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

More on Aileen + Lloyd (as told by the photographer):

Southern has always been a part of their lives. Aileen grew up in Warrenton and Lloyd in Haymarket but it wasn’t until College that the two happened upon one another in geology class at Radford University. Aileen sat two rows behind Lloyd and found him on Facebook using the class list. She decided to message him in class and told him she sat right behind him every class and couldn’t pay attention because of him! And that’s where their love story began.

Six and a half years later Lloyd decided to do everything Aileen told him not to do when it came to the proposal. He knew Aileen would suspect too much if he followed her directions on how to propose so he did it his way. She had specifically told him to never propose to her in a restaurant and so he did just that. One night, Lloyd and Aileen went to their favorite Italian restaurant with friends. Aileen ordered a martini before dinner and when the waiter brought it out to her, there was a ring inside. Aileen was speechless. She was 100% surprised and will tell you “I didn’t even have my nails done!”

Photographer: hay alexandra photography / Event Venue: Stable at Bluemont Vineyard / Event Planning + Floral Design: Event Studio / Ceiling Draping: Elegant Momentz / Hair Stylist: Hair and Makeup by Mandy J / Cinema and Video: Video Scrapbooks / DJ: Above and Beyond DJs / Dress Store: Blush Bridal Boutique / Floral Designer: Event Studio / Caterer: Savoir Fare Restaurant & Catering / Cake Designer: Shugar Shugar / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

From the Bride…

How Did You Meet?
Scott and I are actually from the same small town of Catskill, NY.  We went to High School together and our families still live 7 miles apart.  We knew of each other, but didn’t hang out in the same circle. 10 years after HS, I had moved to NYC from my stint in California and was throwing a holiday party. Our mutual friend called and said “Hey, you know who’s back in town, Scott Templeton, is it okay if he comes to your party?” I said of course, not really remembering him but being nervous because I wasn’t that cute in HS and was now 25 with a full mouth of adult metal braces, so not cute still! I went to meet them at a bar before the party and I remember opening the door seeing him and he turned around and smiled and he had braces too. We’ve been inseparable ever since that night. That was 8 years ago : )

How Did You Find Your Venue?
We actually found it through a caterer’s website that we didn’t end up going with. The vineyard only does 3 weddings a year and doesn’t really do any advertising. Some might call it fate ; )

What Was Your Planning Process Like?
I loved planning this wedding.  I had a hand in every detail, so it was amazing to see it all come together. I love looking at my pictures and reliving every moment. The greatest part has been hearing our friends say how much fun they had and what a beautiful wedding it was. We couldn’t have asked for anything else.

Photographer: Martina Micko  / Venue: Oak Summit Vineyard / Bride’s Dress and headpiece: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaid dresses: Amsale, purchased at Bella Bridesmaid / Brides Jewelry: Helzberg Diamonds / Brides Shoes: BHLDN / Hair + Make up:  Hair By Annaliese / Flowers: Fox Fodder Farm / Rings: Michael C. Fina, Tacori / Grooms Suits: Custom made, Carson Street Clothiers / Tuxedo Shirt:  J.crew / Grooms Shoes: Banana Republic / Taxi Cab: Silver Star Limo / Limos: A. S. O. Limousine Service, Inc. / Rentals: Big Top Rentals (tables, tent, linens, lighting, dance floor, stage, chairs, flatware, stemware, catering supplies) / Caterer: Oriole9 / Band: Silver Arrow Band / Planner: Cinderella4aday / Fireworks: Legion Fireworks / Executive Washroom Rental: Stone Industries

Their wedding, at the rustic, Mediterranean style God’s Mountain Estate in Penticton, BC is so beautiful that, I admit, I’ve included more photos in this post than any other all year. I simply couldn’t resist. The natural beauty of the location paired with the elegant rustic / vintage details infused with Annie and Duncan’s personalities is breathtaking. I hope it inspires you as much as it has me. Congrats Annie and Duncan, and thank you Well, Hello Photography for sharing this marvelous wedding with us!

From the Bride…

The Proposal:
We spend time at a magical place called God’s Mountain in Penticton, BC every year. A close family friend of Duncan’s owns the bed and breakfast. We have both spent a couple of summers up there living on the property and working on the vineyard and it is a very dear place to us. Last summer in August we were spending our vacation there. It was a gorgeous balmy night and we took some of our favorite local wine out into the vineyard to watch the sun setting. We were taking photos trying to capture the colors in the sky when Duncan set up the camera on the timer function. We posed with the pink sky and Skaha Lake behind us, and I was grinning at the camera when I noticed he wasn’t looking in the same direction. I turned to him and saw that he was looking at me instead. Soon he was on his knee spouting beautiful loving things to me (of which I remember none) and pulling out a ring box. I started crying once I realized what was happening and said ‘yes’. After the initial shock wore off Duncan said to me, ‘Oh and I had the camera set to video.’ So we have the whole thing recorded! God’s mountain had always been special to us and now it was even more so. We knew we had to have our wedding there, too.

