The styled wedding at Heigh Torr Estate started with a dream of bringing a bit of Europe into Virginia with elegant touches, soft yet bright colors and classic florals. The planners wanted to show that you needn’t travel to the French countryside to design your dream destination wedding.
Styled Wedding Shoot
They concocted a backstory for this fairytale photoshoot of a couple who met while studying abroad, bringing the aesthetic and history of the love they shared into their wedding day.
A European Inspired Wedding in Virginia Wine Country
Destination weddings are always popular, but not necessarily convenient. The planners for this styled wedding strove to show that with creative design and the right venue, you can host your dream international wedding right here at home. The recently opened venue at Heigh Torr Estate has the perfect stone outbuildings and old world touches to recreate the French countryside right here in Virginia.
They sourced pieces from the wedding from Europe, including the bride’s Millia London ballgown. The masterpiece of fairytale ruffles and tulle came from an English designer, and even the paper for the stationary came from London. This elegant wedding brought the romance of Europe home to Virginia.
Romantic Touches for a European Inspired Wedding
Romance reigned supreme in the design of this wedding. White and rose-colored stationery complemented the pink and peach florals used in the bouquet and a floral-patterned lining in the envelopes added a special extra touch. The two lowest tiers of the four-tiered cake boasted pale gold borders, and the rest of the cake was iced in simple white buttercream with fresh flowers perched on top.
The escort wall boasted the words “signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours.” Beside it, a painted, flower-bedecked mailbox in a nostalgic allusion to the letters the couple would have exchanged during their long-distance romance.
Delicate English Inspired Garden Florals
Peach, pink, white and a bit of lilac in the blooms balanced the fairytale bouquet. The soft florals paired well with the airy tulle sleeves of the bridal gown and brought to mind an English spring garden.
The arrangements on the table were bolder, adding in dark salmon, light orange and deep pink to create a more colorful statement while still maintaining that delicate elegance. The brighter colors of these arrangements made an important contrast to the table settings, which consisted of silver, crystal and very pale pink. Adding the slightly bolder colors into the floral arrangements allowed the neutral table settings to be muted while still maintaining a cohesive color palette.
Patterned wallpaper adorned the panels of the chic custom bar. Flowering branches climbed up the side of the bar in white and silver-blue for a customized French-inspired flair.
Incorporating European Inspired Décor at Your Reception
Silver flatware, white plates and crystal glasses were complemented by an embroidered white tablecloth, light pink napkins and brighter florals at one table, where white wood chairs with carved round backs waited for guests to sit. The other table was rustic wood and paired smaller arrangements with a silky lilac table runner, pink tapered candles and gold flatware. The caned chairs at this table added to the rustic vibe, and all place settings featured a menu on customized dusty pink stationery highlighting the meal options. ~
This lovely styled wedding highlighted the versatility of Virginia wedding venues. From the mountains to forest all the way to the beaches of the Eastern Shore, Virginia has something to offer every couple. With a little bit of imagination and a strong vision, couples can create their dream wedding venue from anywhere in the world right here in the Commonwealth, and we love seeing the creativity people employ to make their special day perfect. ~
wedding vendors
Planner: Jessica Ashley Events
Photography: Anna+Mateo
Florals: Darling & Daughters
Venue: Heigh Torr Estate
Calligraphy & Signage: Inkwell Scripted, Blissful Design and Décor, Studio Wren Co
Videography: Harrison Films
Cake: Blue Lace Cakes
Hair: Cheryl Christine Hair Design
Makeup: Makeup by Kevan
Gowns: Millia London, Stesha Ho
Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Rentals: Select Event Group, Something Vintage Rentals
Violinist: Atoka String Quartet
Models: Kingsley Models
Vintage Car: RLS Wedding Car Services
Tent Rental: Sugarplum Tents
