The Fete Blog

To say we’re thrilled to have our wedding featured in this summer’s The Knot (VA/MD/DC edition) is an understatement. To hear that they loved it so much, they wanted to share it early with their brides on their blog is amazing!

We’ve kept a lot of the images and details under wraps until we knew where our wedding would be published… it’s honestly a long process of sending it around to a few select places and then playing the waiting game– seeing who wanted it for their blog or who wanted it in print. And while it’s a total honor to have your wedding published (they like it! they really like it!), it’s also very strange. Our wedding had so many quirky, personal details… some cool ones that could easily be translated to another couple’s wedding and some that were probably super weird and exclusive to our tastes. Are there any other couples out there who are pro athletes, interested in Hispanic flavors and traditions, and obsessed with foxes? Hmm…

Our little fiesta is supposed to go on another national blog, but because The Knot jumped the gun with some of our images, I’m excited to start sharing our wedding here. So stay tuned– I seriously have a list of dozens of topics and details I want to share with you!

image, of course, by Jen Fariello | cute little table numbers (in Spanish, of course) by Shindig | floral design by Southern Blooms | rentals by Festive Fare

I can’t stop swooning over the work of Dickie Morris, Pat and Sherry, Adam Donovan-Groves, Anita Gupta, Jen Fariello, and a slew of over-the-top talented Charlottesville wedding creatives. This Keswick Hall shoot is the epitome of spring romance– from the sultry florals, the jaw-dropping decor styling, the gah-gorgeous couple, and the sophisticated fashion details, this shoot is likely to be recreated in real weddings across the country over and over and over again. I could (and will) gush on all day about this star-studded cast of vendors, so let’s stop while I’m ahead and let the images do the inspiring–>

Turn your “getting ready” shots into an impromptu boudoir session– I can’t think of a more romantic way to start your wedding day!

Keswick Hall in the springtime– heavenly!

A sexy, urbane, and romantic cake designed by Maliha Creations is the centerpiece to any reception!

A vintage getaway car– absolutely the most charming way to make your exit!

images by Jen Fariello | this swoonworthy shoot was submitted via Two Bright Lights!

Vendors:
Styling: Just a Little Ditty
Coordination: Adam Donovan-Groves
Floral design: Southern Blooms
Photography: Jen Fariello
Rentals: Stonegate Event Rentals
Rentals: Festive Fare
Cake: Maliha Creations
Vintage Car: Albemarle Limo
Hair and makeup styling: Elan Charlottesville
Lingerie: Derriere de Soie
Gowns: Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Whitney Dever & Austin Davis
May 12, 2012
UVA Chapel & Farmington Country Club

There’s really not much we can say to sell this wedding– it is absolutely the standard-bearer for elegant Southern beauty. Between the beautiful couple, the sophisticated venues, the talented vendors involved, and the artistic eye of Jen Fariello, this is one of the most gorgeous weddings we’ve seen this year!

photography by Jen Fariello / this stunning wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights!

Vendors:
Hair Stylist: On Location Bridal
Event Planner: Barb Wired Events, LLC
Floral Designer: Pat’s Floral Designs
Dress Designer: Jim Hjelm
Cake Designer: Maliha Creations
Lighting: MS Events

Lisa Sharma & Will Creighton
December 10, 2011
The Omni, UVA Chapel & Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard

Lisa and Will’s wedding was a three-part affair, all equally elegant and personality-packed. The first part of their morning was a colorful ethnic celebration, followed by a ceremony at the UVA Chapel, and ending with an evening reception at Pippin Hill– all, of course, captured lovingly by Jen Fariello.

photography by Jen Fariello– this gorgeous wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights!

If this sweet flower girl doesn’t put a smile on your face, your case of the Mondays is probably too severe for a quick photo fix. Jen Fariello just knows how to frame a shot– with the patterns and fabrics and textures just flowing out at you in this shot. I love the eclectic mix of quilt patterns and, of course, I’m in awe of this fabulous tulle dress. This is exactly how I’d like to spend all my days.

For more Jen Fariello goodness, like her on Facebook here!

Devon Braswell & David Hamnett
May 19, 2012
The Homestead

What’s more classic Virginia than the elegant Homestead Resort? With its sumptuous backdrop and sophisticated features, it’s more than just a jumping-off point for a wedding– it shapes the entire theme! We love how Devon & David used the beauty of the Homstead and stayed true to their Southern roots, all while throwing in a few light and personal elements– from her ring to his boutonniere!

