Anna Mullally & Cole Heckel
August 22, 2020, at The Clifton
Anna has always loved the movie Pride & Prejudice, so she knew when it came time to start planning her wedding, that would be the jumping-off point. “The antique, romantic elegance without seeming too cliché was the ultimate goal,” she says. “I wanted everything to feel very authentic.”
She started with the flowers, creating an elaborate plan for her April wedding with florist Tourterelle—lots of purple flowers, cherry blossoms, and tulips. But when COVID-19 necessitated a date change, the plan needed to pivot.
“Tourterelle transformed our floral vision for something that could embrace our late summer wedding,” says the bride. “They delivered the largest, most amazing roses I have ever seen.”
The reception décor followed suit; Blue Ridge Event Production draped each pole in the tent, and hung romantic light fixtures above the tables.
“I can’t lie that my favorite part had to be the five chandeliers that took my mind to the magical and opulent houses Pride & Prejudice showcased,” Anna says.
Quick change
The bride’s favorite moment from the wedding was seeing her new husband’s and guests’ reactions after she changed into her reception dress.
Precious moments
The bride and groom decided to do a first look before the wedding, giving them a chance to exchange their more intimate vows and, later, join their guests for cocktail hour. “It calmed both of our nerves and is something I will cherish and always look back on,” Anna says.
DIY décor
To ensure every detail would turn out as she imagined, Anna and her mom created a few important pieces for the event, transforming two mirrors into a seating chart display and welcome sign.
Scene-setting
Snaking up the gravel drive to The Clifton, and landing at the Colonial house “pretty much sealed the deal,” Annqa says. Since it was also a place the couple’s guests could stay for the weekend, they knew right away it was where they wanted to be married.
You + me
Cole and Anna met in a sixth grade math class, but it wasn’t until junior year that they became friends. Then, after attending the homecoming dance together, they decided to make it official. Even while attending two separate colleges, they kept their relationship going and, after graduation, Cole popped the question at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards with Anna’s friends and family hidden on a side porch, waiting to surprise her.
The details
Event planner Kim Newton Officiant Bob Vanderberry (family friend) Catering The Clifton Flowers Tourterelle Floral Design Cake Favorite Cakes Music Black Tie Entertainment (DJ), Melodious Strings Bride’s attire Monique Lhuillier, Galia Lahav (second dress) Shoes Dior Groom’s attire JoS. A. Bank Groomsmen’s attire JoS. A. Bank Bridesmaids’ dresses Brideside Rings Diamonds Direct Hair Laura Henderson Makeup Videographer Rachael Curry Films Rentals MS Events Charlottesville, Blue Ridge Event Production
