Virginia Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Rustic Tented Wedding at Fat Cat Farm

I might as well just come out and say it, farmhouse weddings are my favorite. Framed with natural elements, Beehive Events dressed this duos day in rustic elegance in the form of farm tables and geode filled centerpieces. From the handmade soap favors to the hay bale portraits, every detail Jen Fariello Photography is drownright darling and you can see them all here!

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Fall Weddings

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Rustic Weddings Tented

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Classic Weddings Rustic

From the beautiful Bride… Andrew and I met through mutual friends in Charlottesville, Virginia while at the University of Virginia. Considering that we grew up, took our educations, and met all within a 100 mile radius, it’s a bit ironic that we ended up getting engaged in Greenland!

I work for Visit Greenland, the national tourist board of Greenland, so I am constantly traveling back and forth between Greenland and Washington, D.C. In April 2013, Andrew visited me while I was in Nuuk. He used the opportunity of being in such a beautiful and unique setting – sailing in Nuuk Fjord on a snowy day – to pop the question! Despite a proposal at the top of the world, there was no question that we would bring it back home to Charlottesville for our wedding.

The decision to have our wedding at Fat Cat Farm took all of three seconds! In fact, I used to work with Beehive Events at Fat Cat Farm – their private home/studio/gardens. The farm is very near and dear to my heart, but Shawn Marie Cossette and David Dienner even more so! Getting married at Fat Cat Farm was as close to getting married at home as I could get!

Enjoying nature and the outdoors is part of everything I do, so bringing in as many natural elements as possible to the wedding was essential. Everything from the farm tables and wooden chargers to the reindeer antlers and geodes in some of the centerpieces conveyed a love for the natural world. A neutral palette of creams and ivories, blush pinks, and sage greens woven in through the flowers and luxurious linens finished the dressed rustic look that Beehive Events has perfected.

Where to begin! Our wedding day was filled with personal elements! Our invitations were a custom letterpress design featuring a subtle bubble motif – an exact replica of the design on the first ring Andrew ever gave to me back in 2008. Just before the wedding ceremony, Andrew and I presented our mothers with matching bracelets adorned with heart charms saying the word “Mom” in many languages. They were the perfect complement to the floral bracelets they each wore.

Everyone knows the tradition of having something old, new, borrowed, and blue on wedding day, but I had never heard the “…and a six pence in your shoe!” part. Well, I was lucky enough to receive two – one from my sister-in-law and one from my Matron of Honor – so I wore one in each shoe. The imprints are still there! Speaking of shoes, my red designer peep-toe shoes from Iceland were the pièce de résistance for my otherwise classic wedding look. As a child I was attracted to any and everything red, so some things never change!

The strongest memory is absolutely being surrounded by so many family members and close friends! They came from all up and down the east coast, and even my dearest friends from Greenland made it all the way to Charlottesville just for us. Andrew’s brother is a true entertainer and a natural at the microphone, so his Best Man speech during the reception (which was actually one part toast and one part roast) was the perfect lead-in to the most fun part of the evening. I can still hear guests roaring into laughter. My father and I danced to Last Dance by Donna Summer for the father-daughter dance. What started as a slow and sweet dance soon broke into an unexpected and choreographed fast little number one might find on Dancing with the Stars! My father was beaming the whole time.

Jumping on a hay bale was so much fun! I admit I saw this one on Pinterest, but I just had to copy it. Between my photographer who made all of my photo bucket list wishes come true and Andrew who had the honor of hoisting me up onto said hay bale, I’m not sure who showed more patience. The whole affair was a crowd pleaser that no one has forgotten!

As guest favors, we gave handmade goat milk soaps in Oatmeal Honey scent by The Freckled Farm Soap Company out of Richmond, Virginia. Having been Charlottesville residents for 7 years, the localvore lifestyle is engrained in us! We wanted to give our out-of-town guests a way to take home a bit of central Virginia.

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Modern Trousseau

Spring & Fall Classics

Spring 2015

Fall 2015

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Elegant Winter Wedding at Pippin Hill Vineyard

After the Groom popped the big question – at a rustic chic farmhouse vineyard – it only made sense to say “I do” in the very same place. Friends and family gathered for true southern hospitality while surrounded by stunning Southern Blooms By Pat’s Floral Designs blooms and Shindig Weddings And Events décor. See all the love through the lens of Jen Fariello Photography right over here.

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Winter Weddings

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Religious Institution Rustic Weddings Weddings in Wineries

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Classic Weddings Rustic

From the beautiful Bride… Grant and I met while working at a university in my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. I saw the job as a temporary solution until I could secure a position at my alma mater in Virginia, so I was surprised when Grant and I started spending time together and I found myself enjoying being home more than I ever thought possible. Once I finally secured that job, we were in love and both knew that Grant would follow me up to Virginia.

