C-VILLE Weddings | Winter 2023

W INT ER 2023

FOLLOW OUR LEAD Your guide to DIY wedding planning PAGE 20

Shuttle in style All aboard for the Tipsy Wagen tour

Wed and breakfast Make your big day into an overnight stay

TODAY

WAS A

Ask the experts Your burning wedding questions answered

fairytale Drapey florals, twinkling candles, and stolen moments: Romance abounds at these four local ceremonies

Rolling Hills, Enchanted Forests, Mountain Views Experience stunning views only 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Our venue stretches up into the mountains and is complete with orchards, meadows, forests, and a breathtaking overlook point. With a myriad of outdoor spaces to choose from, couples have ample freedom to design their event. With our partners, we can provide everything you need from a beautiful tent, to power and lights, tables and chairs, and world class cuisine served in an elegant yet natural setting. We’d love to show you around our 77 acres!

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Historic IT'S YOUR DAY. MAKE IT

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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.

CONTACT US TODAY TO SET UP A TOUR

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TA B L E O F C O N TE N TS

In this issue...

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

11

Take the Tipsy Wagen down the aisle.

11

A day-of treat for the bridal party.

12

McGuffey’s endless artful options.

14

Hot or not, these trends are worth a peek.

16

Don’t sleep on these post-party spots.

18

Your month-by-month big-day planner

51 The big question(s) Ditching tradition and destination weddings: We asked the experts.

EZE AMOS

54 Making Marry Let’s get together.

Whaddya say?

C HA RL OTT ESV I L L E W E D D I N GS

You’re invited...

27

Miriam & Eric Vintage details personalize a beautiful big day.

32

39

Catherine & Kahlil A winter wedding with nary a Christmas detail.

Amanda & Dan Flower market vibes at this Grelen celebration.

ON THE COVER: Miriam and Eric steal a quiet moment. PHOTO: Eze Amos

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44

Rachel & Robbie Downtown, these lovebirds have us seeing stars.

Best Day Ever MELISSA DIANE PHOTOGRAPHY

weddings • parties • golf outings

Best Day Ever

Nominated Best Golf Course & Best Wedding Venue

12 PASSENGER TRANSIT LIMOUSINE

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.

weddings • parties • rehearsals

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47–55 PASSENGER MOTOR COACH

The Motor Coach is the largest vehicle type in our fleet.

The Pavilion We have two sizes of Motor Coach, 47 Passenger and 55 Passenger, both of which are ideal for large groups. at Glenmore

These vehicles enable you to transport a significant number of passengers at one time

25 PASSENGER MINI BUS

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.

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RUNNER UP

TRANSPORTATION

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M AST HEA D

Engagements and Weddings...

Like what you see?

and perfect matches

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.

Abigail Grey

Hidden Exposure

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Anna Kardos Photography

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Meredith Coe

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Cramer Photo

Nicole Clarey Photography

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Dear Lovers Photography

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Xiaoqi Li Photography

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FIRST PLACE: BEST JEWELRY STORE Cville Weekly, Best of Cville, past winner

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FIRST PLACE: BEST WEDDING JEWELRY Cville Weekly, Best of Cville, past winner

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, Maeve Hayden. Copy Editor Susan Sorensen. Art Director Max March. Graphic Designer Tracy Federico. Account Executives Lisa C. Hurdle, Brittany Keller, Gabby Kirk, Stephanie Vogtman. Production Coordinator Faith Gibson. Publisher Anna Harrison. Operations Manager Maddie Donegan. Chief Financial Officer Debbie Miller. A/R Specialist Nanci Winter. Circulation Manager Billy Dempsey. ©2023 C-VILLE Weekly.

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2015-2016 COPYRIGHT© VISTAGRAPHICS, INC. 1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454; Phone: 757-422-8979; Fax: 757-422-9092; Artwork, Composites, Speculative Advertising etc. produced by VistaGraphics, Inc. is the sole property of VistaGraphics Inc. and may not be reproduced under any circumstances. VistaGraphics cannot be held responsible for errors appearing in the final printed piece which are not brought to our attention at this time. Time is of the essence. Please review within 24 hours and return.

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Overflowing with creativity and endless inspiration, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville is the perfect Virginia wedding destination. From intimate bridal showers and charming rehearsal dinners to grand ceremonies and receptions, our versatile venues cater to your unique vision.

