Claire + Alex: Minimalist Shenandoah Wedding

Alex and Claire met in elementary school, and a few decades later in June they decided to be wed. From the first time I met Claire I knew their wedding would be magical. She is a graphic designer and described the different elements she would be designing herself. Their wedding style was minimalistic, and sustainable. They encouraged guests to label their own drink cozies to reduce waste- which as a frequent wedding attendee I have noticed can add up. Claire also designed the invitation, table numbers, and signage throughout the reception space. Most ingeniously, she created the guest seating chart which hung as a gorgeous design element in the entrance of the lodge. The Mixed metallic color scheme brought together everything from the decor to the bride's jewelry. Most importantly the couple made it clear to me that they wanted their day to focus on time spent with their loved ones, which is my favorite kind of celebration.

The wedding festivities took place at Shenandoah Woods in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; a beautiful property on the side of a mountain that provides beautiful cabins, and event space that overlooks the valley. Both Claire and Alex had large mixed gender bridal parties who walked through the woods to the scenic ceremony spot. After the ceremony, the bride and groom took the time to hug their parents before they walked down the aisle together, which was incredibly thoughtful and indicative of their priorities. All of the attendees walked the short trail through the woods to the lodge where they were greeted for cocktail hour. The two signature cocktails of the evening were the Kentucky and Moscow Mule, served in copper mugs. Guests also had the option of getting a beer from the wooden drink canoe.

After a short photo session, the rain began to roll in, and dinner was served. Charlene's kitchen provided a lavish display for the buffet. The weather changed throughout the day from sunny to cloudy with a breeze, then ultimately down pouring, and by the end of the night cleared up for all to enjoy time under the stars. Alex and Claire wanted to keep their wedding events simple so they opted for toasts, first dances, and the Hora. The bride and groom decided to forgo the cake cutting in favor of a donuts; which created great enthusiasm amongst their guests.  All of the elements of their wedding were exquisite, and the final showstopper was the surprise firework show by the mother of the bride. Alex and Claire chose to be honest, simple, and conscious with their wedding celebration, and it was my privilege to be a part of it. Congratulations Alex and Claire!

venue: Shenandoah Woods

planning: Another Wild Hare

catering: Charlene's Kitchen

design: Claire Smalley

Maya + Binit: Interfaith Mountain Wedding

            Maya and Binit's Hindu-Christian fusion Wedding took place in the forest and fields of Montfair Resort Farm. The bride got ready in a sweet little cabin surrounded by her bridesmaid who sported their choice of floral gowns. Maya's gown was custom made to  include special fabrics- a sari she had chosen, and lace from her Grandmother's wedding dress. Binit came dressed in a traditional sherwani for their first look. The two shared a sweet, tearful moment on the porch of the cabin. Then, Binit was whisked away for his Baraat- a traditional Indian groom's procession leading to the ceremony. The ceremony began with the groom walking down the aisle with his parents, followed by the bride walking down the aisle with hers.  Led by Claire Frances- an interfaith minister- their ceremony included elements from both traditions- readings, meditation, blessings, and vows. After the ceremony was done and family photos taken, the couple joined their guests for a picturesque lakeside cocktail hour. Dinner took place inside the lodge as did heartfelt toasts, spirited dancing, and a joyful cake cutting. Maya and Binit's love for eachother is so apparent, and they brought together such an incredibly beautiful and diverse community to celebrate it. Congratulations Maya + Binit!

Vendor Team:

• Planner - Day by Fay Weddings
• Venue - Montfair Resort Farm
• Catering - The Local
• DJ - DJ Mike Murphy
• Cake - Albemarle Baking Company
• Floral - Blue Heron Farms
• Officiant - Claire Frances of Sacred Ground Ceremonies
• Hair - Leslie Lowry of Hazel Beauty Bar
• Makeup - Elizabeth Wilson Makeup
• Transportation - Albemarle Limo
• Rentals - MS Events
• Henna Artist - Palvi Sharma

Megan + Zach: Countryside Brunch Wedding

Megan and Zach were married June 3, 2017 at L'auberge Provencale. The day started with greetings from the Inn's resident kitty who was a sweet stand in for Megan and Zach's cat at home. The couple had a sweet first look, and walked joyfully together through the orchard and fields on the property. It was hard to catch them not laughing! After the beautiful sunny ceremony facing the Blue Ridge, the couple greeted their guests and brunch cocktails begun. The hors d'oeuvres were a visual parade. The dream brunch {breakfast} foods of waffles and quiche were served for the meal. Then to finish the feast their cake was a traditional french wedding cake: a Croquembouche surrounded by spun sugar and violets. This wedding day was endlessly sweet, and I loved every moment. Congratulations Megan & Zach!

Styling + Planning: Amelia Lawrence 

EMILY + HARRY: ELEGANT GARDEN BBQ WEDDING

Emily and Harry hold a special place in my heart. They were one of the first couples to book with me when I moved back to the east coast, and I so admire their passion for life. They both were getting their masters, moving, and traveling all over while planning their wedding. The wedding festivities took place at The River Farm: home of the American Horticultural Society, so the entire property is breathtaking. Emily and Harry started the day with a private first look in a shaded glade they had chosen together. Then they walked to a large old Dogwood tree to read letters they had written to each other. For the ceremony they both took the arms of their parents, and walked down the aisle to violin played by a friend. Their soccer coach from highschool married them with a sweet, personalized ceremony. For the rest of the night they reunited with loved ones from all over, ate delicious BBQ, and danced. It was such a joy to see their day come alive with beauty and love. Congratulations Emily and Harry!