Set against the picturesque backdrop of lush vineyards, Lacy and Sam’s wedding was a blend of elegance, sentiment, and pure happiness. Masterfully coordinated by Erin Cleveland Events, every detail, from heartfelt tributes to humorous toasts, came together effortlessly. With golden sunsets, romantic touches, and a dance floor that stayed full all night, their day was nothing short of unforgettable.
Location: Keswick, Virginia, USA
Style: Classic, elegant, bold
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 140
Setting: Vineyards
Season: Summer
Lacy is an elementary school special education teacher and Sam is a medical student. They grew up just a neighborhood apart, their lives intertwining through mutual friends and shared childhood moments. In high school, the couple became close, bonding over soccer, volunteer events, and music. Though Lacy felt a spark her senior year, they remained friends as she left for UVA and Sam pursued soccer at Case Western. Distance didn’t break their connection, and when Sam transferred to UVA a year later, their friendship quietly evolved into something more.
Years later, Sam pulled off the perfect proposal at Lacy’s favorite place, Hilton Head Island. With family and friends secretly gathered under the Liberty Oak, he got down on one knee. Once Lacy said yes, her loved ones showed up with drinks in hand, ready to celebrate the couple’s new beginning.
Bride's Look
The bride opted for a classic white wedding gown with a structured bodice and a flowing A-line skirt by Jenny Yoo. The strapless design featured a soft, sweetheart neckline, creating a sleek, sophisticated look. To finish off her look, Lacy chose the Dolce Vita white open-toe heels with delicate ankle decorated with a row of shimmering pearls.
Her makeup by Hayley Joan was flawless, a soft glam style that enhanced her natural beauty while fitting the formal vibe of the day, miraculously lasting through the July heat. Jessica Comiskey styled the bride’s hair in a slicked-back tight bun decorated with delicate pearl pins. This choice kept her effortlessly polished and made her sheer, floor-length veil the true statement piece.
The breathtaking bouquet by Foxtail Cottage Floral, a delicate blend of white and soft peach blooms, added a romantic finishing touch to Lacy’s bridal look. Every detail, from her timeless gown to her flowing veil, came together in perfect harmony. As she stood beside her bridesmaid before the ceremony, laughter and excitement filled the room, a perfect reflection of the joy that surrounded the whole day ahead.
Groom's Fashion
The groom looked effortlessly sophisticated in a custom black tuxedo from Hall Madden. He paired the ensemble with SuitSupply velvet loafers, adding a touch of modern luxury, while his Converse x CDG sneakers provided a fun, personal twist for later in the celebration. A crisp white pocket square and a boutonnière featuring delicate white blooms complemented his sharp look, while the finishing touch, custom cufflinks gifted by Lacy, added a sentimental and meaningful detail.
Ceremony
When faced with the complex task of choosing a wedding style and the venue, Lacy and Sam found themselves torn between three vastly different visions — coastal blues, whimsical florals, and classic black. Moreover, the whirlwind of wedding planning took place during Sam’s medical school applications and the uncertainty of the couple’s next move. Their wedding planner, Erin from Erin Cleveland Events, masterfully helped Lacy and Sam navigate these indecision. By curating a mood board that showcased the elegance of bold black accents paired with crisp white florals, she gave them the clarity they needed.
The ceremony took place at the Keswick Vineyards. The grand white mansion with a fountain, decorated with lush rose arrangements, stood amid picturesque gardens, creating a charming and elegant backdrop. The rows of chairs, mirroring the curve of the fountain, formed an amphitheater-like setting, ensuring everyone had a perfect view of the couple as they exchanged vows. Each guest received a paper fan with a playful message: “Sorry we got married in July!”
Opting to skip a first look, the anticipation built until the walk down the aisle. The moment Lacy and Sam’s eyes met, they were completely captivated, taking in every detail of each other with admiration. Finally, the couple exchanged vows in front of a stunning fountain, with emerald-green vineyards stretching into the distance. The officiant guided Lacy and Sam to shape the vows with their own stories, making every word deeply personal.
"Guests shared with us that it was one of the most personal and intimate ceremonies that they had attended. It was full of laughter and love and felt just like us. We both chose to write our own vows, and they are words that I will keep forever."
