.”

LOOKED AT—SHE are both very snappy dressers, so I At the WV Weddings Bridal WAS ALL OVER THE was the same.”

Extravaganza, he was amazed by PLACE. I THINK Monte attended West Virginia the enthusiastic participation from THAT WAS A HUGE Tech for a year and finished up at brides in the question-and-answer George Mason University, where portion. “What I enjoyed most INFLUENCE. he received an associate’s degree was how darn attentive the brides MONTE DURHAM in fashion merchandising. But he were. They were really willing to wasn’t quite finished with his quest learn, and willing to watch, and for style knowledge. Continuing his education at a small, willing to hear, and willing to ask questions,” he says. esteemed school in the D.C. area, he received a fashion “In this industry, I think the most important thing you diploma and went on to work in retail. He worked in a can do to give back, not just to West Virginia but to any number of department stores—Saks, Neiman Marcus, community, is to share. You’ve got to educate, and if you Woodworth & Lothrop—and it was there, giving can do that, it’s a big dream.”

M

42 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

MONTE’S TOP WEDDINGS jackie bouvier & john f. kennedy “People talk about country chic, well, Jackie invented it. They were married in a very small church, and they went to their farm and had the reception outdoors overlooking the bay. Flowers were from the gardens of the house, and she wore her grandmother’s veil. Things like that were really important to her.

She could have worn any designer gown, but she had her gown made.”

grace kelly & prince rainier “Here we are, marrying a prince of Monaco, I mean a prince. Her gown was given to her by MGM and made by Helen Rose, who designed her clothes for all her Alfred Hitchcock movies—it was Venetian lace and it was just Old Guard.

She was covered up with a high neck.

Her bridesmaids wore Priscilla of Boston.

That wedding was formality at its best.”

lady di & prince charles “Look at her dress, her bouquet, the time. She stepped out of the box—she married at St. Paul as opposed to the Westminster Abbey where all royals and future kings get married. Overthe-top with everything. Look at the bridesmaids, the pageantry. We hadn’t had a royal wedding in so long, and they made sure we knew.”

carolyn bessette & john f. kennedy, jr.

“He took notes from his mom and kept it understated and elegant. Everyone wanted Carolyn’s dress, and her hair was very natural. It was in a small church on the island, and they kept it hush-hush.

It was truly modern—sophisticated, elegant, understated, and unassuming.”

kate middleton & prince william Monte Durham of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta gives brides wedding advice with his trademark panache.

“This was the first time a commoner has married a future king. She goes down the aisle a commoner and she comes back a duchess, so that’s pretty big news because it’s just never happened. Not a lot of pomp and circumstance, in the sense that everything was downplayed.”

WEDDING

BLOOPERS We asked brides, “What’s your best wedding blooper moment?”

Here’s what some had to say:

“I FELT THE GARTER SLIDING down my leg in the middle of the ceremony. It was a Greek Orthodox wedding where we have to walk around a table three times—didn’t want to lose this lacy red thing for everyone to see! I caught the attention of my MOH and mouthed the words, “My garter fell.’ She came over, pretended to fix my train, and I slipped out of my heels and shook the garter the rest of the way down and off my foot. She reached under the gown and grabbed it. No one was the wiser!”

AMY JOHNS

“IT HAD BEEN RAINING the day of our wedding. One of my MOHs had just helped me walk outside to do our first look photos with my hubby and as she walked back under the awning, a ton of water that had gathered fell from it and drenched her. Thankfully we got her dress dried and make up touched up with time to spare.”

AMBER SHEPHERD THOMPSON

“BEING SO NERVOUS I grabbed my

husband’s right instead of left hand to put his ring on! And to make it even better he was whispering, 'Wrong hand, baby, wrong hand.”

KRISTIN GOETZ SMITH

CASSIE HATCHER

“OUR SCALLOPS WRAPPED IN BACON

“I WAS SUPPOSED TO LEAVE my wedding

served during cocktail hour were actually chicken liver wrapped in bacon. I never asked what happened, but we talk about it to this day!”

KATIE HANLON

“WHICH ONE? THE DJ NOT SHOWING,

44 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

“THERE WERE LOTS, but my favorite and funniest is this. During the vows, we were holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes. He said his vows no problem. When it comes to me, I repeated what the pastor said for one or two lines, but then I got lost in the moment of us holding hands, staring into each other’s eyes, and getting married. I realized there was a big silence because the pastor had stopped talking and I had no clue what he said. I shook my head, blinked a couple of times, and then looked at the pastor and said, “I’m sorry, could you repeat that please? It didn’t compute.’ Everyone busted out laughing, including the pastor, my husband, and myself.”

in a gorgeous antique car with a rumble seat, but rain poured right before we walked down the aisle, so it couldn’t be used. I didn’t have a back-up mode of transportation and ended up having to travel to my reception in a minivan.”

NIKKI BOWMAN

the cake being built upside down, cutting into Styrofoam instead of our bottom layer (the top was to be fake, but since it was upside down, you know), or my husband and I not getting to eat? Despite it all, it was perfect.”

“I DIDN’T THINK THE UNITY CANDLE had

REBECCA HINES

KIM NIXON

lit but it had, and I kept holding my candle to try to light it. My husband had to practically yell at me that it was lit. I was so afraid of the ‘omen’ if it hadn’t! We just celebrated our 18th anniversary despite the candle debacle.”

Bed

W E ST V I R G I N I A

Breakfast A S S O C IAT I O N

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ROMANCE

THE HISTORY AND

Charm one-of-a-kind looks.

OF OLD

COURTHOUSES ACROSS THE STATE SERVE AS A BACKDROP FOR THESE

WEDDING DAY

46 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Keri Hays of House of Fashions in Bridgeport models some of her boutique’s most standout dresses and carries a beautiful bouquet from Blooms Florist in Bridgeport.

Necklace ($84), hairpin ($20), and scarf ($30) come from The Finery in Morgantown. hofwv.com, thefinery. com, bloomswedding.com

PHOTOGR APHED BY

REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY mywvwedding.com | 47

Barbour COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Built at the start of the 20th century, this Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse in Philippi is a romantic backdrop. The current structure replaced the original courthouse, which was used to house Union troops during the Civil War. PHOTOGR APHED BY

REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY

Keri is vibrant in this long-sleeve lace dress ($598) with square earrings ($20), cheerful peeptoe heels ($92), and birdcage veil ($80), all from House of Fashions, with a classic bouquet from Blooms Florist. hofwv.com, bloomswedding.com

48 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

THE WITNESS WORE

white

Say “I do” in this cap-sleeve dress by Sherri Hill ($560) and fascinator ($118), both from House of Fashions in Bridgeport. hofwv.com

mywvwedding.com | 49

Love

IS IN SESSION

Keri and mini-model Sophia Devono take a break on the courthouse steps in Philippi. The modern bride dons an ivory leather Jovani dress from House of Fashions ($410, top and center), necklace ($84), hairpin ($20), and scarf ($30) from The Finery. Sophia charms in her Persnickety jumper ($74) and shoes from The Shoe Story in Morgantown. In court, the verdict is beautiful as Keri dazzles in an ivory Sherri Hill cocktail dress ($360, below), nude shoes ($140), and earrings ($40) from House of Fashions. Flowers by Blooms Florist. hofwv.com, thefinery.com, bloomswedding.com

PHOTOGR APHED BY

REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY

50 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Who wouldn't want to be judged in this gorgeous Justin Alexander gown ($1,522) and knockout earrings ($45) from House of Fashions? This look is classic with a rose bouquet from Blooms Florist. hofwv.com, bloomswedding.com

mywvwedding.com | 51

Whitney Home turns heads in Logan in this Pronovias Lagatte dress ($890), Alisha Hill Audrey shoes ($169), and birdcage veil with jewel clip ($225), all from Coni & Franc in Morgantown. coniandfranc.net 52 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Boone

COUNTY COURTHOUSE This Neoclassical Revival courthouse in Madison was completed in 1921 and got an extra touch of glamour when its dome was gold-leafed in 1977.

Real-life newlyweds Jacob Miller and Whitney Home get sweet in the stairwell as Whitney models a short and sassy gown from Coni & Franc in Morgantown. coniandfranc.net PHOTOGR APHED BY

LEAH VANCE PHOTOGRAPHY mywvwedding.com | 53

Tucker

COUNTY COURTHOUSE Built in 1898, this combination Flemish Renaissance and Romanesque Revival-style structure is a modern-vintage girl’s dream with peeling green walls, soaring ceilings, and romantic hideaways.

PHOTOGR APHED BY

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY AMANDA

Hayley Carlin waits in the stairwell at the courthouse in Parsons.

She’s ready to make her move in this Jasmine dress with keyhole back ($150), En Vogue earrings, Benjamin Adams peeptoe heels with brooch ($240), and bridal hair ribbon ($143), all from Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique in Clarksburg. Hair by Andrea Lugo and Angie Barnhart of Toni Exquisite Hair. Makeup

by Joy Lager of Beauty by Joy. oliveriosbridal.com, tonishair.com, beautybyjoy.com

54 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Hayley stops traffic in a Dessy dress ($252), Jim Ball earrings ($90), and Benjamin Adams heels ($240) from Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique in Clarksburg. Hair by Andrea Lugo and Angie Barnhart of Toni Exquisite Hair. Makeup by Joy Lager of Beauty

by Joy. oliveriosbridal.com, tonishair.com, beautybyjoy.com

mywvwedding.com | 55

Study this stellar look. Hayley pairs a simple Alfred Angelo tea-length gown ($299) with a Moonlight bridal belt ($150), short veil by Mariell ($50.95), Swarovski Jim Ball teardrop earrings ($54), and bracelet by Carole Fay ($50) from Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique in Clarksburg. Hair by Andrea Lugo and Angie Barnhart of Toni ExquisiteHair. Makeup

by Joy Lager of Beautyby Joy. oliveriosbridal.com, tonishair.com, beautybyjoy.com

56 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

IT'S ALL IN THE

details

Don’t neglect your feet. These classically beautiful peeptoe pumps by Benjamin Adams ($240) stand out with brooch detailing, and you can’t go wrong with the perfect keyhole on this Jasmine dress ($150), both from Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique in Clarksburg. oliveriosbridal.com

PHOTOGR APHED BY

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY AMANDA

mywvwedding.com | 57

58 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Tyler

COUNTY COURTHOUSE This eerily elegant Classical Revival-style courthouse in Middlebourne in Tyler County dates back to 1854.

PHOTOGR APHED BY

REBECCA KIGER FOTOGRAFIA

Quiet in the courtroom! Laura Fox will hush any room in this stunning Jasmine dress with removable skirt ($1,070) and birdcage veil with jeweled clip ($225), both from Coni & Franc in Morgantown. Flowers provided by Toni Wierzbicki of Bellisima, near Wheeling. Hair and makeup by Laurie Carr. coniandfranc.net, bellisimaflowershop.com

mywvwedding.com | 59

sweet

APPOINTMENT

Laura is late for a very important date in this Jasmine dress with its skirt removed ($1,070), birdcage veil with jeweled clip ($225), and Alisha Hill shoes ($135), all from Coni & Franc in Morgantown. Flowers provided by Toni Wierzbicki of Bellisima, near Wheeling. Hair and makeup by Laurie Carr. coniandfranc.net, bellisimaflowershop.com PHOTOGR APHED BY

REBECCA KIGER FOTOGRAFIA 60 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Crystal Kleeh has important business in the courthouse in this Janine of London gown ($398) and feather Headdress NY headband ($115) from Coni & Franc.