On the February weekend that Grant moved to Charlottesville, I followed a friend’s suggestion to take him to one of the newer vineyards in the area, Pippin Hill. Although it was a wintry day, we enjoyed the beautiful views of the mountains while enjoying amazing Virginia wine and planning our future adventures. A year and a half later, Grant lured me to Pippin after work under the pretense of attending a tasting event and proposed on a beautiful July afternoon with the vineyard to ourselves.

In terms of choosing a wedding venue, we both had our eyes on Pippin Hill from the time of our first visit. We loved not only the stunning views, delicious food and wine, and farmhouse chic decor, but we felt truly welcomed and taken care of every visit because of their outstanding staff and focus on southern hospitality. We planned our wedding day for February 1, 2014, nearly a year to the day of our first trip to Pippin.

Stylistically, Grant and I wanted the aesthetic to match that of Pippin, which is classically elegant with a rustic feel, and we wanted everything to feel seasonally appropriate without being overly “wintry.” I wanted colors that would softly blend in with a winter landscape while adding a modest touch of color and texture, which is why I picked a long dusty purple Amsale dress for the bridesmaids and then selected soft pink, white, and green florals for the bouquet. I loved the pop of the white anemones in the bouquet, as well as the soft texture of the lamb’s ears. One of my favorite design aspects of the wedding was the beautiful invitation suite that I featured a custom monogram of our initials surrounded by wintry branches and a light gray envelope with white calligraphy topped off with vintage stamps.

I honored my maternal grandmother, who passed away when I was in college, in a couple of ways on the wedding day. I wore her beautiful fur coat as we left the church to go to the reception and for a few photos with my bridesmaids, a couple of whom also had fur stoles. Also, I wrapped my grandmother’s handkerchief around my bouquet to serve as my “something old.” It felt truly special to have two of her treasured items with me at all times on the wedding day.

My most vivid memories are from the actual ceremony, which is when everything stood still for a little bit. I remember all of the songs, the beautiful homily our pastor delivered, and running out of the church past all of our friends and family into the waiting car. My favorite photo is of Grant and me leaving the ceremony at Pippin through all the sparklers…our wonderful photographer Jen had asked him to dip me for one final kiss as we left and she captured it perfectly. I also love the photos that feature the back of my dress!

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Lela Rose

2014 Bridesmaid

Fall 2014

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Amsale

Amsale Bridesmaids Fall 2014

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Amsale Bridal Fall 2014

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Whimsical DIY Coastal Wedding

This is a duo that knows a thing or two about throwing a fabulous party. And by “throwing a fabulous party” I mean crafting and creating some amazing details, all with the help of a talented group of family and friends. From the gorgeous decor to the crazy awesome wood elements to the pretty paper goods from bridesmaid, Helen Stackhouse. Soak in every moment from We Are The Mitchells right here.

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Spring Weddings

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Ballroom Weddings

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Whimsical

From We Are The Mitchells…. We could not adore this couple or their wedding more. Emily, a crafty bride with a heart of gold, wanted a focus on handmade items that still look full and that held lots of meaning. Eric, ever the craftsmen, hand created many of the wood elements throughout the wedding, including signs and centerpieces! Emily enlisted the help of her talented friends to help create all of the decor items, including invitation and paper goods by Helen Stackhouse, who was also serving as a bridesmaid that day!

With custom home brews to hand out as favors, a nod to their love of craft beer, and a late night cigar bar for Eric and his boys, the entire affair felt like a great party to celebrate with their closest friends. We especially loved their unique color palette, a soft dusty lilac with a focus on wild and free feeling arrangements. It could not have tied in more perfectly with Emily + Eric’s free-spirited personalities and love for adventure. This went down as one of our favorite weddings of all time.

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Watters

Willowby Fall 2014

Watters Maids Fall 2014

Wtoo Maids Fall 2014

C20 Mothers 2012 Part I

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C20 Mothers Spring 2013

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Seahorse Spring 2013

Watters Brides Fall 2014

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Tara Keely

Fall 2016 Collection

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Colorful Wedding Inspiration with Bright Rainbow Hues

Don’t get me wrong – when it comes to weddings, I adore a muted color palette. But give me a bundle of bright, vibrant hues from a talented team of vendors and that, my friends, is where you’ll find my happy place. From the gorgeous stylings of Tart Event Co. to the fab paper goods from Design Corral to those crazy cool Paisley & Jade chairs. See the colorful explosion captured by Stephanie Yonce right here.

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From the Stylist, Kelsey… Our shoot in two words? Bright and whimsical.

