Location: Middleburg, Virginia, USA
Setting: Sailcloth Tent at The Goodstone Inn Resort
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 175
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Classic, elegant, glamorous, with the nature as a backdrop.
Olivia Jane Johnson and Timothy Duffy, crossed paths during their freshman year at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Their initial encounter took place at a fraternity party, where Olivia was immediately charmed by Tim’s reserved demeanor. Being the outgoing one in the relationship, she took the initiative and asked him out. Tim, with his striking looks and kindness, left a lasting impression on Olivia, and it didn’t take long for her to realize that she wanted to spend her life with him.
Throughout their college years, they maintained a steady relationship. After graduation, Olivia relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina for work, while Tim remained in Greenville. Over the course of two years, they endured a long-distance relationship. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world and halted their travel, they found solace in spending quality time together. They delved into cooking, enjoyed walking, and frequented Tim’s beach house in North Carolina. During this period, they had deep conversations about their priorities in this new reality, and their love for each other grew even stronger.
Olivia, known among her friends for her lively and impatient personality, couldn’t help but ask Tim when they would get engaged. This playful exchange happened almost weekly for five years, with Tim playfully responding, “Maybe today, maybe in a year.” Right after their 7th anniversary, Tim decided it was time to propose.
Tim’s love language is “service,” as he believes in expressing his love through thoughtful gestures rather than grand displays. He demonstrates his affection by silently preparing for the day ahead, cooking meals for Olivia, surprising her with flowers just because, and, her favorite, waking her up with coffee in bed on Saturday mornings. One random Wednesday morning, at 7 a.m., Tim woke Olivia up with coffee and a diamond ring beside it, catching her completely off guard. This proposal, devoid of any public spectacle or hidden cameras, truly reflected Tim’s authentic and heartfelt love, which held special meaning for the couple.
Olivia had always envisioned an October wedding in her hometown of Middleburg, Virginia, a picturesque one-stoplight town in horse country. She wished to share with friends and family the quintessential Middleburg Fall experience. As these were places where she had been known since her childhood. Also, the couple wanted to juxtapose the magnificent nature and views with a bit of glam. And that is exactly what they got, nothing but raw natural beauty and them right in the middle.
Selecting The Goodstone Inn as their wedding venue was a straightforward decision. This property offered breathtaking views and accommodations in small cottages, all conveniently located in one place. Olivia and Tim rented the entire property for the weekend, allowing their guests to immerse themselves in the Virginia hunt country lifestyle that had been an integral part of Olivia’s upbringing.
Olivia aimed for a clean and practical look regarding her hair and makeup. Her hair was elegantly slicked back into a bun by Anna Fazio, ensuring it stayed perfect throughout the day without constant adjustment. In terms of makeup, Olivia stayed true to herself, choosing a natural look applied by Ana B that enhanced her features while remaining true to her everyday style. Her wedding choices perfectly blend timeless grace and practicality, reflecting her authentic self on the special day.
The bride’s minimalist approach extended to her wedding jewelry. She wanted her custom, handmade rings from Jane Cosley to take center stage, a meaningful gift from her husband, Tim. These rings became a focal point, symbolizing their commitment and love.
She had always envisioned a wedding dress that would stand the test of time, free from fleeting trends, and make her feel regal and classic. Her journey to finding the perfect dress was an adventure in itself. The first dress she came across, while initially captivating, felt a bit too much like a princess gown, which would have hindered her movement and didn’t quite meet her classic criteria. Olivia’s vision was to dance and walk freely without getting lost in the fabric.
Ultimately, Olivia discovered her dream wedding dress at Pronovias. The moment she slipped into it, she knew it was the one. It possessed a timeless quality that transcended decades, equally suited for the 1920s or the 1960s. Wearing it, Olivia felt as though Audrey Hepburn herself would have given her approval. To add a touch of color and individuality, she opted for green kitten heels, injecting a vibrant pop into her ensemble. Her mother’s vintage 18k gold pearl drop earrings completed the look, serving as cherished heirlooms that harmonized with the simple beauty of her gown.
One of the most cherished moments of Olivia’s wedding day was getting ready with her bridesmaids at “The Manor House” on the property. The enchanting home was adorned with striking sage green doors, setting the stage for the day’s magic. In the company of her closest friends, they sipped on coffee and champagne, basked in the warmth of a crackling fire, and savored the picturesque views. These tranquil hours together were filled with beauty and grace, adding an extra layer of joy to the day.
Meanwhile, Tim embarked on his wedding day journey in a different fashion. He and his groomsmen started the day with a clay shooting adventure guided by the expert instructors Britton and Teresa Condon. This activity, perfectly aligned with the autumn spirit of Virginia, was a choice rooted in tradition and experience. Tim gave his groomsmen a memorable, shared experience, a meaningful gesture that spoke louder than any physical gift. This choice reflected his desire to create lasting memories and celebrate his bond with his closest friends on this special day.
One of the most treasured moments before their wedding was the first look shared by Olivia and Tim. The Goodstone held a magical Ivy Wall that had captured Olivia’s heart as the perfect backdrop for this special encounter. Tim stood facing the wall, and with a heart filled with anticipation, Olivia approached him.
It was an intimate and emotionally charged moment for just the two of them to share. There were no prying eyes, only their photographer capturing the essence of this heartfelt exchange. At that moment, Olivia and Tim could genuinely connect and savor the depth of their love before they embarked on the journey of a lifetime together.