Hair and makeup by Laurie Carr. coniandfranc.net, bellisimaflowershop.com

THE WITNESS WORE

tulle

Laura makes an entrance in this Jasmine dress with removable skirt ($1,070), birdcage veil with jeweled clip ($225), and Alisha Hill shoes ($135), all from Coni & Franc in Morgantown.

Flowers by Toni Wierzbicki of Bellisima. Hair and makeup by Laurie Carr. coniandfranc.net, bellisimaflowershop.com

PHOTOGR APHED BY

REBECCA KIGER FOTOGRAFIA

62 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Charleston is the perfect backdrop for weddings. No other city offers so many options for your unforgettable day. Be it an historic ballroom, the Capitol rotunda or a breathtaking vista, there is a setting for every bride. Charleston combines natural beauty with vibrant culture and friendly people to make every guest feel welcome.

Before you plan your big day, make sure you pay us a visit.

I’m Belle Manjong.

I own B.Belle Events.

And I’m Charlie West.

charlestonwv.com

Hip, Historic... Almost Heaven!

WV BES VO LIV T FE TED ING STIV MaAL IN ga zin e Let us exceed your expectations as you plan your “happily ever after.” Our state-of-the-art Civic Center provides endless possibilities to achieve your wedding dreams. Our Distinctive Gourmet Caterer offers delectable themed cuisine that is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. It is our pleasure to accommodate all events from intimate gatherings to grand hall productions. We will customize Photo by Greg Salva

menus and decor to suit not only your taste, but your budget.

Please contact Anna Campbell, Sales Director to set up a personal tour and begin the planning of your one of a kind wedding. anna.campbell@charlestonwvciviccenter.com • 304-345-1500

FestivALL Charleston

“A City Becomes A Work Of Art”

Home of the Annual

June 20 – 29, 2014 National talent at the Mayor’s Concert • Blues, Brews & BBQ Wine & All That Jazz • Mountain Stage and the Dance Gala Musical Theater • Art Fairs with street performers Taste-of-All Charleston • Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off • Riverboat rides • Public art projects and free family fun!

10 Days, 130 Events, 360 Performances.

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featuring over 80 region-wide wedding vendors, from photographers and planners to florists and fashion.

Visit us at: www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com

HOME

weet

HOME

Dreams come true at Swift Level farm for one West Virginia native and her California love. written by

Rachel Coon • photographed by The Oberports

66 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

mywvwedding.com | 67

T

this love story begins on the islands—a meeting on a Hawaiian cruise, a honeymoon on St. Lucia and Antigua. Katie Ferguson was on holiday with her best friend, celebrating their recent college graduation in 2007, while Nate Smith happened to be on the same cruise celebrating his younger brother’s high school graduation.

She met Nate at the beginning of the weeklong excursion, and they clicked right away. “Nate is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met,” Katie says. “There was just something there.” When the cruise ended, Nate returned home to southern California, and Katie, a Summersville native, went back to Morgantown. Both thought they’d never see each other again.

But the couple stayed in touch, and they were soon traversing the country to see each other. In fall 2007, Katie flew by herself for the first time to visit Nate, who her parents only knew as some guy she’d met on the cruise.

Then Nate came to West Virginia to meet her family and friends. By February 2008, Katie was in California again meeting his family. That June, 10 months after meeting, Katie moved west and has been there ever since.

feelin’ bubbly

On Christmas Eve 2011, Katie rushed home from work to get ready to go to Nate’s parents’ house. The pair had promised each other one present that evening before heading out. “I didn’t notice at the time, but Nate couldn’t sit still. He was pacing all over my apartment,” Katie remembers. She gave him his gift—a pair of shoes.

Then she opened hers—a pair of “Happy Celebrations” Waterford champagne glasses. “He knows I love champagne,” Katie says. “All I could think at first was, ‘Where am I going to keep these so my roommate and I don’t break them?’” Nate then surprised her with a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne, a treat neither of them had ever enjoyed. When she opened the box, though, there was no bottle—just a small box wrapped in shiny red paper tied with a gold bow. (He had hidden the champagne behind the couch.) “I had no idea he had even been ring shopping, so this was a total surprise to me,” Katie says. On one knee, Nate asked her to marry him—he even had the foresight to 68 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Summersville native Katie Ferguson returned to West Virginia for an outdoor wedding in Lewisburg. Her groom, Nathan Smith, is from California. The bride chose colorful flowers like peonies for her reception.

Nate’s cuff links came from Etsy. Katie and her bridesmaids wore colorful silk robes to get ready, and her flower girl’s dress also came from Etsy.

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CLOCKWISE The wedding took place at Swift Level.

The couple wrote each other letters and sealed them in a box hand-carved by the bride’s father. A simple leaf served as a placecard. Silver platters marked each table. A frame with the wedding date was carved by Katie’s father and hung from a tree,

serving as a photo booth area. Flowers included peonies, roses, and a mix of garden flowers. The bride’s planner collected mix-matched china for the event for a year. Farm tables and round tables were used under the tent, and the property provided many locations for great photos.

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Katie made hiring a planner the first order of business. She saw a couple of weddings in WV Weddings magazine by B.Belle Events and knew that’s what she wanted. “I really liked her sense of style,” Katie says. So the couple flew out to meet with the owner, Belle Manjong. “We fell in love with her the first time we met her and didn’t even think about hiring anyone else.”

As Belle began to understand Katie and Nate’s desire to capture the beauty of the Mountain State, she suggested Swift Level, a centuries-old farm in Lewisburg. “Once I saw Swift Level farm, I fell in love with the beauty—the large green fields, rolling mountains, beautiful ancient trees, the smell of crisp clean air, and the openness and peace and quiet,” Katie says. The setting was perfect. The weekend of the wedding, many guests stayed at The Greenbrier nearby, taking advantage of the area’s history and outdoor activities. The groom took a group golfing at the resort and the morning of the wedding went clay shooting at The Greenbrier Sporting Club, while Katie hosted a bridesmaids’ luncheon at the resort the day before the wedding.

lovely in lace

The bride found her wedding gown in California and knew the Tara Keely gown of Alençon ivory lace would fit perfectly with the rustic outdoor wedding venue.

The gown’s elongated bodice, strapless sweetheart neckline, scalloped tiered skirt, and chapel-length train were accented with a Martina Liana satin ribbon sash with beaded appliqué. For something old, Katie fastened lace from her mother’s wedding gown around her bridal bouquet with a pin and brooch from her late grandparents.

To complement the natural setting at Swift Level, Katie chose eggplant and magenta for her bridesmaids, who wore varying styles of Amsale dresses. “I really wanted colors that would pop with all the green we’d be surrounded by,” she says. Nate and his groomsmen wore gray suits with ties of coordinating eggplant and magenta.

In keeping with the vibrant colors, Katie also chose flowers in a rainbow of colors for the bouquets, centerpieces, and wedding cake. “I wanted lots of texture, and I’m not afraid to use color. I like bright things,” she says. set up his GoPro camera on a nearby bookshelf to capture the moment. Katie called her parents, who already knew, and when the couple arrived at Nate’s parents’ house, they were greeted at the door with champagne. “I can picture it right now. It was such a fun night,” she says.

married in the mountains

Katie and Nate knew they wanted to have their wedding in West Virginia. “I love where I was born and raised and will always refer to West Virginia as home,” Katie says. California’s wonderful, she says, “But you’re just not surrounded out here by the same things as in West Virginia—the green fields, mountains, and trees.”

Knowing they’d be planning the wedding from afar,

blessings

After days of monsoon-like conditions, June 15, 2013, dawned sunny and clear. “We were truly blessed with a gorgeous day,” Katie says. “I will forever be grateful for that.” Katie stayed with her bridesmaids in the farm’s 1828 main house and woke to brunch prepared by Tootie, the Swift Level proprietor, and was able to relax while the stylists came to them. The bride and groom shared a first look, a moment both are glad they shared together to calm their nerves before the day took off. The ceremony was held under an arch adorned with a beautiful chandelier, a surprise from Belle and one of the bride’s favorite touches. The couple exchanged traditional vows mywvwedding.com | 71

Even the champagne was picture perfect on this bride’s wedding day. Katie’s dance with her father was a special moment, and private photos with her groom allowed for even more treasured memories. Vintage furniture added an eclectic feel to the decor. Nate shared a special dance with his mother during the reception, and the bride chose to place the dance floor outside of the tent so guests could dance beneath the stars.

and did a wine box and love letter ceremony, sealing wine and unread letters to each other in a wooden box carved by the bride’s father. Katie’s childhood preacher officiated while Nate’s brother played guitar and sang Jack Johnson’s “Better Together” and Katie’s cousin read a poem.

The evening continued to be beautiful, as guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and live music, champagne cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres before the wedding party was introduced and the newlyweds shared their first dance. The reception was picture-perfect—everyone was seated under a tent with tables dressed in linens, mix-and-match china that Belle collected for a year, and wooden crates filled with Mason jars and flowers. The sit-down dinner was a hit, and a four-tier round cake with real flowers in a cascading spiral was everything Katie dreamed of. “We also had the 72 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

best cupcakes ever—they were to die for,” she says. “I had so many people tell me, ‘I had like three cupcakes.’”

After a sunset photo shoot, the bride and groom headed back to the reception. “It was nice to step away and take it all in,” Katie says. “I can still remember what a great feeling it was to see all of our loved ones mingling, dancing, and having fun.” DJ Woody Woods & Gee helped make the night a dream come true. Katie says, “I definitely wanted to dance the night away. I love to dance.

And even though the reception was tented, I wanted the dance floor under the stars surrounded by fireflies.”

Toward the end of the night, everyone gathered in a circle to sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at the top of their lungs before Belle surprised the newlyweds with a lighting and releasing of Chinese lanterns.

Rain OR SHINE

The rain proves to be a good omen for one Barboursville native on her wedding day.

Shawnee Moran photographed by Lauren Fair Photography written by

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suzanna crews and nathan davenport vaguely remember the first time they met each other. They were children when they met at her aunt’s wedding. Years later Suzanna’s mother stumbled upon a photo of the two standing side by side, and she decided to contact her sister-in-law to find out who the young gentleman was. It didn’t take long for them to realize the couple would be perfect together, so they decided to set them up. A little encouragement and a few text messages later, the couple decided to meet on a blind date. They immediately clicked.

“He was such a godly person and was genuine,” Suzanna says. “He just seemed like the perfect person for me.”

the downpour

CLOCKWISE Suzanna customized her gown. The groom wore a suit from Jos. A. Bank from Pullman Square in Huntington. The bridal bouquet was adorned with charms of photos of the bride’s brother, grandfather, and uncle. OPPOSITE Suzanna and Nate were engaged at her family’s barn.