We’ve enjoyed participating in a number of shoots with varying color palettes and were eager to take things in a different direction with our rainbow theme shoot. Aiming for an upscale take on the classic ROY G. BIV hues, the shoot took on a life of its own against Paisley & Jade’s white industrial backdrop.

Favorite details included Paisley & Jade’s collection of amazing, custom-painted asymmetrical chairs, which made its inventory debut for the shoot. We were thrilled with how Candy Valley Cake Company interpreted our rainbow petit-flours, as well as Design Corral’s custom rainbow invitation suite. Finally, it was a delight to see how the bright pops from Janie’s florals paired so well with the bright blue and purple ribbons. As for DIY details, we hand-dyed the streamers as well as made and painted the paper flowers.

Our models Stasia and Jonathan were on board immediately and happily played the part of the spirited couple. Our bride’s cropped top and hot pink links paired with our groom’s bowtie hoped to convey that would eagerly embrace the theme as if it were their own wedding — trading in cake for petit-fours and welcoming a “no socks” policy for the groom.

Whimsical Fall Countryside Wedding

What began as an instant connection on the dance floor eventually grew into seven years of shared love and laughter, and when it came time to plan their Big Day this duo wanted plenty of personality. Starting with a sentimental venue to their adorable cake topper, Sweet Tea Photography snapped a gallery with assistance provided by Kate Triano detailing their electric connection, and it’s all waiting for you.

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Fall Weddings

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Eatery

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Classic Weddings

From Sweet Tea Photography…Cecilia and Edo met in 2007 at Bazaar, a trendy lounge in Atlanta where Edo was their resident DJ. They were introduced by a mutual friend, and the connection was electric, as was the energy on the dance floor that evening! Their first date was at a Korean restaurant that Edo has chosen, even though he had never eaten Korean food before. Cecelia was delighted to find out that Edo loved not only the popular Korean BBQ dishes, but that he genuinely loved the more peculiar dishes, like the kimchi and spicy stews. She knew Edo was a keeper after that date (Cecilia’s family is from Korea).

After 7 years of dating, Edo proposed on the beach in Tulum, Mexico on New Year’s Eve 2013, just as the sun was setting. After a teary proposal, they joined their friends at Posada Margherita (Cecilia’s favorite restaurant in Tulum), who were waiting with champagne. After a memory-worthy meal, they celebrated the New Year at a famous beach party/musical event (Flying Circus) with more of their friends from around the world.

L’Auberge” translates to “country inn,” Cecilia and Edo wanted the wedding theme to match the distinctive Old World ambiance of L’Auberge Chez Francios (their wedding venue). They wanted their wedding to capture the elegance and charm of the Old World, in an unpretentious country setting. The wedding venue was an easy choice, given the special place that L’Auberge Chez François has in Cecilia’s family history. In 1967, Cecilia’s father, Chun Oh, immigrated to the United States from Korea in pursuit of the American dream. Although Chun had no culinary training and spoke little English, he got a job as a kitchen worker at L’Auberge Chez François (then located in Washington, D.C.). Her father’s work ethic led to steady promotions within this honored kitchen. The restaurant’s late owner, François Haeringer, soon became a mentor and benefactor to Cecilia’s father (even saving him from deportation from the U.S. in 1968). Cecilia’s father worked at L’Auberge Chez François for the next 40 years, and retired from his position as head chef in 2006.

We had a daytime ceremony followed by a luncheon. In lieu of a traditional evening reception, we had a post-wedding party for our friends at Ambar Restaurant, Richard Sandoval’s restaurant in D.C. serving modern Balkan cuisine. We really loved that we were able to incorporate Edo’s culture and cuisine into the wedding festivities in this way. Edo is originally from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this more casual and modern setting, we were able to showcase the talent of some of our wedding guests, also DJs in Atlanta and D.C., and to celebrate the music that brought us together in the first place.

My favorite moment from the wedding was seeing the sun peek out from behind the clouds during the wedding ceremony. The entire week leading up to the wedding, the weather forecast called for rain (at one point, a 90% chance of rain). The weather cooperated, and it ended up being a perfect day for a fall wedding.

Some of our favorite details were the cake topper and the guest book. We wanted our cake topper to be a fun and whimsical surprise for our guests. It was a small figurine of Edo DJing and me dancing by his side. The “guest book”, which was a vinyl record mounted in a frame, now hangs in our home next to Edo’s DJ booth/equipment.

Our best advice to give to brides planning their weddings is find a good wedding coordinator! I was lucky to have a close friend with lots of wedding experience help with all the wedding planning and coordinating.