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WEDDING PLANNER

Nostalgia bus

Take the Tipsy Wagen for a wild, throwback ride

By Caite Hamilton here are many excellent touring companies in Charlottesville—they pick you up, take you to a winery, and return you to your drop-off spot without you ever having to designate a driver. But there’s only one, thanks to Katie and Ken Galan, that offers that experience in a 1972 Volkswagen Transporter Bus. “After we experienced a unique wine tour in California, the business idea started to fall into place and we knew we wanted to bring a unique and memorable experience to Virginia wine country,” Katie says. “We researched lots of different vehicle options, but when we found our 1972 Volkswagen Bus, lovingly named Mable, we knew that was the right vehicle for us.”

After a long life as a taxi in Brazil, Mable made her way to Virginia and became the Tipsy Wagen. Now she’s spending her days as a tour bus for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Here’s how it works: Choose from a private tour (wherein you’ll visit three partner wineries, tasting fees included) or a custom tour (i.e. you choose the destinations).

“We can also transport bridal parties to and from the venues and Mable makes a great arrival vehicle for the bride and/or send-off vehicle for the newly married couple,” Katie says.

Mable is available for many types of events— transportation on the day of the wedding, wedding or engagement photo shoots, or even as a prop for wedding receptions or bridal showers “If she is invited, she will be there!”

DEAR LOVERS PHOTOGRAPHY

T

FILE PHOTO

Get well for the wedding The morning of your wedding will no doubt be a stressful one—between the nerves over pulling off a perfect day, the excitement of a future with your beloved, and the anticipation of what’s to come, it’s enough to make anyone feel unwell. Luckily, Well Room has a solution.

The wellness center offers a concierge service for day-of services at your wedding location, doling out everything from IV hydration and nutrients, with an option to add on B12 shots, fillers, or even organic spray tans. It’s the perfect way to look and feel your best on your big day and— added bonus!—a fun, fancy-feeling treat for your wedding party.—CH

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c-ville.com/weddings

WEDDING PLANNER

Invite the muses!

Make your wedding a multi-media event—literally—at McGuffey Art Center

By Carol Diggs

SUPPLIED PHOTO

f art, creativity, and serendipity are part of your lifestyle, you might consider an outof-the-box venue for your wedding: McGuffey Art Center, where you can mark your special day among the paintings, prints, sculptures, photos, and collages of the Charlottesville art community.

The building was originally the William McGuffey Primary School, built in 1916 and named for UVA professor William McGuffey, writer/ editor of McGuffey’s Readers, widely used as textbooks in the late 19th century. In 1973, the school was closed and repurposed as an artistsrun cooperative that opened in 1975; the structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

In addition to its historic feel, McGuffey also provides a venue filled with creative vibes. It hosts a year-round schedule of exhibitions and classes in a wide range of media. It also houses studios rented by members (currently about 50 artists have their work spaces on site), and two performance spaces with special flooring for dance classes and a theatre group. The main first-floor exhibit room, Scott Studio, presents an ever-changing array of works by local artists (the first- and second-floor hallways are also exhibit spaces, filled with art that stays up during events).

That’s where the serendipity comes in. As with any venue, rentals for weddings (and other private events) have to be made well ahead of time, “but I can’t tell you what’s going to be on the walls ahead of time,” says Operations Manager Bill LeSueur. What you can count on, is that your party will be surrounded by interesting, whimsical, thought-provoking, conversation starters in a wide range of styles, themes, and media. (Particularly fragile objects will be taken off display.)

The largest space, Scott Studio, with its white walls and bank of south-facing windows, is a light-filled room that can seat 50, and adding the first and second floor’s long, woodfloored hallways can increase capacity to up to 600 guests. The double-door entry and front steps, says LeSueur, “make a great spot for the ceremony or for wedding-party photos.” And the front lawn, with its outdoor sculptures, is all ready for the more informal reception or after-party. Having live music is an option,

15

SUPPLIED PHOTO

I

either indoors or outdoors (although, “we’re in a residential area, so have some sensitivity to our neighbors,” LeSueur notes).

As a wedding venue, the McGuffey is on the small side but very flexible—you can rent Scott Studio alone, or the studio and first-floor hallway, or the entire building; if you want to use the exterior as well (front steps and lawn), that’s an added fee. Cost, says LeSueur, is scalable.

