Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Setting: Farm & Vineyards
Wedding season: Winter
The number of guests: 65
How long did the couple plan the event: 8 months
Wedding theme/style: Understated elegance.
Brooke and Will’s paths crossed on an online dating app at a time when Brooke was wrapping up her undergraduate degree in Virginia, and Will was working in the vicinity for his family’s company. Their connection was instant, ignited by their shared passions for fitness, family, and a love for food. The sparks between them led to a quick decision to move in together in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they embarked on a life filled with love and adventures.
After two wonderful years of dating, Will decided to take their love story to the next level. During Brooke’s annual family vacation to Sanibel, Florida, as the sun dipped below the horizon on a picturesque beach, Will got down on one knee and asked Brooke to be his partner for life. It was a moment of pure magic that marked the beginning of their journey towards marriage.
With the engagement, the hunt for the perfect wedding venue began. Brooke’s sister took charge and researched venues in Charlottesville, Virginia. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards quickly rose to the top of the list, offering everything Brooke and Will desired – high-quality, locally sourced food, fine wines, and breathtaking scenery.
Brooke’s bridal attire was a stunning creation from Caryn’s Bridals, perfectly paired with Badgley Mischka shoes. Brooke shared her dress shopping experience, noting how someone recommended Caryn’s Bridal in Farmville, Virginia. While the small town location might have raised some doubts, she was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service and an impressive selection of dresses at reasonable prices, highly recommending it to anyone in the area.
The bride spent her morning surrounded by her closest friends, her mother, and Will’s mother. It was a time for heartwarming conversations and the creation of cherished memories, all beautifully captured through the lens of a camera.
Her makeup and hair were artfully done by Carolyn Thombs Artistry, ensuring she looked radiant on her big day.
The first look of Brooke by her friends was nothing short of enchanting and deeply touching. The look of awe and the tears that welled up in their eyes were impossible to conceal as the radiant Brooke appeared before them. Her beauty and joy were simply overwhelming.
Brooke’s father, too, experienced a profoundly emotional moment when he saw his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. His heart swelled with pride and emotion, and tears flowed freely, unable to contain the overwhelming love he felt for her.
Will, resplendent in his three-piece suit, looked every bit the dashing groom. But what truly made his attire special were the cufflinks adorned with his initials, a touching gift from his beloved Brooke.
Until that moment, Will had not seen Brooke in her wedding attire. Their first look was a moment to remember. As Brooke stood there, she shone like a star, her beauty leaving Will momentarily breathless as he turned to take in the sight of his bride-to-be.
Emily Bartell masterfully captured all the pivotal moments at Will and Brooke’s wedding. She meticulously documented every moment from the first look, deftly capturing the emotional highlights. She skillfully translated the perfect wedding decor into photographs at the wedding reception. Her photos narrate a genuine love story, and she does so with immense professionalism and a deep passion for her craft.
Their special day took place at the enchanting Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia, nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Wine Country.
As the moment of their union approached, Will made his entrance, flanked by his beloved parents. The significance of this gesture was clear – it wasn’t just two people coming together in matrimony but two families uniting. The moment he saw her walking down the aisle, arm in arm with her father, was nothing short of magical. The significance of the moment moved Will to tears. One of the most cherished aspects of their wedding was the deeply personal and unique ceremony. Their officiant took the time to get to know the couple, weaving their dating story into the ceremony, making it a truly special and intimate experience.
Another wonderful moment unfolded as Brooke and Will exchanged their heartfelt wedding vows, leaving not a dry eye in the gathering.
Before the wedding reception, guests gathered for a delightful cocktail hour, enjoying each other’s company and conversations.
The wedding’s theme embodied understated elegance, reflecting Brooke’s minimalist style. The focus was on showcasing the exquisite local cuisine and the scenic beauty of their surroundings, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfectly suited to their smaller guest list of about 65 cherished friends and family.
Originally planned for February, their wedding date was rescheduled to December due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Brooke and Will aimed for a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere, avoiding excessive formality. Their color palette included deep pinks, dark greens, white, and gold, complemented by abundant greenery and candles in the decor.
The lovebirds made their entrance to thunderous applause and warm words of congratulations. A tender melody marked the beginning of their first dance as a married couple, a moment filled with grace and love.
Brooke’s father, in another touching moment, invited his daughter to join him in a dance, a beautiful symbol of their bond.
The evening was graced with a series of heartfelt speeches, overflowing with warm words and blessings for the newlyweds. These speeches added a warm, familial touch to the atmosphere.
The cutting of the wedding cake was a moment of pure beauty and unity. Brooke and Will worked together with such love and harmony, a testament to their togetherness.
Will dedicated a dance to his beloved mother. As they twirled and swayed together, the guests watched in fascination.
The couple’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love and a canvas for cherished wedding traditions. The bouquet toss was one such tradition that added a fun and playful element to the proceedings. The bouquet toss is a light-hearted ritual where the bride tosses her bouquet to the single ladies in attendance, symbolizing the passing of good luck and the hope for them to find love in the future.he lucky lady who caught the bouquet was filled with happiness, her face radiating joy, as she clutched the beautiful bunch of flowers in her hands.
As the evening came to a close, the guests formed a tunnel of love, illuminated by sparklers and cheers. Brooke and Will emerged from the tunnel, their hearts overflowing with the joy of having shared this incredible day with their loved ones.
Advice from the couple:
• Think about what you value the most at your wedding, prioritize your budget there, and then get creative with other categories. For us, food was essential, so we spent a lot of our budget there but then got creative on the invitations to save money, for example.
PHOTOGRAPHER Emily Bartell Photography | VENUE Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards | WEDDING BOUTUQIE Caryn’s Bridal | FLORIST Blue Ridge Floral Design | WEDDING PLANNER | Donovan-Groves Events | HAIR & MAKEUP Carolyn Thombs Artistry | DJ DJ Tobler | VIDEOGRAPHER Ian’s Creations | CAKE Cake Bloom | BRIDAL SHOES Badgley Mischka
