Mini cakes, disco balls, and dreamy bouquets
Inkwell Scripted's live calligraphy in action
Naturally yours Wedding details grounded in the great outdoors PLAN IT OUT
Your wedding to-dos, mapped, PAGE 24
SPRING/SUMMER 2025
From vineyard vows to downtown dance floors— four real weddings to inspire your big day
Virginia’s premier all-inclusive industrial event venue, offering an elevated experience – from initial inquiry to the culmination of your celebration. Conveniently located a mile from Downtown Charlottesville.
Schedule a tour at thewoolfactory.com/inquiry
Beautifully restored, the historic Jefferson Theater is the perfect place to host your wedding celebration.
Located on the Downtown Mall, you and your guests will enjoy a friendly staff, two full bars, professional staging, technical support and an on-site event manager to make your wedding day stress-free and truly memorable.
We can host up to 200 seated guests for dinners and up to 500 guests for cocktail-style receptions. The Jefferson offers a variety of design options for your event including seating on the stage, use of both balconies and the grand lobby.
The Transit Limousine has all the luxury you have come to expect from a standard limousine, but with enough room for everyone. This is the perfect vehicle to enjoy Charlottesville’s many wineries and breweries with friends and family.
Our Mini Buses are great vehicles for medium sized groups. These 25 Passenger vehicles, with their large viewing windows and individual seating, are a great way to tour the local area or shuttle guests from one location to another.
The Motor Coach is the largest vehicle type in our fleet. We have two sizes of Motor Coach, 47 Passenger and 55 Passenger, both of which are ideal for large groups. These vehicles enable you to transport a significant number of passengers at one time
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 aaronwatsonphoto.com
Brittany Renee brittanyreneephotography.com
Carrie Coleman carriecolemanphotography.com
Danielle J. Norton daniellejnorton.com
Ellie Richardson ellierichardson.co
Heather Payne Photography heatherpaynephotography.com
Hunter & Sarah hunterandsarah.com
Jen Fariello jenfariello.com
Jessica Lapp jessicalappphotography.com
Mary Kate Steele Photography marykatesteele.com
Meredith Coe Photography meredithcoephotography.com
Molly Lichten mollylichten.com
Peper Love Photography peperlovephotography.com
Sarah Cramer Shields sarahcramershields.com
Sera Petras serapetras.com
The Smiths Photography helloamysmith.com
c-ville.com/category/weddings
WEDDINGS, a supplement to C-VILLE Weekly, is distributed in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the Shenandoah Valley. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. WEDDINGS Editor Caite Hamilton. Contributors Carol Diggs, Laura Drummond, Shea Gibbs, Claudia Gohn, and Rachael Kesler. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Art Director Max March. Graphic Designer Tracy Federico. Advertising Director Bianca Johnson. Account Executives Gabby Kirk, Brian Hrozencik, Candace Stevens. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Anna Harrison. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. A/R SPECIALIST Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2025 C-VILLE WEEKLY.
At The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, your special day deserves an extraordinary setting. With 12 distinct venues to choose from, say “I do” surrounded by timeless elegance and breathtaking scenery—because a once-in-a-lifetime moment deserves a truly unforgettable destination.
PRIVATE FOOD TOURS BRIDAL & BACHELORETTE PARTIES RESTAURANT BUYOUTS
Looking for something unique for your bridal or bachelorette party, welcome event, or special out-of-town guests? We offer private bridal & bachelorette parties, tea parties, intimate cooking classes, food tours, and more!
If you can dream it, we can bring it to life!
Our tours are custom designed and tailored just for you, and will typically include four to five stops at our favorite restaurants, hearty food portions, a wine tasting and engaging mini-lesson tailored to your preferred wine region, custom cocktails, and elegant desserts.
We work with Downtown-area restaurants and chefs to offer affordable full or partial buyouts for rehearsal dinners and welcome parties. We collaborate closely with you (or your wedding planner) to craft personalized menus, signature cocktails, music, and more. RESTAURANT BUYOUTS all
“ I bought an engagement ring there last Spring. Andy was a pleasure to work with and took the time to help me make sure I made the right purchase. I had visited several other jewelers and there was a huge difference in customer service. I would recommend the store for any jewelry purchase without hesitation.”
By Carol Diggs
For many, part of the wedding day is being surrounded by glorious flowers and lovely arrangements that make their special day both beautiful and fragrant. For Sherry Spencer, owner of Southern Blooms, being surrounded by flowers is her daily life—and very much a family thing.