The Center is venue only, but there’s a room on the first floor suitable as a prep space for caterers (there is no full kitchen), as well as spaces where the wedding party can get ready. Because the art on display will stay on display, wedding décor is limited—“but decorate with flowers to your heart’s content,” LeSueur says.

What may sound limiting is in fact the unique appeal of having your big day at McGuffey Art Center—it will be filled with art made by members of the Charlottesville community. Artists who have studios there are notified of event rentals, so they can either lock up—or come in to work and hold an open house for guests. (Multimedia artist Judy McLeod, one of the McGuffey’s founding members, says she’s sold works to event guests.)

Art-loving friends and family can wander the halls of McGuffey, which adds another element to their experience. And if they really like to explore, McGuffey is a one-block walk from the Downtown Mall, with its shops, bars, and restaurants.

LeSueur also notes that the Center is only a short distance from several churches, including the UVA Chapel—just in case you’re opting for a church wedding and looking for a rehearsal dinner/reception site. And, he notes, “Your rental fee helps to support a vibrant, diverse artistic community.”

WEDDING PLANNER

In vogue

Trends to incorporate in your big day, and what to avoid Trends come and trends go. Just take a look at your old wedding inspo Pinterest board—it’s hard to imagine ever wanting a teal sash, or having the bridesmaids and groomsmen wear matching brightly colored converse.

At the end of the day, it’s your wedding, so rock all the neon hues you want.

But if you’re into keeping track of what’s hot and what’s not, here’s a look at what’s trending in a trousseau and on the dinner table.—Maeve Hayden

Cake According to Anita Gupta, owner and cake designer of Maliha Creations (malihacreations.com) FON-DO Traditional. “I call it grandma chic,” says Gupta. “I’ve been seeing a lot more requests for soft pinks and baby blues, with a lot of piping or just all white.” Statement tiers. Separated, or floating tiers, are in. So are variedheight tiers, and for a subtle pop, try only decorating the middle tier of your cake. Architectural design. Think overlapping circles, or a more structured design.

NICOLE CLAREY PHOTO

Pops of pastel. “Many couples want a soft blue to mimic the Blue Ridge.” Flowers. Either fresh, or your baker can make them using gum paste.

Dresses According to Peggie Donowitz, owner of The One Bridal Salon (theonebridalsalon.com) TRÈS CHIC Off-the-shoulder necklines. A thin strap, full-length sleeve, or puffed cap gives a modern, elegant, romantic look. Color. “Particularly pastels,” says Donowitz. “We just brought in a designer [Savin London] who does hand-painted fabric in pastels.

They’re soft, beautiful, not in-yourface. I’m hoping they’ll work well in Charlottesville.” Flowers. 3-D floral appliqués, on the bodice, train, or the whole dress, are popular with C’ville brides and celebs (remember actress Joey King’s Mallorca wedding?).

Capes. “For the bride who doesn’t necessarily want to do that traditional veil, it still gives her a little bit of drama,” says Donowitz. Slits. “I feel like brides are actually starting to embrace the slit a little bit more than they had previously. I think it’s a way to bridge the gap between reception and ceremony, and for comfort. Even in the larger ball gowns it’s a lot easier to walk in a dress with a slit.”

Seasonal. All flavors go, but carrot cake is growing in popularity for fall weddings, and one of Gupta’s most popular flavors is her salted caramel apple.

FON-DON’T Toppers. Bride and groom toppers aren’t common, unless a couple is incorporating their parent’s or grandparent’s old topper, says Gupta.

Instead, couples are opting for toppers that say their new last name, or a small figurine to honor their furry four-legged friend.

Plunging necklines. “It might seem a little bit outdated now. The Charlottesville bride tends to be a little bit more conservative and traditional, a little more clean and classic.”

Sheet cake. If you’re opting for a smaller wedding cake, but have a ton of guests you need to feed, try kitchen cakes instead of sheet cakes or cupcakes. They use your fillings and flavors, and it’s actually easier and less work for your baker.

Traditional lace. Instead of an all-over, traditional lace, try a designer that blends lace with a modern fabric and silhouette.

Naked cakes. “These were really popular the last couple years, and I’m seeing less of them now.”

FAUX PAS

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Charlottesville’s Premiere Beauty & Wedding Expert Team

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SECOND HELPINGS Southern. A classic American menu is always popular, but Virginia couples like to incorporate some of their favorite Southern dishes as well, like chicken biscuits, barbecue, hush puppies, and crab cakes.