Traditional Hotel Monaco Wedding

I love when a couple finds a way to add special traditions and touches to their Big Day. This intimate ceremony has so many lovely details, from the bride in her mother’s stunning dress to the romantic blush pink flowers, it is impossible to pick a favorite. Get even more of this love-filled fete in the gallery from Elizabeth Fogarty!

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Fall Weddings

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Outdoor Weddings

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Romantic

From Elizabeth Fogarty… Daniel and Michelle’s wedding at the Hotel Monaco was simply perfect. Michelle wore her own mother’s dress, which looked fabulous with her sparkly Jimmy Choos. Daniel chose a Tiffany and Co. wedding band, which is awesome since the grooms deserve some love too! It was one of those beautiful and crisp fall days. After their first look, they signed the Ketubah surrounded by both their families. After the signing, they moved to the courtyard for their intimate ceremony. The silver chairs plus the pink and blush flowers made the perfect combination. Just like Michelle’s soft laced dress, the outside looked super romantic. The best part of the day was seeing how truly loved they are and what a great time all the guests had.

Elegant Spring Wedding at The Inn at Warner Hall

Forget coffee – this Southern plantation celebration is just what we need to kick the morning off right. Set at a historic venue with a dash of modern style, it’s every bit as charming as you’d imagine. Michael and Carina captured every bit of beauty and Herrinton Weddings didn’t miss a beat. Start your day off on the right foot here.

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Spring Weddings

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Hotels + Resorts Weddings

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From Michael And Carina Photography… We are so excited to share this classic Southern Plantation wedding with you. Kim and Brian’s elegant spring wedding stood out to us because of all the thoughtful details and the sweet and classic atmosphere. The historic feel and the subtle elegance are a match made in heaven.

Kim looked like a princess in her Jenny Packham dress standing under the big tree at their outdoor ceremony. These two are more than just lovers. They are friends; friends that share an adventurous spirit that has led them around the world together. From North Carolina, to the jungles of Africa… culminating in a breathtaking, elegant wedding in the quiet of rural Gloucester County. They picked the perfect venue in Virginia to celebrate the day that their families would finally come together. And we really had a wonderful team of vendors working together! The video lovingly put together by the Herrintons tells their story beautifully.

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Jenny Packham

Bridal 2016 Catwalk

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Weddings at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

There are beach resorts in Florida, and then there is the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort; a Naples wonderland of drop-dead gorgeous accommodations, top-notch service and luxurious amenities at every turn. Think seaside “I do’s” meets an elegant ballroom reception meets an entire weekend of lounging around with your sweetie. Put simply, it’s amazing.

Whether you’re saying “I do” for the first time, renewing your vows or simply planning your honeymoon in paradise, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is THE place where all of the above happens, and it happens perfectly. From your choice of stunning venues (pristine beach + fab pool + breathtaking ballroom) to the team of professionals that will walk with you step by step through the planning process to your end of the night walks underneath a golden sunset.

Contact LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort today to start planning your dream wedding!

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A Chic Affair + A Discount!

SMPers, Spring has officially sprung and we’ve got the perfect event to jump start planning for your warm weather weddings — A Chic Affair. On March 29 from 11am-3pm at Dock 5 in DC’s Union Market, this fabulously chic + unique bridal experience will showcase artisan-style resources, incredible hand-picked vendors + tons of inspiration!

A Chic Affair is a different type of wedding event for the modern, stylish + savvy bride. From the cities best caterers + bakeries to hair and makeup trials from Bella and even a gentleman’s lounge packed with everything from apparel, accessories, snacks + spirits! And get this — if you snag a VIB (Very Important Bride — or Groom!) tickets, you’ll get one-hour early access for brunch hors d’oeuvres as well as a gift and entry into the UltimateWed giveaway filled with products and services that’s worth thousands!

Geared toward the couple looking for a wedding that’s personal, stylish + unique, A Chic Affair will help you do some serious damage to that looming to-do list. All attendees will walk away with a seriously amazing swag bag and get this — SMP readers can get general access tickets for half off with code CHIC at checkout! Head over here to purchase tickets + for more information on this fabulous, not-to-be-missed event.

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A Chic Affair | Dock 5 at Union Market | 1309 5th St, NE Washington, DC 20002 | Event begins at 11:00am for VIB Access Ticket Holders + noon for General Admission

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Photo Credits: Photojournalism By Rodney Bailey

Italian Inspired Wedding at the Williamsburg Winery

What happens when a beautiful bride marries her dapper groom in an Italian inspired wedding at the stunning Williamsburg Winery? This. A drop-dead gorgeous affair featuring dahlia-filled blooms from Aleen Floral Design, yummy Italian eats from Creative Catering Of Virginia and one moment after another of pure beauty captured by Michael And Carina Photography. See it all in the full gallery.