As the ceremony came to a close, the couple shared a tender kiss, bathed in the golden glow of the summer sun. The warmth of the moment was met with loud cheers and applause from their loved ones, their joy echoing across the picturesque venue. It was a cinematic moment, marking the start of a beautiful new chapter.
Private Moment
With the sunset casting the sky in breathtaking golden and amber hues, Lacy and Sam stole away for a quiet moment together. Hand in hand, they ran through the vineyards, laughter filling the warm evening air. Amid the vines and the glow of the sun, they soaked in the magic of the day before returning to the joyful energy of the night’s celebration.
“Our photography was one of the most unique aspects of our day,” the bride recalls. Wanting natural, unposed, and elegant images, Lacy and Sam chose Abby Hart, a non-traditional, editorial-style photographer. Every frame was full of movement, warmth, and authenticity, perfectly capturing the beauty of the day.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony the guests gathered in the Keswick courtyard for a cocktail hour. The signature drink, a classic cosmopolitan, was more than just a refreshment, it was a tribute to Sam’s late mother, Marianne. Her lighthearted wisdom about cosmos was immortalized on each cocktail napkin: “One isn’t enough, two’s too many.”
Set against the lush greenery of the estate’s courtyard, the cocktail was filled with laughter and lively conversations. A sleek white bar, served as the focal point, while bistro lights overhead cast a warm glow. Guests mingled along stone pathways, their clinking glasses blending into the evening ambiance.
Meanwhile, Lacy and Sam slipped into their dancing shoes, ready to make their grand entrance. As the first notes of ‘All Your’n’ by Tyler Childers filled the air, Lacy and Sam stepped onto the dance floor, beaming with joy. Their dance was a perfect blend of elegance and playfulness, every step radiating their excitement. In the end, Sam lifted Lacy into the air, sending a wave of cheers and applause through the crowd.
Reception
The outdoor reception took place under a grand white canopy tent, surrounded by lush greenery and vineyard views, creating romantic ambiance. The sleek black seating chart, featuring guest names in a clean font, was decorated with white floral arrangements, reflecting the elegant black-and-white color palette of the wedding.
Under the soft glow of string lights, the decor seamlessly blended natural beauty with refined details. Round tables were draped in crisp white linens and adorned with lush greenery, delicate white blooms. Each place setting featured sleek black and gold dinnerware, with linen napkins carefully folded over personalized menus. The wooden chairs added a touch of rustic charm, perfectly complementing the surrounding vineyards and lush greenery.
As the sun set, the entire tent transformed into a dreamy, golden-lit space where laughter and celebration filled the air. The blooming greenery surrounded the space, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere, as the guests enjoyed a delicious menu by Lexington Catering Co.
The highlights of the evening were best man’s and maid of honor’s heartfelt and hilarious toasts. Lacy’s stunned reactions, caught perfectly in candid photos, made for some of the night’s most memorable moments. It was a perfect tribute to their friendships.
The wedding cake was charmingly simple and sentimental, reflecting the upbeat and heartfelt atmosphere of the day. A heart-shaped desert was covered in smooth white frosting with delicate piped borders. The words ‘just married’ were elegantly written across the top in a handwritten-style script, adding a personal touch.
As Frank Smith from PrimeTime Entertainment took the stage, the energy became contagious, and guests couldn’t resist filling the dance floor. With the newlyweds leading the way, the celebration carried on late into the night. It was a perfect ending to the special day of Lacy and Sam, which was filled with love, summer sun, heartfelt toast and unforgettable moments.
Advice from the couple:
• I would say to definitely lean on each other during the wedding planning process. Additionally, we were just so incredibly happy with all of our vendors. Really take the time to talk to people and make sure that you really vibe with them, especially if they’ll be highly involved in your day, like your planner, photographer, or videographer. It was so wonderful to have a team around us that knew us and was just so fun.
PLANNER & DESIGN Erin Cleveland Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Abby Hart Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Amanda Monroe Finn | VENUE Keswick Vineyards | FLORALS Foxtail Cottage Floral | HAIR Jessica Comiskey | MAKEUP Hayley Joan | DRESS Jenny Yoo | SHOES Dolce Vita | SUIT Hall Madden | SHOES SuitSupply & Converse x CDG | CATERING Lexington Catering Co. | RENTALS MS Events & Happily Ever After Rentals | DESSERTS Rookie’s | DJ Frank Smith with PrimeTime Entertainment |
