Ally and Kory’s wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, was like stepping into an English garden-core fairytale. With colorful flowers, sweet personal touches, and a hint of Bridgerton-inspired charm, their celebration felt effortlessly unique. The Gallison Hall set the perfect scene, and their photographer Kate Thompson perfectly captured every detail like a Pinterest dream. It was a spring day full of love, laughter, and vibrant energy.
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Style: Whimsical, elegant, sophisticated
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 140
Setting: Estate
Season: Spring
Ally and Kory’s story began in 2018 when they both worked at an advertising agency in Los Angeles. Before long, they were paired up as a creative team, spending 40 hours a week side by side brainstorming ideas. Endless office hours soon turned into evenings “working late,” which was just an excuse to spend more time together. Many months later, they finally confessed their true feelings. Of course, everyone at their office had known they’d end up together long before they did.
In April 2023, Kory proposed to Ally after dinner at their favorite restaurant, Found Oyster. He then drove her to a scenic overlook in the Hollywood Hills, where he expressed his gratitude for the city that brought them together. There were tears, and, of course, she said a big “yes!”
Bridal Morning
Ally’s bridal look perfectly captured her Old Hollywood-inspired vision. For the ceremony, she wore an off-the-shoulder ivory silk gown by Lihi Hod, featuring a corseted bodice and sweeping train. Her hair was styled in soft vintage waves, and the makeup by Ave 42 Salon kept things classic with a bold lip that tied the whole look together. Ally added a mix of sentimental accessories, including diamond earrings borrowed from her maid of honor, a family bracelet, and a little blue crystal earring for good luck.
Vintage-inspired lace heels with pearl details and the fresh, floral scent of L’Eau Sézane were the perfect finishing touches. Her bouquet by Steelcut Flower Co, bursting with colorful spring blooms, added a pop of fun to her elegant style and perfectly mirrored the event’s vibrant aesthetic.
For the reception, Ally chose a playful long-sleeve guipure lace dress by Lela Rose, mixing modern elegance with comfort and allowing her to dance the night away in style.
Kory went for a sharp yet modern look. He wore a double-breasted black tuxedo with wide fabric lapels, glossy black loafers, and a crisp white shirt. His boutonniere by Bryanna at Steelcut echoed Ally’s bouquet, adding a sweet connection between their styles.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Ally and Kory had a quiet moment together in Gallison Hall’s sun-drenched solarium. The towering windows and soft light created the perfect setting for their first look. Kory’s touchy reaction and Ally’s radiant smile said it all, and the moment gave them both a chance to breathe and take it all in.
The photographer Kate Thompson worked her magic, capturing the moment in both digital and film photography. The film shots had this gorgeous, dreamy vibe that made everything feel extra special. It was the perfect mix of modern and timeless, and the couple now have stunning images to look back on, letting them relive the magic and emotion of their first look for years to come.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in front of Gallison Hall’s hundred-year-old brick gates, beautifully decorated with lush greenery and pastel florals. Guests were welcomed by an orchestral playlist of pop hits, including Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend,” creating a lighthearted yet elegant atmosphere. Ally made her entrance to a piano cover of “Saw You In A Dream” by Japanese House, setting the tone for a heartfelt and modern ceremony.
The bridal party added another layer of beauty to the scene, with bridesmaids dressed in mismatched pastel and floral dresses that perfectly complemented the garden-like setting. A close friend officiated the ceremony, keeping things light and personal with stories about the couple.
The photographer recalled, “Kory’s sister read a passage on mastering the art of love — spoiler: it’s impossible — that left very few eyes dry.” Ally and Kory wrote their vows, adding a sweet and emotional touch. A funny highlight was when Kory leaned in for a kiss too soon, and Ally whispered, “Not yet!” — a moment with everyone laughing.
Cocktail Hour
Following the charming ceremony, guests enjoyed Southern-inspired snacks by C&O, including fried green tomatoes and Virginia ham on cheddar scones. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, with clear skies and warm sunshine. Guests sipped on cocktails while mingling both indoors and outside, soaking up the beautiful day and the relaxed atmosphere.
Private Moment
After the cocktail hour, Ally and Kory took a little time just for themselves, stepping away from the buzz of the celebration. They wandered through the estate’s grounds, taking in the beauty of the spring garden as it burst back to life after winter. The fresh blooms and soft green leaves set the perfect scene for them to pause, breathe, and soak in the joy of being newlyweds. It was a peaceful, happy escape before diving back into the celebration.
Kate Thompson joined them in the most natural way, capturing these moments without ever interrupting their flow. Shooting during golden hour, she made magic happen — every photo had that gorgeous, warm glow and felt so full of life. These photos are now a perfect keepsake of such a sweet and personal part of their day.
Decor & Setting
The reception took place under a beautiful white tent on the estate lawn. Bistro lights and greenery strung overhead gave the space a magical, cozy vibe, while the tables, set with simple white linens and colorful floral arrangements, added pops of charm. Blue-and-white porcelain plates brought in that classic English garden touch, tying the whole look together. Brianna and Kara from Amore Events Co. worked their magic to make every detail feel effortless and stunning.
“Kory and Ally spent weeks writing a personal letter to each of their 140 guests—including the toddler flower girls! — to thank them for the role they’ve played in their lives and relationship,” shared the planners. The handwritten notes were displayed on painted wooden boards near the entrance and doubled as a creative seating chart, with table numbers neatly tucked into the envelopes. It was such a thoughtful and unique way to make every guest feel special.
Reception
The reception kicked off with Ally and Kory’s grand entrance to Tame Impala’s “Is It True,” which transitioned into their first dance to “Oh, What a World” by Kasey Musgraves. It became one of the most touching moments for the couple. The overwhelming love and support from their guests left them speechless, and it was a moment they’ll never forget.
The night was full of personal touches: Ally’s brother performed a special song for the father-daughter dance, and Kory and his mom shared a sweet moment dancing to “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple worked with Cake Bloom to create a whimsical display of eight naked cakes, each topped with fresh fruit and edible flowers. Guests couldn’t get enough of the funky flavors, and the cakes were almost too pretty to eat.
The dance floor was packed all night, thanks to DJ Ryan Clark, who played everything from funk classics to 90s country and modern hits. As the night came to a close, guests chanted for “one more song,” wrapping up the celebration with a burst of energy and joy.
Advice from the couple:
• Be selfish and dance! You will want to talk to every single guest for a long time, do your best actually to dance at your own wedding. We didn’t do nearly enough of it. It all went so incredibly quickly, it felt like five seconds. Make sure to stop and soak it in.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Thompson | VIDEOGRAPHER Paper Bird Weddings | PLANNER & DESIGN Kara & Brianna from Amore Events Co | FLORALS Bryanna from Steelcut Flower Co | VENUE Gallison Hall | MUAH Ave 42 Salon | DRESS Lihi Hod | BRIDAL SHOP NWLA Bridal | CAKES Cake Bloom | STATIONERY Minted, Paperless Post, Blumens Wedding Paper | CATERING C&O | DJ Ryan Clark