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Fall Weddings

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From Michael And Carina Photography… Brittany and Mike had their romantic Italian-inspired wedding at one of the most beautiful venues in Virginia, the Williamsburg Winery. Brittany was a vision of grace and elegance.

These two met many years ago in Italy and their love has been tried by years of living an ocean apart. At their first look, she took Mike’s breath away in the quiet courtyard of the Wedmore Place. With Irish and Hispanic roots, their family came from all over the world to celebrate with them and it was one of the most emotional weddings we have ever photographed.

Everything fit perfectly with the Italian-style reception where family time and good food went hand in hand. Brittany and Mike are soul mates and absolutely crazy about each other, it was an honor to to document their big day!

From the Bride… After meeting in Italy ten years ago, it felt natural to bring to life some elements from our past and the beginning of our love story. Italy will always hold an invaluable and endearing place in our hearts. We wanted the day the two of us became one, to be reflective of just that. Our wedding day brought us back to our beginnings – reminiscent of a budding friendship, romance, perseverance, and above all else, love.

The rustic winery venue, the simple outdoor ceremony, asymmetrical floral arrangements featuring dahlias and a plethora of greenery set the scene for a magical day! Everything from the setting to the Italian themed catering menu, allowed us to relive a little piece of our past. It was grounding, enchanting and full of laughter. Now, we continue to look forward to our future with hope and excitement – wherever that may lead us.

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BHLDN

Bridal 2016

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Whimsical Barn Wedding with Romantic Details

When a bride has a self-proclaimed love of gardening, you know her wedding is going to be full of vibrant blooms. Florist Nature Composed created gorgeous bouquets & centerpieces full of whimsical green ferns, white dahlia’s and bold anemones. Shot by photographer Callie Davis with Nancy Ray Photography, this gorgeous barn wedding oozes romance, while remaining effortlessly chic. See even more right here.

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Fall Weddings

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Religious Institution Rustic Weddings

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Classic Weddings Rustic

From Mallory Joyce… When Michelle and I first began to discuss her wedding, there were three words that kept rising to the surface: joyful, generous, and whimsical. Having known Michelle for several years as a dear friend, I was struck by the fact that these words truly describe Michelle herself. It felt natural that her wedding design should be an extension of her unique style and of her love story with longtime college sweetheart, Matthew. Michelle is a kind, giving person and our priority throughout the planning was to ensure that guests felt welcomed and treasured as well-loved company. We wanted the reception to feel like a big family gathering, so we designed long tables with a family-style dinner service. Michelle works on a farm and has had a long love affair with gardening, so we made certain the flowers were loose, whimsical, and a natural extension of the surrounding landscape. Jenn of Nature Composed even brought in a huge backdrop of greenery for the ceremony so the indoor space felt more like an intimate garden. Matthew and Michelle live in California now and the two are passionate about food and wine, so we incorporated thoughtful details like homemade jam favors for the guests and wood cutting boards as table numbers. One of our favorite parts of the wedding was when Michelle’s father surprised her and Matthew with a horse-drawn carriage to carry them to the reception! Michelle, who loves horses, was overjoyed!

Small Town Intimate Candlelit Wedding

When it comes to intimate affairs, nothing pulls at our heart strings quite like a hometown wedding. Cozy, romantic, and lit by candlelit, Girl Friday Event Management planned one gorgeous town hall ceremony. From the Bride’s dazzling blush dress to her vintage fur stole, every detail Michael And Carina Photography captured is heartwarming and you bet the gallery is the perfect place to see it all, here!

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Winter Weddings

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Classic Weddings

From Michael And Carina Photography…Winter is the perfect time for cozy, romantic weddings. Caitlin and Will married in a candlelit town hall with their closest friends and family. Their intimate wedding was a laid-back and very personal celebration of two best friends getting married.

The candles down the aisle, the greenery all over the room and the Southern accents made this a heart-warming event. Caitlin was wearing a dazzling blush dress with a vintage fur stole to keep her warm. The vintage style fit perfectly with the deserted, old-school small town and made for great portraits!

Elegant Pink + Purple Wedding Inspiration at Trump Winery

A gorgeous tablescape at an elegant, modern winery; I’m already in love. But then came the ribbons and I might as well just start pinning these pics right now. As someone who may have a hoarding problem when it comes to ribbons and bows, these beauties caught my eye and added such a lovely touch to this shoot by Allison Hopperstad, styled by EightTreeStreet. See every pink, purple and gold goodie here.

