Set against the stunning backdrop of Goodstone’s 265-acre farm, Mariana and Frank’s wedding day radiated with European elegance and coastal charm, a tribute to Mariana’s Italian heritage. The European coastal theme, inspired by her time teaching abroad in Italy and her love for international travel, was beautifully brought to life through every detail, from the florals designed by Mariana and her mother to the sailcloth tent reception.
Location: Middleburg, Virginia, USA
Style: Coastal, chic, relaxed
Time of planning: 18 months
Number of guests: 130
Setting: Ceremony – garden, reception – tent
Season: Summer
Mariana and Frank, two Northern Virginia natives, met through a dating app called Bumble. Their first date was a casual lunch at a local bar, Glory Days, over cheese fries and wings. The simplicity of that initial meeting laid the foundation for a beautiful relationship.
Three years later, Frank proposed during an intimate family Christmas brunch. Their engagement spanned 18 months, during which Frank completed rigorous training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, including officer candidate school, Ranger and Airborne schools. They chose Labor Day weekend for their wedding, giving their guests a chance to enjoy a memorable weekend affair at the breathtaking Goodstone Inn and Restaurant in Middleburg, Virginia.
Welcome Day
The couple’s vision for their wedding was clear from the start: a relaxed yet elegant celebration filled with personal touches. Vida Events meticulously planned and executed the event, ensuring every detail resonated with the couple’s wishes.
Their wedding weekend kicked off with a warm welcome day, where close friends and family gathered together. It was the perfect way to start the festivities, surrounded by those they love most.
"Recruiting and hiring the right wedding planning team is essential to lighten the stress of preparation and flawless execution of your big day. Find someone with experience on the day of execution with whom you connect and share your vision for your guest experience. Kylie with Vida Events was pivotal in seeing my vision through. Her experience, taste, ideas meshed with our collaboration truly made our day and the entire weekend so, so special. Kylie is a friend turned family through this process, and I couldn’t have done it without her!"
Bridal Morning
The bride and her bridesmaids prepared for the big day at the Manor House, each residing in various homes and cottages on the property throughout the weekend. Mariana looked stunning in a sleek, classic gown from Ava Laurenne Bride, paired with delicate accessories that complemented her timeless look.
Her bouquet, a beautiful arrangement by Vintage Floral Designs, featured white blooms and lush greenery, mirroring the European coastal theme. Mariana’s father couldn’t hold back tears during their first look.
“Choosing this venue allowed us to stay on campus with our closest friends and family, making it even more special. We had the opportunity to truly soak in and reflect on our lives together and our decision to spend the rest of our lives with one another. It was a magical time in our lives.”
Groom's Fashion
Frank and his groomsmen stayed at the French Cottage, donning classic black tuxedos with elegant boutonnieres. He and the father of the bride wore special wedding socks gifted by Mariana, adding a personal touch to their attire.
"Provide emotional support to your fiancé throughout the planning process and understand she’s been envisioning this day for a lifetime. Often times, grooms start thinking about the big day sometime around when we, as a couple, set the date. Knowing the stark contrast between the bride’s and groom’s planning horizon for the wedding day helps to put into perspective the stress of making the day perfect for the couple, wedding party and guests."
First Look
The couple’s first look was a beautiful moment, secluded and away from the crowd, allowing them to share their vows in private. This quiet time together, just the two of them, set the tone for the day.
“Our first look was so special—our time to see each other and say our vows to each other alone. Away from everyone else and all the busyness of the day."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a picturesque outdoor setting, framed by a lush ivy wall that served as a stunning backdrop. The pathway leading to the altar was adorned with white and blue floral arrangements, adding an elegant touch to the natural surroundings. Golden chiavari chairs lined the aisle, creating a warm contrast against the vibrant greenery. The entrance, overflowing with matching florals, perfectly framed the space where Mariana and Frank would stand. The setting was beautifully complemented by the late summer sun, casting a soft, natural light over the ceremony area.
As the string quartet played a slow version of “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, guests were immersed in a classic and timeless atmosphere. Mariana, escorted by her father, walked down the aisle towards Frank, who stood waiting with an eager smile.
The ceremony, officiated by Mariana’s older brother, was a heartfelt celebration of their love and commitment. After being pronounced husband and wife, they shared a joyful kiss, and guests showered them with delicate flower petals as they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, to begin their journey as a married couple.
“Consider exchanging your personally-written vows privately before the ceremony. This allows you to express your emotions fully, without becoming overwhelmed during the ceremony itself.”
