C-VILLE Weddings: Winter 2017

Winter 2017

GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FIANCÉ INVITATIONS WITH A GRAPHIC ATTITUDE GUEST LIST ADVICE

Way to save

IS FRIDAY THE NEW SATURDAY?

Sweet sensations 5 CREATIVE CAKES (AND HOW TO AFFORD THEM)

Let’s get together!

7 WEDDINGS AT Castle Hill Cider The Market at Grelen Old Metropolitan Hall ...and more!

it’s passion. it’s trust.

Barracks Road Shopping Center, next to Talbots c-ville.com/weddings 434.284.4060 • www.finks.com

Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard Charlottesville’s Premier Destination Wedding Venue

Located just south of Charlottesville, Virginia on a secluded 5,000-acre sanctuary, Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard is the perfect destination for weddings and private events. Guests have the choice between two distinct venues: The Lodge & The Event Barn, as well as several unique ceremony sites.

At Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard, spectacular scenic vistas, vibrant vineyards, historic homes, private lakes, tree-lined drives, lake & stableside cocktail parties, and historic plantation accommodations all combine to create the venue of your dreams.

Visit mountidafarm.com or email us at info@mountidafarm.com to schedule a private tour c-ville.com/weddings

Early Mountain Vineyards offers natural beauty, warm and inviting facilities, and all the perfect amenities for your dream wedding. Imagine grapes hanging heavy on rows of vines disappearing over the horizon to foothills where an expansive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretches out in front of your vineyard wedding. Spacious enough for large groups, yet intimate for private gatherings, Early Mountain Vineyards provides the perfect backdrop for a day you’ll never forget.

VISIT US TO START PLANNING YOUR DREAM WEDDING.

6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, Madison,c-ville.com/weddings VA 22727 | 540.948.9005 | pinterest.com/earlymountain

Will Kerner Photography

www.willkerner.com Rosebrook Inn, in Greene County at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was once the historic Church of the Brethren Industrial School. Now it’s a remodeled Bed and Breakfast with a banquet/meeting hall, and 4 bedrooms each with a private bath and outdoor deck.

A covered and enclosed pavilion is perfect for outdoor weddings and receptions. Let us host your wedding and guests in a unique and gorgeous setting.

awards b

434-985-7976 • rosebrookinn.com

Pearl’s culture of wholesome natural ingredients, coupled with pastry art is well known throughout the region as the go to place to wow your guests. All our products are baked daily to ensure that your friends and family will be talking about your special occasion well into the future.

When only “Pearl’s Perfect” will do, call or visit our bakery to learn more.

www.pearlsbakeshoppe.com 711 W. Main, Charlottesville, VA (434) 293.CAKE (2253)

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5812 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA (804) 285.CAKE (2253)

Cat ering HOTCAKES

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S In this issue...

Wedding Planner

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

The “OMG I’m getting married!” Phase 15 Friday weddings: Yay or nay?

15 Best of C-VILLE: Readers’

pick the area’s best wedding vendors 17 Candy Girl answers: Should I

invite a friend I just met?

13

The “There’s still so much to do!” Phase 22 Bold invites with a

graphic kick

Cakes, baby—it’s what’s 24

outside that counts 26 A local planner on top trends

21

The “I can’t believe it’s so close!” Phase

Gift ideas for your special 33 someone 34 Rehearsal vs. wedding:

Make them stand out 37 The pros of premarital counseling

31

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Finishing touches: Hey there, twinkle toes.

BETHANY SNYDER

On the cover: Lauren and Jeremy celebrate beautiful June weather (and love!) at their Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards wedding. Photo by Michael & Carina Photography.

Charlottesville weddings 41 You’re invited...

43

51

59

66

75

81

86

Lesley Wharton and Patrick Kirby

Anjali Joshi and Gopi Kumar

Cameron Jones and William Bolton Jr.

Caroline Moyer and Samantha Kardos

Kaitlyn Reitz and Evan Beemer

Palmer Pekarek and Kenneth Greer Jr.

Jenny Prey and Brendan Dawson

A romantic spring wedding at King Family.

An Indian wedding incorporates personal touches.

Charlottesville natives throw an all-local fête.

Style and substance at a downtown reception.

Family first at this bohemian spring ceremony.

Luxury details round out a Keswick wedding.

Paper flowers and décor complete a DIY day.

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When planning your perfect day... think Local When planning your perfect day… think Local!

Charlottesville boasts an abundant supply of small farmers, artisan cheese makers, breweries, distilleries and vineyards that we work with closely to provide exceptional farm-to-table meals. Our chef and full service planning team can cater at a venue of your choice or you could hold your event in our award-winning restaurant filled with work by local craftsmen and artists.

824 Hinton Ave • 434.422.5140 • TheLocal-Cville.com • catering@thelocal-cville.com

DEREKJTOBLER

photo by JACK LOONEY

DJTOBLER.COM

PROFESSIONAL DJ, VIDEO DJ & EMCEE

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434.296.6689

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Like what you see?

If you’re planning a wedding, you can’t do better than these folks, who took the photos you see in the pages of this issue.

Aaron Watson aaronwatsonphotography.com Amy Jackson amyjackson.co Ashley Cox ashleypcox.com Bethany Snyder bethanysnyderphotography.com

Jen Fariello jenfariello.com Jillian Michelle jillianmichellephoto.com John Robinson robinsonimagery.com Kate Thompson bettyclicker.com Lindsey Zovko lindseyzovkophotography.com Meg Runion megrunionstudios.com Meredith Sledge meredithsledge.com Michael & Carina michaelandcarina.com Mike Kropf mkropfphotography.com Sarah Cramer Shields cramerphoto.com Sarah Goodwin sarahgoodwinphotography.com Signe Clayton signeclaytonphotography.com Susan Kalergis sbkphoto.com Sylvia Kibler sylviakiblerphotography.com Tom Daly tomdalyphotography.com

KATE THOMPSON

Gayle Driver gayledriverphotography.com

Come together If you’ve just started planning your wedding, you’re probably coming to grips with one fact: There’s a lot to think about (the venue, the photographer, the food, the place settings...) and maybe you’re wondering if you can do it alone. Here’s a secret: You can’t. In fact, no one can. That’s why there are wedding planners, day-of coordinators and, most importantly, family and friends. Each of the weddings in this issue’s feature (p.41) required help—mothers, cousins, sisters, fathers and friends pitched in to get the job done. And that makes sense.

Your wedding is just one day, but the marriage is forever and, ultimately, it’s those loved ones who will be lending support forever. One of the brides featured in this issue recalled a part of the wedding that meant so much to her: She and her soon-to-be husband passed their rings through the crowd during the ceremony so they could be “warmed” with well wishes (pg.86) The crowd was so committed to the job that they held up the vows. Now that’s a labor of love.—Caite White Weddings, a supplement to C-VILLE Weekly, is distributed all over Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the Shenandoah Valley. C-VILLE Weekly Editor Jessica Luck C-VILLE Weddings Editor Caitlin White Contributors Laura Ingles, Whitney Ayres Kenerly and Caitlin March. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Creative Director Bill LeSueur. Graphic Designers Tracy Federico, Henry Jones, Max March, Lorena Perez. Advertising Director Erica Gentile. Retail Advertising Manager Jim Kelly. Account Executives Bianca Catta-Preta, Hannah Collier, Theressa Leak.

Classified Account Executives Chaney Hambrick, Justin McClung. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Aimee Atteberry. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. Marketing Manager Anna Harrison. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2017 C-VILLE Weekly.

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Theresa Litalien, Owner & Designer 757-620-1832 bridal@onpointedesigns.com www.onpointedesigns.com

Bridal Jewelry Collection Featuring Swarovski Crystals Designed to Compliment any Style and Budget Bridal Party Pieces Customized to Match Your Color Palette at No Extra Charge Make Your Moment Brilliant

Is pleased to offer personalized napkins and entertaining accessories for showers, rehearsal dinners and weddings

Crane & Co. featuring the full line of wedding, party invitations and social stationery

Fine China and Gift Registry Juliska, Anna Weatherley, Vietri, Simon Pearce and more open monday ~ saturday 10 to 6 and by appointment 100 west main street charlottesville, virginia 434.817.7880 www.CaspariOnline.com c-ville.com/weddings

WEDDING PLANNER The “OMG I’m getting married!” Phase

One year before

Work out your budget. Know your limit before considering much else. ✓ Set a tentative date for your wedding.

Decide on your wedding style and formality. This may be determined, in part, by how many guests you want to invite, so think about the guest list now, too.

Settle on a ceremony location.

Put down a deposit for the reception location. ✓ Begin the search for other wedding vendors (transportation, flowers, invitations, music, makeup artist), starting with photographers and videographers.

Once you’ve chosen your wedding photographer, schedule an engagement photo session.

Start shopping for wedding rings.

Reserve your officiant.

If your reception venue doesn’t have a caterer, decide who’ll provide the food and book a tasting.

Choose a rehearsal dinner location.

Shop for a dress. It may seem too soon, but it can take several months for your dress to arrive, and it may require alterations.

After you’ve found the perfect gown, schedule fittings and a delivery date.

