Location: Manakin Sabot, Virginia, USA
Setting: Tudor style estate
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 120
How long did the couple plan the event: 9 months
Wedding theme/style: Modern sexy meets vintage glam.
Hailey and Chas, brought together by fate and mutual friends in 2022 during a period of significant life change, discovered a profound connection. Chas, navigating the final stages of a divorce, found solace and unexpected love in the company of Hailey. Their relationship unfolded with remarkable speed, challenging the conventional notion that true love takes time. In just two weeks of talking, they realized their connection was unique and destined for something extraordinary. A month into their whirlwind romance, they both knew they had found something special, and their journey toward an enduring love story began.
The couple’s wedding wish was to have their closest friends and family attend an intimate, romantic evening. That’s why they chose a timeless and idyllic Dover Hall in Virginia over a far-destination wedding. In addition, this Tudor-style estate, with its ballroom and expansive grounds, provided an elegant and romantic atmosphere that perfectly complemented the couple’s vision of a modern yet vintage glam wedding.
The radiant bride opted for the sophisticated “Marly Marie” dress from Studio I Do for the ceremony. Her veil, a significant part of her attire, was transformed into a cherished keepsake as her cousin embroidered “Worth the Wait Luke 1:45” at the bottom, adding sentimentality to her exquisite bridal look. To complete her ensemble, Hailey chose Jimmy Choo’s “Sacaria” pearl pumps, adding a touch of glamour. These exquisite shoes provided a perfect balance of style and grace, accentuating Hailey’s chic bridal aesthetic and showcasing her commitment to fashion-forward elegance, ensuring every step on her special day was a stylish one.
The morning was filled with jubilation as she shared moments with her bridesmaids, elegantly adorned in black silk robes with gold accents, setting a lively and joyous tone for the day.
With a tender touch and a heart full of joy, the bride’s mother helped her into her gown. With each button fastened and every detail perfected, Hailey’s mom offered practical assistance but also provided emotional encouragement.
Hailey’s journey to bridal elegance unfolded under the skilled hands of professionals. Makeup artist Alexis Nicholas artfully highlighted her features with glamour, preserving her natural radiance, while hairstylist Danielle Cooke crafted an exquisite, complementary hairstyle. The bride looked stunning and exuded confidence!
It was a touching moment when Hailey’s father first saw her in her wedding attire. Her father’s face lit up with a mix of pride, love, and sheer joy. His eyes glistened with unspoken emotions, and the genuine delight on his face was a testament to the overwhelming happiness he felt at witnessing his daughter transform into the beautiful bride before him.
The groom also was in the company of his closest friends, sharing the joyous anticipation of the special day. In a heartwarming twist, they collectively immersed themselves in the nostalgia of their friendship by watching videos from childhood. Genuine happiness radiated from each friend as they relived precious moments, creating a heartfelt atmosphere.
The groom made a striking statement in his carefully curated ensemble, opting for a tailored tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse. Notably, he forgoed the traditional bowtie, adding a hint of rebel style that reflects his individuality and penchant for unconventional elegance. Chas donned Stacie Adams black and gold loafers to complete the look, injecting a modern touch into his overall look.
The ceremony space was adorned with white roses and white baby’s breath clouds by Cultivate Event Co., reflecting modern elegance and vintage charm. The thoughtful touches of twinkling lights enhanced the atmosphere, creating a warm and romantic ambiance.
A standout feature of the ceremony was the “Forever” magazine, a creation by Hailey herself. This unique and personalized touch provided guests with all wedding details, seating chart, and menu and served as a wedding keepsake. Each guest felt intimately connected to this special day.
The ceremony brimmed with poignant moments, with one particularly touching instance being Chas’s daughter Emma delicately carrying the symbols of commitment the wedding rings. This gesture held immense significance for the couple.
The couple didn’t have a first look. So, for Chas, seeing Hailey in her wedding dress for the first time was indescribable. The genuine emotion reflected in his eyes spoke volumes; they reflected awe, joy, and an overwhelming sense of love.
