Stephanie & Michael’s Socially-Distant Vineyard Wedding

A Stunning Virginia COVID Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

All set to celebrate their love story in May 2020, COVID-19 shifted their plans. However, it did not hinder the couple’s love story. Stephanie and Michael decided to reimagine their special day into a socially-distanced July wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, where they welcomed a decreased number of 50 guests in person and scheduled a livestream for the additional guests attending virtually. The details that went into the day capture and highlight the beauty that is summer in Virginia wine country. 

The couple visited Pippin Hill on their first road trip together and fell in love with the setting and scenery. 

Incorporating Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards into their special day was an easy decision, after visiting on their first trip together as a couple. Their shared interest in the Blue Ridge Mountains and wine only added to their decision on choosing this venue to begin the next stage of their lives together. Knowing his future wife’s desire to have her wedding there, Michael scheduled their wedding at the vineyard prior to popping the question and out of certainty of Stephanie’s love for him.

Pippin Hill’s symbolic meaning was also showcased on their paper suites as well as on their favors.

The pair chose a soft pink and white color palette, mixing in off-white tones with garden roses, peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas and eucalyptus arrangements. Their vision was to nod to the colors of the season while creating a cohesive theme. The bride carried the colors into the light pink, floral bridesmaid dresses, which complemented her short-sleeved, floral bridal gown. The subtle sparkles on the gown’s skirt helped Stephanie draw all eyes to her.

To ensure safety for their guests, the couple created distance between the chairs with stunning floral arrangements that also lined the aisle.

Awaiting his bride at the end of the aisle, Michael stood beneath an oval-shaped floral masterpiece that offset the blue hues of the Blue Ridge Mountains before them. 

They also had a live painter present to capture the wedding in a work of art they could cherish for years to come.

As guests came together in The Granary, they were in awe of the garden fairytale theme.

As guests found their seats in The Granary for the reception, they were greeted by extra-spaced-out tables decorated with more stunning floral arrangements paired with candles, crystal and gold accents visible in the vases and silverware. The pink charger plates complemented the centerpieces, pulling each tablescape together. And, the napkins were a subtle, yet beautiful addition to each place setting. While overhead, chandeliers decorated with greenery added height to the space and created an eye-catching accessory.

At the head table, arrangements matching Stephanie’s bouquet sat atop a pink chiffon table runner and were accompanied by pink and white candles. Above the table hung a breathtaking arrangement of greenery sprinkled with the same pink and white flowers visible throughout the day.

Finally Mr. and Mrs., Stephanie and Michael entered the hall sporting festive face masks. 

Completing the theme was the traditional-style, three-tiered cake decorated in real flowers and greenery and enclosed in an acrylic case. Beneath the white icing was a layer of toasted almond poppy seed filled with chocolate ganache and almond mousse filling, a layer of cream cheese pound cake with lemon flavoring, and a layer of hummingbird cake.

To end their dream wedding, the bride and groom left beneath a sparkler lit arch and headed off in a vintage car.  ~

Photographer: Jen Fariello Photography

Planning: Just a Little Ditty

Venue & Caterer: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Florals: Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs

Hair & Beauty Stylist: Avenue 42

Rentals: Festive Fare Rentals, Emerson James Rentals and Beehive Events

Entertainment: The Retreat

Painter: WedonCanvas

Transportation: Winn Transportation and James Limo

Departure Car: Albemarle Limo

Lighting/Ceremony Audio: Blue Ridge Event Production

Cake: Favorite Cakes

Videographer: Shaking Hands Productions

Printed Materials: Emily Mayne Studio

Calligraphy: If So Inklined

Welcome Boxes: Feast