Set before enchanting Blue Ridge Mountain views, these brides’ ethereal cherry blossom wedding captured the romance of the Virginia countryside.
Magical Wedding Inspiration at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Julia and Mechelle fell in love in Austin, Texas, while attending graduate school and knew that post-graduation would make for the perfect time to get engaged. With a one-year post-doctoral fellowship awaiting Julia in Oslo, Norway, the couple hoped to find the perfect venue before leaving. With gorgeous overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard’s magical landscape immediately awed Julia and Mechelle. The North Garden vineyard venue just south of Charlottesville inspired the enchanting and dreamy themes woven throughout their Real Wedding, creating an unforgettable day.
Charming Invitations & Sentimental Details
Cherry blossom wreaths adorned the brides’ save-the-dates and ring boxes—a sweet nod to their blooming venue and celebration. While, the invitations featured charming illustrations of several significant locations for the couple. Drawings of where they met in Texas, where they spent their engagement in Norway and where they were set to exchange their vows at Pippin Hill all added a meaningful and sentimental touch to the invitations.
Julia and Mechelle tied the knot under a dreamy round arch embellished with cherry blossoms and pink and white hydrangeas in an asymmetrical design.
Elegant Bridesmaids & Bouquets
Julia looked stunning in an elegant sweetheart-neckline ball gown that showcased a hint of sparkle, while Mechelle, a sight of her own, wore a glamorous strapless high-low gown accented by a bold floral print and a thin black belt along the waist. Reflecting both of their dress’s designs, the bridesmaids’ gowns featured solid shades and printed patterns alike in delicate tones of blush and sage, complemented with lush bouquets of blush and ivory roses.
Julia held a tight arrangement of peonies, lilacs and ranunculus in a bright palette of blush, ivory, peach and coral, and Mechelle chose a loose bouquet of ranunculus, lilacs and cherry blossom branches in tones of blush, cream and white.
A Lively Outdoor Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a fun cocktail hour on the lawn and veranda accompanied by the ‘60s Motown music of a string quartet. Flavorful hors d’oeuvres like kimchi steak tacos and grilled peaches paired perfectly with Pippin Hill’s wines. Attendees also enjoyed playing corn hole, ladder golf and life-size jenga.
When it was time to continue the festivities indoors, guests located their seating assignments for the reception on a see-through plaque embellished with the couple’s initials and the cherry blossom wreath that was also visible on the invitations.
In The Granary, chandeliers overflowing with cherry blossoms and glass orbs filled with sparkling lights hung over the head table, creating a romantic setting for the dinner. A spectacular wreath of the evening’s signature cherry blossoms served as an awe-inspiring centerpiece over the dance floor and added to the ethereal theme.
Among arrangements of ivory roses, coral peonies and lush greenery, each place setting was arranged with a pale gray napkin, layered ivory plates, gold flatware with black-dipped handles, and a crystal wine glass and champagne flute. For dinner, guests were treated to filet mignon with the option of either a Chesapeake Bay crab cake or a vegetarian chickpea cake. Accompanying the delicious menu were Pippin Hill’s exquisite Cabernet Franc and Viognier wines.
The night ended with a truly magical moment on the lawn. Holding sparklers, guests surrounded Julia and Mechelle as they cut their cake. The three-tiered confection satisfied both of the brides’ tastes with a layer of almond cake with hazelnut buttercream and a layer of chocolate cake filled with chocolate buttercream. While the front of the cake was detailed with the same cherry blossom wreath, the back displayed a romantic silhouette of the couple, helping create for a dreamy and intimate end to an unforgettable day. ~
wedding vendors
Photographer: Rebecca Yale
Planning: Just a Little Ditty
Venue & Catering: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Florals: Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs
Beauty & Hair Stylist: Avenue 42
Cake: Maliha Creations
Dessert: Crozet Creamery
Entertainment: Melodious Strings (Ceremony), DJ Derek Tobler (Reception)
Rentals: Paisley + Jade, Emerson James, Festive Fare
Bridal Dresses: Monique Lhullier, Essence of Australia
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Choo
Cinematographer: Monachetti Weddings
Lighting: Blue Ridge Event Production
Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors
Calligraphy: SA Style + Design
Vow Books: Wedding Story Writer
Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box
Transportation: James Limousine