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Summer Weddings

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Weddings in Wineries

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Rustic

From EightTreeStreet… There’s nothing more elegant than a traditional table decoration and a venue that is inviting, luxe and exudes tradition. We love winery weddings, and for our inspiration shoot we wanted to infuse a little bit of that old time charm, with a mixture of elegant decor and modern touches to offer a different view on decorating and designing a winery wedding. The minute we walked into Trump Winery’s Grand Hall, we were in love with the spaces and the halls. It’s a gorgeous combination of old time charm and modern decor. From beautiful chandeliers, to the charming bridal suite, this venue has everything we wanted to explore a new decor idea for winery weddings that moves away from traditional rustic looks.

Outfitted in pretty golds, pinks and touches of plum and magenta, our classic modern shoot took place at the Grand Hall at Trump Winery. The venue features a combination of contemporary design and lovely classical touches which was the most delightful inspiration for the shoot. The linens are a gorgeous combination of golden yellows, and we loved working with Wildflower Linen to design this table.

We were thrilled to be able to feature one of the gowns designed by Grace Bridal Couture in Los Angeles, a gorgeous ball gown accented by a delicate horsehair sash of encrusted rhinestones, complemented by a long and flowy veil, so feminine and delicate! Our wonderful group of talented vendors did an amazing job designing details for the shoot, and we love working with our model Elle; she embodied timeless beauty and a classic old time glamour! Since we love a new twist on favorites, we were so excited to create a cake table featuring two naked wedding cakes made out of cheesecakes, decorated with flowers, ribbons and fruit, for something a little bit different.

Even though it poured for days and the rain didn’t want to end, we enjoyed a wonderful time shooting, and we ventured outdoors to capture some of the beautiful views and the most delightful little chapel. We love a venue that features such a sweet detail, it’s own little chapel!

Classic Elegance at Trump Winery

This Lauren Niles wedding is the perfect fusion of classic elegance and modern romance. Stripes and bow ties married to sequins and one seriously twirl-able dress, just for starters. And the day wouldn’t have been complete without the addition of luxurious white florals crafted by Hedge Fine Blooms. Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor—this gallery from L. Hewitt Photography is incredible.

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Fall Weddings

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Classic Weddings

From Lauren Niles Events…When Monika, Baltimore blogstress of Champagne Picnic, contacted me to help her plan a destination wedding, I knew it was going to be a positively lovely, incredibly fashionable and downright fun weekend affair. I was beyond thrilled to get started!

Monika wanted to design a wedding that was classically romantic with nods to European style, but with an underlying sense of fun and whimsy. To do this, we played with bold stripes, a combination of lush and natural textures and, of course, a dash of sequins. Set against the stunning views of Trump Winery, guests lounged on linen furniture and sipped on his and hers cocktails: an Old Fashioned & a Champagne Picnic. Dinner and dancing followed, as guests enjoyed an environment of organically styled florals, a dance floor surrounded by soft drapery, a super fun, sequin adorned champagne bar and a band that had them dancing until last call. After dinner, the cocktail lounge area was transformed into a warm escape with evening winery views, a fire pit and pillows for getting cozy.

A few of our favorite details were the custom skirt we had designed for Monika from Garnish, the custom monogram by Just Ink on Paper, the adorable signage designed by the lovely sister of the bride and MOH, custom striped bowties for the incredible wait staff, the little gold footed pups that held beautifully calligraphed table numbers and the breathtaking images of the Bride & Groom at the Trump Winery Chapel by the talented Leah Hewitt.

From the beautiful Bride…Mike and I got married in Charlottesville, Virginia this past September. We met in Baltimore, but I grew up in NJ and he grew up in Florida. We are all over the map already, so when choosing a wedding destination, we didn’t have a specific place in mind. Charlottesville is beautiful, filled with dozens of wineries, history, and a charming downtown area. We discovered Trump Winery and knew it was the place we had to celebrate our wedding day. We initially wanted to have both ceremony and reception at the winery, but chose a Catholic ceremony at the University of Virginia Chapel.

I found my dress at an awesome boutique just outside of Baltimore called Garnish Boutique. We did the back and forth from one boutique to another, trying on different styles and silhouettes but I came back to Garnish, knowing I wanted to buy my dress from the lovely shop owner there, Mia. I thought I was going back in to buy one dress with a big, layered tulle skirt with horse hair trim, but there was a Theia Couture trunk show going on that weekend and we thought it would be fun to try on a few of them.

The Theia dress was a long, form fitting gown covered in crystals, embellishments, and delicate beading from top to bottom. The part that made it mine? The detachable skirt that came along with it. It was so unique and different that I knew I had to have it. The skirt was initially much more delicate and sheer but I still wanted that princessey look I was originally searching for. I had a tailor custom design the skirt into my perfect layered, billowy, tulle dream of a skirt, and my wedding dress was complete. It was the best!