Only a few months after the couple started dating, Suzanna’s older brother, Spencer Gregory Crews, passed away. Suzanna says she couldn’t have imagined anyone better to be by her side, and she believes the couple’s relationship only grew stronger during that difficult time. It was around then that Nate says he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Suzanna. “It caused me to be more of a friend to her than being a romantic partner, and I think it strengthened our relationship,” he says. “It was something special that, even out of tragedy, something beautiful came out of it. I knew shortly after that she had everything I was looking for, and I definitely wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.”

About a year after they started dating, Nate proposed. He wanted to incorporate her love of horses, her family, and her friends in the engagement, and he found the perfect way to ask her—they would go for a ride together on her parents’ horse farm. He planned for her father to plug in a string of lights that would hang outside of the barn asking her to marry him when they came back. But Nate had to come up with an alternative plan when he looked outside his window the day of the proposal and saw the rain pouring down.

Later that evening he met Suzanna at the door with an umbrella and walked with her to get medicine for one of the horses. He acted like he had a rock in his shoe and pulled out the ring as the lights were plugged in behind him. She said yes, and the couple went into the barn where family and friends were waiting to congratulate them.

a shower of blessings

The morning of July 6, 2013, arrived quickly for the couple, and they couldn’t have been more excited to be married.

The First United Methodist Church in Huntington

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was transformed with the bride’s favorite flowers—blue hydrangeas, white peonies, pink celosia, green pea cabbage roses, purple lisianthus, and green hypericum berries all decorating the aisles and enhancing the stained glass window near the altar.

The bride was delighted to step out in her one-of-a-kind, strapless, ivory ball gown, embellished with lace appliqués, pearls, and crystals. The search for the perfect dress started in Suzanna’s hometown of Barboursville, but she didn’t find exactly what she was looking for. She traveled with her mother, sister-in-law, and niece to Cincinnati to continue her search. The first store they visited was overwhelmingly busy, so the group decided to visit Wendy’s Bridal instead. After hours of searching, Suzanna finally found the dress she was looking for. While she loved its style, she also wanted to add

Blue hydrangeas were centerpieces on the tables at the reception. Suzanna’s great-aunt made the wedding favors.

The bride always wanted to have her wedding reception on her family farm. The couple used the bride’s great-grandmother’s Flow Blue china.

Guests enjoyed playing croquet.

The wedding cake was adorned with hydrangeas. A personalized corn hole board was set up at the reception.

a little something to make the dress stand out. After careful consideration, she added a Swarovski crystal appliqué to the waist, an oversized bow, and more lace appliqués to the gown.

“My wedding dress was really special because we added a lot of things to it and changed some things about it,” she says. “It wasn’t a dress anyone else would wear; I made it my own.”

Nate waited patiently as Suzanna prepared to walk down the aisle and says the moment right before she made her entrance was nerve-racking for him. “I’ve played on a big stage in sports my whole life, I’ve been a captain on a lot of baseball teams, I’ve hit game-winning home runs, but I’ve never been more nervous and taken aback than I was the moment right before I saw her,” he says. “It was almost like all the air in my lungs escaped for a minute. I was blown away, and I just thought, ‘Wow. I’m the luckiest man on the planet right now.’”

Every detail of their wedding incorporated personal touches from the bride and groom, including a candlelight dedication to Suzanna’s brother at the beginning of the ceremony. “Your wedding day is the day you expect to have family around, especially your older brother, and I never imagined not having him there,” she says. “That was special because it was a time to reflect on him and how

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important he was to us.” Every moment of their ceremony was meaningful, from charms with photos of the bride’s brother, grandfather, and uncle attached to the bride’s bouquet to a recording of the couple singing “Love Never Fails” during the lighting of the unity candle. The groom’s father officiated the ceremony alongside the bride’s cousin, and Nate says that experience was something he will never forget. “He has been such a big role model and important person in my life, and I wouldn’t want anyone else sharing that moment other than my dad,” Nate says. “It was extremely special to see him, a person who’s guided me my whole life, give me a nudge into that new stage of life.”

a little rain

Nobody hopes for rain on their wedding day, but Nate and Suzanna pretty much expected it. “It rained the first family vacation we went on the whole week at the Cayman Islands, it rained non-stop the day I proposed to her, and it rained during our engagement pictures,” Nate says. Instead of complaining about something they can’t control the couple jokes that rain is a symbol of good luck—and the couple certainly had good fortune on their wedding day.

The couple’s reception was held at the bride’s home. Tall, stunning floral arrangements

After the ceremony friends and family traveled to the small horse farm on the bride’s parents’ property for a sweet, Southern-style reception. Suzanna says she knew from the beginning that she wanted to celebrate at home. “Home has always been really special to me. My childhood revolved around spending time with family, being with the horses, riding bikes, and walking through the woods,” she says.

“Being able to celebrate at home was the ultimate thing.”

The reception required meticulous planning and work, but with the help of Suzanna’s parents her vision of celebrating with friends and family at home came to life. A large white tent was set up in her parents’ front yard to accommodate the 375 guests attending the reception. Before the sun set over the farm, guests of all ages entertained themselves with corn hole and croquet, two games that held special meaning for Suzanna. “Croquet is the game my brother and I used to play with my grandfather. On Sunday afternoons we used to eat at my grandma’s house, and if it was nice outside we would go to the basement and get out the croquet set,” she says.

Birdcages, statues, candlelight, rose petals, and various floral arrangements were incorporated throughout the reception to add to the romantic atmosphere of the evening. Instead of having a toast with champagne, the

were interspersed with smaller ones. A large tent provided shelter from the rain.

couple opted to have “shake-up lemonade,” consisting of freshly squeezed lemons, water, and sweet syrup in Mason jars. Suzanna’s parents designed and built a white trellis accented with cobalt blue Blenko glass for the bridal table, accenting her great-grandmother’s antique Flow Blue china the couple used during the reception. And Suzanna says she loved seeing her guests with the wedding favors her great-aunt made. Each guest received a handmade napkin made from mismatched floral quilt fabrics with a blue spruce seedling attached with a ribbon and a prayer.

Despite intermittent rain during the ceremony and reception, Suzanna and Nate say their big day was everything they could have hoped for. “The weather held off long enough for us to enjoy most of the day, and a lot of people even said the rain seemed romantic under the tent during the reception,” Suzanna says. “It’s the way it was supposed to be.” At the end of the night and after a change of clothes, the couple made their exit through a path of sparklers followed by a brilliant display of fireworks in the night sky. Nate says the day was perfect. “I’m finally with the person I’ve been looking for my whole life,” he says. “It’s an exciting thing to wake up every day knowing she’s the person God made for me.” mywvwedding.com | 79

OLD IN LOVE

Vintage glamour and a love of all things local combine as two West Virginia natives marry in a celebration straight out of the Roaring ’20s. written by

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Rachel Coon • photographed by The Oberports

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you’ve heard it before—two people from West Virginia fall in love at a West Virginia University football game. But Jessica Miller and Michael Lipscomb’s beginning was anything but the same old, same old. Jessica was at a party following the Mountaineers’ 2011 Spring Game and had proudly declared to her friends that she was taking a year off dating to focus on her real estate career and the 1903 Victorian home she was buying. Cue the tall, handsome guy everyone called “Slim.” “He was flirting with me a little bit,” Jessica says. “He’s a contractor and likes old houses and was very curious about the house I was buying.” They chatted, and Mike says, “I was also buying an old house at the time, so we had a lot in common.” He was the first guy Jessica had met who shared her passion for vintage. “I thought he was really cute, but I told myself, ‘No, not dating,’” she laughs.

The pair went their merry ways.

That Monday at work flowers arrived on Jessica’s desk with a card from someone she didn’t know. “I thought, ‘Who is Michael Lipscomb?’” she says. After all, she’d only met this “Slim” guy and she hadn’t told him where she worked. She called a few friends and solved the mystery, then reminded herself she wasn’t dating. “But he was a really awesome guy, and I did kind of want to get to know him,” she says. So she called him. “I’m sure I sounded like a lunatic. I told him, ‘I’m not dating this year, but if you want to hang out as friends, that would be cool.’”

completely us

Mike took Jessica to an antiques auction for their first outing, and the friendship took root after Jessica closed on her house and started calling Mike for expert advice. He’d drop by to help, and the couple got to know each other over dinners and house adventures and projects. Jessica made it nearly a year as just friends. It was Christmas time and she didn’t have a tree yet, so she and Mike picked one out. He put the lights on for her, and Jessica says, “I looked at him putting the star on my tree and I thought, ‘Oh my god, he’s the love of my life. I’m going to marry him.’”

One afternoon a few months later, as the couple’s parents were getting to know each other in the couple’s backyard, Mike and Jessica shared a moment inside. He dropped to one knee in front of the fireplace and asked Jessica to be his wife. He’d scoured estate sales across the country and finally found a one-of-a-kind emerald and yellow gold ring. “I’ve always loved gemstones, especially emeralds—I mean, Jackie O. had an emerald wedding ring—so when he opened that ring box, I think I actually stopped breathing,” Jessica laughs. Then it was yes and tears and laughter before they rushed out to tell their parents.

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CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE Gold Michael Kors shoes were the perfect complement to Jessica’s vintage-inspired theme.

Jessica and Mike fell in love over a shared interest in all things vintage. The men wore slim black tuxedos while the ring bearers were dressed in newsboy-inspired attire. Jessica’s emerald and yellow gold wedding ring was purchased at an estate sale. Bridesmaids each chose a gold cocktail dress with one requirement—that it remind them of champagne.

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The couple’s pup, Colt, walked down the aisle with their ring bearer.

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with work, but she decided their Roaring Twenties soiree was too special to hand over. “I really needed to put my heart and soul into it, and Mike was an amazing help,” she says. “We wanted everything to be completely us.”

vintage vibe

“Vintage has been the undertone of my entire life,” Jessica says. “I was born loving movies from the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, and after high school I became an actress because I have always been enamored with old Hollywood.” She lived in Los Angeles for years, exploring the Hollywood of her dreams, and she envisioned a vintage wedding someday.

When Mike came into the picture and they chose the 1920s as their theme, she started looking for a dress everywhere from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., to Portland and Seattle. With a little luck, she was shopping Nordstrom online for shoes when she happened upon a vintage ivory and gold silk chiffon gown. “I was like, ‘Hello, lover,’” Jessica laughs. She ordered it and the day it arrived she rushed to try it on and instantly knew. “I loved the fit, the comfort—it swayed and moved with me. I wanted to be able to dance

and laugh and move around. I wanted it to feel natural yet glamorous. And I liked that it was gold because I’m obsessed with anything and everything gold,” she says. She found a vintage-inspired feather headpiece on Etsy and strapped on gold Michael Kors heels. “I wore my coral Chanel lipstick in honor of my grandmother Carmen who was my best friend and taught me the power of the perfect coral lipstick.” She wanted her bridesmaids to look like champagne, and they also looked stunning in sparkly gold dresses.

The couple moved their ceremony from Pendleton Point Overlook at Blackwater Falls to the Canaan Valley Institute.

sweet surprises

It poured the day before the wedding and the ground was still wet, so the couple decided to move their ceremony from Pendleton Point Overlook at Blackwater Falls to the reception venue at Canaan Valley Institute. “We wanted the 1920s speakeasy vibe because people these days don’t give themselves enough time to ever feel glamorous—to let themselves strut around the room, drink a glass of champagne, and be fabulous—and the mud was not conducive to that,” Jessica says.