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Buffet. Buffets are always popular, but if you’re worried about lines forming and some tables waiting too long, try a station-style dinner, where each station is dedicated to a particular food (grilled, seafood, taco, charcuterie).

PUT A FORK IN IT Rustic. More couples are opting for clean, fancy dinner tables at their Virginia vineyard weddings.

Heather Kidd Photography

Local touches. Caterers usually incorporate local produce whenever possible. The Catering Outfit frequently uses rolls from MarieBette and fresh jams by Jam according to Daniel.

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

c-ville.com/weddings

WEDDING PLANNER

Stay where you wed

There’s lots of way to make your special day a special weekend

By Carol Diggs

D

ecades ago, someone had a brilliant thought: If you want to party all night to bring in the New Year, why not stay where the party is? No more bundling up for a chilly car ride home, no fear of the breathalyzer test—what a good idea!

Many couples are now planning their wedding at a venue where their guests can stay on site and enjoy the festivities (and each other’s company) long after the “I do.” The Charlottesville area has a wealth of options for making your special day last all weekend.

For a good-sized wedding where you want to offer all the attendees a single site, hotels are a fine choice—including newer options like The Forum Hotel at Darden and The Quirk downtown. For those who prefer the estate setting, places like The Boar’s Head and Keswick Hall can be one-stop destinations close to town.

Thinking of a historic rural setting? There’s The Clifton, once home to Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph. If you choose its exclusive-use option, the property is yours for the weekend (or longer)—“You can include everyone that’s close to you, including your dog,” says Executive Director for Sales Phyllis Case. The facility offers 20 guest rooms in four settings (a capacity of up to 39 guests), several indoor and outdoor venues, including the croquet lawn and the Secret Garden, an infinity pool, walking trails, and a Michelin chef. The Clifton’s style? “We call it casual luxury,” says Case. “A good, warm family feeling.”

If you’re planning a larger wedding, but want a special place for families and/or the wedding party to stay, there are a range of places to fit your style. Several wineries in the Charlottesville area—The Inn at Stinson Vineyards, Glass House Winery, Meriweather Springs Vineyard, and Eastwood Farm and

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Winery, among others—offer bed-and-breakfast options or rental of small houses accommodating six to 12 people.

The Market at Grelen in Somerset, about 25 miles from Charlottesville, hosts weddings on site and also operates several properties that can be part of your wedding package—or standalone venues. Spotswood Lodge, near Gordonsville, can accommodate as many as 20 guests in the main house and its cottage, and can host up to 70 for the wedding on its 11-acre grounds.

Grelen’s smaller property, Boxwood Villa in Orange, sleeps 10—but with a larger tent space and more parking, it can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests, says Grelen owner and CEO Leslie Gregg. Couples are asked to choose a wedding planner and caterer from the list of approved vendors who are used to working on site. (Spotswood Lodge and Boxwood Villa are also listed on Airbnb, says Gregg, and are popular outside wedding season for girlfriends’ weekends, family parties, and holidays.)

XIAOQI LI PHOTOGRAPHY

If a more rural setting is your dream, check out Montfair Farm Resort in Crozet. On 129 acres near Shenandoah National Park, Montfair offers a guest house and nine rustic cottages, mountain bike trails, fishing, canoeing, star-gazing—and the option for your guests to camp out by the lake.

Or go truly romantic at The Indigo House in Afton. Owner Stephanie Thomas and her husband Kyle came to hike in Shenandoah National Park several years ago, and loved it. As she began hearing more about adventure weddings (and elopements), Thomas saw Afton as the perfect spot— private and rural, close to nature and the Park trails, yet also close to Route 151 and Charlottesville. Indigo House options include a property buyout for up to 12 guests—“you get the key and five acres for the weekend,” says Thomas—or as a micro wedding venue where the couple stays afterward. Wedding rentals are a la carte; Thomas provides a list of vendors—“or you can go allout DIY.” And your dog can stay, too—if you plan to have a four-footed ring bearer.

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WEDDING PLANNER

I do list We've made it easy—check the boxes as you get closer to your big day 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.

Six months before

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.

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.

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.

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

Three months before

LAINEY KINNEER PHOTOGRAPHY

20

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.

WEDDING PLANNER

One month before

Finalize the details of your rehearsal dinner.

