Will and Catherine’s spectacular September wedding merged traditional taste with classic accents visible from their attire to the color palette.
A Magical Real Wedding on a Family’s Virginia Estate
Will and Catherine’s spectacular September Real Wedding began with an unanticipated storm prior to the ceremony but left a double rainbow in its wake. Once the weather cleared up, guests made their way from the rain tent to the ceremony site, during which Catherine was able to personally welcome their guests and enjoy a special, yet unexpected, moment.
After Catherine made her way down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband, Will, they said their vows while standing on the bride’s favorite childhood location at her family’s farm.
The wedding combined aspects from several of the couple’s cherished locations. The all-around setting incorporated the beautiful Shenandoah Valley that the bride knows and loves, while Will and Catherine displayed their love of travel through their reception details. In particular, the food highlighted their connection to Italy, where they took their first trip as a couple and did a return visit after their engagement.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a sparkling cocktail hour in the gardens decorated with Chinese lanterns. A band accompanied the moment with New Orleans jazz from the front porch. Throughout cocktail hour, guests left advice for the couple on a “wisdom tree,” where they wrote their marital lessons on paper leaves attached to branches.
Once it came time for the reception, the band led guests from the front porch to the reception tent to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Guests followed an illuminated path in a procession behind the band, playing along with hand-painted tambourines provided by the newlyweds.
Each seat at the beautiful, candlelit tables was marked with postcards resembling favorite places the bride and groom have traveled to together, both at home and abroad. Ladies were gifted with pashminas placed on their seats along with a note reading, “To have and to hold in case you get cold.” As everyone danced the night away, they enjoyed a dessert tent featuring some of the couple’s favorite Italian desserts like tiramisu and gelato.
At the end of the reception, Will rowed Catherine away across the pond as guests helped send them off into their voyage of marriage. The couple was treated to a surprise firework display as they left—a gift from their family that beautifully ended an already magical day. ~
wedding vendors
Photographer: Jen Fariello Photography
Planning: Arney Walker Studio
Venue: Family Farm
Florals: Shawn Cossette of Beehive Events
Beauty & Hair Stylist: Claudine Fay
Catering & Cake: Occasions Caterers
Entertainment: Rio of EBE Talent
Rentals: Skyline Tent Company
Bridal Dress: Mira Zwillinger
Cinematographer: eMotion Pictures Wedding Films
Stationery: Arney Walker Calligraphy
This wedding was featured in Wine & Country Weddings Volume 5 magazine.