Before heading in, Mike made one request as the sun peeked out before the ceremony—photos on a rock overlooking the mywvwedding.com | 85

For a guestbook, guests signed four record albums meaningful to Jessica and Mike that are now displayed in their home. The vintagestyle cake topper was a nod to Jessica and Mike’s appreciation for the old days as well as the new. The

couple loves the country song “Forever and Ever Amen,” but since the tune didn’t jive with their speakeasy vibe for a first dance, they wrote “Forever and Ever Amen” on the topper.

The Hillbilly Gypsies got everyone out on the dance floor.

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local love

river. It was unplanned and worth it, he says, and perhaps almost as memorable for him as the first look was. “When I turned around and saw Jessica, I was smiling ear to ear.”

The couple’s 220 guests mingled and enjoyed Ms. Clara’s Prohibition Punch and Bootlegger’s Bathtub Bourbon Fizz before taking their seats. The couple’s pastor and friend gave a blessing and Jessica’s father officiated the ceremony, held on a stage surrounded by all of the couple’s loved ones. Jessica’s father had asked them to write down a few thoughts and used their words for the ceremony and vows—their feelings for each other, what they believed true love to be, and what marriage is. Friends read “A Lovely Love Story,” a tale of two dinosaurs the couple says was a perfect selection. When her dad pronounced them husband and wife, Jessica says, “It was the most overwhelmingly special moment of my life.” Then, as if the marriage needed another blessing, a double rainbow appeared outside. “It was like Technicolor, it was so bright,” Jessica says. “As if Mother Nature was giving her approval.”

To thank their family and friends and to showcase their home state, the couple gave welcome boxes with Blackwater Falls postcards and West Virginia Fruit & Berry jam and cider. They hosted their rehearsal dinner at Sirianni’s Café in Davis and held a Sunday morning brunch at TipTop coffee shop in Thomas. For the reception, Mike chose Mountain State Brewing Company’s Almost Heaven Amber Ale and Miner’s Daughter Oatmeal Stout, while Jessica turned to family friends and owners of Slight Indulgence in Morgantown for handselected wines and champagnes.

Down to every last detail, the couple kept things local and tied to their lives. It was a common theme, Mike says, that nearly all the vendors were people they’d known for years. Except the photographers, who Jessica says were worth it. “I hadn’t known Emily and Bobby forever like the rest of our vendors, but they fit the vibe of our life.”

Jessica had known the florist her entire life, though, and told him, “You know me, you know I like the ’20s. I like fabulous, I don’t like costumey.” And he delivered—with a bridal bouquet of coral roses and feathers dusted in sparkling gold she wrapped in her great-aunt’s handkerchief.

The caterer, another lifelong friend, put her own spin on a 1920s menu with a West Virginia Waldorf Salad with local blackberries and homemade champagne vinaigrette Jessica says appealed to her deep appreciation for the bubbles. To round out the West Virginia cuisine, venison meatballs, smoked trout pâté, fresh local vegetables, and meat carving stations were also enjoyed. The three-tier coral wedding cake with gold accents was an Art Deco-inspired creation done by a friend as the newlyweds’ wedding gift.

To capture the sound of a 1920s West Virginia speakeasy, Jessica and Mike hired The Hillbilly Gypsies, a local bluegrass band that plays around a single vintage microphone.

The newlyweds shared a traditional first dance to Harry Connick, Jr.’s “A Wink and a Smile” before The Hillbilly Gypsies took the stage. “They started playing this slow song that sounded real 1920s,” Jessica says. “The dance floor cleared out, and Mike took my hand and said, ‘Babe, time for our dance.’” It was just the two of them in the middle of the dance floor. “It was unplanned and I don’t know what the song was, but looking back, that’s the first dance I really remember. So much of our wedding was unexpected and unplanned, but it was absolutely perfect.” mywvwedding.com | 87

HOME

ADVANTAGE A former West Virginia University basketball player and a basketball coach’s daughter return to the Mountain State for their nuptials.

Alexis Kessel photographed by Rebecca Devono Photography written by

game changer

Basketball has always played a fundamental role in the couple’s relationship. “I grew up around basketball and saw my mom and dad’s relationship, with my dad always traveling and recruiting and things like that,” Chelsy says. “I really understood Wellington’s schedule, whereas some girls may have been frustrated, and I feel like that strengthened our relationship more.”

When Wellington graduated from WVU, he furthered his basketball career overseas, where Chelsy planned to join him. The summer after graduation he started playing in Japan, and Chelsy arranged her class schedule so she could spend her final semester with him there. “We had a five-year plan in place after I graduated, and it all centered around me and where I happened to be playing at the time,” Wellington says. “But you know, God says, ‘You make plans and I laugh.’”

Wellington fractured his foot for the second time while playing in Japan. After undergoing surgery, battling other injuries, and dealing with homesickness, he made the decision to return to the U.S. three days before Chelsy was supposed to fly out. “I had already said my goodbyes and everything when he called and told me he had gotten hurt,” Chelsy says. When he arrived home, he was faced with the decision of trying to rehabilitate his foot and continue his career or retire from playing and focus on getting another job.

Together, Wellington and Chelsy decided to move to New Jersey, Wellington’s home state, and begin their postbasketball lives. “It was a growing pain for her because she chelsy carey grew up around basketball as the had never been out of West Virginia, and it was a growing daughter of West Virginia University women’s basketball pain for me because I’d never had to look for a real job before,” coach Mike Carey. She knew the stereotypes surrounding Wellington says. “I guess you could describe our relationship college basketball players, and she never imagined herself as just persevering through a lot of different things.” becoming involved with one. In her senior year of high school, Chelsy was injured at a cheerleading practice.

She was visiting a trainer at the Coliseum when one of her dad’s players introduced her to Wellington Smith, After they’d been living in New Jersey for a year, Chelsy a freshman on the men’s team at the time. She forgot and Wellington went on a date to New York City where about the meeting until a couple of weeks later, when they went ice skating and had dinner on the town. While that same women’s player told her Wellington wanted they were skating in Rockefeller Center, the ice was her phone number. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, my dad cleared for another newly engaged couple to skate alone. will kill him!’ so I kind of told her no,” Chelsy says.

She thought Wellington might follow suit with a proposal “But he ended up getting it anyway, and he kept calling at the rink, but when that didn’t happen, and when he and leaving me voicemails and sending me the creepy didn’t propose at dinner, she assumed he was waiting for messages on Facebook, which we still laugh about to this another day. When they returned to their home in New day.” She finally gave in and, once she got to know him, Jersey, Chelsy was the first one to walk in the door and discovered he was a great guy and much different from was stunned to find the living room strewn with flower her preconceived notions of the typical athlete. petals and lit candles as the TV played a DVD of their When Chelsy came to WVU as a cheerleader, she photos together. She turned around to see Wellington and Wellington began hanging out with the same group down on one knee. of friends, and their relationship slowly grew. “We were probably talking for a good year before we started dating,” Wellington says. “We were always on each other’s radar.

Then all of a sudden we started hanging out a lot more, Chelsy’s friends in New Jersey urged her to pick one of the and it became apparent that we really liked each other.” plentiful venues in that state for the wedding, but marrying At the end of Chelsy’s sophomore year of college, the at the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport surrounded by her close friends became a couple. family and friends felt like the natural choice. “I’m really

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tip-off

suiting up

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OPPOSITE The couple enjoys their first dance under a beautiful white tent at Pete Dye Golf Club.

Gold Chiavari chairs and flowers from

Blooms Florist help transform the large tent into an elegant setting. Chelsy and Wellington first met over a shared interest in basketball.

The bride thought about putting her bridesmaids in light pink dresses, but she went for something unique instead— ivory.

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Chelsy and her father, WVU’s women’s basketball coach, enjoy a

special moment on the dance floor. The red carpet is out at the reception.

the only person in my entire family to move away, and it didn’t make sense to make them all travel,” she says. “And Pete Dye is such a gorgeous place. If we’d had it anywhere else it probably wouldn’t have been the same.”

Traveling six hours from New Jersey two to three times a month to meet with vendors takes a toll on a future bride—so in planning the ivory, gold, and blush pink affair, Chelsy’s mother and sister helped with a lot of the heavy lifting. For her photographer, Chelsy also put her trust in a familiar face—Rebecca Devono, a friend of her mother’s. “I had always seen the pictures Rebecca had taken and thought they were the best,” Chelsy says. “It was really a no-brainer.”

She searched for dresses far and wide in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, but nothing made a lasting impression. She finally decided to make an appointment at Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique on one of her trips to West Virginia, and it was there that she found the dress she fell in love with. She selected an ivory, sequin, and lace mermaid gown with a low back and long train.

In keeping with her desire to keep the wedding clean and neutral, she went the non-traditional route—having her bridesmaids also wear ivory dresses from Oliverio’s.

“I could have gone with pink, but I thought, ‘That just seems so typical,’” she says. “Mine was covered in sequins and crystals so I felt like I was able to stand out enough, and I think it really turned out—I got a lot of compliments on it.” As for the men, Wellington wore a black Ralph Lauren tuxedo with an ivory shirt, vest, and tie, and the groomsmen sported the same tuxedos with gold vests and ties.

game day

Chelsy stayed with her bridesmaids at Pete Dye the night before her outdoor wedding. They awoke to a frost advisory on the golf course and fresh dew on the windows, which added to her nerves. But by the time the photos started that 92 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

afternoon, the May sun had shown itself. In sophisticated style, Chelsy arrived to the ceremony in a horse and carriage to the sound of wedding singer Gloria Weems, a Smith family friend, crooning “My Valentine.” Chelsy says it’s the only time she cried. “I was kind of looking around and seeing all of my plans come together so I got really emotional, and I could see Wellington, but he couldn’t see me.”

He was less focused on the carriage presentation than on the breathtaking sight of Chelsy herself. “I was just trying not to cry, which I did a pretty good job of, I think.” Then Chelsy and her father began their trip down the aisle, passing flower petals that formed the letter “S” and large urns full of roses. Instead of a sand or unity candle ceremony, the couple had a wine ceremony—Chelsy’s mom poured red wine and Wellington’s mom poured white wine into one large glass, which Chelsy and Wellington drank from.

At the reception, guests sat in gold Chiavari chairs at tables with ivory linens and topped with centerpieces of hydrangeas and roses. Chelsy and Wellington had a threetier ivory cake with elegant designs and light pink and gold ribbon. The groom’s cake, served at the rehearsal dinner, was designed to mimic Wellington’s WVU basketball jersey. Wellington thought up the two signature drinks served at the reception: the basketball-themed And One and the West Virginia-themed Mountain Mama.

Her dad is a die-hard Elvis Presley fan, and Chelsy pleasantly surprised him by choosing the singer’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for their father-daughter dance. Wellington’s father, who was the best man, gave a memorable toast that Wellington considered one of the highlights of the wedding.

The entire wedding party and family stayed in townhomes at Pete Dye during the celebrations, which extended the wedding into a weekend-long event—and Chelsy and Wellington say the opportunity for their far-reaching families to mesh was one of the best parts of the occasion. “I was just excited to have the opportunity to come together and be one big, happy family,” Wellington says.

