Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, US
Setting: Vineyard
The number of guests: 115
Wedding Season: Late Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1.5 years
Wedding theme/style: Summer, light, classic, timeless.
Mallory, originally from a small town in Florida, moved to Virginia for her first job as a NICU nurse. Zack, a Virginia native, and Virginia Tech graduate met Mallory through her coworker, now their mutual best friend. They first connected on Thanksgiving Eve at a local bar in Arlington, Virginia, where Mallory playfully teased Zack about his hockey jersey. Their first date at a Capitals hockey game was filled with conversation, and their bond grew stronger from that night on. After three years of dating, Zack proposed at a winery in Charlottesville, a special place for the couple. He had planned the entire weekend as a surprise, with close friends and family there to celebrate the moment.
They envisioned a very personal celebration with their closest friends and family, filled with natural elegance and an airy atmosphere. Above all, they wanted the day to be surrounded by overwhelming love. The talented planners at Erin Cleveland Events flawlessly executed their vision, handling everything from the decor and personal touches to the lively evening, ensuring a perfect day for the couple and their guests.
It felt perfect for Mallory and Zack to get married in Charlottesville, Virginia, continuing to create memories in the beautiful wine country. While touring venues, they quickly decided that Keswick Vineyards was the ideal location for their special day. Everything about the venue felt right to them, with its breathtaking beauty at every turn. They dreamed of an outdoor vineyard ceremony followed by a tented reception, and Keswick Vineyards was the perfect setting to bring their vision to life.
Mallory’s wedding morning was brimming with memorable moments and emotions as she prepared for her big day. Embracing a classic and timeless vision, she chose a simple yet elegant dress that felt perfect for her. Though it wasn’t what she initially expected, she knew it was the one as soon as she tried it on. Mallory opted for a simple wavy updo and natural glam makeup to feel like herself on her special day. She also loves pearls, so many accessories included pearls – her earrings, a necklace from Zack, and her shoes.
The first look between Mallory and her father was incredibly touching. She gave him custom cufflinks with a photo of her as a baby and a personalized handkerchief with the quote “all my heart,” a phrase he always said when they exchanged “I love you” while she was growing up.
Zack wore a classic navy blue tuxedo with black lapels, a white shirt, and a timeless black bow tie. One of the most heartfelt details was his cuff links, which featured an image of their beloved dog, Milo, who couldn’t be there in person.
The first look between Mallory and Zack was filled with heartfelt emotions and genuine joy. When Zack turned around to see his wife-to-be, his expression softened into a mix of awe and tears. This touching first look set the tone for the rest of their special day, encapsulating the profound love and bond between Mallory and Zack. The vineyard backdrop and their heartfelt expressions made this moment truly unforgettable.
After the first look Mallory and Zack took a walk with their bridal party, creating some cherished pre-ceremony moments. The bridesmaids, dressed in elegant sage green gowns, carried beautiful bouquets that complemented Mallory’s own stunning bouquet. They surrounded the lovebirds with love and support, setting a heartwarming tone for the ceremony.
Zack and Mallory’s ceremony was a truly unforgettable experience, set against the stunning lush vineyards, fulfilling Mallory’s dream of an all-outdoor wedding. The uniqueness of the venue added to the charm of the day, with the vineyard’s natural beauty enhancing the intimate atmosphere. Mallory’s brother officiated the ceremony, adding a deeply personal touch. He had free rein over the script, sharing heartfelt and humorous stories that brought smiles and tears to everyone present.
The highlight was undoubtedly the couple’s personalized vows, a heartwarming exchange that left both Zack and Mallory in tears and captured the depth of their love. On this warm summer day, thoughtful details like paper hand fans were provided to guests, ensuring everyone remained comfortable throughout the touching ceremony. It was a perfect blend of personal touches and natural beauty, creating a ceremony that was both special and memorable.
The cocktail hour took place in a charming courtyard right next to the elegant white sailcloth tent where the reception was held. Since the bride’s favorite cocktail is an espresso martini, it was chosen as one of the signature drinks for the evening. They even had an impressive espresso martini tower! After the ceremony, the bridal party enjoyed this delightful treat together, making it the perfect way to celebrate Zack and Mallory’s marriage.
Mallory and Zack wanted their wedding to feel classic and timeless, simple yet elegant. Choosing the venue reminded them of their travels to Italy the previous year. They opted for natural, simple colors to complement the vineyard and the manor, settling on a palette of sage green, navy, and white. Their dog Milo inspired the bar signs and signature drinks, with personalized signs and napkins in his honor. Every detail of this dream wedding was meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed by Erin Cleveland Events. The team paid attention to every element, from the decor and personalized touches to the seamless coordination of the day’s events, ensuring that the couple’s vision came to life beautifully. Their expertise and dedication allowed the couple to enjoy their special day without any worries, knowing everything was in perfect hands.
The reception was filled with warm and touching moments. Instead of a traditional champagne toast, the couple opted for a limoncello toast, a nod to their love for Italy, which they visited right after getting engaged. For the bridal party entrances, the couple chose to have everyone meet them on the dance floor after their grand entrance. They were announced for the first time as a married couple while dancing to “Gimme Gimme” by ABBA, a fun hint at their upcoming honeymoon in Greece.
One special touch was inspired by the bride’s father’s love for ice cream. As a surprise for him and all the guests, the dessert of the night was ice cream from the Moo Thru Ice Cream truck. The couple also chose to have a private and personal cake cutting with one of their favorite local cakes.
When a severe storm rolled in just after the dance floor opened, the reception party had to be moved into the carriage house. What could have been a downer turned into a more intimate celebration. The DJ and bar moved with the party, and the couple and guests sang and danced the night away, even enjoying a joyful dance in the rain. Love was in the air, no matter where they celebrated.
Advice from the couple:
• Follow your heart when planning the day, including personal touches that you will cherish forever. Make planning your wedding special, we would go on date nights once a month and check one thing off our wedding planning every month to make it fun and less stressful.
• Enjoy every minute of the day and remember the real reason you are there, love. Embrace the love of all your family and friends in one place.
• During the ceremony and reception, take a minute just to look out and see all of your loved ones there to celebrate you, it truly is so so special.
PLANNER Erin Cleveland Events | VENUE Keswick Vineyards | PHOTO Ashley Eagleson | VIDEO Brian Schornberg | FLORALS Willow Branch Flowers | HAIR Avenue 42 | MAKEUP Captivating Complexion | TRANSPORTATION Quick Bus | RENTALS MS Events | ICE CREAM TRUCK Moo Thru | CATERING Exchange Events | DJ Carter Ward of Fordson Labs