I had 10 bridesmaids. I know, that is crazy, but that’s how it had to be. Mike had 9 groomsmen, so it ended up working perfectly that we had a large, fun, beautiful bridal party. I decided I didn’t want the girls in matching dresses and that they would choose their own in the neutral color scheme of golds, tans, blushes, and light greys. It ended up working perfectly and I was so happy the girls could choose their own dress for their body type, budget, and look they wanted. We got ready in matching floral rompers adorned with pom poms – they were super cute and comfy and were a bit different (and more affordable) than buying all of the girls matching robes. We had an awesome morning getting ready together, drinking mimosas and listening to music, and getting all dolled up for the day.

Both bridal parties, both sets of parents, and other friends and family members got ready at Meriweather Springs Vineyard, an estate in Charlottesville on a winery that my family stayed in during the week of the wedding. The bridesmaids and moms got ready upstairs in a large gathering room that was flooded with natural light and a beautiful backdrop of the vineyard. The groomsmen got prepped for the day downstairs, in the barrel room, equipped with a bar and ample space for them to lounge around and spend time together. I wanted to surprise Mike with a gift, even though we had said “no gifts” on the wedding day, I just had to. I always knew that I would get him a Rolex watch to surprise him with on our wedding day when he had told me a story about how his Grandfather had given him his Rolex which he had unfortunately lost and always regretted it. So, I figured it all out with the help of a friend and while he was getting ready, the Rolex was delivered to him for him to open and wear on our wedding day.

The cocktail bar had linen benches, a wooden bar, black and white striped throw pillows, trays with gold frames, candles, and matchbooks with our initials in Mr. and Mrs. glasses adorned the cocktail hour, which took place on the terrace of Trump Winery. The view was breathtaking and overlooked the entire winery, complete with lush landscape, rolling hills, lakes (that had actual swans in them!), and a colorful sunset that could have been a painting. The guests enjoyed specialty champagne and old fashioned cocktails around tables with blush silk shantung linens.

AH, the reception! My planner, Lauren, made sure that it was a huge surprise and wouldn’t let me take a peek in the days of set up prior to our wedding. I was blown away at the reveal- the lighting, the mass amounts of candlelight, the incredible drape treatment around the dance floor, the beautiful flowers by Hedge, the champagne bar with the bowl of cascading blooms I knew I had to have from the beginning- it was all more than I could have imagined. We danced all night and had the best time with all of our closest friends and family.

Elegant Spring Wedding at Tuckahoe Plantation

We’re in luck today, with not one, but two wonderfully romantic weddings by Jen Fariello. This spring soiree won me over at first sight of these tulips in the prettiest shade of blush I think I have ever seen. This Bride, inspired by the color, added some bright pinks and subtle grays and every bit of her celebration was absolutely lovely. See every inch of pretty right here.

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From the Bride… John and I met at the University of Georgia through mutual friends during freshman year. We didn’t start dating until senior year after working together on a marketing class project. After five years of dating, John proposed near the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season. He then took me to a romantic dinner in Alexandria, VA and surprised me with a visit from my parents. We were joined by friends and plenty of bubbly afterward to celebrate the night.

We loved the idea of bringing friends and family together in a chapel, then heading to an outdoor venue for the reception. My parents live near the University of Richmond and it has held many special memories for our family over the years. Tuckahoe Plantation was the perfect combination of southern charm, beauty and history for our outdoor reception. It worked out perfectly that garden week happened to fall over the wedding date so the flowers were in full bloom.

I wanted the wedding to feel classic and romantic with a twist. There were many traditional elements, but several unique touches throughout. My sister and matron of honor, Lauren, helped me create a color palette for the floral arrangements and bridesmaid dresses. The bridesmaids were able to pick any dresses they wanted that fell somewhere in the color palate. I wanted the bridesmaids to feel amazing and knew they each had their own special and fabulous style.

I held a monogrammed handkerchief from Greece around my bouquet which had been given to me by my sister, Lauren. My mom and I used old barn wood from my grandmother’s farm to make signs for the reception. The signature cocktail (Blissful Bride) consisted of blood orange soda, vodka and rosemary which tied in the pink color scheme. A photo booth was created by hanging a frame from a tree and setting props on a nearby table. I gave John a bourbon-cigar bar as his wedding gift which all guests enjoyed. The pink cake was accompanied by Dixie Donuts at the dessert table. The guest book was a vintage copy of the history of Tuckahoe Plantation.

People tend to say that your wedding day feels like a blur but I distinctly remember the details and I made a point to cherish the little moments. I knew that I would feel happy and have fun, but I was blown away by feeling the happiest that I have ever been. My favorite photos include the ones of me and John at Tuckahoe Plantation before heading into the tent and with my bridesmaids in the courtyard at the chapel before the ceremony.