Friendly A

AFFAIR

This Kanawha Valley couple brings their family and friends together for a warm and comfortable summer wedding. written by

Shay Maunz photographed by

Lauren Love Photography

the wait

Brandon and Erin talked about getting engaged for a long time before it happened.

“I was really excited about it,” she says.

“I kept hinting.” They’d been together long enough to know it was what they both wanted, but Brandon watched her squirm—first while he saved up to buy a ring, then while he planned his proposal.

“I’d ask if she wanted to go out for pizza and she’d be like, ‘Oh my god, we’re getting engaged tonight,’” Brandon says. “She was ready for it to happen.” He still managed to surprise her, though, by springing the proposal on her when she didn’t expect it and in a way she couldn’t have predicted.

the proposal

B

brandon and erin harper can’t quite agree on how long they’ve been a couple—neither knows quite where to draw the line between friendship and romance. What they can agree on is that they were friends first. “I think we both liked each other from the start,” Erin says. “But we didn’t do anything about it for a while.” This was more than seven years ago, when they were both in school at Cross Lanes Christian School. They’d vaguely known of each other for years—they grew up living on the same road in the Kanawha Valley, their grandfathers were friends, they attended the same schools, one year apart, from elementary school on—but didn’t really become friends until Erin was a freshman and Brandon was a sophomore in high school. “She acts like I didn’t know who she was before we started to like each other,” Brandon says, laughing at Erin’s retelling of their relationship. “We practically grew up together.”

After the pair met officially at a party at their youth pastor’s house, their relationship progressed like so many teenage ones do—it meandered on with twists and turns, ups and downs. It carried them through the end of high school and by the time they’d settled into their career paths—she’s a hairdresser, he’s in school to become a physical therapy assistant—they both knew they wanted to get married.

96 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

He started by prepping her for an occasion—he knew she didn’t want to be wearing sweatpants when she got engaged.

So Brandon told Erin that his cousin, Lauren Love, a photographer who also took their wedding photos, had asked them to pose for photos for her portfolio.

In reality, Lauren was there to document the proposal. When Erin went to meet Brandon she instead found the first of seven clues in an elaborate scavenger hunt.

He sent her to seven locations across town, all places that had played a role in their lives together: where they had their first kiss and first date, the school and church where they spent so much time together. At each spot Erin found a note with a rhyming riddle, leading her to the next spot. By the end of the scavenger hunt, she knew what was going on. “At last it has come to an end, this crazy treasure hunt for my best friend,” the last note read. “All the many memories and times we’ve spent have all led up to this. Meet me at the park and don’t be late. This last step will determine our fate.” At the park she found Brandon with an engagement ring and a pair of white lace TOMs, the iconic canvas shoes he knew she wanted to wear in their wedding.

the planning

Erin started right away. She’d been planning her wedding in her head long enough to know what she wanted, and she knew that to be able to plan the wedding well and inexpensively, she’d have to work at it through the entirety of their yearlong engagement.

They settled on a location first—the Confluence Resort in Hico in Fayette County. Erin had always wanted an outdoor wedding, but the couple couldn’t help but worry about the possibility of bad weather. Confluence impressed them because it offered an outdoor setting as well as some indoor options. “We figured the absolute worst case scenario was that we’d get married under a tent or

OPPOSITE Brandon and Erin were married at The Confluence Resort. CLOCKWISE The couple met at Cross Lanes Christian School. Brandon’s mother and sister made many of

the decorations.

Monogrammed teapots add a special touch. Framed photos hang around the perimeter of the tent.

Mason jars fit well with the couple’s homespun theme.

mywvwedding.com | 97

weeks in the kitchen. Brandon’s cousin Lauren took the photos. Erin’s mentor, the woman who encouraged her to go to beauty school, volunteered to do all of her bridesmaid’s hair, while Erin did her own.

Erin knew she wanted her wedding to be that way, pulled together by people involved in her entire life, not a cast of unfamiliar professionals. She wanted it to be comfortable. “I really wanted a lot of personal touches,” she says. “I wanted it to be very personal and very familyoriented and God-centered.” The night before they were married, the couple could see the evidence of the love of their family and friends all around them—the wedding venue was filled with volunteers working into the wee hours of the morning to ready the farm for the couple’s wedding day.

Bouquets were made from fabric, and Erin’s bridal bouquet included brooches from the couple’s grandmothers.

Guests enjoyed many different kinds of cakes at the reception.

in a barn,” Brandon says. “Either way we’re still getting married.” In the end the sky was clear on their wedding day, aside from a sprinkling of rain just before Erin walked down the aisle. They had their ceremony at the resort’s mountain overlook, hors d’oeuvres in the barn, and the reception in a tent on the grounds.

But before she actually walked down the aisle she had to find the dress—a project Erin says she wishes had taken longer so she could have spent more time having fun trying on dresses. Instead she chose one of the first dresses she tried on. She loved its high neckline, lace appliqué, and vintage feel. “It’s great because you do have a feeling,” Erin says. “You definitely do feel different when you try on your wedding dress.” The couple hardly used any vendors, instead relying on the couple’s sprawling network of friends and family. Brandon’s mother and sisters handled the decorations, making most things themselves after running their ideas past the couple. Erin started on the flowers the week they got engaged, spending weeks cutting fabric into circles on her living room floor and layering them to form fabric flowers for seven bridesmaids and herself. Erin’s mom made the food—all of it—a huge project that involved

98 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

the day

It was a big affair with more than 200 guests. “We dated so long that everybody feels like they’re part of our relationship,” Erin says. Brandon nods and says, “They wanted to see it through.” They thought of the wedding as a big, happy party for all the people in their combined lives.

The vibe was warm and relaxed, the décor soft and casual, with a lot of burlap and muted tones. Guests drank from Mason jars and danced to music selected by friends. “We were just excited to celebrate with everyone,” Brandon says.

Both say they only felt overwhelmed by their emotions once—when Erin was on her way down the aisle. It was a long walk, starting behind a group of trees and then meandering down a clearing to the edge overlooking the mountains. “I could see everyone sitting down there, waiting,” Erin says. “But I wasn’t looking at any of those people, I was only focused on him.” As she came to the end of the aisle, she could see that Brandon was crying—a sweet gesture, she thought, though she didn’t cry at all.

“We got to the day and I was just so happy,” she says.

“There was nothing I could cry about.”

100 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

Mix

AND MATCH

It all comes together for one couple’s wedding in Morgantown.

Shay Maunz photographed by Jessica Fike Photography written by

A

amanda berardi wasn’t looking for a husband.

All she wanted in the summer of 2011 was a break between graduate school in Pittsburgh and her Ph.D. program there, and a job to see her through the downtime. So when she went home to Fairmont and took a position at an optometry office in nearby Morgantown, she figured it was just temporary, that she’d wash her hands of it when her gap year was over. Instead, she married the optometrist.

Caleb Tennant and Amanda worked together for a while before anything happened between them, each pretending they were just like any other coworkers.

Eventually, though, he broke down and asked her to out to dinner on her 22nd birthday. From that point on, there was no more pretending they were just working together.

“We went to dinner and then it just happened,” Amanda says. “We continued dating from there.”

the proposal

A year later, they both knew a proposal was somewhere on the horizon, but Amanda didn’t know exactly where— and she liked it that way. “I had pretty much said I didn’t want to know about it; I didn’t want to pick out the ring or anything,” she says. “We had talked about it in hypotheticals, but I wanted it to be a surprise.” Caleb was happy to oblige, but that did make things trickier for him—how does one pick out such an important piece of jewelry for another person? “Her Pinterest board was helpful,” Caleb says.

Amanda laughs at the memory of that remnant of her single life. “I had a dream wedding board for a while,” she says. “I’d pinned some rings and things on there for fun, but I wasn’t thinking they’d get used that way.”

Caleb consulted the board for inspiration, then had a ring designed by a local jeweler. The end product—a ring with a round stone surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds— is “really perfect,” Amanda says. But Caleb had an easier time with the when and where of the proposal. When the couple planned a winter trip to New York City for themselves, he saw his opportunity.

Amanda had never been to New York before but had always wanted to go, so the weekend was a series of delightful firsts for her—the perfect run up to the proposal, Caleb thought. They stayed at the historic Waldorf Astoria hotel, took a stroll around the city, 102 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

saw a Broadway show and the Rockette Christmas Spectacular—something Amanda had always wanted to do—before they got coffee and walked to look at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. That was supposed to be the moment—Caleb had planned to propose there, in front of the tree—but at the last minute, he backed out.

“I couldn’t,” he laughs. “She was cold and complaining.”

So they retreated to their hotel room. “We got back to the room and he told me to look out the window at the view and when I turned back around he was there with the ring,” Amanda says. “It was really romantic.”

making plans

By the time Amanda and Caleb got engaged she was back in school at Carnegie Mellon University, working toward a Ph.D. in English. Wedding planning had to be squeezed in between study sessions. “It was a nice break from all of my school work,” she says. But it also meant they were looking at a tight schedule—they could really only get married during Amanda’s summer break from school.

That gave them seven months to pull a wedding together.

They decided to have the wedding in Morgantown, where they’d met, even though they were living in Pittsburgh by

Caleb and Amanda married at Benton Grove Bed & Banquets in Morgantown.

Tables were decorated with rented vintage china,

and a harpist played in the gazebo during the ceremony. The three-tier cake was designed

by Debbie Williams of Fairmont.

mywvwedding.com | 103

The couple exchanged vows in front of a gazebo in Morgantown overlooking the hills. Caleb’s

family spent hours baking dozens of treats for the cookie table at the reception.

things about the whole experience. “I really enjoyed being able to spend the time with my mom planning and with my friends, them helping me,” she says.

the feel

then and had to commute between the two cities to make plans. Amanda did the planning herself, with a lot of help from her mom. “Trusting my mom definitely helped,” she says. “She did a lot of the basic work like finding venues that were available and that kind of thing, and then I’d make decisions.” The venue was important to Amanda and Caleb—they wanted a small, intimate affair in a location that could house the ceremony and the reception under one roof. But their quest for bed-and-breakfasts was proving unsuccessful until a simple Google search turned up Benton Grove Bed & Banquets in Morgantown. The stately home had just enough room for the couple’s 90 guests.

In the end, Amanda hardly felt the strain of planning a wedding in such a short amount of time from so far away—mainly because she relied so heavily on her family and friends for help. She says that was one of her favorite 104 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

“I wanted it to be kind of mismatched,” Amanda says. “I didn’t want it to be all one color—where everything is pink or everything is purple.” Instead, she chose a color scheme that was soft and romantic without being monochromatic: pinks, grays, and blues in a variety of shades. She chose a dress with a muted blue sash, then picked shoes to match, but moved to another color family for her bridesmaids. They wore gray dresses with shoes that were the faintest of pinks.

That pink was echoed in the flowers, which also had a romantic dash of red.

For vendors, Amanda and Caleb turned to people they knew and trusted. Amanda bought her wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses at Coni & Franc in Morgantown— she’d been there to shop for prom dresses in high school.

For the cake she returned to a Fairmont baker, Debbie Williams, who had made cakes for her family’s events for years. “It was really important to me that everything taste good, too,” she says. “With her I knew the cake would taste good.” There were also cookies—Caleb’s family spent hours baking dozens of them for a cookie table labeled with a simple sign that read, “Love is sweet.”