Choose your bridal party and invite them to be part of your special day.

Nine months before ✓ Start finalizing the guest list and

gathering addresses.

Register for gifts.

If there is a groom, decide to rent or purchase attire for him and the groomsmen.

Once that’s decided, place your order.

Finalize all the vendors and secure your wedding date by putting down deposits.

Select the bridesmaids’ gowns. These’ll take a few months to come in, too.

Send out save the dates.

JEN FARIELLO

Anne and Staton were married October 29, 2016, at the University of Virginia Chapel, followed by a reception at Clifton Inn.

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Blue Ridge Floral Design

Amy Webb

Inspired by Nature Driven by Design

PHOTO CREDIT- RACHEL MAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Amy@blueridgefloral.com

791 Blundell Hollow Road Afton, Virginia 22920 • 434-361-9218 blueridgefloral.com

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WEDDING PLANNER

ONE YEAR BEFORE: SELECT YOUR VENDORS

The “OMG I’m getting married!” Phase

ONE YEAR BEFORE: SET THE DATE

Scheduling conflicts For the budget-minded, Friday weddings are a ‘do’

Best day ever Each year, C-VILLE Weekly asks readers to choose the best things about Charlottesville—from swimming hole to steak. In the most recent Best of C-VILLE issue, we added a new category: Weddings.

We asked local brides to tell us, if they could do it all again (if only!), whom would they entrust with their special day? Behold, the results.

WEDDING PLANNER

Meghan Streit (Shindig Weddings & Events)

987-9581, shindigweddings.com Runner-up: Colleen Miller (Colleen Miller Events) (540) 471-6567, colleenmillerevents.com Honorable mention: Dickie Morris (Just A Little Ditty) 249-5214, justalittleditty.com REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE

The Local

824 Hinton Ave., 984-9749 Runner-up: C&O Restaurant 515 Water St. E, 971-7044 Honorable mention: Old Metropolitan Hall 101 E. Main St., Downtown Mall, 260-7144 WEDDING VENUE

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

SYLVIA KIBLER

5022 Plank Rd. (North Garden), 202-8063

Y

ou’re engaged (congrats!) and have decided that Charlottesville is the perfect place for your wedding (great choice!). You’ve even started picturing yourself as an autumn bride at a local vineyard. Then you talk to an event coordinator and find out the venue has a two-year waitlist for Saturdays and a budget-blowing price tag (yikes!).

You don’t have to go back to the drawing board for your big day plans. Just go back a day—to Friday.

“When I meet with a couple and learn that budget is their No. 1 concern or stressor, I always begin the conversation of Friday and Sunday nights,” says Christy Cormons, director of catering at Farmington Country Club. “At first they are reluctant and say, ‘It’s every bride’s dream to be married on a Saturday in June,’ but when the reality of the budget starts setting in and they see the savings, it’s a lot easier to reconsider.”

Having worked with brides for 16 years, Cormons has noticed an increase in Friday weddings.

It’s no surprise when you see the numbers. She estimates that couples getting married on a Friday at Farmington could save between $6,0007,000, which is about the cost of 75 additional guests or an open bar for 150 people.

“Of course, a Friday wedding isn’t for everyone. If your budget is healthy and you want to follow the traditional schedule then you should do what’s most important to you,” says Cormons.

Once you start to prioritize, you might find that the day of the week isn’t as important to you as the time of year, or booking a certain band for the reception.

“Your party is just as fun, your guests are just as excited to celebrate and you are just as married afterwards,” says Cormons.—Whitney Ayres Kenerly

15

Runner-up: Keswick Vineyards 1575 Keswick Winery Dr. (Keswick), 244-3341 Honorable mention: King Family Vineyards 6550 Roseland Farm (Crozet), 823-7800 PHOTOGRAPHER

Robert Radifera

245-8547, radifera.com Runner-up: Jen Fariello 963-7976, jenfariello.com Honorable mention: Sarah Cramer Shields 242-6074, cramerphoto.com CINEMATOGRAPHER

Ian’s Creations (540) 406-3083, ianscreations.com

Runner-up: Tom Daly 409-3287, tomdalyphotography.com Honorable mention: Stonestreet Creative stonestreetcreative.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

R ent a Private Estate

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

CATERER

Harvest Moon Catering 296-9091, hmcatering.com Runner-up: Barbeque Exchange (540) 832-0227, bbqex.com Honorable mention: C&O Restaurant 971-7044, candorestaurant.com

GAIE LEA

Runner-up: Derek Tobler Professional DJ Services 296-6689, djtobler.com Honorable mention: DJ Stroud (757) 406-2132, djstroud.com CEREMONY MUSICIAN

Charlottesville High School String Quartet chsorchestra.org

FLORIST

Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Design

1694 N. Main St. (Madison), (540) 948-5611

Translated from Old English means Happy Meadows. The name is perfection.

your wedding weekend. . . . better celebrated here

Runner-up: Hedge Fine Blooms 416 W. Main St. #1, 817-9950 Honorable mention: Ivy Nursery 570 Broomley Rd., 295-1183

250 acres of rolling hills & mountain views near Staunton, VA

CAKES AND DESSERTS

Maliha Creations 973-3183, malihacreations.com

Lovely Home for 15 overnight guests

Runner-up: Albemarle Baking Co. 418 W. Main St., 293-6456 Honorable mention: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe 711 W. Main St., 293-2253 BAND (OR BOOKING AGENCY)

Sam Hill Entertainment

977-6665, samhillbands.com Runner-up: 20 South Music 296-1600, 20south.net Honorable mention: Gallatin Canyon gallatincanyonband.com

Pool, Lake Tennis Hiking Biking Fishing Woodlands

DJ (OR BOOKING AGENCY)

John Garland DJ Services

293-3332, garlandstudiosonline.com Albemarle Limousine

Covered Pavilion with Stone Fireplace, seats 160+

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AARON WATSON

540•292•5435 gaieleahome@gmail.com www.gaielea.com

Runner-up: Plum Blossom String Quartet 295-6367, plumblossomstringquartet.com Honorable mention: Michael Coleman mcolemanmusic.squarespace.com OFFICIANT

Sacred Ground Ceremonies

296-9885, sacredground ceremonies.com Runner-up: Dave Norris 242-5165, letdavemarryyou.com Honorable mention: Greg Thompson TENTS AND RENTALS

Skyline Tent Company 977-8368, skylinetentcompany.com Runner-up: Festive Fare 296-5496, classicpartyrentals.com Honorable mention: MS Events 984-1155, mseventscville.com SOUND AND LIGHTING

Blue Ridge AV & Lighting

975-3540, blueridgeavandlighting.com Runner-up: MS Events 984-1155, mseventscville.com Honorable mention: The AV Company 977-8288, theavcompany.com

WEDDING PLANNER The “OMG I’m getting married!” Phase

INVITES/CALLIGRAPHY

Rock Paper Scissors

321 E. Main St., Downtown Mall, 979-6366 Runner-up: If So INKlined (401) 207-4644, ifsoinklined.com Honorable mention: Jodi Macfarlan Calligraphy jodimacfarlancalligraphy.com WEDDING JEWELRY

Erin McDermott Jewelry erinmcdermott.com

Runner-up: Fink’s Jewelers Barracks Road Shopping Center, 284-4060 Honorable mention: Andrew Minton Jewelers 192 Zan Rd., 979-7672 BRIDAL SHOP

Sealed With A Kiss

Runner-up: Church Street Bridal 626 Church St. (Lynchburg), 847-7751 Honorable mention: Amanda’s Touch Bridal & Formal 2374 Jefferson Hwy. #102, (540) 221-4748 HAIR STYLIST

Top Knot Studio

103 Fifth St. SE, 244-3499 Runner-up: Moxie Hair & Body Lounge 608 Preston Ave., 979-5556 Honorable mention: Claibourne Reppert (The Honeycomb) 104 E. Main St., Downtown Mall, 977-0616 MAKEUP ARTIST

Rouge 9

rouge9.com Runner-up: Daphne Latham daphnelatham.com Honorable mention: The Spot Beauty Shop 1311 Wertland St., 293-1251 GIFTS AND FAVORS

One Creative Cookie onecreativecookie.com

Runner-up: Gearharts Fine Chocolates 243 Ridge McIntire Rd., 972-9100 Honorable mention: Feast!

416 W. Main St., Main Street Market, 244-7800 TRANSPORTATION

Albemarle Limousine albemarlelimousine.com Runner-up: Camryn Limousine camryn-limo.com Honorable mention: Monticello Wine Tour & Coach monticellowinetour.com

ASHLEY COX

505 E. Main St., 979-5683

NINE MONTHS BEFORE: START FINALIZING THE GUEST LIST

C-VILLE Weddings’ resident etiquette queen, Candy Girl, answers...

I just started hanging out with a new friend. Should I invite her to my wedding? Is that weird?

We’ve all been there—the nervous giggles, the pounding heart, the wondering if they feel the same way about fashion trends (honestly, those are just blankets worn as scarves). Candy Girl’s talking, of course, about those fluttering feelings of a new friendship. Making friends as an adult is notoriously difficult, so when you find someone you click with, it’s easy to want to enmesh them as quickly as possible in your social life, but in a totally relaxed, normal, human way. And what better way to capture, er, entice them, then to literally hand them an invitation to the most important event on your horizon? Or, is inviting this budding bestie to your wedding too much?