“I grew up among flowers,” says Spencer. Her mother, in a time when women didn’t commonly work outside the home, was raising her children when a friend asked her to help in his floral shop. “When he died, he left her the business,” Spencer recalls. “I grew up helping out.”
Going into business with her mother wasn’t Spencer’s original plan. She went to college expecting to major in voice, but found the exclusive and competitive opera world wasn’t her métier. Spencer came home and did some work in interior design, while also helping her mother at the shop. And then she saw an opportunity.
“At that time, [florists] around here weren’t doing weddings; people were mostly ordering arrangements from FTD,” she recalls. “In 1998, we did a floral bridal fair, and the business started blowing up after that.”
The following year, Spencer became a fulltime partner with her mother. Everyone in the family has contributed—Spencer’s brother, who has an MBA, anticipated the 2008 downturn and “told us we needed to recession-proof the business by doing less retail and more events.” Their timing was perfect: “The wedding scene in Charlottesville started to boom—with King [Family] Vineyards, Pippin Hill, Keswick Hall— and now 90 percent of our business is referrals.”
Why the name Southern Blooms? Spencer describes her arrangements as garden-style, which means using an abundance of flowers and plant material in a way that’s consistent with their nature. Back in the day (when her mother first started working in the floral shop), floral arrangements were very formal and structured, with an eye toward durability more than seasonality. Spencer credits Martha Stewart for inspiration: “She was changing what people thought of as beautiful floral arrangements.”
Spencer’s mother’s sister, a window designer, helped them both think more about colors
and shapes. “She told my mom, ‘Look at a fern and how it grows. Let the flowers speak; don’t try to force them.’ And that’s become what my mother says now: ‘Flowers have a voice, you have to let them be heard.’” (Spencer’s mother, Pat Roberts, has stepped back from the day-today business, but is still very much a part of the company’s style and approach—and Spencer’s daughter Jordan now makes Southern Blooms a third-generation business.)
Spencer finds that her ‘flower first’ approach suits the current looser and freer floral styles. Her designs will often complement the locale the couple has chosen. “We have lots of classic Virginia-style venues here, like vineyards,” she notes, but she also has done more contemporary styles, or an all-white wedding—even “a Florida vibe with palm trees” for one couple.
Then there are the trends. Five years ago, huge bridal bouquets were all the rage; then the
pendulum swung back to smaller, gathered, garden-style bouquets. “Last year, we saw more requests for tiny bouquets using lily-of-thevalley, which are lovely, but the blooms are only available here for one week in April,” says Spencer. “And they’re so small one bouquet takes hundreds of them.”
The latest trends: floral dresses for bridesmaids, which from Spencer’s perspective means “one-color bouquets, or else it’s too distracting.” And more couples are thinking less is more: Southern Blooms, like many wedding vendors, has seen clients pulling back on over-the-top weddings in line with economic swings.
But the key to Spencer’s approach is still the flowers themselves—what’s in season, what works together, what speaks to her and her client’s vision. “There are so many different ways to use flowers,” she says. “That’s what I love about what I do.”
Businesses
VVinoC vvinoc
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‘Artistry meets experience’ with Inkwell Scripted’s live calligraphy events
larissa Dulaney admits she was always the kid in school doodling in the margins of her notebooks, and she got her first calligraphy kit when she was in high school. But it wasn’t until she got engaged that she began taking her love of handwriting seriously.
“I wanted to calligraph my own envelopes and signage, so I finally took a class, practiced obsessively, and fell completely in love with the art,” Dulaney says.
“After our wedding, my husband encouraged me to turn it into a business, and that’s how Inkwell Scripted was born.”
The Louisa-based calligrapher works nationwide and says she has a simple mission: “helping wedding planners, couples, and brands create swoon-worthy, personalized details that feel as chic and unforgettable as their celebrations.” That means putting her stamp (read: artful handwriting) on everything from invitations and place cards to glassware and leather luggage tags. She gravitates toward traditional script, but loves how even small tweaks to letterforms can change
In 2021, Dulaney added live-event calligraphy and engraving to her offerings. Part entertainment, part gifting, and “100 percent memorable,” she says there’s something magical about watching calligraphy happen
“It’s such a fun way to add a personalized, luxe touch to an event, and for weddings, it makes for an unforgettable guest experience,” she says. “It turns meaningful details into keepsakes that last long af-
She’s inked a garden spade, pizza peels, ribbons, champagne bottles, and ornaments. If it can hold ink, be engraved, or take foil, she’ll find a way, she says.