Go over song lists and requests with your band or DJ. Draw up preliminary seating arrangements for the reception.

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

Start taking dance lessons for your first dance.

Get your marriage license with your fiancé.

Three weeks before

Pick up wedding rings.

Confirm all arrival times with vendors.

Confirm hotel arrangements for out-oftown guests.

Have your final dress fitting.

Finalize the seating arrangement for the reception.

Attend your bachelor/bachelorette party.

One week before

Give the caterer your final guest count.

Have final fittings for your groom and groomsmen.

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

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

Two days before

Get a mani/pedi.

Get a wax and a spray tan.

Confirm flight, hotel and packing arrangements for the honeymoon.

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

Confirm arrangements for the getaway car.

One day before

Your wedding day

Get in a wedding day workout.

Get your hair and makeup done early.

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

Have fun!

SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS

Attend your rehearsal dinner.

21

Thanks for a great 20 years we love you too!

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EZE AMOS

Love stories

25

DESIGN

Goldsmith Mia van Beek Master Goldsmith Mia van Beek established Formia Design Jewelry in 2004, which is 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.

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“I like to think outside the box and also present a different side to wedding rings than what;s normally offered in generic jewelry stores. Each piece is personalized to the wearer and the wallet. However, I can’t build castles with the budget of a cottage!” says Mia. 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 pays full attention to detail in her work during every stage of the process, and most of all, satisfied customers are her priority.

Mia has also been called a “ring sizing wizard.” Her experience also allows her to tackle all kinds of jewelry repair.

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An unconventional aesthetic leads to love

Words by

Caite Hamilton Photography by

Eze Amos

wonderful COLOR

27

LOVE STORIES

A

wedding day should be deeply personal—it should reflect not only your taste as a couple, but also your values. When it came time to plan their own, Miriam and Eric started by evaluating what traditions they’d prefer to nix (like the bride wearing all white and the mother-son first dance), then moved on to what they wanted out of their big day.

“Eric and I love color, so color was essentially the theme of our wedding,” Miriam says. They picked a palette with their florist, Richmond-based Photosynthesis Floral Design, and used that to determine the rentals, attire, and even a dress code for the guests.

“We told our guests they could wear whatever they want, as long as it is in our color scheme.”

For her part, Miriam wore a hand-dyed dress from a store she used to see on her running route in San Francisco, and Eric donned a custom suit they had embroidered with flowers. In the end, Miriam advises staying true to who you are.

“Evaluate traditions and spend time considering what they mean to you,” she says. “Traditions can change. Not everyone needs to have a carbon-copy wedding.”

28

LOVE STORIES

&

Miriam Handler Eric Christensen M AY 27, 2023, AT A PRIVATE HOME AFTER THE PARTY

“Oddly enough, our favorite part about the wedding was the impromptu after-party,” Miriam says. When the reception was over, a small group of the couple’s closest friends moved the party to the 18th-century cabin on the property. They set up the music equipment, changed into sweats, and kept the fun going until 4am.

THE DETAILS

Day-of coordinator: Jordan Snider of Boundless Love Events Officiant: Shelby Adler (bride’s best friend) Catering: Exchange Events Flowers: Photosynthesis Floral Design Cake: Cake Bloom Music: DJ Big Leg Bride’s attire: Kamperett Shoes: Miista Groom’s attire: Suit Supply (custom) with embroidery by Wells Brown Rings: Hernan Herdez (bride), Blue Nile (groom) Hair: Top Knot Studio Makeup: Elizabeth Wilson Rentals: MS Events Lounge area: Valley Heirlooms Paper goods: Talia Handler Audio: Spectrum Integrators Transportation: Albemarle Limousine Restroom trailers: Stonegate Event Rentals

DIY DETAILS

The bride and a few family members sliced dried citrus for the table décor, and bought an antique postcard book with vintage postcards for guests to fill out.

NO SURPRISES

“We see marriage as a commitment to our love and nothing more,” Miriam says. “We did not anticipate much to change, and we are relieved that it hasn’t.”

RURAL OASIS

When her mom and stepdad moved to a 40-acre property in Virginia from Cleveland a few years ago, Miriam knew right away that’s where she and Eric would have their wedding.

“We think they bought the house because they wanted us to get married there.”