And, alternatively, is not inviting your friendly coworker of the last five years rude? For dos and don’ts, Candy Baby turned to event planner Dickie Morris Wright of Just a Little Ditty.

“It’s important to think about your guest group as a circle of people closest to you,” she says. “So, if you’ve got a new friend who means a lot to you and you believe will play a role in

17

your future, then by all means, invite them. Allow yourself to follow your gut, and just know that feelings will get hurt.”

So, obligation invites are out (sorry Toby from HR!). And while you can’t put a price on friendship, you can certainly put a price on the roast beef entrée. Starting your planning with a budget along with a guest list, as Wright does, can help you more quickly decide whom you love enough to see on your perfect day that you would happily pay to have them there.

Once they’re there, you can make your new pal feel welcome (and likely to come back for more after your big day) with extra touches that even your oldest friends will appreciate. Dickie recommends yard games or an interactive snack/ drinks station during your cocktail hour to help break the ice between guests, and a thoughtful seating chart to get everyone settled in.

“You could take it one step further and write a note in each guest’s place card,” Wright says.

“For example, ‘Kate, you’re next to George because he also volunteered in Ghana after college’.”

DIY cocktails, punched-up place cards and a seriously killer evening? This friendship is totally in the bag.

Photos by Bella Figura

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WEDDING PLANNER The “There’s still so much to do!” Phase

Jessica and Dontrelle tied the knot April 26, 2016, at the University of Virginia Chapel, followed by a reception at The Local.

Six months before

Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.

Meet with your florist and choose arrangements for the ceremony and reception, as well as bouquets.

✓ If your caterer doesn’t provide one,

order your wedding cake.

Begin doing research for your marriage license.

Meet with both sets of parents to coordinate their day-of attire.

Reserve accommodations for out-oftown guests. (Consider doing this even earlier if you’re planning a wedding on busy in-town weekends like homecoming or during other local events that draw a crowd.)

✓ Order invitations.

Start thinking about honeymoon destinations.

Four months before

Address and send out your invitations and announcements. Include information regarding the accommodations. (Also consider creating a website with all of the accommodation information. Guests might like to get a head start on making those arrangements and most hotels close your block four weeks out.)

Arrange for final dress fittings.

Purchase wedding guest book.

✓ Order your wedding favors, bridal party

MIKE KROPF

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gifts and other wedding accessories (Champagne glasses, ring bearer pillow, cake knife, etc.).

WEDDING PLANNER The “There’s still so much to do!” Phase

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: ORDER INVITATIONS

Glamour and glitter Get graphic with geometric invites

AMY GRAHAM STIGLER FOR SMOCK

I

f you’re planning a wedding, there’s no better way to give guests a hint of the tone of your big day than with the invitations (and the save the dates).

Rock Paper Scissors’ owners Dani Antol and Heather McNulty Haynie say that when they meet with clients, they take into account every detail: flowers, table settings, linens, lighting and even attire—anything that can serve as design inspiration for the invites.

“If someone wants to go bold either with color or typography, I would hope it would not only marry with the personal style of the couple, but also with the venue and the look and feel for the event,” Antol says.

It can be a bit of a disconnect, the shop owners say, if the invitations are bold and daring and the actual wedding is traditional—or even rustic. But there are ways to fuse the two visions.

“Oftentimes we’ll find ways to tease the senses with a mostly traditional invitation but add pops of color or surprise in an envelope liner or edge stain color,” says Antol. Our pick for going graphic?

Geometric designs incorporate clean lines with a bit of visual interest and style. Here are a few ways to do it right.—Caite White

Rose gold foil stands out on the marble background.

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WEDDING PLANNER The “There’s still so much to do!” Phase

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: ORDER A CAKE

How sweet it is Five cakes we love

Glam touches Chocolate stout cake made with Starr Hill beer layered with chocolate ganache; almond cake with almond cream filling; white cake with blackberry filling—all that beneath a swirled vanilla buttercream icing with gum paste laurel leaves painted with edible gold luster dust in this Favorite Cakes creation. “We wanted it to be simple yet pop off the black table cover,” says cake designer Kathy Watkins. “The edible pearls added a nice touch of elegance without pushing it too far.”

JILLIAN MICHELLE

TOM DALY

Among the many details you’ll have to decide on when it comes to your wedding day, there’s one important one that should never be overlooked: cake! From bold color to deceptively simple, here are a few local choices we’re digging (into).—Caite White

Go big This eight-tier from Maliha Creations featured vanilla butter cake with a strawberry jam schmear with vanilla buttercream and lemon cake with two layers of raspberry buttercream and one layer of lemon curd. “I’m guessing it was 3.5' tall,” says chief baking officer Anita Gupta.

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PARIS LEVINOVITZ GAYLE DRIVER

Bold choice Inspired by the work of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, this black cake interplays darkness and light. “A black cake makes a lot of impact,” says creator Paris Levinovitz. “It’s very unexpected, but still seems classic.”

So fly Fondant birds and a gum paste flower adorn this glitter-and-gold confection from Passion Flower Cakes. “It’s a really romantic little cake,” says owner Paris Levinovitz.

Some couples know that dessert needs to be a highlight of their wedding, for other couples it’s more like icing on the, well, you know. No matter how you slice it, you should be sure to budget for your wedding cake.

“There are so many variables involved in pricing a wedding cake—from the number of servings to the final details, which also include delivery and setup. For a 100-person wedding, a couple should expect to pay a minimum of $500 from a boutique cakery,” says Anita Gupta, chief baking officer at Maliha Creations in Charlottesville.

Most wedding cakes are priced by the slice, with a minimum cost that can go up depend-

ing on the design. Fondant, specialty flavors and unique shapes are more expensive than buttercream frosting, vanilla and traditional square or round tiers.

Rustic designs like textured buttercream or semi-naked cakes are both popular with brides and easy on the budget. “Not only is it more affordable to keep designs simple, but it also allows the flavors to take center stage,” says Arley Arrington, owner of Arley Cakes.

Final advice: Start working with your baker early to determine your design and budget sweet spot.—Whitney Ayres Kenerly

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MEREDITH SLEDGE

Layer over layer

Simple pleasures Sometimes, it’s what’s inside that counts: An unfettered design—two layers painted with gold—lets the honey lavender and champagne flavors in this understated design from Arley Cakes shine. A cake topper found on Etsy (a phrase the couple often says to one another and included in their wedding vows) completes the look.

WEDDING PLANNER The “There’s still so much to do!” Phase

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: FILL IN THE DETAILS

In and out

A local planner forecasts Virginia’s next big-day thing There’s a joke in Charlottesville that, whatever trend is popular elsewhere, it’ll be popular here in a year or so. We decided to put that to the test, asking Charlottesville-based wedding planner Adam Donovan-Groves, who keeps satellite offices in Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood and New York City, to tell us what’s hot, what’s not and what’s coming for Virginia weddings.—Caite White

Hair

“Extensions! Brides want the hairstyles they want and sometimes, they don’t have the time to grow the hair. They are buying the best extensions out there and having them professionally dyed to match perfectly. It doesn’t matter if they want straight, the ever-popular loose to-the-side bun, or long and curly, extensions are proving to be a bride’s best friend (after their planner, of course).”

“Balance—it is all about balance. First, more greenery. Pantone just announced the 2017 color of the year is called ‘greenery.’ Those of us in the wedding/design industry saw this one

JEN FARIELLO

Flowers

coming. Lush greenery is making its way into reception halls everywhere.

“We are seeing less and less of the mixed cream, ivory and pale blushes, soft peaches and more of a balance between bold colors and neutrals. Traditional flowers are making less of an appearance as well. Even the forever-loved standard rose is getting upgraded to the peony-like garden rose.”

MICHAEL & CARINA

Décor

“Furniture. Where the focus in the past was on the dinner, now clients are wanting all aspects of their wedding to have special pops. Great lounge furniture for the cocktail hour, instead of just the high and low cocktail tables, is the new must-have.

Furniture, which fits the style of the wedding (sleek, clean-lined for modern/contemporary

26

weddings; overstuffed, comfy for an elegant Southern wedding), is something clients are definitely putting much more attention to for the cocktail hour, and then reception space.”

Traditions

“A very big trend we are seeing in our NYC couples is getting away from the traditional ceremony/cocktail hour/reception wedding format.

While the bouquet toss still makes an appearance at some weddings, the garter toss has been put away. For instance, one of my clients is doing the cocktail hour first, then toasts, then dinner, then the ceremony followed by dancing. Another couple is doing a small ceremony first, then having guests arrive for cocktails, which turns into a stationed dinner, then dancing.”

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WEDDING PLANNER The "I can't believe it's so close!" Phase

Three months before

Make an appointment with your stylist for

✓

✓

wedding day hairstyles for the bride and bridal party, as well as appointments for manis, pedis, massages or other spa treatments.

Schedule a trial with your hairstylist and makeup artist.

Start gathering your RSVPs. Finalize the dates for your last-minute dress fittings.