“Whether it’s hand-addressed invitations that set the tone or keepsake pieces that guests will treasure long after the wedding, I make sure the experience is seamless and stress-free,” she says.
“My approach blends timeless artistry with a modern edge and playful charm, ensuring every detail
A new perspective for your wedding memories
By Carol Diggs
No, aliens are not attending your wedding— that circling drone is one of your photographers, providing a bird’s-eye perspective on your nuptials.
“Drones [are] a tool to help tell the story of the couple,” says cinematographer Joshua Hall, whose WhiteFlair Productions includes drones in its wedding photography packages. “A drone shot can help tell the story of where the couple is getting married, or the grandeur of a stunning wedding venue.”
Drones can be used to provide either photography or video, and often are operated by the lead photographer or videographer (an additional person may not be required). But having a professional operator is crucial— this is not a place to save money by having a friend or relative bring their personal drone for a fly-over.
First off, a drone is considered an “unmanned aircraft;” commercial drone operators are subject to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and required to have a pilot’s license. Local photographer Aaron Watson, who’s been document-
ing weddings for more than two decades and is a licensed drone operator, says most wedding venues require licensing and insurance, and have substantial restrictions on what equipment can be used, at what time of day, and in what locations—if they allow drones at all. (For example, “you can’t fly [a drone] in national parks,” notes Watson, so if you’re getting married on Old Rag, drone shots are not an option.)
Another big consideration: Drones can be noisy. Hall warns, “Flying a drone low during the ceremony can create loud buzzes that leave many guests looking around in the sky, pointing and talking about the drone”—not exactly what you want happening as you say your vows. An experienced, professional drone operator will know which equipment to use and where, to minimize disruption and to capture the memories you want to keep.
The advantages of using a drone? “It’s a different vantage point on the event,” says Watson. “And everybody wants something a little different.”
Charlottesville is known for its gorgeous venues—historic sites, vineyards and cider-
ies, beautiful farms, or mountain vistas. Drones are the perfect way to capture these settings as part of your big day, whether in a shot from an aerial perspective or in a mobile video sequence.
Watson, whose award-winning company is known for its drone work, says, “If we do photography as an art form, we can [use drones to] make a work of art—personal art.” He stresses both the beauty and fun that using a drone can bring to the day, whether it’s arranging high-perspective shots of the wedding party in the event landscape, capturing the couple in a private moment after the ceremony, or finding those unguarded reactions that help make the day memorable. Drones can also be used to capture night shots, but with certain restrictions, such as lights to alert other aircraft, as per the FAA.
If you think you’d like to include a drone in your big day, “be sure to ask the right questions,” says Watson. Then, once you and your photographer have planned it all out, “the photographs—and the memories—are amazing.”
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If that’s true, then these couples are about to feel the love for their unique, we-wannado-that ideas. From mini cakes to monochrome bouquets, the following weddings are awash with big-day inspiration.
1 NO SHARING REQUIRED
Richmond-based Bittersweet Bakery created 50 mini three-tiered cakes—one for each guest—at Whitney and Chris’ Sky Ridge Farm wedding in June.
2 MATCHY-MATCHY
Wedding planner Cody Smith designed this bridal party’s monochromatic bouquets herself, an array of peaches, pinks, and purples to match each bridesmaid’s dress.
3 DANCING QUEENS
Nothing says “party” like a disco ball, and this wedding was dripping with them. “The photo and video team said the dance floor was so packed the entire reception that it was hard to squeeze in for photos,” said planner Mary Elizabeth Andrews on Instagram.
4 LET’S EAT
We love a favor that does double duty, as was the case with this Farmington Country Club wedding. Guests found their table numbers atop a personalized recipe card, gathered from both the bride and groom’s families. Plus, says Little Acorn Events planner Mia Krump, “Their guest book was a beautiful copy of The Joy of Cooking, which guests signed throughout. When they cook together, they’ll remember their wedding day!”
5 DONUT WORRY, BE HAPPY
The only thing that might make your wedding cake even better? Topping it with donuts, as this couple did for their Guildford Farm wedding. Maliha Cakery’s Anita Gupta managed to balance a few fresh cinnamon-sugars from Carter Mountain atop this tiered masterpiece.—CH
A guide to three unexpected details By
Caite Hamilton
Ever been somewhere and wondered, How’d they do that? What fun to deliver a couple of head-scratchers for your guests on your big day. From a special sign to romantic cloud cover, here’s how to pull off a few surprising details.
