Smiles Run in the Family

Kate & Neil

Throughout our planning time with Kate and her Mom Ellen, they had the brightest smiles. This was clearly a wedding that would bless so many. When Kate’s Dad joined us, he was just as happy to help with details and kept the same smile, so I guess it runs in the family! Our first time to meet the groom Neil was on wedding weekend and his special smile was added to our joy.

We had a beautiful day at King Family Vineyards in one of our favorite times of the year…September. The dream team of vendors found these smiles to be infectious, so everyone was happy! Judy Hayward of On Location Bridal enhanced Kate’s smile with all the right touches of make-up and hair styling.  Verde Natural Florals made the winery even more beautiful inside and out. Four of the most adorable flower girls prepared the way for the bride. As Kate made her way down the aisle, Neil’s smile got bigger and bigger.

L’etoile Cville Catering served a superb meal to friends and family while Derek Tobler, Mobile DJ & Emcee provided all of the music. Albemarle Baking Company delivered a gorgeous four-tier cake to top off the celebrations. Guests of all ages enjoyed the Photo Booth of Charlottesville many times over while everyone danced and smiled even more. A&A Limousine transported all safely to and from the venue in style, including the bride and groom after a sparkler get-away. Thanks to Aaron Watson Photography for amazing photos to share these smiles forever.

We congratulate Kate and Neil and will smile every time we think of you!

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King Family Vineyards

L’etoile Cville

Derek Tobler, Mobile DJ & Emcee

Albemarle Baking Co.

Verde Natural Florals

Photo Booth of Charlottesville

A&A Limousine

On Location Bridal, Judy Hayward

Aaron Watson Photography

Don't Blink

“Don’t Blink”

I received a call from Jeannette one day and from that time on, I always looked forward to the next call. She has a giggle that brightens your day. She is the Mother of our April 2019 Bride however, her call was preceded a few weeks prior by a call from the sister of the bride, Jeannette Marie. She was the first to inquire for her sister Christina, who was very busy finishing her final year at UVA. Christina was experienced in planning from her own wedding but was now busy with three children including a newborn.

When Jeannette and her husband Angel traveled from Mississippi to meet, she was aware that it was my birthday week. Not even really knowing me yet, she brought me gifts! I now carry my “bling” pen with me to all of my meetings…it makes me smile.

Planning with this family was a joy. They were the epitome of what we encourage all of our couples and families…enjoy this time and “don’t blink”.

Christina and her sister Jeannette Marie were very different in the sense of planning their weddings. Jeannette Marie had quite an elaborate event. Though we were at Trump Grand Hall, Christina wanted to keep the tone fairly simple. She and Brian were very busy with school and careers in the medical field. However, meeting with them showed me their devotion to each other and to truly enjoying their wedding with family and friends.

I had the honor of joining them at their rehearsal dinner and was invited to sit next to the bride and groom. They were of course talking about their wedding day, but not so much about themselves. They were more interested in everyone involved and how they were doing with their part in the day. When it came to the children, they melted my heart. They took time to talk to me, taking an interest in my life and family. I want them to be my doctors someday for sure.

Their wedding day was perfect in every way. Brian was glowing as much as Christina….such happiness! Brian had written “Christina’s Love Song” performed by his brother and Best Man Chris. This was the first time Christina would hear the song as she walked the aisle with her Dad. In his witty style, Father Jim conducted an entertaining yet touching ceremony. Then announcing them as “Husband & Wife” their celebrations began!

The designs of Blue Ridge Florals added even more magic to the day. The views of the Grand Hall had the guests captivated as they took one picture after the next at cocktail hour. As we moved into the reception, I spoke to Jeannette who was beaming with pride and happiness. She leaves one tip for other Moms…bring a change of shoes!

As always, Harvest Moon Catering served a perfect and delectable dinner. Then came our favorite part…dessert! Unique to them, Christina and Brian decided against cake and created pie and cookie displays. The Pie Chest made their favorite flavors while a friend of the family made the best cookies ever (I think I was in a cookie coma).