Meet with all your wedding vendors to finalize any orders and reservations.

Purchase bridal party gifts and a gift for your fiancé.

Finalize the plans for your honeymoon. Update your passport and vaccinations, if necessary.

Consider attending pre-marital counseling.

One month before

Finalize the details of your rehearsal dinner.

Go over song lists and requests with your band or DJ. Call guests who have not responded.

Draw up preliminary seating arrangements for the reception.

Have a trial session with your wedding-day hairstylist and makeup artist.

Get your marriage license with your fiancé.

Three weeks before

Pick up wedding rings.

Confirm all arrival times with vendors.

Confirm hotel arrangements for out-of-town guests.

Have your final dress fitting.

Finalize the seating arrangement for the reception.

One week before

Give the caterer your final guest count.

Have final fittings for your groom and groomsmen.

Give gifts to your wedding party, family and fiancé privately, or at the rehearsal dinner.

Make arrangements for your wedding gifts to be brought to your home.

Two days before

Get a mani/pedi.

Get a wax and a spray tan.

Confirm flight, hotel and packing arrangements for the honeymoon.

Make payment envelopes for each vendor and give them to your wedding day assistant along with your marriage license to take care of at the wedding.

Confirm arrangements for the getaway car.

One day before ✓ Attend your rehearsal dinner.

SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS

Your wedding day

Abigail and Julian eloped on an October Thursday at Jackson Park in downtown Charlottesville.

Get your hair and makeup done early.

Make sure you get plenty to eat, and drink a lot of water.

Have fun!

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The “I can’t believe it’s so close!” Phase

THREE MONTHS BEFORE: BUY A GIFT FOR YOUR FIANCÉ

Give a little Big-day gifts for your special someone

Y

ou’ve pored through the registries, made a list of practical needs for every room in the house and created a honeyfund for that trip to Bermuda. But what about that special from-me-to-you gift for your spouse on the big day? We’ve got some ideas for you.

For her

Wish bubble bath from Roxie Daisy Light some candles and let her unwind at the end of the day in a luxurious bubble bath with the rejuvenating scents of vanilla bean, rice flower, jasmine leaves and sugar cane. $50, roxiedaisy.com.

For him

The Guardian midnight blue dial watch from Fink’s Jewelers He’s a classy guy, so he deserves a classy watch. $675, finksjewelers.com.

Dopp kit from Eljo’s That gallon-sized Ziploc bag holding all his toiletries isn’t cutting it anymore, so this beautiful canvas dopp kit will do the job. Available in three colors, $85-95, eljos.com.

To share

Sunrise hot air balloon ride from Blue Ridge Balloon See the sun rise over the mountains, and then enjoy a breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit and sparkling cider. $240 per person, blueridgeballoon.com.

Cooking class from The Spice Diva Have you and your spouse always wanted to learn how to cook Moroccan food? Or brush up on your knife skills? Sign up together for a class with the Spice Diva. Various prices, thespicediva.com.

Wine club membership from Blenheim Vineyards A gift that keeps on giving: four bottles of wine three times a year, and as club members, tasting fees will be waived on winery visits. $225 per year, blenheimvineyards.com.— Laura Ingles

Boris mink scarf from Scarpa This triangular mink scarf with magnetic closures will keep her warm and remind her that she’s worth it. $1,480, thinkscarpa.com.

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WEDDING PLANNER The “I can’t believe it’s so close!” Phase

ONE DAY BEFORE: ATTEND YOUR REHEARSAL DINNER

Double feature

PHOTOS BY MEG RUNION

Treat your rehearsal as a separate event

F

rom the beginning of their wedding planning, Lizzy Turner and Nik Schrobenhauser knew they wanted their wedding weekend to be very personal: Lizzy had grown up in Charlottesville and attended the University of Virginia and Nik’s family spent many years living in Mexico City. So, for their rehearsal dinner, the couple decided to merge the two: an authentic fiesta de los novios (party for the bride and groom) at UVA’s Colonnade Club.

Luckily, the groom’s mother, a veteran event planner, stepped in to curate the entire event— start to finish.

“We worked with my mother-in-law to create an aesthetic similar to that of celebrations she attended while living in Mexico,” says Lizzy.

“All of our inspiration was drawn from real experiences.”

It’s not uncommon for couples to use the rehearsal dinner as a preview for the wedding to come. But, it’s also a great opportunity to do the opposite: incorporate details that guests won’t get on the big day.

“In many cases, the wedding day is traditionally hosted by the bride’s family. But couples really want to be able to incorporate both sides

of the family in their event,” says Orpha Events’ Marisa Vrooman. “The rehearsal dinner, hosted the night before, provides a fantastic opportunity to creatively highlight the groom’s side of the family and their traditions.”

35

While Vrooman wasn’t involved in Lizzy and Nik’s rehearsal dinner (though she did plan their wedding), she’s noticed a lot of couples pulling off what are essentially two different events.

“For example, I plan a lot of weddings where the bride’s family is from the north and the groom’s is from the south, and so very often the rehearsal dinner favors more traditional and casual Southern foods with bluegrass music and a more relaxed décor,” she says.

For Lizzy and Nik, who merged Virginia with Mexico, that meant a few key details: A custom piñata in a traditional star shape hung in the center of the garden from strings of paper wedding flags; Gay Beery of A Pimento incorporated family recipes into the menu of Mexican cuisine; and the night ended with a special surprise from Nik’s parents: a live serenade from Mariachi Ay Ay Ay, a Mariachi group from Washington, D.C. And Lizzy’s favorite detail? A set of hand-painted maracas at every place setting.

“The sights and sounds generated by these ancient instruments as we cheered on speakers throughout the evening transported us from Jefferson’s Lawn to the Mexican countryside.”— Caite White

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Whether it’s with our online restaurant listings, or our weekly coverage of the local dining scene, C-VILLE’s always serving up a heaping helping of the best in local food. Get your fill every Wednesday in print or at c-ville.com/living, where the kitchen’s always open.

This is our town. c-ville.com/weddings

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WEDDING PLANNER The “I can’t believe it’s so close!” Phase

THREE MONTHS BEFORE: CONSIDER COUNSELING

Let’s talk about it

Premarital counseling: For couples who are out of date or in the know?

SIGNE CLAYTON

N

obody was surprised when Annie Fitzhugh and Bill Scatena decided to get married. The couple met when they were both working at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, and they dated for two years before he put a ring on it. What did surprise some of their friends, however, was their decision to participate in premarital counseling during their yearlong engagement.

“I definitely think that there’s a stigma around it,” says Fitzhugh. “I think some of my friends think it’s a little old-school, but to me it was just like, why not take the opportunity to get to know each other better during one of the most stressful times of your life?”

Fitzhugh and her fiancé are active members of Portico Church, a nondenominational congregation that encourages a nontraditional style of premarital counseling: The betrothed pair up with a couple who are already married for insight into lifelong partnership. The two couples meet regularly to discuss everything from finances to family planning, and Fitzhugh says it’s been overwhelmingly positive and eye-opening for both her and Scatena.

“It sounded like a great opportunity to really learn from a couple who’s been married for way longer than we’ve been together,” she says. “Everybody has disagreements, and if anything it’s really made me more self-aware. I’ve learned a lot about my fiancé and a lot about myself, how I communicate and why I make the decisions that I make.”

Fitzhugh says they began counseling last summer, and the process has helped relieve some of the pressure to have it all figured out by the time their January 2017 wedding rolled around.

“I think sometimes when people get engaged they get so swept up in the wedding and all the planning, and it’s been great to get to reset and talk about marriage, not the wedding,” she says.

“At the end of the day, the wedding’s going to end and then the real journey begins.”

Portico’s couple-pairing approach certainly isn’t the only option. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Young offers counseling for both engaged and married couples. His services for

Fightin’ words Couples bicker about any number of things (“Stop putting the mustard in the refrigerator,” “Why can you never put the cap back on the toothpaste?”). But when it comes to those foundational relationship issues, there are some things that should be addressed both before and during a marriage, says Dr. Robert Young. ➤ Whether to have children ➤ Parenting styles ➤ In-laws ➤ Religion ➤ Finances ➤ Intimacy expectations

37

married couples is intended to map out and address current problems in the relationship.

For those preparing to wed, he recommends two or three sessions to discuss components of marriage that may cause conflict in the future: intimacy issues, parenting styles, relationships with in-laws, etc.

“The divorce rate is pretty high, and I know a lot of people want to prepare so they don’t have big problems when they do get married,” Young says. “If you’re getting married, you want to make sure you’re not diving into disaster.”— Laura Ingles

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CH ARLOTTESVI L L E WED D I N GS

n a e L on me

Each of the next seven weddings have one thing in common: love. Now you’re probably thinking, Isn’t that what all weddings have in common? And the answer is, of course, yes. But in the case of these weddings, the love was pouring in from all sides—friends, family, guests—and throughout the whole planning process. One bride’s mom hand-crafted paper flowers for the altar, tables, seating and cake. Another bride’s aunt custom-made her fiancé’s vest for the big day. A groom’s brother and sister-in-law helped created signage from old windows. And, in cases where some loved ones couldn’t be there, the couples found ways to incorporate sentimental details, from framed photos to gold cuff links. It takes a village to pull off a beautiful big day, and these couples were definitely feeling the love.