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LOVE STORIES

Foreve

TO G

32

LOVE STORIES

Amanda Rogers Daniel Cotter

&

JUNE 10, 2023, AT THE M ARK E T AT GRELEN

A

manda and Dan say they could feel the magic the first time they visited The Market at Grelen: “We fell in love with the views, the big glowy tent, the flowers and the beauty across the property,” says Amanda. “We toured a few other spots in Charlottesville, but for us nothing else compared.” When it came time to plan their big day, playing off the natural beauty of the venue was an easy choice.

They embraced the summer garden vibe, with a romantic color palette and cheerful wildflowers—a nod to summertime in Colorado, where Amanda grew up—everywhere.

Then came the special details.

“We decided to highlight our personalities more so through the music, food, our ceremony, and some of the smaller details like

er

Romance and whimsy infuse a garden wedding for the ages table numbers and cocktail napkins,” Amanda says. The bride doesn’t like to DIY, but they designed napkins with their dog on them, and Virginia is for Lovers tote bags with homemade biscotti (Dan’s mom’s recipe!).

In the end, the couple’s favorite part of the day was a moment they stole just for themselves: a private last dance, just the two of them on the dance floor.

“We knew it was after our photographer and videographer left ... but our DJ captured the dance on his camera so we could still relive the memory,” Amanda says. “We both cried getting to watch it again, it was so special.”

GO

Words by Caite Hamilton Photography by

Anna Kardos Photography

33

34

LOVE STORIES NEW PERSPECTIVES

Amanda says not much has changed since getting married, except one thing: “The shift in mindset from always thinking about the next big relationship milestone to just being intentional about the kind of life we are building. It is a really joyful shift.”

THE DETAILS

Event planner: Hannah Rose Event Design Officiant: Nate Childress Catering: The Local Flowers: Monarch Flower Farm Cake: Cake Bloom Music: Ryan Clark Bride’s attire: Sage Bridal Shoes: Dolce Vita Groom’s attire: Generation Tux Groomsmen’s attire: Generation Tux Bridesmaids’ dresses: BHLDN Rings:

Boone & Sons, Brilliant Earth, Yorks Jewelry Hair and makeup: Avenue 42 Salon Videographer: White Elm Films Late-night snack: Raising Cane’s

COUNTRY COOKIN’

The Local produced an elevated Southern meal: short ribs, fried chicken, truffle mac-n-cheese, green beans, and salad. Plus, they added ice cream (“our favorite dessert,” says Amanda) from Chaps, and Raising Cane’s for a late-night snack.

BEST TRIP EVER

The couple honeymooned in Greece for two weeks following their wedding. The itinerary included Crete, Santorini, Paros, and Athens.

“Greece was somehow more stunning than we could have imagined,” says the bride.

35

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38

Photo credit: Jen Fariello

LOVE STORIES

WINTER Words by

Caite Hamilton Photography by

Sera Petras

wonderland A couple gets cozy at The Wool Factory

39

LOVE STORIES

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

LASTING LOVE

The couple didn’t have an end-of-the-night send-off. Instead, they went outside while guests were dancing and took pictures with sparklers. “Those are some of my favorite pictures from our wedding day,” Catherine says.

The couple met eight years before they got married, while they were studying at George Mason University. “We went to a bar in D.C. with friends and spent the whole metro ride home talking,” Catherine says.

FIRST BITES

The passed hors d’oeuvres—pork belly bites and pimento cheese biscuits—whet guests’ appetites for The Wool Factory’s wedding spread: grilled beefsteak, crab cakes, grilled romaine salad, and potatoes.

THE DETAILS

Event planner: Hannah Rose Event Design Officiant: Brian Delmolino Catering: The Wool Factory Flowers: Hedge Fine Blooms Cake: Rachel De Jong Music: Ryan Clark Bride’s attire: David’s Bridal Shoes: Kate Spade Groom’s attire: The Black Tux Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux Bridesmaids’ dresses: Baltic Born Rings: Jared Hair: Gina Mills Makeup: Josephine Waite of Styling by Josephine Videographer: Ryan Clark Rentals/lighting: MS Events Transportation: Easy Riders

40

LOVE STORIES

W

ith a December wedding on the books, and The Wool Factory chosen as their venue, Catherine and Kahlil sat down to start planning.

“Our vision was a winter wonderland while doing everything to avoid a Christmas theme,” Catherine says. “We softened the space with bistro lighting that reflected in the large windows of The Wool Factory.”