Wedding Day Inspiration:
Inspiration for the wedding came mostly from the beauty that is already at God’s mountain. The property is 110 acres of Mediterranean bliss. Towering rock face surrounds it and lush vineyards lead down toward the whitewashed stucco buildings. There are olive trees swaying and always a warm breeze blowing in the summer. The guesthouse is filled to the brim with antiques and eccentric furniture and the whole place oozes with romance. It is an inspiring place to be and set the perfect tone for a rustic wedding with a little vintage elegance.

Most Memorable Moment:
Our most memorable moment of the wedding was really a series of moments at our dinner table. We sat at one long table with all of our guests and a stunning view behind us. We drank fabulous local wine and were served amazing seasonal food from local farms. Our friends and family stood up to make their speeches and we were overwhelmed at the love in their words. It was a very special time. 

Advice for future couples:
Your wedding day should reflect the two of you as a couple and what is important to you. There are no rules and your day should be a personal as possible. Our venue held special meaning to us, our officiant was a close friend, the food was served by a catering company I used to work for, and the wine was from the winery Duncan used to work for. We made our own playlist for the dance floor and we had our beloved dog as our ring bearer. Anywhere we could, we put ourselves into the wedding and it made everything feel so like ‘us’.

Photography: Well, Hello Photography / Ceremony & Reception: God’s Mountain Estate  / Wedding Dress: From Bella Sposa / Flowers: Budget Blooms / Cake: Cake by Annie / Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender / Veil: Gilded Shadows / Bridesmaids dresses: Asos, ModCloth, & forever2 / Hair and Makeup: Michelle Miller / Groom’s Suit: J. Crew / Caterers: Joy Road Catering / Cellist: Martin Kratky

Photographer: Brandi Smyth Photography / Floral Design + Hair Accessories: Mandy Cathey Weddings & Events / Dresses: Sarah Seven provided by Finery Boutique in Huntsville, AL / Hair: Cabello Hair Studio / Props: Pursuing Eden Vintage Rentals

The Proposal:
Harry proposed to me last July.  I was about to go to California to spend a week with my family, and he mentioned he had planned a surprise so we could spend some time together before I left.  He took me out on a big sailboat that the owner was steering, and popped the question when we were sitting on the front of the boat literally sailing into the sunset.  I had no idea!  Later that night, he took me to dinner at a place I’d wanted to try for a long time, a restaurant called Wink.  He had mentioned when he asked for reservations that he would be proposing that night, so they had menus printed with our names congratulating us. It was a wonderful afternoon and evening.

Wedding Inspiration:
For our wedding day, I was shooting for simple rustic elegance.  I wanted things to feel very natural, as we were out on a vineyard that was already gorgeous, and I wanted the flowers to look as they were hand-picked from the fields, without appearing too organized or symmetric. 

Most Memorable Moment:
For me, the most memorable moment was seeing my husband as I walked down the aisle.  The look on his face was more beautiful than I could believe.  He seemed so happy and eager. The rest of the night was lovely as well, but that was definitely the moment that took my breath away. 

Advice to Future Brides:
My advice to future brides would be to relax and have fun.  Once you’re there, you barely notice the cake, decorations, flowers, etc., that you so meticulously picked.  All you care about is being surrounded by friends and family celebrating your love for each other! 🙂

Photographer: Kelly Miranda Photography / Second Shooter: Elizabeth Jayne Photography / Venue: Becker Vineyards / Flowers: Gilded Petals / Dress: Mon Cheri Bridal / Rings: Calvin’s Jewelry / Catering: Werner’s Catering / Cake and Cupcakes: Central Market Bakery

Photography: Alixann Loosle Photography / Venue: Wadley Farms / Flowers: Audrey O’Brien of Studio Stems (violet vendor) / Wedding planner: Holly Fowler of Culinary Crafts / Stationery: Megan Bailey of Pink Piggy Design / Bride’s Dress + Shoes: Nancy Barrus from Avenia Bridal / Groom’s Suit: H&M / Groomsmen’s Suits: Mr. Mac / Rings: Custom by Dave Payne / Catering: Culinary Crafts / Cake: The Chocolate / Videographer: Brandon Petersen / DJ: Grant Olsen of The Gatsby’s