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With all the pieces in place, a winery wedding comes together

Images by Michael & Carina Photography

moments Precious

43

Lesley Wharton and Patrick Kirby â– May 6, 2016

44

Garden-inspired bouquets from Petal Flower Co. set the tone for the wedding: organic, natural, bohemian, with a mix of deep, rich colors and bright accents.

G

King Family had everything the couple wanted: an amazing view, a gorgeous interior space for the reception, a rain plan (“which we definitely used,” Lesley says) and a really flexible approach to couples making the space their own. “And, also, killer wine.”

etting married is (and should be) an emotional experience. “You’re just normal people living normal lives, and then all of a sudden you find yourselves in the middle of one of life’s biggest milestones,” Lesley says. “I started crying and hyperventilating and generally going to pieces out of happiness.” Her response was due in no small part to seeing everything come together—from designing invitations, RSVP cards, save-the-dates, programs and welcomebag inserts to staining and painting wooden signage; from hand-lettering the envelopes, seating and table cards and collecting vintage stamps for the envelopes to buying lanterns, hurricane vases, candles, cake pedestals, wedding arbor and frames.

Says Lesley, “It’s easy to get lost in the details of planning—The flowers! The cake! The dress!—but reading our promises to each other, surrounded by friends and family, reminded us that our love and the life we have together is at the center of it all.”

45

August 20, 2017

January 21, 2018

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Talk about beginner’s luck: The couple’s first date—to a Tex-Mex restaurant in Washington, D.C., in 2011—was the first online date Lesley had ever had.

THE DETAILS Day-of coordinator: Cate Liverman Ceremony and reception venue: King Family Vineyards Officiant: Friend Catering: The Local Flowers: Petal Flower Co. (Lynchburg) Cake: Cakes by Rachel Music: Bachelor Boys Band Dress: Claire Pettibone Shoes: Badgley Mischka Rings: Ascot Diamonds Bridesmaids’ dresses: BHLDN Hair and makeup: Moxie Hair & Body Lounge Videographer: Kelsey & Nate

Lesley and Pat chose to serve their dinner, from Charlottesville restaurant The Local, buffet-style, for a more casual feel. “People could go back and load up on mac ’n’ cheese to their heart’s desire,” says Lesley. Leftover dessert (cakes and pies from Cakes by Rachel) were given out at the end of the wedding as favors for guests.

47

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C H ARLOTTESVI L L E WED D I N G

Tradition with a Personal touches complete an Indian wedding

twist 51

Photography by Aaron Watson

“Our attire for the wedding ceremony was very traditional,” says Anjali. Each of the couple’s families are from different parts of India, where there are slight variations in wedding attire. “Each side of our family wore the clothing specific to our region of India.”

52

P

lanning an Indian wedding, Anjali and Gopi knew, meant incorporating certain traditions when it came to attire, décor and even food. But the couple made their special day their own thanks to a few key details.

“The months leading up to the wedding were a little bit of DIY-mania,” says Anjali.

“We tried to make and do as many things as we possibly could ourselves.”

To start, Gopi had recalled a great weekend the couple spent together in New York—attending the U.S. Open, seeing a play and meeting up with some friends. The visit included a special memory of playing with pinwheels while walking around the city, so Anjali suggested translating that memory into escort cards.

At the ceremony, guests walked to their seat through an aisle decorated with vintage photos of the couple’s family members at their own weddings; at the reception, they were given cocktail napkins with five facts about the bride and groom.

Of course, for all of their careful planning, there was one detail that almost went unnoticed: the first dance.

“In the week leading up to the wedding, we soon figured out that we weren’t the best dancers,” says Anjali. They worked with her cousin to cook up a goofy dance, which they executed flawlessly. Not surprisingly, it was one of their favorite moments of the night. You know what they say about the best laid plans...

Anjali and Gopi met at the wedding of a mutual friend who had planned to set them up. They hit it off (“not sure due to or in spite of Gopi’s smooth moves,” Anjali says) and started dating in 2014.

They were married a little over two years after they met.

Anjali Joshi and Gopi Kumar ■ August 27, 2016

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434.975.3000 / 540.943.6287 FrogmoreDesigns.com / PrintSourceVA.com

Jo.idbb@gmail.com www.IDoBroochBouquets.net Rentals Available

Rehearsal Dinners • Wedding Parties • Catering

310 E Main St • Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-984-9944 I Taj of India 34 South Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 • 540-433-3320

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After sampling almost everything on Bollywood Bistro’s menu, Anjali and Gopi narrowed it down. “We were able to pick some great appetizers and entrées which were both super tasty and slightly different than what people normally get at an Indian wedding,” says Anjali. The elegant cake included a small wedge of fondant “cheese” on the back, an homage to Gopi’s favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers.

THE DETAILS Event planner: Evelyn Keyes of Icing the Cake Ceremony and reception venue: Castle Hill Cider Officiant: Sri Satyanarayan Marathe Catering: Bollywood Bistro (Fairfax, Virginia), Carpe Donut Flowers: Ken Ward of Couture Design Cake: Anita Gupta of Maliha Creations Music: DJ Ravi Jackson (Philadelphia) Dresses: Traditional sari from India (ceremony); Studio East6 (reception) Shoes: Kate Spade Rings: Max Color, LLC Hair and makeup: The Beautique by Sapna Henna artist: Henna Harmony Videographer: Ian’s Creations Invitations: Avani Bhansali of A Royal Impression Rentals: MS Events, Real Southern Accents, Stonegate Rentals, Occasion Caterers Transportation: Sunshine Tours

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TO OU UR T RT TE ER RE E LL LL EE Anna Routh Anna Routh Photography Photography

o rr a ff ll o a ll d d ee ss ii gg nn

434.973.1211 tourterellefloral.com Charlottesville, Virginia 434.973.1211 tourterellefloral.com Charlottesville, Virginia

Over 20 Years Experience

A memorable location for intimate, eco-conscious, & relaxed events on 129 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Dramatic ceremony views, lakeside air conditioned rustic Event Lodge, & cozy guest cottages.

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SOUTHERN-BLOOMS.COM • 540.948.5611

c-ville.com/weddings

C H ARLOTTESVI L L E WED D I N G

Photography by Lindsey Zovko

You and me

together

For their big day, Charlottesville natives go local 59

(Clockwise from top left) Instead of traditional bouquets, bridesmaids wore corsages. Whites and greens dominated the wedding, with burgundy and taupe accents to emphasize an autumn palette. Both Cameron and Will wore family heirlooms—she wore her mother’s veil and Will’s grandmother’s vintage earrings; he wore his great-grandfather’s watch, with an orangeand-blue-striped band for UVA. The variety of spaces at the Market at Grelen—a ceremony lawn overlooking the berry fields, a greenhouse, a stone terrace—drew the couple to the Somerset venue. A pop of burgundy showed up everywhere, from florals to the “B” monogram napkins at the reception. Apple cider donuts from Carter Mountain Orchard capped off the night.

With the help of Will’s brother and sister-in-law, the couple created signage from old windows.

Cameron Jones and William Bolton Jr. ■ October 1, 2016

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B

oth Monticello High School grads, Cameron and Will have known each other since they were teenagers. “In our junior year and senior years we shared a lot of classes together—including the opportunity to take a class at UVA our senior years,” Cameron says. It was during that class they became close friends, until Cameron went to William & Mary for college and Will stayed behind at UVA. “We agreed that if we weren’t married by the time we were 40, we’d marry each other.” They didn’t have to wait that long: After staying good friends through college and beyond, meeting a few times a year and over the holidays, they went on a date in spring 2014. They were engaged just a year later.

Given their Charlottesville history, it’s no surprise the couple chose to include a lot of local vendors in their big day—favors, wedding dress, wedding bands and reception food included. “Even our day-of coordinator and hair and makeup artist were Charlottesville natives,” Cameron says. Oh, and don’t forget the music. Cameron and Will had “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band played on acoustic guitar for the bridesmaids’ walk. Says the bride: “Quintessential Charlottesville.”

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At Reflections Bridal our goal is to create an unforgetable experience, thus leaving each bride 100% satisfied with all of her bridal decisions. We pride ourselves on providing the personal attention and care that each bride deserves during this important and exciting time in her life.

Reflections Bridal 51-D Burgess Rd. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-432-8700 www.Reflectionsva.com

“We loved some of the small details that made our day so ‘us,’” says the bride. “During the planning process it was these small things that were fun to look for—and, on the day of, each small piece had its own meaning or memory from how we chose it.”

THE DETAILS Day-of coordinator: Margaret Murray Bloom of Panorama Events Ceremony and reception venue: The Market at Grelen Officiant: Reverend Rick Greenwood Catering: Blue Ridge Pizza Co. and Pomme To Go Flowers: Hedge Fine Blooms Cake: Albemarle Baking Company Music: Bachelor Boys Band Dress: Sealed With A Kiss Shoes: J.Crew blue suede flats Rings: Andrew Minton Jewelers Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lulu’s Hair and makeup: Emily Gordon (bride) and Mia Jackson (bridesmaids’ hair) Transportation: Easy Riders Bus Company Favors: Apple cider donuts from Carter Mountain Orchard Invitations: Ash Bush Lettering & Design The crown on top of the couple’s cake referenced an inside joke. “We always kid that we are House Bolton from one of our favorite indulgences, 'Game of Thrones', even though that is probably the worst house ever,” says Cameron. “To have the crown on top of the cake represented becoming House Bolton.”