The best love stories are destined for the big screen—or at least the big marquee. At The Paramount Theater, rent one panel of the historic spot’s headliner sign for $300. Says Event Operations Coordinator Chandler Legard, the rental is good for at least 24 hours, but is dependent on the theater’s programming and schedule of events. Rentals cannot be confirmed until three months prior to your event, but if it’s a yes, you’ll be afforded two lines of 33 characters each for the front panel or three lines of 19 characters for each of the side panels. Email info@theparamount. net to sign up.
While family crests were standard practice for Middle Ages royals, these days they’re more of an ephemeral detail—one that works perfectly for wedding invitations and, later, personalized stationery. Donovan-Groves Events wedding planner Kelsey MayoRos says that, for this Pippin Hill wedding, the couple used Texas-based Emily Mayne Studio for their custom crest design. “The bride wanted to have happy and vibrant colors for her wedding and really leaned into the citrus vibes,” says Mayo-Ros. Want to stick closer to home? Mayo-Ros says, in the past, she’s given Rock Paper Scissors the task.
Brittany and Callen asked Laurel Elise Events planner Elise Long to help them send a message to their guests— a really, really big message. Long says for the Pippin Hill wedding’s skywriting moment, she used Californiabased company The Skywriters, which created one letter every four seconds. “We wrote out a few messages before the ceremony and then ‘I do, I do, I do’ at the end with a few more notes to lead guests into the reception. The skywriting was a great addition to the day,” says Long, but be sure to leave room in your budget—it takes about $20,000 to launch your love sky-high.
I
We've made it easy—check the boxes as you get closer to your big day
Work out your budget. Know your limit before considering much else.
Set a tentative date for your wedding.
Decide on your wedding style and formality. This may be determined, in part, by how many guests you want to invite, so think about the guest list now, too.
Settle on a ceremony location.
Put down a deposit for the reception location. Begin the search for other wedding vendors (transportation, flowers, invitations, music, makeup artist), starting with photographers and videographers.
Once you’ve chosen your wedding photographer, schedule an engagement photo session.
Start shopping for wedding rings. Reserve your officiant.
If your reception venue doesn’t have a caterer, decide who’ll provide the food and book a tasting.
Choose a rehearsal dinner location.
Shop for a dress. It may seem too soon, but it can take several months for your dress to arrive, and it may require alterations.
After you’ve found the perfect gown, schedule fittings and a delivery date.
Choose your bridal party and invite them to be part of your special day.
Start finalizing the guest list and gathering addresses.
Register for gifts.
If there is a groom, decide to rent or purchase attire for him and the groomsmen. Once that’s decided, place your order.
Finalize all the vendors and secure your wedding date by putting down deposits.
Select the bridesmaids’ gowns. These’ll take a few months to come in, too.
Send out save the dates.
Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
Meet with your florist and choose arrangements for the ceremony and reception, as well as bouquets.
If your caterer doesn’t provide one, order your wedding cake.
Begin doing research for your marriage license.
If you're a first-timer, schedule a wax or laser hair removal consult.
Meet with both sets of parents to coordinate their day-of attire.
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests. (Consider doing this even earlier if you’re planning a wedding on busy in-town weekends like homecoming or during other local events that draw a crowd.)
Order invitations.
Start thinking about honeymoon destinations.
Address and send out your invitations and announcements. Include information regarding the accommodations. (Also consider creating a website with all of the accommodation information. Guests might like to get a head start on making those arrangements and most hotels close your block four weeks out.)
Arrange for final dress fittings.
Purchase wedding guest book.
Order your wedding favors, bridal party gifts and other wedding accessories (Champagne glasses, ring bearer pillow, cake knife, etc.).
Make an appointment with your stylist for wedding day hairstyles for the bride and bridal party, as well as appointments for manis, pedis, massages or other spa treatments. Schedule a trial with your hairstylist and makeup artist.
Start gathering your RSVPs.
Finalize the dates for your last-minute dress fittings.
Meet with all your wedding vendors to finalize any orders and reservations.
Purchase bridal party gifts and a gift for your fiancé.
Finalize the plans for your honeymoon. Update your passport and vaccinations, if necessary. Finalize ceremony.
Finalize the details of your rehearsal dinner. Go over song lists and requests with your band or DJ.
Draw up preliminary seating arrangements for the reception.
Have a trial session with your wedding-day hairstylist and makeup artist.
Start taking dance lessons for your first dance.
Get your marriage license with your fiancé.
Pick up wedding rings.
Confirm all arrival times with vendors.