{photography by Jen Fariello}

Jason Chou & Tassie Oswald
August 20, 2011
University of Virginia Chapel & Farmington Country Club

Tassie and Jason’s UVA and Farmington late summer wedding completely epitomizes all that is great about Charlottesville weddings– beautiful, classic, stunning locations, a guest list chock full of fun friends and loving family, the highest of taste when it comes to fashion and style– and, of course, little touches of quirk and personality scattered throughout the day!

Our love story (part one): Jason and I met at a fraternity/sorority mixer our first year at UVA, and we spent the next three years becoming close friends. By our fourth year of college most of our friends could see a spark between us, but it took a hurricane cancelling classes and shutting down Charlottesville for Jason and I to take a minute to realize there might be something more.

Our love story (part two): Jason proposed about 7 years later while we were playing golf. He popped the question on a golf ball on the 14^th hole with the message “T – Will you marry me? –J”. He then wouldn’t show me the ring until I beat him on a hole. On the next hole, I chipped in from the sand and he immediately dropped to one knee.

Three words to describe the day: fun, happy, our-kind-of-perfect

Groom’s favorite moment: He says there are too many to narrow it down to one, but if he had to he would say the dip he danced me into and the kiss he stole on our last dance.

{photography by Jen Fariello}

Him: internal healthcare consultant for WellPoint  Her: private equity investor at Eureka Growth Capital

“Wow” moment: We had a Catholic ceremony at the UVA Chapel that included a beautiful solo of Ava Maria. The song was sung absolutely beautifully, and those few minutes of looking at Jason and all our friends and family in the audience and letting it all soak in were incredible.

Design inspiration: Charlottesville architecture, preppy style, golf, UVA, and fun– it came from all of our favorites things! We love the architecture of Charlottesville, especially Jefferson’s Rotunda and the main building of Farmington, so we made sure to incorporate the architecture as the backdrop to our pictures and a few other details such as including a sketch of the Rotunda on our Save the Dates. We both love the southern, preppy style so most of our lines were crisp and clean with the detail of UVA’s blue and orange throughout. As you can probably tell from our engagement story we’re huge golf fans and it’s one our favorite thing to do together. We included a few unique details to incorporate it into the big day such as our escort card table being built to look like a golf tee box with golf balls and tees and taking fun pictures on the green. Finally, to make sure our guests had fun we put out games and flip flops for the cocktail hour on Farmington’s lawn.

Family traditions: We had a beautiful solo sung of Ave Maria at the ceremony, which had been sung at both of my sisters’ weddings as well. We were welcomed into the reception under an archway of golf clubs held up by Jason’s groomsmen, which was the same archway my parents walked under as they left their wedding ceremony. And to incorporate Jason’s Chinese heritage, I wore a qi pao to the rehearsal dinner and we both incorporated the color red into our outfits at the reception. Jason’s mother handmade a red sash for my dress and matching bolero as well as a red tie for Jason, which she had also done for Jason’s sister’s wedding.

What’s next? We just bought our first house together in Philadelphia and moved in last weekend!

Vendors:
Photography: Jen Fariello
Day of coordination: A Grand Affair
Stationery: Aerialist Press
Reception and catering: Farmington
Officiant: St. Thomas Aquinas, Father Joseph Scordo
Ceremony organist: Barbara Taylor Moore
Ceremony vocalist: Joanna Sivley
Band: Ten Spot
Bride’s purses: Just a Little Ditty
Hair and makeup: Virginia Glenn of Bella Boutique

I’m going to tell you a secret– every woman should do boudoir. Every single one. (Yes. You!)

I know what you’re going to say: “Gross! Boudoir is trashy! Boudoir is tasteless. Boudoir isn’t something to be talked about!”

Sorry. Boudoir rocks and every girl– not just one on the cusp of marriage– should take the plunge and go for it.

I did not want to do traditional bridal portraits. Don’t get me wrong, I love bridals and highly recommend them! First of all, if you’ve never really been in front of a professional lens before, it’s the perfect way to get comfortable being the center of all that paparazzi attention, to get relaxed and feel natural smiling and twirling and posing, and to get to know your photographer a little bit better so that on your wedding day, they’ll feel like an old friend and not some stranger with all this equipment barking orders at you.