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Say I do

English Inn of Charlottesville

to looking beautiful on your wedding day

Light and Laser Treatments M22 IPL LightSheer Hair Laser Removal Fraxel VBeam 2000 Morton Dr • Charlottesville, VA 22903 Cosmetic Injections 434.971.9900 Botox Xeomin Kybella 800.786.5400 (Toll Free) www.englishinncharlottesville.com Cosmetic Fillers Radiesse Belotero Restylane Sculptra Juvaderm Skin Rejuvenation Microdermabrasion

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Facial Peels

Please call 434.984.2400 for a consultation with one of our Board Certified Physicians.

106 Rooms Huge Heated Indoor Pool Exercise Room Luxury Suites w/Kitchen Free Cable & Wireless Internet Local Calls – HBO – ESPN Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Buffet

2000 Morton Dr • Charlottesville, VA 22903 Anna Magee MD • Deborah Elder MD • Ines Soukoulis, MD • Katherine Loose, PA-C 600 Peter Jefferson Pkwy., Ste. 230, Charlottesville • www.charlottesvilledermatology.com Physicians are Board Certified in Dermatology

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2000 Mortonwww.englishinncharlottesville.com Dr • Charlottesville, VA 22903 • 106 Rooms • Huge Heated Indoor Pool

434.971.9900 800.786.5400 (Toll Free)

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•Exercise Room • Luxury Suites w/Kitchen • Free Cable & Wireless Internet • Local Calls – HBO – ESPN • Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Buffet

You Say Yes We Do the Rest

Exchange vows outdoors, under our Willow Tree, or in one of our elegant ballrooms. Our 573-acres are yours to customize for your perfect day.

Whether you envision intimate or grand, traditional or contemporary, the possibilities are endless at Boar’s Head.

Contact us today and turn your dreams into a reality.

434.972.2227 weddings@boarsheadinn.com

WWW.BOARSHEADINN.COM 200 Ednam Drive | Charlottesville, Va Owned & Operated by the UVA Foundation

c-ville.com/weddings

Old Met appealed to the couple for a few reasons, including the downstairs bar and dance floor and what Caroline calls its “simple elegance.” “We knew the chandeliers, circular windows and curtains would be the perfect backdrop for our reception,” she says.

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CH ARLOTTESVI L L E WED D I N G

Hip hip

y a r o o h A stylish day redefines DIY

Photography by Kate Thompson

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romantic glow ���ing CAST A

O N YO U R

WITH BEAUTIFUL & AFFORDABLE SAILCLOTH TENTS.

FDStents 4 3 4 . 2 9 5 . 7 9 7 7 • PA R T I E S  F D S T E N T S . C O M • FA C E B O O K . C O M / F D S T E N T S

The place cards, which doubled as wedding favors, were a combined effort from the couple: Caroline hand-calligraphed each card, to which Samantha attached a “love letter” pin from her small business, Double Denim Dude. To keep attire consistent with the color scheme, Caroline and Samantha sent paint chips to their bridesmaids and told them to pick anything within the color range.

Caroline Moyer and Samantha Kardos ■ May 29, 2016

W

hat’s the best way to ensure your big day feels special and personal? Enlist many helping hands, as Caroline and Samantha did for their spring nuptials. “A lot of our wedding felt DIY’d because we had so many amazing friends and family members who volunteered their talents to us,” says Caroline.

Her aunt custom-made Samantha’s vest, a family friend created the flower arrangements and bouquets, Caroline’s sister designed the wedding invitations and ceremony programs, a bridesmaid baked

and decorated the wedding cake, Samantha designed the wedding favors and Caroline and her mom collaborated on the seating chart.

The result? A wedding that looked polished but not over-the-top.

“We tried to keep the décor and attire as simple as possible,” says Caroline, in part because that’s an aesthetic they prefer but also because they were planning the wedding from Chicago—a 700-mile gap that they closed two weeks after getting married, when they moved back to Richmond. Says Caroline, “What can I say? We missed Virginia!”

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please call 434.972.9463 to reserve in advance

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Swedish Massage Lessons for one or both of you. $70/hr Wedding Day Therapy Wedding day jitters/hangover cure! acupressure & quick massage - $70/hr

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Heartstone Lodge

1366 Stuartsburg Rd,Virginia Buena Vista 24416 540.463.2593 Lexington, 540.463.2593 (tours) (tours)

Unique Country Wedding in a Beautiful Remodeled Dairy Barn * 1800 sq ft Rustic Oak Room with large wood burning stone fireplace * 65 ft grapevine covered pergola

* courtyard with fish pond & fountain * fabulous views * overnight accommodations + cabins HeartstoneRetreat.com c-ville.com/weddings

Caroline and Samantha met online in 2012 and had their first date at Revolutionary Soup on the Downtown Mall. Samantha was attending art school at Virginia Commonwealth University at the time, and three years later, she proposed to Caroline via the marquee at the Byrd Theatre in Richmond.

THE DETAILS Day-of coordinator: Courtney Hildebrand of The Local Ceremony: The Haven Reception venue: Old Metropolitan Hall Officiant: Barbara Ambrose Catering: The Local Flowers: Arla Clapp Cake: Allison Burrell Music: Monica Björklund and Tiffany Meehan (ceremony); DJ Hoody (reception) Caroline’s dress and headpiece: BHLDN (Iva Crepe Maxi by Jill Jill Stuart) Samantha’s outfit: J.Crew Shoes: Steve Madden Rings: One Garnet Girl (engagement rings); Sparkles Fine Jewelry in Chicago (wedding bands) Bridesmaids’ dresses: Various Hair and makeup: Andrea Halco of Red Salon Organics (hair); Amy Bobchek (makeup) Videographer: Joshua Rainwater of That Rainwater Donuts: Carpe Donut Rentals: MS Events Initials banner: Of Our Youth Wedding favors: Love letter pins by Double Denim Dude Transportation: Albemarle Limousine

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2061F EVELYN BYRD AVE. HARRISONBURG, VA 22801 EARLYKATERING@GMAIL.COM T: 540-801-8139 F: 540-442-1479 WWW.EARLYKATERING.COM

Located in the heart of Downtown Charlottesville

on the Historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall, the Downtown Grille has been serving only the finest in Beef and Seafood, with local produce and ingredients since 1999. Our Award-Winning Wine List features over 200 bottles, carefully selected to compliment your meal.

In addition to offering a la carte dining we have a private dining space, dedicated to large groups.

Being right on the Downtown Mall, we are in an ideal location for rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, business gatherings and other events. While we are not open to the public for lunch, we are open for private luncheons, with seating capacity up to 150 people. We offer a wide variety of customized menu’s tailored to the needs of your group. The night of the event, you’ll have a Chef dedicated only to your party, along with a private professional waitstaff.

201 West Main street Charlottesville, virginia 22902

434.817.7080

downtowngrille.com

c-ville.com/weddings

Eve Watters

Harp

classic, celtic, contemporary and more beautiful music dazzling repertoire oodles of experience 434-823-8600 evewatters@gmail.com sound samples: evewatters.com

“ACME Swing Mfg Co was the perfect fit for our wedding. Not only was the music fabulous, but the band was also extremely flexible, attentive and easy to work with...” Natalie & Evan, Edinburgh, VA June 2016

Since 2010, ACME Swing Mfg Co has been having and bringing fun to central VA and DC audiences. Sticking mainly with their first love, swing music from the 20’s thru the 40’s, ACME has expanded their repertoire to include those requested “first”, father/daughter and mother/ son dances. We happily help you pick tunes from our large supply and we can learn the special ones you want (with a bit of time to prepare), something you might not find with other bands. acmeswingmfgco@gmail.com

-

www.swingco.net

c-ville.com/weddings

RADIATE CONFIDENCE ON YOUR BIG DAY Charlottesville’s premier source for skin rejuvenation and body contouring

.5

A DIVISION OF ALBEMARLE DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES

mossvineyards.net | 434.990.0111 mossvineyards@gmail.com mossvineyards.net | 434.990.0111 1849 Simmons Gap Road, Charlottesville, VA 22935 mossvineyards@gmail.com

Bonnie Straka, MD • Doreen Schuett, RN, BSN 3350 Berkmar Drive | 434.923.4646 | SignatureMedSpa.com Email us at info@signaturemedspa.com

c-ville.com/weddings

F RED ERI C KSBURG WED D I N G

All

together Photography

by Ashley Cox

now

A Fredericksburg fĂŞte focuses on family

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E

While Kaitlyn didn’t particularly want a specific color scheme, over the course of planning the wedding, pinks and greens organically started dominating the décor.

ven before she was engaged to Evan, Kaitlyn had a few ideas about their wedding. “I first saw a picture of the barn at Big Spring Farm on Facebook and thought, ‘Now that is where I want to get married,’” she says. Luckily, after he proposed, Evan agreed. The couple wanted one venue that could accommodate both a ceremony and a reception—somewhere simple, casual and outdoors. The Fredericksburg spot checked all the boxes. From there, it was just a matter of deciding how to keep that casual vibe. For Kaitlyn and Evan, that meant no suits (the groomsmen wore blue buttondowns and suspenders), DIY details (Kaitlyn’s mom searched numerous antique stores to find vessels for flowers, including tins, buckets and troughs, and she found vintage shutters and other pieces used to decorate the ceremony and reception sites), lawn games and a naked cake.