They chose hunter green and gold (an offshoot of their college’s colors), which played into everything from wedding party attire to table décor. Greenery with white flower accents filled the space and, Catherine says, reminded her of snow.

Still, the couple’s top memories were the moments they were able to steal by themselves at the start and finish of the big day.

“I was nervous and pretty much knew I was going to cry once I saw her,” Kahlil says of his favorite moment, the first look. “When I turned around, I lost it, and the only words I could think of was, ‘You look stunning, babe.’

I bawled.”

Catherine, on the other hand, loved the dance they were able to have as guests were getting on the bus to leave. “I liked that we started and ended our wedding with private moments to celebrate our love together.”

&Kahlil Ognelodh

Catherine Wilkerson

DECE MBER 10, 2022, AT THE WO OL FAC TORY

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LOVE STORIES

Words by

Caite Hamilton Photography by

Meredith Coe Photography

SOME

enchanted EVENING

A winter wedding fit for the stars

44

LOVE STORIES

&Robert Hayes

Rachel Donze

I

FEBRUARY 25, 2023, AT THE BR ADBURY

t all started with the dress. While on a trip to Nashville with her parents and husband-to-be, Rachel decided to have a look in a local store that carried a designer she was interested in. She didn’t like any of the options, but did a double take when an associate pulled what would become her wedding dress.

“It had stars all over it and had a huge, tulle bottom. A ton of sparkle,” Rachel says. “I thought it would just be fun to try on.” It was the one. And with the dress nailed down, the rest of the wedding—the theme of which she calls “enchanted starry night”—fell into place.

A winter wedding called for cozy with a touch of elegance. They chose The Bradbury, with its long central hall, sweeping staircase, and abundance of natural light. The whole wedding—ceremony, dinner, dancing—took place in the space, which was a big selling point for the couple.

“Given it was winter, we both loved that the whole evening—from ceremony to reception—could all be in one space so guests didn’t have to go outdoors at any point,” Rachel says. “We had also wanted one open space for the bar, dinner and dancing and [The Bradbury] also allowed for that.”

Then there were the flowers. The couple initially specified minimal white and cream flowers, opting instead for darker jewel-toned blooms to up the cozy factor. Steelcut Flower Co. wrapped the space’s columns with greenery and created a half-arch for the ceremony spot.

“We really had an incredible weekend and our vision came together so well thanks to our planner and vendors,” Rachel says. “Showing up and seeing the space for the first time that day was definitely a ‘wow’ moment.”

45

LOVE STORIES

THE DETAILS

Event planner: Mary Elizabeth Events Officiant: Dave Norris Catering: Harvest Moon Catering Flowers: Steelcut Flower Co. Cake: Cakes by Rachel Music: Silver Bullets Bride’s attire: Galia Lahav Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Groom’s attire: Enzo Custom Suits and Suit Supply Shoes Rings: Ashley Zhang and Robert’s Jewelry (Tallahassee, Florida) Hair: Top Knot Studio Videographer: Love in Bloom Films Paper goods: Mine and Kindred Stage and lighting: Blue Ridge Event Production

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Rachel says her groom nailed the first dance.

They’d hired a private dance teacher prior to the wedding and practiced for months. “He did amazingly—I just followed along.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Harvest Moon Catering created a vegan and pescatarian menu with salmon, scallops, and tofu options. “I had been looking forward to my tofu meal all day,” Rachel says.

ON THE ICE

The couple met their first weekend of their MBA program at UPenn, but really got to know each other while on the college’s ice hockey team. COVID hit during their second year, just as they started dating, and they moved in together. Robbie proposed almost exactly two years later.

46

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Because they couldn’t imagine going back to work after such a fun weekend, they decided to take their honeymoon immediately. Robbie planned it: a room on the water in the Maldives, with stops in Venice and Dubai on either end of the trip.

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50

THE BIG QUESTION(S)

Ask the expert Wedding planning is a massive undertaking. Just when you think you’ve taken care of every small detail, something else pops up—did we remember to rent the linens? That’s where wedding planners come in. They bring years of experience, can help you find all the best vendors, keep you on budget, and handle problems before they arise. Lucky for us, Charlottesville is full of talented planners who are ready to help you pull off your big day. Three of them share their insights on weddings abroad, receptions, inclusivity, and more.—Maeve Hayden

From Adam Donovan Groves, wedding planner, Donovan-Groves Events: Planning a destination wedding, along with a local reception, is really planning two weddings. When we do this, we want the destination wedding to be as authentic as possible to its location. For the local reception, our goal is to bring back elements of the destination to the local guests, the majority of whom will most likely not have been at the destination.

