Dillon and McKenzie’s love story started in preschool.
Their mothers were best friends and their families shared their daily lives and holidays too.
Meet the Newlywed Couple
When McKenzie transferred into a different school, the two friends drifted apart.
An Iconic Fall Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
“I was very studious, and he was more into sports and music,” McKenzie remembered, “so we were peripherally aware of each other but didn’t cross paths as much.”
McKenzie was attending medical school at the University of Virginia when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and she went home to take remote classes.
Coordinating the Wedding Attendents
Dillon had moved back as well and they unexpectedly matched on a dating app. They started talking and the rest was history.
McKenzie particularly loved Pippin Hill Winery with its incredible food, delicious wine and fairy tale hydrangea bushes. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is an incredibly popular wedding venue in Virginia Wine Country, and the couple were determined to book it.
Fall Flowers and Bridesmaid Fashion at a Vineyard Wedding
The first time she and Dillon got their families together for a weekend away they went to Charlottesville for lunch at Pippin Hill Winery.
It felt only natural for them to have their wedding there.
At their fall wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, the iconic hydrangeas were beginning to darken, providing a warm golden glow.
McKenzie’s bridesmaids found their own dresses following a basic color scheme, an emerging trend that allows the wedding party to look and feel comfortable as well as beautiful.
An Elegant Reception at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
McKenzie chose a color scheme of pinks and creams.
They set up an outdoor cocktail reception including rented sofas and chairs to fully utilize the beautiful lawn at Pippin Hill Winery.
Their florist designed them an escort wall enveloped in soft moss that maintained the organic look the couple wanted and contrasted beautifully with the lighter colors of the flowers in the arrangements.
Incorporating Your Dog into a Winery Wedding
Their puppy Bri was the star of the show.
The ever-popular trend of incorporating beloved pets in weddings adds a special touch to the celebration. Pets can serve as ring bearers, flower animals, or even as part of the wedding party. Including them in the ceremony creates memorable moments and adds a personal touch to the event. Many couples find it heartwarming to have their beloved pets be a part of such a significant day in their lives.
Charming Pink Wedding Details at a Vineyard Wedding
McKenzie and Dillon ordered custom cookies designed with her face on them, and she made an appearance in their stationery suite.
The wedding cake, iced in marbled pink, had a tiny Bri made of modeling chocolate on the second tier. If you looked closely, the little model dog had eaten away at the buttercream and had a crumb of cake on her nose.
McKenzie and Dillon’s Happily Ever After
McKenzie traded her luxurious Mira Zwillinger gown for a sparkly, befeathered mini dress for the reception.
She was determined to have her “Barbie moment” and kept her hot pink Dior heeled sandals on all night, but they also handed out grippy socks to their guests so anyone who wanted could kick their shoes off and dance the night away in comfort. ~
For more inspirational advice about planning a wedding in Virginia Wine Country, be sure to get your copy of the Virginia Wine Country Wedding Planner or read the digital edition on our website. Find talented Virginia vendors on our partner pages, discover more beautiful weddings at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards and learn about some of our favorite Central Virginia barn venues.
wedding vendors
Venue: Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards
Planner: Donovan-Groves Events
Photographer: Gideon Photography
Filmographer: Scott Belanger Films
Florist: Sophie Felts
Stationer: Emily Baird Design
Cake: Cakes by Rachel
Dessert: One Creative Cookie
Lighting: Blue Ridge Event Production
Bridal Salon: Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Entertainment: Sam Hill Entertainment, A-Town A-List, The Bloom Trio
Rentals: White Glove Rentals