But the most cherished detail, the couple agreed, was their two families joining together for the celebration. Says Kaitlyn, “Seeing people...who had never met, talking and enjoying themselves. Seeing our friends play croquet together or enjoying s’mores by the fire pit. Seeing our friends and family breaking it down on the dance floor. It was amazing to see everyone together.”

Kaitlyn Reitz and Evan Beemer ■ May 7, 2016 THE DETAILS Month-of coordinator: Jacklyn Launi of Events by Jacklyn Ceremony and reception venue: Big Spring Farm Officiant: Rev. Dr. David P. Harris Catering: Southern Inn Flowers: Lori Tran of Wild Green Yonder Cake: Kay Pitts of Little Apple Pastry Shop Beer: Devils Backbone Brewing Company Dress: Christy Dawn Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Rings: Etsy—La More Design (bride) and Epheriell (groom) Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jenny Yoo Rentals: AVIVA Rental Systems LLC (sound rentals)

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The couple met their freshman year of college at George Mason University. “I had a huge crush on him,” says Kaitlyn.

The bride’s mom handmade save-the-dates, invitations and RSVP cards, plus the seating chart, table numbers, programs, the Mr. & Mrs. sign that adorned the bench at the head table, ceremony snack bags and stickers for the popcorn favors, along with several other details. “Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without her,” Kaitlyn says. The bride edited her original flower concept—floral garlands covering the barn walls—with the help of florist Lori Tran, who suggested hanging rattan spheres filled with flowers above the head table. Wanting something different for dessert, the couple chose mini jalapeño, blackberry and strawberry-rhubarb pies and bite-sized brownies. For their cake, a naked lavender layer cake with a blueberry/ blackberry compote and vanilla mousse frosting sweetened the day.

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Event Fun Photos:

a Studio Photo Booth with on-site printing, allowing your guests to take home unique party favors on the big day!

TESTIMONIAL

“The Studio Photo Booth was the highlight of our wedding party! Tod and his staff were incredibly professional and they excited our guests with their creative photo suggestions and instant prints. The lighting and set up were amazing and everyone looked terrific in their photos.”

434-973-2960 www.todcohen.com

WEDDINGS AT THE HAVEN Let your love shine in our gorgeous sanctuary and registered historical building, one block from the downtown mall.

All proceeds support The Haven, a day shelter for people facing homelessness.

Love each other.

Love your neighbor.

4 Grand Championships • 5 State Championships 100+ Top Ten Awards

www.thehaven.org/weddings

112 W. Market Street Charlottesville, VA 22902

Now Hosting Rehearsal Dinners & Weddings

Our Visitors Center, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 30 minutes from Charlottesville, offers flexible indoor & outdoor space for your event.

Treat your guests to our beautiful facility and, of course, our award-winning whisky & customized cocktails.

On Site Catering • Free Event Estimates

E-mail events@vadistillery.com for more information.

299 eades lane, lovingston, VA www.vadistillery.com P: 434.285.2900

c-ville.com/weddings

2788 James Madison Highway Bremo Bluff, VA 23022 434-842-2000 bbqconnectionllc.com

Ally Burnett Photography

434-973-2960 • www.todcohen.com

R E S TA U R A N T + A R C A D E CLASSIC ARCADE GAMES · POOL · PING-PONG · PINBALL · BOARD GAMES

A Presidential Wedding Venue Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch Tues-Sun Family friendly • Great for groups

1304 E. Market Street

434-202-1050

fireflycville.com

Boxwood Gardens | Mountain Views Historic Charm | Indoor & Outdoor Facilities

highland.org | 434.293.8000

c-ville.com/weddings

jazz. motown. rock-n-roll. swing. oldies. contemporary. bluegrass. latin. soul. country. blues. r&b. beach.

80s retro. caribbean. disco. reggae. big band. funk.

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A destination spa.... couples retreat wedding parties therapeutic massage prenatal massage customized facials manicure/pedicures body treatments hydrotherapy energy work waxing and more!

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CH ARLOTTESVI L L E WED D I N G

Simple

elegance Tasteful details round out a perfect day

Photography by Susan Kalergis

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Palmer Pekarek and Kenneth Greer Jr. October 29, 2016

Palmer and Kenny’s was the first same-sex wedding held at Keswick Hall.

T

here were three things that Palmer and Kenny knew they wanted to make sure were perfect: the setting, the food and the music. The setting was easy: Having grown up in Charlottesville, Kenny knew the venue. “The beautiful setting of Keswick in the fall is how I like to think of Charlottesville,” he says. The food, by Keswick, was a no-brainer.

And the music? Diverse. With a live band, a jazz trio, a pianist and a viola player—18 different musicians throughout the evening—guests were constantly entertained.

What didn’t come so easily was their own attire. “You would think because we are two men the attire would have been simple,” Palmer says, but they searched from San Francisco to Paris, finally settling on tuxedos from Turnbull & Asser and Hermes, which coordinated with their gold and midnight blue wedding colors. From there, it was just a matter of enjoying the weekend—and the finished product.

“Three hours prior to our ceremony, we popped into the Keswick ballroom to see, for the first time, the room set up with the trumpet vase flower centerpieces and cake centerpieces,” says Palmer. “It was so beautiful we couldn’t hold back our tears of joy—so much so that the entire room of staff started crying too. It was a Hallmark moment for sure.”

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In total, there were nine (!) cakes at Palmer and Kenny’s wedding—one on each table and one for the couple—each with a unique theme and two layers of different flavors (16 flavors altogether). They were cut up after dinner and distributed to guests. “Even with a late-night snack of kobe sliders and truffle fries, only a few pieces of cake were left,” says Palmer.

Below, the couple's branded crest features prominently on all the programs, menus, beverage napkins and even fleece throws for the outdoor couches.

Palmer says his favorite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing so many friends and family members there to celebrate their commitment. For Kenny, the highlight was their first dance, which started with Etta James’ “At Last” and morphed into Sly & The Family Stone’s “Dance to the Music” halfway through. “Palmer and I broke out and boogied our way through a somewhat coordinated but entirely improvised bust-it-loose type of dance routine,” he says.

THE DETAILS Day-of coordinators: Meg Forch and Cabell Doswell Ceremony and reception venue: Keswick Hall and Golf Club Officiant: Rev. John Zabawa Catering: Keswick Hall and Golf Club Flowers: Hedge Fine Blooms Cake: Favorite Cakes Music: Soul Expressions Band, Peter Richardson Jazz Trio, Fitz Gary on viola, Linda Blondel on piano Tuxedo: Turnbull & Asser and Hermes Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo Rings: Cartier Groomsmaids’ dresses: Various Hair: Joesph Iannitti, Beverly Hills (Palmer), Octavio Molina, Beverly Hills (Kenny)

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for your perfect day!

Call to set up a free initial consultation.

Call to set up a free initial consultation.

We make your event effortless & affordable...

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Barbara Lundgren and

Barbara Lundgren

Barbara Lundgren | 434-531-3247 | info@c-venue.com | c-venue.com

Let Us Simplify Your Search to Find the Perfect Venue

Let Us Simplify Your Search to Find the Perfect Venue

C-Venue has all of the information needed to find the right event location for your wedding, corporate event or special gathering. We have access to a variety of private estates, farms and historical locations, as well as some sites unknown to the general public. We have experienced the settings first hand and will help eliminate your time spent in searching, calling and visiting each location; providing an impartial view and keeping your vision and best interests in mind.

Specializing in planning & execution of distinct events.

Our C-Venue expertisehas andallexperience with of the information needed to find the right Charlottesville’s venues and vendors event location for your wedding, corporate event or special create an ideal atmosphere for gathering. We have access to a variety of private estates, farms your perfect day!

C-Venue has all of the information neede event location for your wedding, corporat gathering. We have access to a variety of pri and historical locations, as well as some site general public. We have experienced the s and will help eliminate your time spent in se visiting each location; providing an imp keeping your vision and best interest

Call to set up a free initial consultation.

We make your event effortless & affordable...

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and historical locations, as well as some sites unknown to the general public. We have experienced the settings first hand and will help eliminate your time spent in searching, calling and visiting each location; providing an impartial view and keeping your vision and best interests in mind.

Barbara Lundgren | 434-531-3247 | info@c-venue.com | c-venue.com

Colonial Florist and Antiques

Providing 41 years of service for weddings all over Virginia & surrounding states.

