In the middle of summer, among the rolling hills of Manakin-Sabot in Virginia, a spectacular event took place within the walls of a Tudor-inspired estate. It was a showcase of creativity, culinary excellence, and the unmatched beauty of Dover Hall, making it a truly memorable experience for all who attended. Let’s take a detailed look at the mesmerizing day of pattern play that unfolded there.
"We hosted a punchy, flower-powered planner event to showcase our estate, award-winning culinary program, and position Dover Hall as the ultimate destination for a wedding weekend experience on the East Coast."
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the impressive facade of Dover Hall, an estate that effortlessly combines historic European charm with modern elegance.
The expansive 38,000 sq. ft. venue, with its grand ballroom and lush green surroundings, provided the perfect canvas for a day of floral and pattern-filled splendor. The design details were meticulously curated by Laura Ritchie with Grit + Grace Inc, who brought the vision to life with an array of vibrant colors and patterns that juxtaposed beautifully with the estate’s moody interior.
Guests were welcomed with a dress code of ditsy floral, colorful, and pattern play attire, perfectly complementing the evening’s theme. As they arrived, they were treated to an interactive tour of the estate. The Veil Hair and Makeup Co. hosted a lip and lash bar in the Queen Elizabeth room, giving guests a taste of the luxurious getting-ready experience at the estate. “A few of our first-floor rooms featured culinary stations, and we even had Silvia from SV Fine Arts doing watercolor guest portraits on the Mezzanine,” shared Rachel.
The initial plan for an al fresco dining experience was changed because of Virginia’s unpredictable weather. “You’d never guess that the dinner location was actually Plan B!” shared Rachel. But the 2,400-square-foot ballroom provided an intimate and elegant setting for the evening’s dinner.
"We really wanted to use round tables to form a 'caterpillar,' and the vision was to use patterns and colors inside of Dover Hall we typically do not see."
The ballroom was a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. Each table, covered in vibrant linens, was a masterpiece of design. The eclectic mix of floral arrangements featured bright blooms and delicate greenery, creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere. The florist, Sophie Felts, made flowers “growing” whimsically from the tables, adding a touch of natural beauty to the bold design. Guests found themselves surrounded by a sea of color, with every detail carefully considered to enhance the theme of pattern play.
"We couldn't highlight this event without talking about the culinary experience."
One of the important elements of the event was the exquisite dinner, a significant part of what Dover Hall offers. Led by Virginia’s Chef of the Year, Dover Hall’s Executive Chef Leah Randolph, the guests were treated to a thoughtful four-course meal paired with wines from Dover Hall’s own 7 Lady Vineyards. “The meal started with a bright and colorful amuse-bouche featuring compressed watermelon and mint oil and ended with seared scallops with a roasted corn puree,” Rachel detailed.
The dining tables, set with vintage-inspired tableware and glassware, added a touch of whimsy to the elegant setting. Guests enjoyed each course surrounded by the beauty of the floral arrangements and the soft glow of candlelight.
The grand reveal of the Frangelico panna cotta with passion fruit gelee, displayed over dry ice, provided a spectacular finale to the dining experience.
Throughout dinner, the talented RVA Harpist’s melodies created a serene atmosphere. Later in the evening, Drew Dunbar‘s singer-songwriter performance brought a lively energy to the gathering.
To ensure the guests remembered this vibrant day, they were given beautiful gift bags and Polaroid photos, capturing the joyful moments of the evening.
VENUE & HOST Dover Hall, Dover Hall Experiences | PLANNING & DESIGN Laura Ritchie with Grit + Grace Inc | PHOTOGRAPHER Abby Jiu Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Alex Clayton Film Co. | FLORALS Sophie Felts | MUAH The Veil Hair and Makeup Co. | RENTALS Something Vintage | STATIONERY Sugar Taylor | ARTIST SV Fine Arts | MUSIC RVA Harpist, Drew Dunbar | TRANSPORT Richmond Limousine