The lovebirds exchanged heartfelt vows, each word carrying the weight of a lifelong promise. The air resonated with sincerity. It was a beautiful ceremony that touched every guest. The bride recalls: “It was crazy, so many people crying tears of joy who came up to us afterward and said, “I never cry at weddings, but this was breathtaking.” Felt like we were all in heaven for the evening.”
Sarah Boller, the talented photographer for this wedding, is passionate about capturing authentic moments. Her broad expertise in creating a comfortable environment was evident during the couple shoot with Chas and Hailey after the ceremony. The couple didn’t want to have bridal party shots; they just wanted photos of them two and them as a family of three.
Sarah’s skillful direction and warm approach allowed them to express their true selves and the emotional depth of their connection. These timeless images reflect the authenticity and love shared by the newlyweds.
Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests were treated to a delightful cocktail hour. It was elevated with a fried chicken biscuit station, and everyone savored the delicious bites. The couple curated a unique drink experience featuring signature cocktails: Chas’ strawberry jalapeño margarita, Hailey’s cucumber Moscow mule, and a refreshing sweet tea named after Emma. There was a lively atmosphere for guests to mingle and toast to the newlyweds.
The reception was a visual masterpiece, featuring carefully curated decor that set the stage for an enchanting celebration. Soft, ambient light casted a warm glow, creating a romantic, intimate atmosphere.
The concept was birthed from the bride and groom’s styles: “We love things that are classically cool with a hint of “wow.” Black and gold together are our favorite, so narrowing down a vintage yet modern color vibe was easy for us. Lighting is critical to the mood of a room, so lighting was a big part of our concept. From day one, I said, “I just want a lot of twinkling lights and a glow-y feel” so shout out to The Lighting and Sound Co. for nailing the vibe there.”
The couple made a stylish entrance to the reception, showcasing their unique looks. Hailey, in a chic reception dress from Here and Now Bridal, paired it with playful Betsy Johnson pearl sneakers for comfort on the dance floor. Chas sported a black shirt, adding a touch of sophistication, and completed his ensemble with black and gold suspenders, creating a fashionable and memorable entrance.
What began as a stylish entrance transformed seamlessly into a captivating first dance for Chas and Hailey. As they gracefully descended into the reception, the ambiance shifted from anticipation to celebration. With each step, the couple’s movements synchronized into a mesmerizing dance, twirling and embracing in perfect harmony.
Another beautiful moment unfolded during the dances between Hailey and her father and Chas and his mother. These heartfelt dances infused the celebration with sentiment and warmth, representing the cherished connections.
Family and friends shared heartfelt parting words and cherished memories. Sarah Boller captured an ambiance of joy, ease, and love that enveloped the entire evening.
In a cherished wedding tradition, Hailey and Chas cut into their splendid wedding cake, marking the sweet beginning of their married journey. The symbolic act echoed the promise of shared joys and a delectable future together.
The party atmosphere soared with fun and laughter as guests immersed themselves in the playful element of the celebration. Adding a whimsical touch, giant cutouts of the bride and groom’s heads became a delightful focal point for photos.
Chas and Hailey’s wedding was a celebration of love, joy, and personal touches that made the day uniquely their. It was a breathtaking experience that touched the hearts of all fortunate enough to witness the union of this beautiful couple. Choosing a “Farewell Entrance” over a traditional “Grand Exit,” the lovebirds walked over the threshold together as Husband and Wife and stayed the night at Dover Hall.
Advice from the couple:
• All glory to God! Don’t sweat the little stuff…at the end of the day, you’re marrying your best friend!
PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Boller | VIDEOGRAPHER Heritage Visuals | VENUE Dover Hall | PLANNER Anne Forbes | MAKEUP Alexis Nicholas | HAIR Danielle Cooke | FLORAL Cultivate Event Co. | BRIDAL DRESSES Studio I Do, Here and Now Bridal | BRIDAL SHOES Jimmy Choo | GROOM’S SUIT Men’s Wearhouse | GROOM’S SHOES Stacy Adams | CUPCAKES Twisted Sisters Cupcakes | DJ Danny Gray | LIGHTING Lighting & Sound Co. | RENTALS Rent-E-Quip
