Fall in Virginia means beautiful fall foliage and finicky weather, both of which were on display for Allison and Brett’s fantastic wedding celebration, set among the grounds where Alison attended school. Early in the day, we started with Alison’s getting ready at Farmington Country Club with make-up done by the fabulous Jennifer Skriloff, and where Alison donned her gown and gorgeous vintage veil. We all converged at the University of Virginia Chapel where Alison’s longtime pastor from Virginia Beach officiated the pair’s Catholic service. As the mass ended, we were stunned by the beautiful afternoon sunlight streaming through the south stained glass in the chapel as the couple receded outside to greet family and friends.
Everyone had a break after the ceremony so after doing a few portraits on Grounds, the four of us took the opportunity to head up atop Carter Mountain for some incredible views of the Shenandoah Valley among the tree-ripened apples. It was apropos to shoot among the fruit as the couple used an apple theme with their wedding. We got some great portraits of the two of them and headed back down the rocky dirt road toward Farmington, where their reception was soon to be held. Because the weather was rather chilly, cocktails were served indoors in the elegant Peacock Alley, but the fall foliage was so beautiful we suggested the family members head outside for brief portraits among the orange- and yellow-colored leaves. Just beforehand, Alison’s dad retrieved her dog, Louis the IV, from their house in town, and it was a white blur, bounding across the club’s back lawn toward Alison and Brett. Louis was so excited he left a couple of paw prints on Brett’s tux shirt, as if to make his mark, at least temporarily, on the wedding.
Revelers for cocktails in the dining room enjoyed a nice surprise–a large ice sculpture with enormous oysters and flavorful shrimp set out on the multi-tiered lit structure. Everything that evening looked just stunning, thanks in large part to the design talents of Sheila Motley of The Event Company and of course the wonderful Pat and Sherry of Pat’s Floral Designs. The couple also brought in a cigar roller for the occasion, a big hit which prompted several to brave the elements late that evening and enjoy a custom-made cigar on the patio long after the sun had set. It certainly wasn’t a tough call to get on the dance floor until late into the evening, thanks to the expertly-chosen tunes of DJ Bill Gilliam. We were also pleased that evening to work with the easy-going Ian Atkins for video production. At the end, all congregated at the club’s front steps for a spirited sparkler departure for Alison and Brett, who left for the evening in a beautiful vintage car, a nice prelude to their Bora Bora honeymoon to come.
Congratulations, you two! We’re glad the weather held out in all the right places for you, and are thrilled to have documented your wedding for you.