Rustic Chic Summer Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm

I really, really try not to play favorites but sometimes you just can not help it. So I might as well just give up and admit that when a Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards wedding comes across my desk, I get downright giddy. And this gem right here takes those expectations and knocks them out of the park with these bright summer colors bursting from Jen Fariello‘s pics. See why I’m so obsessed right here!

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From The Bride… Read and I met through a mutual friend while I was finishing my architecture degree at Virginia Tech. When I graduated we decided to move to Seoul, South Korea. We thought that we would only be there for one year, but we ended up being away from the States for three and a half years. After spending the first half of 2013 island hopping in Indonesia, trekking through Myanmar, and going on safari in Sri Lanka we moved back to Virginia.

We had been living in Richmond, Virginia for about a month when Read asked me if I wanted to have a picnic with him one evening in a park near our home in Churchill. I really didn’t think anything of it while he was packing up our picnic basket with some of my favorite treats (cheese and more cheese), so when he pulled a small grey box out of his pocket I started crying and laughing at the same time, then I said yes.

I thought that finding the right venue would be a challenge, but it was easier than I thought it would be. We had been out of the country for a long time and it was important to us to get married somewhere where our friends and family could attend. We grew up in Virginia, met in Virginia, and after over three years of adventures, had moved back to Virginia. So, it was important to find a venue that celebrated Virginia. The view at Pippin Hill is so striking and I really feel like it captured our home state.

Another factor was food. Read and I travel to eat. While we were living in Seoul, Read was writing for the food section of a magazine. So the food at our wedding had to be above average. The attention to ingredients in the Pippin Hill kitchen impressed us both. We had a stationed dinner where our guests could pick and choose from different stations. Everything that came out of the kitchen was delicious and our guests were sure to let us know.

I’m a graphic designer by trade and when we started to plan our wedding I thought I would have it all figured out, but I just didn’t. I was having trouble trying to think about a color palette or flowers. It wasn’t until I started working with Dani Antol on the printed suite that things started to come together. We were looking through books of invitations when our planner from Easton Events brought up an image of some Otomi fabric. Once I saw that I knew it would be the inspiration for the colors and patterns in our wedding. The Save the Date is really what set the tone for the whole look and feel on our wedding day. Dani included a custom emblem that she drew up for Read and I, and we made sure to carry the emblem through all of our printed material because it was just so perfect for us.

My uncle was the officiant for our wedding ceremony. It was great to work with a family member while planning our ceremony. I really appreciated that before we walked down the aisle he had both sides get up and introduce themselves to one another. The whole ceremony felt very comfortable and relaxed.

During the days leading up to our wedding day Read and I had people giving us loads of advice. The one piece of advice that Read and I took to heart was to just have fun. We both had an amazing time. It was so great to have all our friends and family there to support us. The moment that sticks out to me was at the end of the night when we were getting ready to make our grand exit, and the DJ put on Queen. I love, love, love Queen. I could not have been happier than I was at that moment: screaming the lyrics to “Fat Bottomed Girls” and dancing with my husband.

We have some stunning photos from our wedding day. The photos of everyone out on the dance floor are really fun, but the one photo that I’m really enamored of is a black and white photo of Read and I walking through the vines at Pippin Hill. In this photo Read’s looking at the camera while I’m beaming up at him – it’s a beautiful photo.

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Julie Vino Trunk Show at Soliloquy Bridal Couture

Here at SMP, we shout fabulous news from the rooftops. And when one of our fave salons happens to be hosting a Julie Vino Trunk Show, we consider that just such an event. I’m talking a two-day extravaganza of rich fabrics and stunning details, all hosted by the always amazing Soliloquy Bridal Couture on March 20th – 22nd. Mark your calendars, lovelies – this is a can’t miss event.

Based in Tel Aviv and known for gowns that WOW with their handmade fabrics and Parisian laces, the Julie Vino Provence Collection 2015 is guaranteed to make a statement on your Big Day. Imagine floating down the aisle in one of her fashion-forward, yet classically romantic styles… it just feels right. Even better? Julie Vino is bringing along some of her most requested styles from the Orchid and Ceasaria Collections, which means that perfect dress you’ve been dreaming of is just an appointment away.

So what are you waiting for, loves? Contact Soliloquy Bridal Couture TODAY (949.723.0121 – 754 Elden St #103, Herndon, VA 20170) to reserve your dressing room for the Julie Vino Trunk Show happening March 20th – 22nd! Brides from all over the world will be traveling to see these stunning gowns, so don’t miss out. And don’t forget, you’ll receive 10% off during the event! Sooo awesome.

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