But I didn’t feel the need to do all that. I’ve worked with so many photographers in Charlottesville, Jen Fariello especially– she’s actually one of my closest friends and I’m beyond comfortable with her style during a wedding or on a shoot because we’ve worked so many together.

And, logistically, I wasn’t in a place to do a bridal shoot– my dress was being made in Chicago, my hair stylist was running in between Cville and NYC all winter and spring, and I’ve had my makeup done by my makeup artist on photo shoots before, so I’m comfortable and trust her expertise with my face. I’ve actually modeled in wedding dresses before– with John as a groom model! (stay tuned for those)– so you could say I’ve already had bridal portraits taken. What I really wanted was a classic, beautiful, bare-all shoot that John and I could treasure forever.

All women should do boudoir, no matter your age. Most photographers offer it as a service– they just might not advertise it next to their wedding, baby, and family portrait packages. And yes, some boudoir photographers might be “trashy” and let you slink around a bedroom in a bustier wielding a whip if that’s what you want. But others– like Jen– create works of art out of your body.

And, FYI, boudoir doesn’t have to equal skimpy lingerie or nudity. A boudoir is a woman’s private sitting room or dressing room– I’m pretty sure you can wear whatever you want in your own dressing room! Translate that to a photoshoot and voila! Your own boudoir. Wear robes, short dresses, soft sweaters– anything.

Do boudoir when you’re young: take advantage of your body! Some women are lucky enough to get their shape back after having children, but as you age, your body will never be the same. Do boudoir when you’re older: embrace the changes and celebrate your indomitable body!

Don’t get me wrong: I don’t love my body– so this isn’t from an out-of-touch girl who has no insecurities. On a daily basis, I find fault or feel dissatisfied with my body and, on a daily basis, I have to remind myself to embrace what I am and how I look (and I have absolutely no room to complain; I’m an athlete for goodness sake! But body issues and eating disorders run deep and it’s tough to shake negative thoughts). Doing this shoot with Jen was fun, first and foremost; but seeing the pictures shook me to the core: I love my body! I look like a goddess! I felt utterly transformed looking at the results of our little shoot.

Boudoir can be breathtaking– and these images are something to treasure and share with the person you share your body with. Most women might not have close friends who are professional photographers– so I’m sure some of you might think, “I am NOT going to strip down with some stranger!” But I encourage you to take a deep breath and just consider it.

Strike up a relationship with a photographer whose style you admire; do a love shoot, an engagement session, a portrait shoot, hire them for your wedding. Once you feel safe and comfortable, ask them if they do boudoir.

Take your time picking out your outfits, choosing how you’ll style your hair. Talk to your partner and have them participate with you or at least give input on how they love seeing you (messy hair in the morning?). Find the perfect place– your home? a hotel room? a private property?– and then just let loose. Let the nerves go– have a glass of champagne if that helps!– and celebrate your body and your unique beauty. Look at the resulting pictures with approving eyes– don’t you dare nitpick this or that!

I love my “alternative bridal portraits”– and I cannot wait to give boudoir another go down the road.

photography by Jen Fariello / hair and makeup by Lora Elaine / flower crown by Southern Blooms

In Summer Weddings, we introduced you to nine “planning gurus”– fabulous coordinators, designers, and planners that make up the Charlottesville wedding scene (obviously this is not all-inclusive, but we reached out to the best of the best and featured whomever was able to respond). We asked each planner a series of questions– about what she thinks makes Charlottesville weddings unique, about what inspires her personally, about her own planning strengths and challenges faced in recent weddings. We then asked these ladies to create a Pinterest board for us– one that rounded up elements they’d be inspired by when planning a Charlottesville wedding. I was so delighted with the results– each planner really showcased her individuality through these boards!

The full piece is available on newsstands and online here– but here’s a glimpse at each planner we showcased and a little tidbit about their personalities. A planner is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of a wedding day, and finding the right one for you is key. Every planner here is capable of creating a perfect wedding, but each has a unique perspective and talent– one that will be just right for your Big Day!

Kyle Montgomery
A. Dominick Events

Why weddings? Planning weddings has always been my dream job. I love helping a bride and groom bring their vision to life and don’t know of a greater honor than helping a couple celebrate their love and commitment to one another.

