Joanna and Jason enjoyed a magnificent August wedding at the King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia. Though the threat of rain moved their ceremony under the porch of the vineyard’s Carriage House, it didn’t stop these two from having the best day possible with friends and family. We love the coral and peach blooms with the teal bridesmaid’s dresses, and the cake which continued the same beautiful floral theme. At the reception, guests were greeted by tables set with lanterns, tea lights, flowers, little S’mores kit favors, and of course the vineyard’s own wine. Thank you Gayle Driver Photography for capturing all the beauty, and congrats to the happy couple! Read below for more details from the bride.
From the Bride…
Before the Ring:
Jason and I met the summer after our freshman year of college at James Madison University. I was a hostess at Outback Steakhouse when a new busboy caught my attention. Jason and I grew up in the same small town but, didn’t meet until that summer. I was ending a shift when Jason came up and asked for my number. We spent that summer drinking 711 Slurpees, roasting marshmallows, travelling, and camping in the country. When it all started, we were 19 and had no idea that six years later we would have graduated college, started our careers, travelled to many new places, and built a life together that is happier and more full of love that I could have ever imagined!
The Proposal:
Jason and I spent Labor Day weekend with a group of our closest friends at Lake Anna, Virginia. The first night after a talk with a good friend, Jason decided it would be the perfect time and place to propose. Only problem was he didn’t bring the ring! Jason and his friend Taylor told us that they needed to get up early to go reserve a boat for us to use on the lake but secretly drove the three hours up and back to Arlington, VA to get the ring. All day I kept asking where they were and how it could possibly be taking this long but I figured they had stopped somewhere and I was content swimming and hanging out so didn’t think much about it. They finally came back and we spent the evening playing games and hanging out.
The next morning everyone was up by 7 am, making breakfast, and milling around. I wasn’t happy about being woken up so early and Jason asked if I wanted to shower and get ready. This sounded crazy to me so I said there’s no reason to do that since we’d be spending the day on the boat never mind that my hair was wild from hours of swimming and I was wearing Jason’s oversized pajamas. I had no idea how many photos would later be taken to document that day… While my friends were cooking breakfast, Jason asked if I would walk down to the lake with him. We walked down onto the dock and I noticed his heart was beating so fast and his hand was sweaty in mine but, I still had no idea! Then he said the famous line “Look at that fish!” When I turned to look he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! All of our closest friends were outside on the deck watching and erupted with cheers as we walked back up from the dock.
Details of the day:
Planning a wedding was certainly not easy for me. I never spent a lot of time dreaming about my perfect wedding and am not the best crafter. Nevertheless, I did my best! I love the colors coral and teal so that was the easiest choice. The most important details for me were the flowers, my wedding dress, and my family. We used family photos, old family heirlooms like my grandpa’s old suitcase and my great-grandmother’s blue hat for decorations. We wanted the day to be unique and filled with the presence and memories of the people we love the most.
Memorable moments:
I remember the waiting and the excitement leading up to walking down the aisle. My sister in law with all my bridesmaids said a prayer for me, our marriage, and the wedding. I remember hearing the coordinator say that it was time to go and seeing my Dad for the first time. I remember the feeling of taking my Dad’s arm, taking a breath and walking out to Jason, my new husband! Such a special and exciting moment! I remember feeling so grateful and excited the whole evening. It meant so much to us for all of our family and friends to come to our wedding to celebrate our marriage.
Advice to couples in the planning process:
It helped me to focus on a small set of details at one time rather than the whole picture. Conquering one item on the to do list at a time rather than trying to do too many things at once. Otherwise, it would be too overwhelming. Figure out what parts are most important to you and focus more of your time and financial investment in those particular things. Breathe and realize it will be just how it’s supposed to be. Oh, and look at the 10 day weather forecast and if it’s predicting rain on your outdoor wedding, have a good cry, and let it go. That way, when the day comes, you’ll be prepared!
Photographer: Gayle Driver Photography / Reception Venue: King Family Vineyards / Floral Designer: Blakemore’s Flowers / Bride’s Dress: Watters from Sealed With A Kiss in Charlottesville, VA / Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff / Men’s Attire: Macy’s / Bakery: Buttercream Dreams, LLC / Caterer: Harvest Moon Catering / Invitations: Sam Florance / Videographer: Silver Streak Media / DJ & Entertainment Services: Nor Cal Pro Sound / Submitted via Two Bright Lights
Loved the beautiful photos and Joanna’s sweet, funny, and endearing description of the proposal and the wedding. May she and Jason have a lifetime of happiness–despite some rainy days!