The wedding ceremony was a beautiful and significant event, held in a location with deep meaning for Olivia and Tim. Family and friends gathered to witness their union, creating an atmosphere of love and anticipation. The couple had chosen Trinity Episcopal Church, a place with a rich history dating back to its first construction in 1842. The location added a profound sense of tradition and timelessness to their ceremony.
The exchange of vows was a poignant moment, symbolizing the promises of love, support, and lifelong partnership. As they spoke their heartfelt words, it was evident that their love was deep and enduring.
Surrounded by the beautiful church’s architecture, family, and friends, Olivia and Tim embarked on a new chapter of their lives together. The ceremony was a perfect reflection of their love and commitment, and it set the stage for celebrating their enduring relationship.
Olivia and Tim’s wedding day held special significance, as they chose to tie the knot on their 8th anniversary, making October 22 a date forever etched in their hearts. Their commitment to creating a day filled with meaningful details and unforgettable moments was evident in their choices.
Olivia’s journey to the altar was a profoundly emotional and memorable moment, led by her father. As they stood together, his arm linked with hers, his eyes showed an undeniable sense of pride and love. For her, this was not just a walk down the aisle; it was a symbolic passage from one chapter of her life to another. With each step, her father conveyed his support for her decision and his trust in the man she had chosen to spend her life with.
For Olivia, having the ceremony in her hometown was a meaningful tribute to her roots and a testament to her love and respect for her heritage. It was a way of sharing a cherished part of her past with the person she was committing her future to, Tim.
In crafting their dream wedding, Olivia and Tim had a distinct vision that revolved around their love for vintage aesthetics. Their choice of photographer, the talented Hannah Marich, was at the heart of this vision. Their decision to secure her services within two weeks of their engagement underscored the photographer’s central role in capturing the essence of their special day.
Hannah Marich possessed a unique talent for blending vintage-style photography with traditional wedding elements. Her skillful artistry was precisely what Olivia had envisioned, and it lent a timeless quality to their visual record of the day. With each click of her camera, Hannah encapsulated the authenticity, romance, and enduring love that filled the atmosphere, creating a visual narrative that would be cherished for a lifetime.
In a nod to their love for nostalgia, Hannah’s talent extended to shooting Super 8 Films. This addition added a layer of sentiment to the day, capturing moments in a format that Olivia had always held close to her heart.
Vida Events, the talented event planning team, played a crucial role in bringing Olivia’s dream wedding to life. Olivia had some key “must-haves” on her list, including a Champagne tower, a classical quartet during the cocktail hour, and a live band for dancing after dinner.
Vida Events executed these desires seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of celebration and joy. The tent where the reception took place, was elegantly designed. Inside, a comfortable seating area, full-service bars, and starry lights added to the ambiance.
The floral arrangements were not just decorations but a testament to the love and care that Olivia’s mother and Lavender Green Flowers poured into every petal and stem. The flowers became an essential part of the wedding’s atmosphere, creating a romantic and unforgettable ambiance. Olivia’s mother’s collaboration with Lavender Green Flowers truly added a special and artful touch to the entire celebration.
Olivia’s expertise in table decor, through her online store, Shop Tablescape, played a significant part. The table settings featured exquisite details like champagne coupes, vintage green water glasses, custom name tags, menus, and elegant candles. The clear tent siding allowed guests to enjoy a picturesque view of the sunset while dining. Ultimately, the property’s natural beauty served as the most enchanting decoration, perfectly complementing Olivia’s classic vision.
The wedding cake, a sweet and sumptuous centerpiece of the celebration, held a special place in Olivia and Tim’s hearts. It was a creation that combined artistry with flavors, reflecting their love and commitment to one another.
The couple’s first dance was a magical moment, filled with love and the promise of a lifetime together. Their graceful movements and loving gazes expressed the depth of their connection.
Regarding entertainment, the bride dreamed of having a live band and a DJ. The celebration began with the soulful melodies of the live band, transitioning seamlessly into the late-night excitement of the DJ. As the night progressed, guests were treated to various delectable late-night snacks, including sliders, chicken minis, and even champagne guns. Their aim was clear – to offer their loved ones a night they would cherish and remember forever, where every detail reflected their love and commitment to one another.
Tim’s Italian-Irish heritage inspired their culinary choices. They prioritized food and hosting to ensure guests felt part of an intimate family dinner party. A family-style dinner with wine service was chosen to foster a warm and communal atmosphere that reflected their values.
The Bachelor Boys Band played a big role in making Olivia’s wedding dreams come true. Their energetic performance seamlessly blended dance and fun, creating an unforgettable celebration. They expertly transitioned from live music to a late-night DJ set, ensuring guests enjoyed a night of joy, laughter, and love. The band was the heartbeat of the celebration, setting the perfect musical backdrop for a night to remember.
Advice from the couple:
• There is always stress regarding wedding planning and comparing it to other weddings. I, too, fell prey to this stress and comparison throughout the Wedding planning process. However, looking back, I see this day was unique because I hired a great planning team and all our favorite people were in our favorite place. The people make the event, not the decorations. We had the time of our lives, dancing the night away surrounded by those we love, and I could hardly even remember what I had been stressed about the next day.
PLANNING & DESIGN Vida Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Hannah Marich | VENUE Ceremony: Trinity Episcopal Church, Reception: Goodstone Inn | TENT Sugarplum Tents Rental | RENTALS Something Vintage | MUSIC Bachelor Boys Band | FLOWERS Lavender Green Flowers | BRIDAL DRESS Pronovias | HAIR Styled by Anna Fazio | MAKEUP Makeup by Ana B