See Kyle’s Pinterest board, “Inspired by Charlottesville,” here!

Barbara Lundgren
Barb Wired LLC Event Management

My tip for brides: First– breathe… Do not try to direct your own wedding weekend or leave it to family and friends. They should relax and enjoy the wedding with you. Instead, hire an experienced event planner, and enjoy the entire process!

Dickie Morris
just a little ditty…

Trend I’m loving: I’m so inspired by the brides and grooms who are writing their own vows. It seems like it’s happening more and more… and I’m absolutely loving it. You learn so much about two people when you hear them recite the vows they’ve written for their other half. The vows make you laugh, they make you cry, and they make you so proud to be a part of something that big. It’s really amazing to witness such testaments to love.

Amanda Gray
Ashley Baber Weddings

My wedding planning strength: I believe our work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to make the event run smoothly is our greatest strength. No task is too great, whether it is delivering nearly 100 balloons for a ceremony or taking the doggy ring bearer home during dinner– we want to make sure the bride and groom and their friends and family have a care-free event!

Scope out Amanda’s Pinterest board, “Burlap + Lace: A Charlottesville Barn Wedding,” here!

Crystal Whitaker
The Event Company

What’s been one of your biggest event challenges? My largest challenge last year was, hands down, when a venue double booked my clients’ wedding date. We were not made aware of the mistake until invitations were already sent and RSVPs were flooding in. We jumped into action, secured a new venue, and notified all the guests. The strength of our company lies in our dedicated team: a cast of individuals with years of experience who can effectively come together to formulate a plan and execute with efficiency and determination. A stressful situation turned into a spectacular event; one that surpassed their original expectations and was later published on a top national wedding blog.

Check out Crystal’s Pinterest board, “Weddings = Love,” here!

Cody Burke Grannis
Amore Events by Cody

My wedding planning strength: I think my personality is my biggest strength. When I am working with a new couple, I stress that what you see is what you get. I am organized and committed to delivering what my brides want, but I am also laid back and have a good sense of humor. Laughing is the best medicine for a difficult situation. I love what I do and I cannot hide my enthusiasm.

See Cody’s Pinterest board, “An Amore Wedding,” here!

Courtney Spencer
Merriment Events

My wedding planning strength: I can write a mean agenda and am constantly praised for how detail-oriented I am, but what really gets me out of bed and running every morning is design. I adore creating concept boards, sourcing product and working with creative vendor partners to make a couple’s vision come to life. There’s nothing better than seeing the reaction on a client’s face when she sees the room for the first time. Magic!

Find Courtney’s Pinterest board, “Charlottesville Wedding Inspiration,” here!

Lynn Easton Andrews
Easton Events

Trend I’m loving: A return to classics– inspired by Kate Middleton’s tailored glam.

See Lynn’s Pinterest board, “An Easton Wedding,” here!

Meghan Streit
Shindig Weddings and Events

Standout detail of a Cville wedding: Though no two weddings are ever alike, I love that Charlottesville weddings tend to be rich in details, with thought given to everything from the favors to the papers to even custom service apparel for banquet staff. I applaud the brides who demonstrate that “lovely” is built by many, many layers of designed details.

Drool over Meghan’s Pinterest board, “Inspiration for a Shindig-Style Wedding!” here!

 

Aren’t they all fabulous? So much talent and creativity in one little town! We are over-the-top lucky. See the full piece online here. All portraits by Jen Fariello, except Mrs. Courtney’s Spencer’s– that one’s by Katie Stoops.

In early May, Jen Fariello and I set up a little portrait session. It wasn’t specifically a bridal portrait session, as my dress was currently still under construction, and I wasn’t particularly interested in having traditional portraits taken anyway. If you’ve ever had a photo session with Jen, you know that the magic happens when you show up with a few fabulous accessories or outfits and let her find inspiration in you, the space, the lighting, anything. I never show up to a shoot with Jen carrying expectations or requirements for the final product and I am always, always blown away by the art she creates behind that lens.

It was delightful to come home yesterday to a plump package full of gorgeous prints from our session– there’s something so breathtaking about flipping through images you can touch and move and feel! I cannot wait to share this shoot with you; this kind of portrait session is one that ALL women (and men!) should experience.