“For me the best part was probably the little details,” Amanda says. “I wanted there to be a lot of personal details so it felt like it was our wedding, not just every wedding on Pinterest.” Amanda had no interest in plastic cups or paper plates and was bored by the thought of the typical, white flatware she saw at most weddings, so she rented vintage china from Swoon Vintage Rental in Pennsylvania. That’s another thing that didn’t match but went together—all the place settings were similar, but not identical. To play on Amanda’s interest in writing and literature, they went bookish with a few things: stacking antique books in the center of each table and renting a big antique typewriter to set the tone. To play on Caleb’s interests, he chose the music—a lot of country hits. They danced their first dance to an Eric Church song, “You Make it Look So Easy.” And in the end, the best part of their wedding was the feeling they had when it was over.

“It was the feeling after the reception, that everything went well and we’d done it,” Amanda says. “Just knowing that was the best part.”

Est. 2004

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THE REGISTER

RACHEL ANN HENDERSON & MARK EDWARD COON

BOZEMAN MONTANA | 5 25 13

BRIDE S PARENTS

David & Darla Henderson GROOM S PARENTS

Ed & Jan Coon PHOTOGR APHED BY

Amberlee Christey Pho ography

mark and rachel met on match com in Oklahoma City in April 2010 and moved to West Virginia that August He graduated from the West Virginia University law school and s now a U S Air Force JAG capta n, and she completed her master’s at WVU and was assoc ate editor for New South Media, Inc , before Mark’s dut es took them to Cheyenne, Wyoming The couple was engaged at Rachel’s childhood home in Yaak, Montana She wore a tea length vory taffeta dress with a gold cardigan while her maids dressed in coffee and metallic colored dresses and cardigans The groom and groomsmen wore jeans, dress sh rts, and ties, with a jacket and Flying WV socks setting Mark apart A paper br dal bouquet and boutonnières were made from pr ntouts of their love story from their wedd ng website Rachel and Mark enhanced the majestic Montana setting with pine bough place cards, log rounds in the décor, and a riverside fire While the couple used many West Virg nia vendors, Montana was present in details like elk meatballs served w th huckleberry syrup The dessert table was the bride’s pride and joy, laden with family favorites Because Mark’s a b rd lover, tables were named for birds and cake toppers were wooden bird ornaments A heart garland was made by the bride with old dictionary pages, and other heart details made from maps were a nod to the couple’s bi coastal backgrounds and love of traveling, which was also incorporated w th map invitations For the guestbook, everyone signed playing cards for the newlyweds, avid Cribbage players A photo booth included Scrabble coasters and hunting gear also acknowledging the couple’s pass ons With only 35 guests, the celebration was marked by Rachel’s dad officiating and lots of dancing They honeymooned in St Lucia

BRIDE S GOWN

Coni & F anc Mo gantown GROOM’S ATT RE

Daniel’s Morgantown INVITAT ONS

Elm Leaf Design Morgantown PLANNER

The bride’s mother Time of Your Life Events Bozeman MT FLOWERS

Ambe lee Ch istey Photography Morgantown CATERER & CAKE

Rockin’ TJ Ranch Bozeman MT LOCATION

Rockin’ TJ Ranch Bozeman MT

192 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

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The 2014 Wedding

GUIDES

KRISTIN BURKE PHOTOGRPAPHY

Circle of Love Your wedding will rise above the rest when you choose from these remarkable vendors, as listed in the WV Weddings resource and venue guides.

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RESOURCE GUIDE MYWVWEDDING.COM

Before you begin planning your special day, WV Weddings will help you narrow down your choices from our list of advertisers. And don’t forget when you choose one of our advertising vendors, make sure you mention the magazine!

BEAUTY & WELLNESS METRO VALLEY AMY A. VAUGHAN DERMATOLOGY PLLC Adult and pediatric dermatology, acne treatment, non-invasive facial rejuvenation, and cosmetic services.

6007 US Route 60 East, Suite 130 Barboursville, WV 25504 304.733.3333 dramyvaughan.com GHAREEB DENTAL GROUP Full-service dentistry in Poca, Corrider G, Cross Lanes, St. Albans, and Teays Valley.

800.GREATCARE ghareebdentalgroup.com PRESTIGIOUS NAIL SPA All the latest nail techniques, designs, and pedicures.

3121 MacCorkle Avenue SW, Suite A Charleston, WV 25303 304.744.6245 prestigiousnailspa.com THE SPA @ THE WATERFRONT Packages available for you and your party, or work with our bridal consultant to design your own package. Whether it’s the bachelorette party or the big day, we’ll offer you a day to remember.

2 Waterfront Place, #200 Morgantown, WV 26501 304.906.4380 waterfrontplacespa.com TURNER MEDICAL SPA Laser hair removal, facials, makeup applications, advanced aesthetic procedures, massage, and injectable treaments.

Dr. Samia Turner 816 Cross Lanes Drive Cross Lanes, WV 25313 304.776.1611 turnermedicalspa.com

TUSCAN SUN SPA & SALON Salon services include hair, nails, and makeup. Spa services include facials, massage, body treatments, advanced skin care, and medical spa treatments like laser treatments and Venus Freeze.

1841 Locust Avenue Fairmont, WV 26554 304.333.0281 tuscansunspaandsalon@yahoo.com tuscanspaandsalon.com

NORTH CENTRAL NICO SPALON Services include hair, color, keratin, extensions, deep conditioning, makeup, and waxing.

80 S. Pierpont Road Morgantown, WV 26508 304.594.1550 nico@nicospalon.com nicospalon.com

BRIDAL SHOPS, TUXEDOS, & ACCESSORIES EASTERN PANHANDLE DANA’S TUXEDO Works with customers to fit their needs in sales and rentals of tuxedos.

124 South Queen Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 304.267.0226 danastuxedo@hotmail.com danastuxedo.com

METRO VALLEY THE BOUTIQUE BY B.BELLE EVENTS West Virginia’s premier event planner is now offering designer gowns and a unique shopping experience.

602 Virginia Street East, Suite 101 Charleston, WV 25301 304.382.6200 boutique@bbelleevents.com bbelleevents.com CONI & FRANC Voted best place to buy a wedding

112 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

dress in Morgantown for three years in a row.

422 High Street Morgantown, WV 26505 304.292.1111, coniandfranc.com

NORTH CENTRAL HOUSE OF FASHIONS Formalwear for all special occasion needs. Custom orders are available.

121 Daniel Drive Bridgeport, WV 26330 304.672.5490 keri@hofwv.com hofwv.com OLIVERIO’S BRIDAL & PROM BOUTIQUE The hottest styles and widest variety in prom, pageant, and bridal gowns.

118 Emily Drive Clarksburg, WV 26301 304.623.6006 bridalprom@aol.com oliveriosbridal.com

CAKES & DESSERTS OHIO RIVER VALLEY HOMETOWN CAKE Designing your wedding cake should be a stress-free, fun, and creative process—let Hometown Cake help you to make it so.

24 Mound Street Parkersburg, WV 26102 304.679.4159 rpierce81@gmail.com hometowncake.net

METRO VALLEY PAULA VEGA CAKES Paula Vega Cakes features delicious speciality cakes and desserts designed and baked fresh for your special occasion. Open Monday to Saturday until 6 p.m.

308 9th Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 304.972.CAKE

paula@paulavegacakes.com paulavegacakes.com

NORTH CENTRAL THE CUPCAKERIE More than 70 flavors available, including gluten-free options. Custom designs and catering available.

194 Willey Street Morgantown, WV 26505 304.212.5464 orders@thecupcakerie.com thecupcakerie.com

CATERING METRO VALLEY BRIDGE ROAD BISTRO Customized menus and event planning.

Off-site catering for up to 1,000 guests in two-hour radius.

915 Bridge Road Charleston, WV 25314 304.720.3500 sandy@thebridgeroadbistro.com thebridgeroadbistro.com WELLINGTON’S CAFE & CATERING Catering weddings since 1982.

2153 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311 304.549.2712, wellingtonswv.com

NORTH CENTRAL SARGASSO Delicious food handmade especially for your unique event.

215 Don Knotts Boulevard Morgantown, WV 26501 304.554.0100, dinesargasso.com

COSMETIC DENTISTRY METRO VALLEY GHAREEB DENTAL GROUP Full-service dentistry in Poca, Corridor G, Cross Lanes, St. Albans, and Teays Valley.

800.GREATCARE ghareebdentalgroup.com

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ENTERTAINMENT NORTH CENTRAL THE WEST VIRGINIA BRASS QUINTET The West Virginia Brass Quintet is the perfect complement for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions.

85 Elm Street Buckhnannon, WV 304.472.6907 hornscott@cebridge.net wvbrassquintet.com

FLORISTS NORTH CENTRAL BLOOMS FLORIST Full-service florist and event design.

103 West Main Street Bridgeport, WV 26330 304.842.3639 bloomswedding.com

SOUTHERN GILLESPIE’S FLOWERS & PRODUCTIONS Since 1923 at The Greenbrier and in the village of White Sulphur Springs.

130 West Main Street & The Greenbrier White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 304.536.1881 gillespiesflowers.com facebook.com/gillespiesflower WEST FARM FLOWERS Local producer of specialty cut flowers.

Wedding designs and unique floral designs available.

HC 34, Box 373, Lewisburg, WV 24901 304.497.3840 westfarms@frontiernet.net westfarmflowers.com facebook.com/pages/west-farms-wv

HAIR & MAKEUP METRO VALLEY SHAMYLA SATTI MAKEUP ARTIST Shamyla brings vast experience from Australia, Canada, and New York to WV. Specializes in makeup for bridal and fashion using the finest professional products. She works with you to create a perfect ultra-modern or classic, subtle look for you and your bridal party.

4 Seneca Road, Huntington, WV 25705 304.521.9431 shamylamakeup.com shamylasattimakeup@hotmail.com TURNER MEDICAL SPA Laser hair removal, facials, makeup applications, advanced aesthetic procedures, massage, and injectable mywvwedding.com | 113

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treaments.

Dr. Samia Turner 816 Cross Lanes Drive Cross Lanes, WV 25313 304.776.1611, turnermedicalspa.com

NORTH CENTRAL NICO SPALON Services include hair, color, keratin, extensions, deep conditioning, makeup, and waxing.

80 S. Pierpont Road Morgantown, WV 26508 304.594.1550 nico@nicospalon.com nicospalon.com TUSCAN SUN SPA & SALON Salon services include hair, nails, and makeup.

Spa services include facials, massage, body treatments, advanced skin care, and medical spa treatments like laser treatments and Venus Freeze.

1841 Locust Avenue Fairmont, WV 26554 304.333.0281 tuscanspaandsalon.com

HOME FURNISHINGS METRO VALLEY CONTEMPORARY GALLERIES We are a full-service furniture dealer located in Charleston, West Virginia.

1210 Smith Street Charleston, WV 25301 800.292.6984, 304.344.1231, cgwv.com

INVITATIONS & STATIONERY METRO VALLEY EGGPLANT Extraordinary gifts and stationery.