We recently did a wedding in Iceland, which was such an amazing experience for everyone involved. We really wanted the guests in the States to get a sense of why Iceland was so special to our couple, and why it was important for them to have their wedding there. We were able to have an amazing photographer capture lots of moments of adventure, scenic beauty, and the two families coming together. We had large images of some of these moments at the Charlottesville reception, as well as a few culinary treats and other significant details from their destination wedding.

We’re a cisgender straight couple (and most of our guests are, too). How do we make more inclusive choices with our wedding?

From Mary Elizabeth Andrew, wedding planner, Mary Elizabeth Events: Inclusivity is a key aspect of your wedding day to consider, as you want your invited guests to feel completely welcome and included in your celebration! Inclusivity can be everything from ensuring accessibility for your guests, menus that cater to dietary restrictions, and adjusting the traditionally gendered aspects of your wedding day.

Historically, weddings are very gendered occasions. Today, they certainly don’t have to be.

You can break down these restrictions by making wedding parties gender inclusive, by opening up gender-separated events like a bridal shower, bachelor party, or bouquet toss to guests of any gender identity, and by promoting a dress code that allows your guests or wedding

CLANE GESSEL

I’d like to have my wedding abroad, but a reception locally. How do I pull it off?

party members to dress in the type of clothing they feel most comfortable in.

For your wedding communications, you can ask people’s preferred prefixes for your invitations, or remove prefixes entirely and opt to use your guests’ full names. It’s also easy to swap out language like “bridal party” for wedding party. When it comes to inclusivity, small changes can make a big impact, and it is easy to incorporate these changes while knowing your guests will feel even more included in your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

My fiancé and I are shy by nature, but we’re excited for our wedding. How can we make sure people still have fun, but leave off the more traditional wedding elements (a first dance, cutting the cake)?

From Mia Crump, wedding planner and designer, Little Acorn Events Co.: The first thing I’ll say is that your wedding day is yours! You don’t have to do anything just because “that’s how it’s done,” and traditional elements are only as fun and meaningful as they are to you.

51

There are plenty of ways to fold in enjoyable and impactful guest experiences without sacrificing your own comfort level. In 2023 and into 2024, we are producing more and more cocktailstyle receptions, which offer a more relaxed atmosphere than the “typical” wedding, while still providing a high-touch guest experience.

Fun signature cocktails and personal details such as your wedding day stationery, a curated escort seating display, or even an interactive dessert experience are ways to make your day uniquely yours without putting yourselves in the spotlight.

I also love finding moments for my couples to soak up time together throughout the day.

A few of my favorite ways to create sweet, intimate moments in the timeline are private vows, a private toast after the ceremony, and a last dance while your guests prepare for your exit.

When it’s all said and done, we want you to look back on your day and feel that it was a perfect representation of your love story, a meaningful experience with your most important people, and the start of your greatest chapter.

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M AK I N G M A R RY

HIDDEN EXPOSURE PHOTOGRAPHY

All together now

Kate Kogge and Sean Mullane were married September 24, 2022.

When her friend who was living in Germany suggested borrowing one of the country’s wedding-day traditions— taking a photo with all of the wedding guests in one image—for her own big day, Kate Kogge knew she had to make it happen.

“This group shot was one of our few goals for the night,” she says. “We wanted to capture all of the people in our lives with the unmistakable Charlottesville background.”

But, Kate admits, that’s easier said than done.

To pull it off, she and fiancé Sean Mullane gave guests a heads-up in an email prior to the wedding. Then, after the ceremony at Old Metropolitan Hall, the wedding coor-

dinators got everyone’s attention and ushered them outside. “There’s something sweet about having the entire group come together after the ceremony—a bit of levity in the midst of the otherwise structured evening,” Kate says. “I’m so glad we went with it.”

It took some adjustments, but the guests were patient, shifting around to make sure everything looked just right.

Then, with everyone on the Downtown Mall already, there was only one thing left to do: party. The group headed down to Level 10 for the reception.

“It felt like we were leading some strange, fancy parade,” Kate says. “What a moment.”

54

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