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour took place by the pool, where guests were treated to refreshing drinks and delightful hors d’oeuvres amidst the lush garden setting. Soft music played in the background, enhancing the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere as everyone mingled and celebrated the newlyweds.
The couple opted for live watercolor paintings instead of a traditional photobooth, offering guests a truly unique experience. Talented artists captured the essence of each attendee in beautiful, hand-painted portraits, adding a personal and artistic touch to the cocktail hour. It was a memorable and interactive element that guests loved, providing them with a cherished keepsake to remember the day by.
Moment Alone
Mariana and Frank took a few moments alone to bask in the joy of their newlywed status. Strolling through the serene grounds of the farm, they shared quiet laughter and exchanged loving glances, taking in the beauty of the lush surroundings and the significance of the day. Their photographer, Hanna Baldwin, captured these intimate moments, preserving the genuine emotions and the connection they felt in those precious minutes together.
"Throughout the entire weekend we were blessed to have our precious miniature Australian shepherd named Luna with us on the property. She loved the venue!"
Decor & Setting
The reception was a display of elegance and sophistication under a sailcloth tent adorned with lush floral arrangements. The tablescapes featured delicate blue and white china, crystal glassware, and vibrant blue goblets, all complemented by soft blue linen napkins. Fresh tulips and greenery-filled vases graced each table, creating a fresh, European-inspired atmosphere.
Personalized oyster shells, hand-collected and painted, served as unique place cards, adding a thoughtful and personal touch to the setting. The overall decor was a perfect blend of rustic charm and refined beauty, with lanterns and floral arrangements enhancing the romantic ambiance as the sun set over the countryside.
"Party favors included jars of rosemary-infused olive oil imported directly from Mariana's grandfather in Italy and bottled with rosemary grown by Mariana herself. The labels and tags were designed by her, and the final product was carefully assembled by the bride and both mothers, making it a truly meaningful and personal gift for each guest."
Reception
The evening continued with the couple’s first dance to a song that held special meaning for them, followed by a delightful dinner and heartfelt toasts from the father of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor.
Of course, the cocktail hour and reception were amazing–people, food, music, dancing. And I surprised Frank with the Bourbon and Cigar Lounge!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fairy lights twinkled to life, casting a warm glow and creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Guests gathered in anticipation as the couple moved to the center for the traditional cake-cutting. Their cake, an exquisite three-tiered masterpiece by Signature Sweets by Amanda, was beautifully adorned with fresh berries and figs,
The celebration continued late into the night with a donut truck from Strites Donuts serving sweet treats and a surprise performance by a live band that had everyone on their feet.
“Near the end, when the donut truck came and people were starting to leave, we got to sit down with our bridal party around the fire pit and chill out. We had hotdogs to roast on the firepit, and then we all went for a swim in our bridal clothes! What a way to end our wedding day!” shared Mariana.
Advice from the couple:
• Disappointment is a part of life that comes up when hopes or expectations aren’t met. It will happen during the wedding planning and even during the wedding execution. How we react to the situation presents an opportunity to grow as people and in relationships.
(Note the crack in the mirror after hours of DIY effort just days before the wedding day!)
As the new couple begins their life together, use this recipe to recover from life’s inevitable disappointments:
- Be kind to yourself or whomever or whatever disappointed you.
- Surround yourself with good people and dogs who love you unconditionally.
- Address the disappointment but get the good feelings flowing as soon as possible.
- Make the disappointment a learning experience.
- Get back in the game and celebrate your resiliency.
PLANNER Vida Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Hanna Baldwin Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Whitecaps Film | VENUE Goodstone Inn and Restaurant | MAKEUP Bridal Glow with Victoria O | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Ava Laurenne Bride | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Azazie | ATELIER Tang’s Bridal and Bespoke | SUITS Generation Tux | CAKE Signature Sweets by Amanda | DESSERTS Strites Donuts, Bisnonna Bakeshop | FLORALS Vintage Floral Designs | RENTALS Something Vintage, Select Event Group, Stradley Davidson | TENT Sugarplum Tent Company | TRANSPORTATION Chariots for Hire | GOLF CARTS Royal Golf Carts | DJ Pat Premier through Chris Styles DJs | BAND Two Rivers Chamber Music | ARTIST Spencer Grace Art Space | WELCOME DAY Smoke On The Mountain | GUEST HOTEL Home2 Suites By Hilton – Chantilly Dulles Airport, VA