100to N set Main Gordonsville, VA 22942 Call upSt,a free initial consultation.

www.barbwiredllc.com 434.531.3247

Barbara Lundgren and

Let Us Simplify Your Sear to Find the Perfect Venue

540-832-3611 www.colonialfloristandantiques.com colonialfls@verizon.net

Simplify your search for the perfect venue

We make your event effortless & affordable...

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Lisa Barnes Rogers Barbara Lundgren | 434-531-3247 | info@c-venue.com | c-venue.com

Marriage Commissioner Officiant

Golden Horseshoe Inn

Simple, Soulful, Intimate Weddings in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. www.goldenhorseshoeinn.com 434.566.2555

• Customized wedding ceremonies to fit your needs, values and beliefs.

• Effortless and affordable.

• Available on short notice

434-531-0064

lisarogers55@gmail.com

c-ville.com/weddings

Seminole Square Shopping Center andrewminton jewelers.com 434.979.7672

A breathtaking setting for your storybook wedding.

From storied vineyards to romantic bed & breakfasts to beautiful farmhouses – even Montpelier, historic home of James and Dolley Madison – we have many wedding venues to choose from.

One of them is absolutely perfect for you.

c-ville.com/weddings

VisitOrangeVirginia.com

C H ARLOTTESVI L L E WED D I N G

Warm

wishes

An autumn wedding overflows with love

Photography by Meg Runion

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The bride and groom wrote their own ceremony (vows included) and had their friends officiate and perform readings.

A

Jenny Prey and Brendan Dawson October 29, 2016

s they started the task of planning their wedding, Jenny and Brendan began with a basic question: big wedding or small? Ultimately, they opted for the former, realizing that the bigger the big day, the more love they’d get to share with friends and family.

And the decision paid off, especially at the ceremony during the ring warming (a tradition in which the rings are passed through the crowd so guests can “warm” them with well wishes).

“Our guests were so dedicated in their warming that we needed an extra minute of music before the rings made it back to our officiant,” says Jenny.

After settling on the wedding size, the couple focused on making the wedding special—not just for themselves, but for guests, too. “We wanted to provide them with an experience that showed how much we appreciated them traveling and going out of their way to be with us,” Jenny says.

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Your Wedding Wine Headquarters

• Vintage & Contemporary

Experienced and friendly staff. Charlottesville’s finest selection of wine and beer with over 700 craft beers all hand picked, tasted and stored in our temperature controlled store. We stand by our selections. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please bring it back for a full refund. This has been our policy since 1994.

• Local and Eco-Friendly Gifts

Why Pay More?

Curated consignment clothing & accessories for men and women

1804 Hydraulic Road 434.296.1727

1716 Allied St. (in McIntire Plaza) 434.244.7111 • www.rethreadscville.com

PREMIUM WINE AND BEER DISCOUNTERS SINCE 1994

Planning a wedding? Make it instantly memorable with MoxBox! Guests take unlimited studio quality pictures that instantly upload online. Your friends and family can obtain their images for free from our website or Facebook page. Options are available for password protected galleries as well as onsite printing and custom backdrops.

www.getmoxbox.com • facebook.com/getmoxbox See our “box” in action at instagram.com/getmoxbox c-ville.com/weddings

Jenny enlisted her mom, grandmother, aunts and family friends from all over the country to make 1,000 paper cranes for the wedding. In all, they ended up with closer to 2,000, which the bride’s mom strung together as a backdrop for the cake and table cards. Jenny’s mom outdid herself with the décor, crafting paper flowers for the arbor and cake decorations; creating the print materials and games; assembling the centerpieces, favors, welcome bags and quilt squares that served as the couple’s guest book. The favors, individual soaps, symbolized two families coming together: one in the form of the Chinese symbol for double happiness and the other a shamrock, representing the groom’s Irish heritage.

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How Can We Make Your Wedding Better?

farm

ROUNTON Wedding & Special Event Venue Rustic Elegance-Timeless Beauty

marketstreetwine.com

Since 1986

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Downtown 311 E Market Street, C’ville VA, 22902 Uptown 305 Rivanna Plaza Dr. Suite 102, C’ville VA, 22901

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Help selecting bridesmaid and groomsman gifts.

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Competitive prices and access to an almost infinite selection.

Meredith Sledge

Expert help in selecting the best wine and beer to fit your taste, and budget.

www.rountonfarm.com • 540-661-6635 • mail@rountonfarm.com

A wedding & Event Venue Located on a 600-Acre Tree Nursery in Somerset, Va

540.672.7268

www.eventsatgrelen.com

c-ville.com/weddings

Since both Jenny and Brendan were anxious about the first dance, they took lessons together prior to the wedding and performed choreography to a cover of “The Book of Love.” “People were definitely surprised we had anything more than swaying back and forth and cheered us on for every spin and dip,” Jenny says.

THE DETAILS Day-of coordinator: Julia Define of Down the Aisle Events Ceremony and reception venue: James Monroe’s Highland Officiant: Personal friend Catering: Harvest Moon Catering Flowers: Hedge Fine Blooms (bouquet and boutonnières) Cake: Albemarle Baking Company Music: Plum Blossom Music trio (ceremony and cocktail hour); Dennis Payne, DJ Playback (reception) Dress: Eddie K. Shoes: Badgley Mischka Rings: David Yurman (engagement ring); James McHone Jewelry, Harrisonburg (bands) Hair and makeup: The Spot Beauty Shop Videographer: Sallah Baloch Donuts: Duck Donuts Lighting: MS Events and Virginia Tent Rentals Ring bearer outfits: Janie and Jack Invitations: Minted For guests who weren’t interested in dancing, the couple included giant word searches with guests’ names or places the couple had traveled to as clues.

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Happily Ever After...

Begins Here

1575 Keswick Winery Dr. Keswick, VA. 22947 www.keswickvineyards.com

434 295 1102 events@keswickvineyards.com

K L K L K L K L K L K L K L K L Add some fun to your wedding reception with Casino games. c-ville.com/weddings

CASINO2U (434) 825-3283 www.Casino2U.biz

www.Facebook.com/Casino2U

Wedding venue for up to 288 guests.

540.828.0099 bluestonevineyard.com weddings@bluestonevineyard.com

Bluestone Vineyard 4828 Spring Creek Rd. Bridgewater, Va 22812

Photograph by J. Ellis Photograph

Speî Łacular natural beauty, Spectacular natural beauty, exceptional architecture, exceptional architecture, & the perfect location & the perfect location for your for your special day. special day.

1040 Owensville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901 | 434-270-4299 | MeriwetherSprings.com c-ville.com/weddings

Yes, you

can buy RELAX - We’ll bring the wine Champagne for the Toast Chocolate Favor Boxes Custom Wine Labels

OFFSITE WEDDING CATERING FOR UP TO 150 REHEARSAL DINNER SPACE AT ORZO FROM 25-100 PARKING ON SITE

WINE LOVES CHOCOLATE

416 W. MAIN ST. IN THE MAIN STREET MARKET • 975.6796

WineLovesChocolate.com

508 East Main on C-Ville’s Downtown Mall

Present this ad for 1 Free Truffle with any purchase

WENDELL POWELL STUDIO

First Colony Winery would be honored to host your special event. The winery offers several venue choices for your celebration. Gatherings may be held in our Tavern Room, Terrace Gardens, the Chanticleer Loft, the Tasting Room, Covered Crush Pad or for the most intimate setting, directly in the vineyard.

If planning an event, email us at events@firstcolonywinery.com 1650 Harris Creek Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434) 979-7105 | info@firstcolonywinery.com

c-ville.com/weddings

www.amoreeventsbycody.com

Rachel May Photography

Cakes

s g n i d d e W

SERVICES Invitations

Hair & Makeup

On Location Bridal

By Judy Hayward

314.533.6688

434-825-3151 www.onlocationbridal.com

www.chereeberrypaper.com

Suits

dquestell@tailoredquest.com | 434.218.1320

Venues Venues

Event space for rehearsal dinners, private parties, and corporate events.

Vineyard Weddings

Hair

www.delfossewine.com (434) 263-6100

erica@topknotstudio.com | 434.244.3499

Photography

Desserts

BEST WEDDING HAIRSTYLIST

portraits

kitchencateringandevents @gmail.com 606 Rivanna Ave Charlottesville VA 22903

monicawilsonphotography@gmail.com

434.466.2151 www.OneCreativeCookie.com

FINISHING TOUCHES

Fancy footwork

SARAH GOODWIN

JOHN ROBINSON

BETHANY SNYDER ASHLEY COX

SARAH GOODWIN

SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS

AMY JACKSON

SARAH GOODWIN

BETHANY SNYDER

Dressing for your wedding means personality—head to toe

Only one thing stands between you and a perfect wedding night: your shoes. And we’re not even talking comfort— we’re talking style! Don’t throw away an opportunity to put another stamp on your big day. Think Louboutin.

Think sparkle. Think like these brides, who had the good sense to put a little spring in their steps.—Caite White

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Family Owned & Operated Since 1982

RY SALE.

(434) 975-6288

Rt. 29 North • (434) 973-5146

Tuesday – Thursday 10 am - 6 pm • Friday 10 am - 7 pm • Saturday 10 am - 5 pm • www.classicfurnitureva.com

c-ville.com/weddings

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