Like a dream

Linnea White & Reo Revak September 18, 2021, at Eastwood Winery It’s hardly a surprise that custom and DIY details would factor prominently in the wedding of Linnea, the owner of downtown consignment shop Darling, and Reo, a woodworker at Gaston & Wyatt—at least not to anyone who knows them.  “My parents said that [the wedding] was […]

Somewhere close to me

Jennifer Rose & Rob Valentine October 16, 2021, at Farmington Country Club  It would take Jennifer and Rob 15 years of dating off and on (plus a global pandemic!)—from the start of high school to after Jennifer finished her MBA—for the stars to finally align for them. In 2019, Jennifer had accepted a consulting job in Atlanta, […]

Near and far

Charlotte Baird & William Crandall September 25, 2021, at Boxwood Villa For about 90 percent of their engagement, Charlotte says, she and her future husband were deployed overseas, adding a layer of complication to an already stressful process. They found their venue—Boxwood Villa—online, ordered silk flowers on Etsy, and hired a caterer they both already knew […]

Something for everyone

With its small-town feel, beautiful mountain views, historic landmarks, and a strong local food and wine culture, the Charlottesville area is a popular spot to get hitched. For brides and grooms looking to make their celebration truly representative of place, local wines are an important piece of the planning. Here are some can’t-miss recommendations for […]

Where to wed

COVID-19 spurred lots of creativity among couples planning weddings, including some new ideas about venues. But unusual places can also require some creative thinking ahead to ensure your perfect day comes off perfectly. Here are a few options you might not have (yet!) considered. The gallery wedding Sarah Fay Waller, principal of Day by Fay, […]

Table talk

It may seem fussy to worry so much about your wedding’s tabletop décor, but it’s a great way to carry out the vibe of your big day,from floral centerpieces to charger plates. Here are three ideas worth a second look.—Caite Hamilton Colorful tapers The days of romantic pastels and rustic details may never be behind […]

Next level

Want to host your wedding reception at a city-based venue that makes you feel like you’re in the mountains? That’s the jam at Level 10, an event space perched above downtown Charlottesville, and offering unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge. “We’re the highest venue in Charlottesville, and that is pretty fun,” venue director Mary Blanton […]

Pour decisions

Ever wanted to drink from a horse trailer? Now’s your chance: The Loaded Pony, a Staunton-based mobile bar, offers just that.  Combining her love of entertaining, creativity, and hospitality with a unique setting (a vintage 1960s horse trailer), owner Kimerly Crawford launched the business in 2019 after transforming the formerly pale pink structure into an […]

Personal tastes

As if offering guests a delicious cookie wasn’t enough, these three bakers up the ante with flawless custom designs. They make a great wedding favor, certainly, but you might also consider them for a fancy day-of treat while getting ready, an addition to welcome bags for guests, or an addition to a “Will you be […]

Prime location

New weddings-and-more venue The Bradbury is open for business on the Downtown Mall—and the team behind the new spot is a who’s who of weddings and events experts: Harvest Moon Catering’s Mark Hahn, Ken Notari, and Anne Peterson, photog Sarah Cramer, Just a Little Ditty’s Dickie Morris, and Second Line Business Management’s John Spagnolo. The […]