Confirm hotel arrangements for out- oftown guests.
Have your final dress fitting.
Finalize the seating arrangement for the reception.
Attend your bachelor/ bachelorette party.
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.
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.
Attend your rehearsal dinner.
Get in a wedding day workout.
Get your hair and makeup done early Make sure you get plenty to eat, and drink a lot of water.
Have fun!
Don’t forget the cocktail bar! At this Keswick Vineyards wedding, the couple asked their floral designer to drape even the bar in greenery, adding a lush touch to an otherwise forgotten big-day element.
One of the year’s most popular wedding trends—elements of nature—has already started showing up in Charlottesville
Locals know: Whatever’s trending nationally, it will take Charlottesville a little time to catch up. But that’s not the case for one of 2025’s best fads—adding natural elements to your big day—maybe because, honey, we’ve been hyping nature’s bounty since before the hills were alive. Here are five real-life wedding details to give you plenty of green (and pink and purple…) inspo.—Caite Hamilton
WE GIVE A FIG
This three-tier Cakes by Rachel creation establishes a perfectly purple palette with the combination of whole and halved figs plus deep-indigo blackberries. And we especially love how the gradient coloring of the figs mimics the hydrangeas in the floral arch behind it.
The couple at this Farmington Country Club wedding went full spring ahead, with potted plants and wildflowers running along the head table, and these perfectly placed escort cards. Situated in a planter box overflowing with white blooms, the cards practically screamed, “Pick me!”
Is there a more cheerful color combination than yellow, orange, and pink? This late August wedding had all three—with the citrus to match! Lemons, oranges, and grapefruit could be spotted everywhere from the invitations to the escort card display to the table centerpieces. Pucker up!
Wedding pros will tell you your paper suite is the first thing your guests see that offers a clue about the vibe of your big day. Guests of this Boxwood Villa celebration no doubt expected romance and whimsy, with the invite’s pretty color scheme and the addition of pomegranates, which symbolize everything from fertility and abundance to marriage and childbirth.
Fine Art Bridal Boudoir
DECEMBER 31, 2024, AT THE BRADBURY
Getting ready venue: The Doyle Hotel Ceremony and dinner venue: Old Metropolitan Hall Wedding planners: Alex Carr and Emily King (Just A Little Ditty) Bride’s attire: Elegance by Roya Floral design: Floral Images Design Studio Catering: The Catering Outfit Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors Dessert/ cake: Chandler’s Bakery Videography: Laureland Films Rentals: Festive Rentals
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024, AT THE WOOL FACTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY COX
Event planner: Tiffany Nguyen of Events by Phoenix Collective Ceremony
venue: Aldersgate United Methodist Church Officiant: Dr. Paul Harris
Catering: The Wool Factory Flowers: Tupelo Floral Company Cake: Maliha
Cakery Music: Howard University Gospel Choir (ceremony); Melodies to Memories (reception) Bride’s attire: Monique Lhuillier Shoes: Embroidered
Converse Chuck Taylors by Loved Washed Linen (Etsy) Groom’s attire: The Black Tux Groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaids’ dresses: Azazie Rings: Mervis Diamonds and Mejuri Hair: Leah Spencer
Videographer: ThiBecs Production Reception emcee: MC Belescony
Handmade signage: RavynnCreates (Etsy)
Reopening Spring 2025 to the Charlottesville Downtown Mall area, 200 South Street boasts 18 beautifully appointed bedrooms that sleep up to 36, each with ensuite bathrooms, alongside a chef-designed kitchen, dining space for up to 40 guests, and a stunning new outdoor pool.
Whether you’re planning a family reunion, wedding, or corporate retreat, 200 South Street puts you in the heart of Charlottesville’s cultural scene. With antique shops, boutiques, cinemas, and several award-winning restaurants just a quick walk away, the city’s charm is yours to explore.
www.staycharlottesville.com
OCTOBER 12, 2024, AT KESWICK VINEYARDS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH COE PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding planner: Mary Elizabeth Events
Floral design: Tupelo Floral Company
Catering: The Catering Outfit Dessert: Baked on the James Lighting: Lighting
Professors Musicians: The Bloom Trio
DJ: Party Masters Transportation: A&A
Limousine Rentals: Paisley & Jade, Eventide Rentals
MAY 18, 2024, AT EARLY MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SERA PETRAS
Wedding planner: Day by Fay
Officiant: Kayla Allen Catering: Early Mountain Vineyards Flowers: Southern Blooms Cake: Cakes by Rachel Music : Epic
Sounds Entertainment Hair and makeup: Rae Campbell (A More Beautiful You) Table runners: MS
Events Transportation: Easy Riders Bus Company
Master Goldsmith Mia van Beek established Formia® Design Jewelry in 2004, a small, full service jewelry studio in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia. After 34 years of experience in her trade, she specializes in custom design and redesign of fine jewelry.