1011 Bridge Road, #A Charleston, WV 25314 304.346.3525

NORTH CENTRAL SIGN FACTORY Specializes in professional, high-quality signs for your event.

1706 Mileground Road, Suite B Morgantown, WV 26505 304.296.7446 signfactoryonline.com

OHIO RIVER VALLEY YOURS TRULY INVITATIONS Custom, high-quality wedding invitations and stationery for your big day.

Parkersburg, WV 304.893.3760 yours-truly-invitations.com 114 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

JEWELERS METRO VALLEY CALVIN BROYLES JEWELERS Premier jeweler since 1947 with an array of fine jewelry selections.

4708 MacCorkle Avenue SW Spring Hill, WV 25309 304.768.8821, calvinbroyles.com

NORTH CENTRAL JOYCE’S JEWELRY For more than 30 years, offering high-quality and distinctive jewelry at the best prices.

1070 Suncrest Towne Centre Morgantown, WV 26505 304.599.6981, joycesjewelry.com MASMAN JEWELERS We specialize in custom designs—if you can envision, we can create it.

1395 Earl L. Core Road, Sabraton Plaza Morgantown, WV 26505 304.292.0881 masmanjewelers@aol.com, masmanjewelers.com

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO SERVICES METRO VALLEY ALAN FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHY Specializes in full-day wedding coverage, with quick turnaround time, designer albums, and wall products. If you’re looking for stunning albums and heirloom-quality photos, then this is your studio.

5868 Rocky Step Road Winfield, WV 25213-7764 304.610.8479, alanfrenchphotography.com photos@alanfrenchphotography.com THE OBERPORTS Formerly Emily Porter Photography, Emily Porter and Bobby Oberlander specialize in a blend of fine art and photojournalism.

1828 Roundhill Road Charleston, WV 25314 304.546.9508 hello@theoberports.com theoberports.com

NORTH CENTRAL REBECCA DEVONO PHOTOGRAPHY Specializing in high-end portraiture and weddings.

237 East Main, Bridgeport, WV 26330 rebeccadevono.com

NORTHERN PANHANDLE REBECCA KIGER FOTOGRAFIA Artful storytelling.

Wheeling, WV 304.215.2756 rebecca@rebeccakiger.com rebeccakiger.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WRIGHT IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC. Let Jim and Ellie creatively tell your story through timeless imagery.

92 14th Street, Suite 3 Wheeling, WV 26003 304.281.9089 info@wrightimagephoto.com wrightimagephoto.com

POTOMAC HIGHLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA Capturing real moments, silly expressions, and genuine laughs.

48 Gobbler Way Parsons, WV 26287 304.614.3790 amanda@photographybyamandak.com

SOUTHERN LEAH VANCE PHOTOGRAPHY Specializes in portrait and wedding photography.

103 Kostas Drive Logan, WV 25601 304.687.1439, leahvphotography.com

REAL ESTATE POTOMAC HIGHLANDS BEST OF CANAAN Rentals include hot tubs, fireplaces, lovely master bedrooms, secluded settings, and more.

6511 Appalachian Highway Davis, WV 26260 Amy Barb, broker 877.484.8680, 304.866.8680 bestofcanaan.com

REGISTRIES & UNIQUE GIFTS METRO VALLEY CONTEMPORARY GALLERIES Everything you need for your home, patio, or office, from furniture to decorative items.

1210 Smith Street Charleston, WV 25301 800.292.6984, 304.344.1231, cgwv.com EGGPLANT Extraordinary gifts and stationery.

1011 Bridge Road, #A Charleston, WV 25314 304.346.3525, eggplantshop.com

NORTH CENTRAL ADALAND MANSION AND GIFT SHOP The gift shop offers one-of-a-kind items by local artisans, ranging from homemade quilted purses to local pottery, handcrafted wood items, and handmade jewelry.

Philippi, WV 26416 304.457.1587 info@adaland.org adaland.org

OHIO RIVER VALLEY CEDAR RUN FARM West Virginia pure maple syrup makes unique gifts for your one-of-a-kind events.

2032 Point Lookout Road Friendly, WV 26146 304.684.7936, cedarrunfarm.com

SOUTHERN TAMARACK Shop the very best in West Virginia crafts, art, and foods.

1 Tamarack Park Beckley, WV 25801 304.256.6843, tamarackwv.com facebook.com/tamarackwv

RENTALS & PARTY SUPPLIES METRO VALLEY A TO Z RENTALS Our company rents tents, lighting, tables, chairs, linen, staging, dance floor, china, and catering equipment, and more.

826 7th Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 304.529.6253 haley.linkous@azrentwv.com, azrentwv.com LITTLE BLACK DRESS EVENTS AND RENTALS We rent chairs and chair covers, plate chargers, tables, bar and catering equipment, plates, flatware, glassware, stylish linens, and more.

Charleston, WV 25301 740.568.8552 misti@littleblackdressevents.net littleblackdressevents.net TAPSNAP PHOTOTAINMENT TapSnap leverages the latest advances in touchscreen technology and the incredible popularity of social media and digital photo sharing with their digital photo booth.

877.729.2715, ext. 1017 davidr@tapsnap.net, facebook.com/tapsnap1017

PITTSBURGH LENDABLE LINENS Elegant linens for your wedding needs.

3253 G. Old Frankstown Road Pittsburgh, PA 15239 866.539.5363 lendablelinens@comcast.net

TRAVEL METRO VALLEY CHARLESTON WV CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (CVB) Hip, historic, Almost Heaven—Charleston, WV. 601 Morris Street, Suite 204 Charleston, WV 25301 304.344.5075, charlestonwv.com mywvwedding.com | 115

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PUTNAM COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION CENTER Five parks with tons of amenities.

1 Valley Way, Hurricane, WV 25526 304.562.0518, info@putnamcountyparks.com putnamcountyparks.com

MOUNTAIN LAKES SUMMERSVILLE CVB Information on accommodations, dining, parks, recreation, and shopping in Summersville. Free visitor guide and vacation itineraries available.

3 Armory Way, Summersville, WV 26651 304.872.3722, 866.716.0448 summersvillecvb.com

NORTH CENTRAL MARION COUNTY CVB We can assist with lodging, give directions, customize itineraries, and provide maps, brochures, and information on attractions and events in Marion County and beyond. 1000 Cole Street, Suite A Pleasant Valley, WV 26554, 304.368.1123 info@marioncvb.com, marioncvb.com

POTOMAC HIGHLANDS CANAAN VALLEY RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER Start life's greatest journey at West Virginia's most breathtaking destination wedding venue. Convenient, affordable, banquet services available, bachelor, and bachelorette parties, seasonal recreational activities, 160 new hotel rooms, and fireplace guest suites.

116 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

230 Main Lodge Road Davis, WV 26260 304.866.4121, ext. 2686 canaanresort.com, canaanweddings.com

SOUTHERN MERCER COUNTY CVB History, culture, and hospitality.

704 Bland Street Bluefield, WV 24701 800.221.3206, visitmercercounty.com info@visitmercercounty.com

VIDEOGRAPHY METRO VALLEY MCCOMAS VIDEO PRODUCTION A picture is said to be worth a thousand words, but video actually captures those heartfelt emotional words and beautiful moments. Let us document the story of your wedding day in stunning high definition.

41 Fairfax Drive, Huntington, WV 25705 304.412.066 booking@mccomasvideo.com mccomasvideo.com

WEDDING PLANNING & COORDINATING

METRO VALLEY B.BELLE EVENTS West Virginia’s premier event planner anticipates your every need for your big day.

602 Virginia Street East, Suite 101 Charleston, WV 25301, 304.382.6200 boutique@bbelleevents.com, bbelleevents.com CHERYL SULLIVAN EVENTS Wedding planner in WV and beyond. Let us handle the stress; you just work the dress. Free consultation.

304.638.7613, cheryl@cherylsullivanevents.com cherylsullivanevents.com LITTLE BLACK DRESS EVENTS AND RENTALS Full-service event planning and rentals serving West Virginia and southeastern Ohio.

Charleston, WV 25301 740.568.8552, littleblackdressevents.net misti@littleblackdressevents.net

SOUTHERN TANJA & CO., EVENTS, ETIQUETTE AND IMAGE MANAGEMENT Weddings and special events are our specialties, and your wedding, our mission. When you’re ready to begin planning for your dream wedding, we’ll be here to help you—to design and produce a bespoke experience authentically reflective of you.

Serving West Virginia and Virginia.

800.544.1572, hello@tanjaandcompany.com tanjaandcompany.com

STEFANIE JASPER

VERONICA VAROS

Lendable Linens ExquisiteLinens and Accessories

Tablecloths ❖ Overlays ❖ Napkins ❖ Napkin Rings ❖ Cocktail Napkins Hand Towels ❖ Chair Covers ❖ Aisle Runners ❖ Custom Designed Linens

Available for Rental Nationwide 3253G Old Frankstown Road | Pittsburgh, PA | 15239 866.539.5363 | 724.325.5555 | lendablelinens@comcast.net | lendablelinens.com

WV WEDDINGS MARKETPLACE

“YES” to him....

Now Say...“YES” to US

BOOK TODAY

Downtown Huntington Custom catering and Design jennifer sturgeon, Event Planner

304-696-5563 www.bigsandyarena.com

Prestigious Nail Spa professional service since 1995

Let us help make your day even more special!

·

3121 MacCorkle Ave. SW, Ste. A South Charleston, WV Open 7 days a week 304.744.NAIL (6245)

$10 off coupon of $100 or more

prestigiousnailspa.com

The bride receives a FREE pedicure with a booking of a wedding party of six or more.

WV WEDDINGS MARKETPLACE

Wellington ’s Café & Catering Catering weddings since 1982

304.343.3222 | 304.549.2712 2153 GREENBRIER STREET | CHARLESTON, WV WellingtonsWV.com

WV WEDDINGS MARKETPLACE

Daniel McQuade Photography

Personalized service, as unique as your event

Little Black Dress Events is a full-service event planning company, devoted to creating and coordinating custom weddings and events that are as special as you are.

We tailor each event to fit your personality, style, and investment.

Serving all of WV and Southeastern, Ohio.

A e b Photography

Misti Sims Event Planner 740.568.8552 Marietta, OH 45750 littleblackdressevents.net

We rent Chiavari Chairs to all of WV and Southeastern, Ohio

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Ultimate

VENUE GUIDE

Whether you walk down the aisle in the great outdoors, celebrate with a once-in-a-lifetime reception in a modern resort, or escape to a historic bed-and-breakfast for an intimate honeymoon, these sites have all you need and more to make your wedding weekend dreams come true.

VENUE NAME

CAPACITY

CONTACT

CHECK IT OUT

Adaland Mansion, Philippi

Up to 150

304.457.1587 info@adaland.org adaland.org

Weddings are staged with elegant outdoor and indoor facilities. Covered pavilion offers seating for up to 150. Basic package is $1,800 from May 15 to October 15. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Adventures on the Gorge, Lansing

40–200

855.972.6763 info@onthegorge.com onthegorge.com

With breathtaking scenery, beautiful fac lities, and award-winning food and beverage services, this venue offers something for everyone.

Big Sandy Superstore Arena Convention Center, Huntington

Up to 600

304.696.5563 jennifer@bigsandyarena.com bigsandyarena.com

With more than 15,000 square feet of exhibition space, full-service catering, and an on-site coordinator to guide you through your planning needs, the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Convention Center is sure to impress.

The Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg

Up to 175

Catered receptions at this historic hotel can be 304.865.8657 edavenport@theblennerhassett.com built into a number of comprehensive wedding packages. Choose from a lavish ballroom or theblennerhassett.com an outdoor tented patio.

Bridgeport Conference Center, Bridgeport

300

304.808.3000 brettney.cole@bridgeportconference.com bridgeportconference.com

Planning a wedding reception, reunion, formal dinner, or other type of social event? Fulfill your dreams with Bridgeport Conference Center, which offers intimate space for a group dinner or a full-service ballroom for your wedding reception or banquet.

Café Cimino Country Inn, Sutton

Up to 125

304.765.2913 877.924.6466 info@cafeciminocountryinn.com cafeciminocountryinn.com

Have the fairytale wedding of your dreams on the ample grounds of this country inn, which offers nine guest rooms, a full bar, spa services, and some of the best gourmet cuisine in West Virginia. Photo opportunities galore on the Elk River, in the mansion, and beyond.

Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center, Davis

Up to 400

304.866.4121, ext. 2686 canaanresort.com canaanweddings.com

Start life’s greatest journey at West Virginia's most breathtaking destination wedding venue.

Convenient, affordable, banquet services available, bachelor, and bachelorette parties, seasonal recreational activities, 160 new hotel rooms, and fireplace guest suites.

122 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

VENUE GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VENUE NAME

CAPACITY

CONTACT

CHECK IT OUT

Charleston Civic Center, Charleston

Up to 1,500

304.357.7420 anna.campbell@ charlestonwvciviccenter.com charlestonwvciviccenter.com

Let us exceed expectations as you plan your happily ever after at our state-of-the-art civic center. Our distinctive gourmet caterer offers delectable cuisine that is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. We accommodate all events from intimate gatherings to grand hall productions. We customize menus and dĂŠcor to suit your taste and your budget.

Charleston Marriott Town Center, Charleston

Up to 350

304.345.6500 sheree.gayman@marriott.com CharlestonMarriottWeddings. com

With our unique pavilion and ballrooms, convenient downtown location, and modern elegance, you couldn't ask for more in a wedding venue. Our experienced staff epitomizes Mountain State hospitality. Attending to every deta l of your special day, we will ensure you and your guests w ll remember your joyous occasion for years to come.

The Chestnut Boutique Hotel, Morgantown

550

304.777.4100 info@chestnuthotel.com chestnuthotel.com

In the heart of downtown Morgantown, The Chestnut Boutique Hotel offers brand-new guestrooms and suites, as well as event space. Our event team can help create the wedding weekend you've always dreamed of. The hotel is perfect for the bridal party and wedding guests. Our rooftop area boasts spectacular views of Morgantown.

The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, Charleston

Varies

304.561.3560 lfrancis@theclaycenter.org theclaycenter.org

The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia offers spaces intimate or vast, and catering is provided on-site by Embassy Suites Hotel. The Clay Center is centrally located with beautiful views of downtown Charleston.

Clarion Inn Fairmont, Fairmont

Up to 100

304.366.5500 kthompson@clarionfairmontev.com

The Clarion Inn Fairmont offers 1,500 square feet of banquet space tastefully decorated in jewel tones. The experienced sales department will guide you through the planning of your event and assist you in any way.

The Commons Valley Park Community Center, Teays Valley

120/200

304.562.0518, ext.10 helen@putnamcountyparks.com putnamcountyparks.com

The Confluence Resort, Fayetteville

Up to 200

304.573.4900 pervis@confluenceresort.com confluenceweddings.com

The resort offers a spectacular outdoor venue in southern West Virginia. It specializes in event services, and packages begin at $5,500. Fac lity rentals include on-site lodging, ceremony location, and tent with equipment. On-site catering, dĂŠcor, and floral packages are available.

Creekside Resort & Spa, Greenville

Up to 100

800.691.6420 info@creeksideresort.net creeksideresort.net

Creekside offers a magical island ceremony site, a reception hall with lovely mountain views, and an evening bonfire by the creek. The resort hosts one wedding per weekend to ensure personal attention. Enjoy delicious food, experienced planners, and an unbeatable country setting.

Facilities are complete with kitchen, tables, and chairs. Lighting can be dimmed to create a subtle, romantic mood or used at full capacity for a bright, festive occasion. Plan your holiday parties here to add that special touch of class.

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VENUE GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAPACITY

CONTACT

Embassy Suites Hotel, Charleston

650

304.720.5561 hayley.tighe@jqh.com embassysuitescharlestonwv.com

The Erickson Alumni Center, Morgantown

Up to 350

304.293.0973 mary.kinsley@mail.wvu.edu alumni.wvu.edu

Located in the heart of the Evansdale Campus at West Virginia University, The Erickson Alumni Center is a unique facility to celebrate a wedding or any special occasion inside one of the spacious banquet halls or the outside courtyard.

Four Points

by Sheraton, Charleston

Up to 350

304.344.4092 jclarke@fourpointscharleston.com fourpointscharleston.com

Downtown Charleston's newest full-service hotel with experienced planning and catering teams to create your dream wedding. Nearly 9,000 square feet of banquet space, free local shuttle service, WiFi, and bottled water. 176 guest rooms and suites, new indoor heated swimming pool, and fitness center.

Gillum House Bed & Breakfast, Shinnston

Varies

304.592.0177 relax@gillumhouse.com gillumhouse.com

Elopement package includes minister, bouquet, cake, DVD, toast and goblets, wedding night with breakfast, and photos on CD. Maximum 4 people. Wedding party room (if needed) not included. Required: 7-day minimum advance reservation.

The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs

Up to 1,000

304.536.7836 emily_french@greenbrier.com greenbrier.com

The Inn at Lost River, Lost River

Up to 60

304.897.7000 innkeepers@theinnatlostriver.com theinnatlostriver.com

Perfect for small wedding ceremonies, receptions, dinners, elopements, vow renewals, and honeymoons. Packages are individually tailored for celebrations from 2 to 40 guests. A perfect venue for a romantic country wedding in the scenic West Virginia Potomac Highlands.

Isaac Jackson Hotel & 1863 Grill, Elkins

270

304.636.1400 info@ijhotelelkins.com isaacjacksonhotel.com

The Isaac Jackson Hotel & 1863 Grill are Elkins’ newest wedding venues. Brand new property with beautiful banquet facility and restaurant catering, plus on-site lodging for guests. Can host up to 270 people seated.

Contact us for more information.

The Lake Manor Bed & Breakfast and Conference Center, Morgantown

150

304.777.2594 lakemanorwv.com

Lake Manor offers luxurious accommodations for both indoor and outdoor weddings. Facilities include an arbor gazebo, a 40-by-60-foot tent, and a 30-by-40-foot deck. Call today.

VENUE NAME

124 | WV WEDDINGS Spring/Summer 2014

CHECK IT OUT Beautiful 253-suite hotel in heart of downtown.

Charleston’s largest ballroom and additional catering space at The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

The 10,000-acre playground offers everything you need for an unforgettable wedding weekend. The historic resort offers breathtaking venues, exquisite food, and more than 50 activities for wedding guests to select from. The Greenbrier also provides on-site planning assistance to make your experience stress-free.

VENUE GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAPACITY

CONTACT

CHECK IT OUT

Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa, Morgantown

Up to 400

304.594.9436 info@lakeviewresort.com lakeviewbride.com

Say “I do” on the 10th tee of this exquisite golf course. Celebrate with your guests in one of Lakeview’s picturesque ballrooms overlooking Cheat Lake. Our experienced wedding specialists will assist you in personalizing your special day.

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, Charleston

200

North Fork Mountain Lodge, Cabins

30

304.257.1108 info@northforkmtninn.com northforkmtninn.com

Perfect for small weddings, elopements, and vow renewals. Customized packages available for weddings of up to about 30 people. Lodging and dinner available at the inn. Also a great location for a romantic honeymoon in the mountains.

Prickett's Fort State Park, Fairmont

Varies

304.363.3030 info@prickettsfort.org prickettsfort.org

These historic grounds may be rented between the hours of 5 and 10 p.m. and include an amphitheater, fort, and large lawns, as well as the visitors center. Park venues are available for ceremony and/or reception use, but not for honeymoon.

The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels

350

855.999.4120 achoutaylor@gladesprings.com gladesprings.com

The Resort at Glade Springs’ scenic 4,100-acre property provides the perfect West Virginia wedding location for your ceremony and reception, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and departure brunch. Choose indoor or outdoor sites with spectacular views and unique settings.

Summersville Arena & Conference Center, Summersville

1,200

304.872.3722 marianne@summersvillecvb.com summersvillearena.com

Tamarack, Beckley

200–350

304.256.6843 ataylor@tamarackwv.com tamarackwv.com

Tamarack is ideal for every part of your wedding.

Our unique ambience, intimate service, and superb catering will make your special day even more unforgettable. From your rehearsal dinner, reception, and bridesmaids’ brunch to your ceremony, Tamarack is the perfect choice.

Waterfront Place Hotel, Morgantown

1,100

304.581.2811 deborah.matthews@ waterfrontplacehotel.com waterfrontplacehotel.com

The Waterfront Place Hotel is an ideal venue for a variety of gatherings, from notable lifetime events such as a wedding or a bar/bat mitzvah to anniversary parties and reunions.

VENUE NAME

304.776.1000 24/7 casino featuring two full-service restaurants, arobinson@mardigrascasinowv.com buffet, gift shop, Player’s Club, and 150-room mardigrascasinowv.com hotel and suites open 365 days per year. Live and Simulcast racing year ‘round.

State-of-the-art multi-use facility with WiFi, audio visual equipment, and in-house catering with award-winning Beth Goette and the staff of The Celtic Cook. Customized to meet your needs. The perfect place makes all the difference. Let us help to make your special day stress free and memorable.

mywvwedding.com | 125

A

one-of-a-kind setting for your once-in-a-lifetime event.

For centuries, couples have been coming to The Greenbrier to begin their married life, or simply to celebrate it on their honeymoon.

Today, they return year after year with their expanding family to experience the resort’s exquisite dÊcor, world-class cuisine and fabulous service.

Whether your plans include an intimate ceremony for your immediate family or a celebration for hundreds of guests, The Greenbrier provides fabulous resources to suit your every need.

Our personable and attentive staff are devoted to creating a spectacular wedding unique to you!

The Greenbrier is the ultimate destination wedding location.

300 West Main Street White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia greenbrier.com/weddings 855-969-7664

Oliverio’s

Bridal and Prom Boutique 118 Emily Drive Clarksburg, WV 26330 304.623.6006

Authorized Retailer of:

Maggie Sottero, Casablanca, Anjolique, Christina Wu, Alfred Angelo, Jasmine Bridal, Moonlight Bridal, Dere Kiang, Jacqueline Exclusive, Venus, Kittychen, House of Wu, Allure Bridal, Macis Design, Dessy Collection, Alfred Sung, Bella by Venus, After Six, Pretty Maids, Jordan, Landa, Jade, Jade Couture, Sweet Beginnings, and Little Maiden

oliveriosbridal.com