The rest of the night was full of celebration with the help of Andy of Party Masters. The last song of the night was “Take Me Home Tonight” followed by a sparkler departure to The Albemarle Estate.

Congratulations Christina & Brian!

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Trump Winery & Grand Hall

Father Jim, Contemporary Catholics.org

Blue Ridge Floral Design

Harvest Moon Catering

The Pie Chest

Rock Paper Scissors

Party Masters, DJ Andy Wilfong     

Photobooth of Charlottesville

A&A Limo

On Location Bridal, Judy Hayward

Robert Radifera Photography

The "Watch"

I have a special watch that I wear to our weddings. It’s not to tell time, but more like a bracelet. It has a very unique meaning that I share with our couples.

A few years ago, my sister and were cleaning out our parent’s home after their passing. As daunting and sad as this task is, it was extremely tough in that our parents were collectors…of lots of stuff that had lost value. However, Dad had kept his old watches over the years. They brought back memories of sitting in his lap at the kitchen table, Sunday afternoon rides, and going to work with him to hang out. Each one was special. We decided to keep this particular collection and since they were not operational, we came up with a special idea.

We visited our favorite jeweler, Andrew Minton Jewelers with this idea and he loved it. He had worked with Mom & Dad years before, knew them well and loved them too. He and his team removed the watch works to replace the face with tiny photos of Mom & Dad in their early years of growing up and falling in love. In one, Dad was in his Navy uniform. In another, they were laughing like they had just heard the funniest joke ever!

So a little of Mom & Dad go to every wedding with me. When our couples are lining up to be announced to the reception, I know this might be the last time I may have a chance to speak to them together. I take them aside and show them the watch and this is how it goes…

“I want to take a moment with you before you go in for your celebration and show you something very special.” Showing them the watch I say, “This is my Mom & Dad, and they were married 67 years…now that’s your goal!”

I get many reactions…

“They look so happy”

“We will do it!”

“We got a late start, but we’re going to give it a try!”

Planning weddings is a tough business but I hope that we are not just doing that, but building marriages. Thanks for the example Mom & Dad.

Barb

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Andrew Minton Jewelers

Glenmore Country Club

Dominique Attaway Photography

That Dress!

Deidre & Eric

Deidre & Eric were married in Charlottesville in a traditional June ceremony at Belmont Baptist Church. Their love for each other was apparent to all, but the moment Eric saw Deidre walk down the aisle, he melted.

The buzz was all about THE DRESS! Deidre found her dream at Annalise Bridal in Richmond, VA. “Berkeley” by Anne Barge is an off-the-shoulder ruched silk satin chiffon bodice and voluminous ball gown. Deidre looked like a princess and some called her a “Southern Belle”. The dress was accented by another Anne Barge piece… the "Rose" belt. This design made for a lot of fun and creativity by the photography team of Dominique Attaway.

Her “something old” was her Mother’s veil and her “something borrowed” were special hairpins from her bridesmaid Alexandra who wore them at her wedding. These adorned her beautiful hairstyle by Moxie Hair Lounge. Some will ask “what about ‘something blue’?” (these were unmentionable).

Full celebrations took place at Glenmore Country Club with an immaculate meal topped off with a luscious cake made by the couple’s friend and pastry chef Morgan Phillips. Colorful florals filled the room thanks to Harris Teeter Florals.

To add to the memories, Big Ray & the Kool Kats kept everyone dancing for the rest of the evening. Deidre twirled like a little girl in her gown and even though she took up a little extra space on the dance floor, that did not stop the bride and groom from having the time of their lives! When we thought there were no more surprises, Eric blew everyone away when he joined the band and played guitar.

The evening ended with “The Last Dance”…a private time for just the bride and groom as their guests waited outside for a sparkler departure to an Albemarle Antique Limousine.

Congratulations Deidre & Eric and keep twirling!

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Belmont Baptist Church

Analise Bridal

Glenmore Country Club

Morgan Phillips Cakes

Harris Teeter Florals

A & A Limousine

Albemarle Antique Limousine

Moxie Hair Lounge

Rock Paper Scissors

Dominique Attaway Photography