Mia will personally consult with you in the process of your jewelry creations. She makes this experience creative and fun while professionally guiding you with possibilities and ideas fitting to you and your needs. Mia has full attention to detail in her work in the process, and most of all, satisfied customers are her priority.
What if our budgets don’t align?
By Carol Diggs
For years, you’ve dreamt about your wedding day. Or maybe now that you’re actually getting married, you’re scanning social media and wedding websites for ideas—and so is your partner. But what if your ideas about your dream wedding don’t align … or don’t match your real-life budget? This is where a wedding planner can help.
Ashanti Neal of J. J. Ash Wedding and Event Planning, part of the Chancey Charm network, sees these disconnects often. “People have no idea of [wedding] costs,” she says, especially if all they have seen are websites full of lovely photos of luxury weddings.
Hannah Dubit of Hannah Rose Event Design agrees. “Lots of times, couples don’t know what they don’t know,” she says. “I like to start there.”
Discussions with a wedding planner should begin with those two big questions: What are your expectations? And what do you want to spend? “Typically, couples have an idea of an overall budget,” says Neal. “They may have different views at the beginning, so I like to go through category by category. That way, they can break down what they really care about— what are their ‘must-haves’? And yes, sometimes they have to compromise.”
Dubit’s approach is to give couples a questionnaire on potential services and vendors, from venue and caterers to florists and calligraphers. “That can help couples [work through their must-haves],” she says. “Do they care more about the band than they do about the stationery, for example? Because after all, this is your day.””
The experience a planner can bring to the table is not only a huge stress-reducer, it’s also a way to refine costs. As Neal says, “How can we get this [experience] for a little less?”
The number of guests is one of the largest cost factors in wedding planning, because it affects both venue and catering (and hotel costs, if you’re planning a two-day event). Other costs, such as photographer and florist, are less affected by the size of the party. But almost every cost requires discussion and agreement from the couple, whether it’s asking the florist for a greenery arch instead of a floral one or going with ready-made instead of bespoke wedding attire.
One budget option that wedding planners are cautious about: calling on friends or family
members to provide services to save money. Sometimes this works, if you know a professional floral designer or a baker experienced in making wedding cakes. But in weddings, as in most events, you get what you pay for. Neal says friends or family might take on small jobs, but “for big jobs, like catering or photography, it’s better to rely on professionals.”
Using professional vendors is another way to manage costs—the vendor may be willing to work out a payment plan, for example, or cost
less in the off-season. Long-range planning for your big day is also helpful in spreading out your wedding expenses.
In the end, though, couples want their wedding to be a time for celebration—what Neal describes as “one of the most intimate moments of their lives”—not for stressing out about money. “I say to my clients, ‘This is the beginning of your life together, don’t spend your life savings. You don’t have to spend millions to have a wonderful day.”
BY
Five days after their November 22 wedding at Potter’s Craft Cider, Rachael Kesler Palm and Carolyn Warhaftig got an email: The New York Times wanted to interview them for its Mini Vows section. At the encouragement of a fellow yoga instructor, Rachael had filled out the application to be featured earlier that fall, never thinking they’d be selected.
The article was published two weeks after their wedding, then something else unexpected happened.
“Four days after the Mini Vows article came out, we got another email from a different New York Times reporter saying that she wanted to feature our proposal in their Best Proposals running at the end of the
year,” says Rachael. That story was published on New Year’s Eve, while the couple was on their honeymoon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The brides say the recognition has been a special way to keep the celebration alive, and the perfect tribute to their love story.
“Rachael and I did a lot of work separately and together to make sure we were coming together as our best selves, and we both have beautiful villages of people who supported us along the way,” says Carolyn. “The opportunity to share our story from the proverbial rooftop of the New York Times felt like a testament to our journey and a nod to all those who have been on it with us.”—CH
A hidden gem nestled in one of Charlottesville’s most charming historic neighborhoods, Oakhurst Inn is an intimate boutique hotel conveniently located just steps away from the University of Virginia. Experience luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, an inviting ambiance, and picturesque surroundings. A place connecting visitors and locals alike.
