Virginia Bride features weddings weekly on the blog. Being featured on the blog does not necessarily mean being featured in the print magazine.
BRIDE
Olivia Allen
30, Medical Student
GROOM
Andrew Brailey
29, Economic Analyst
DATE
June 24, 2023
LOCATION
Private Residence
Vinton, Virginia
NUMBER OF GUESTS
140
Love Story
In the lively halls of Elon University, amidst the laughter and late-night study sessions, Andrew and Olivia’s paths crossed in their dorm. On Valentine’s Day in 2014, their love story began. Their connection bloomed against the backdrop of college life, proving that sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it.
Proposal
On their ninth dating anniversary, Andrew orchestrated a picturesque proposal for Olivia. The setting was the enchanting Red Fox Inn, nestled in the heart of Middleburg, Virginia. After a stroll through the town’s charming streets, the couple settled for a romantic dinner at the inn. As candlelight danced around them, and the aroma of exquisite dishes filled the air, Andrew seized the moment, dropping to one knee and asking Olivia to be his forever. She said, “Yes.”
Planning/Theme
Olivia and her mom enthusiastically began planning the wedding. They envisioned a celebration blending cherished family heirlooms with beloved traditions and honoring their heritage.
Andrew and Olivia’s vision for their wedding was a charming, Southern summer garden party. They chose a palette of dark blue and crisp white, with a touch of rustic charm, to create an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Their goal was to make the event feel like a warm, intimate gathering of friends and family.
Invitations/Programs
Andrew and Olivia’s invitations and programs set the tone for their special day perfectly. They opted for classic white invitations adorned with crisp black text elegantly framed by a blue border. To add a touch of sophistication, they included a beautiful blue satin ribbon which tied everything together seamlessly. As guests opened the wedding invitation, they found a burst of color in the form of a stunning blue hydrangea pattern lining the inside.
Andrew and Olivia customized their programs with a beautiful watercolor illustration of a serene fountain. The meaningful artwork depicted a fountain on the grounds of their family home, where they exchanged their vows.
Attire
The centerpiece of Olivia’s wedding day was a stunning A-line gown. With its exquisite Chantilly lace sleeves and a delicate skirt overlay, this gorgeous gown carried a rich tapestry of family history. Originally purchased and worn by Olivia’s maternal grandmother on her wedding day in 1953, the gown became a cherished family heirloom. Olivia’s mother also wore the dress at her wedding in 1988.As Olivia slipped into the gown, she felt the weight of tradition and love surrounding her. The pearl beading on the neckline sparkled in the soft light, a tribute to the timeless elegance that had graced the women in her family for decades. She added a chapel-length veil that her mother had worn in 1988 to complete her bridal look. The veil was embellished with delicate pearl accents. Olivia secured the veil with a comb adorned with fresh flowers.
The bride’s shoes were adorned with vintage heirloom clips from the 1890s. Olivia also wore pearl jewelry gifted to her by her grandparents.
During the reception, Olivia showcased her unique style by changing into a custom boat-neck, tea-length dress. The dress featured a floral overlay and a chic cream satin sash tied gracefully in the back.
The bridesmaids dazzled in custom-made floral tea-length dresses. Each dress showcased a beautiful A-line silhouette, perfectly complemented by a chic V-neck and a wide sash.
Andrew and the groomsmen exuded sophistication in their sharp blue suits. Andrew stood out proudly, wearing a blue and white gingham bow tie and a crisp white pocket square. The groomsmen complemented Andrew’s look by wearing blue bow ties and matching gingham pocket squares.
Flowers
Olivia’s bouquet and her bridesmaids’ flowers included blue hydrangeas and white roses tied with satin ribbons and magnolia leaves that created a classic Southern look. The boutonnieres were white roses.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the enchanting formal garden of Olivia’s aunt and uncle’s family home, a location brimming with love and memories. The bride’s minimalistic decor highlighted the garden’s natural beauty. On Andrew and Olivia’s wedding day, the air was alive with romance as the crepe myrtles danced softly in the breeze and framed the charming fountain which gleamed with lush greenery and vibrant blooms.
The traditional Episcopal ceremony, officiated by a priest from Andrew’s family church, was filled with deep emotion. Before the ceremony, the couple wrote heartfelt letters expressing their love and reasons for marrying, which they shared with the priest. The priest skillfully incorporated phrases from these letters into the words spoken during the ceremony.
The couple’s favorite band, Bombadil, played beautiful live music that set a lovely mood for the ceremony. The processional music included Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” and “Concerning Hobbits” from the “Lord of the Rings” soundtrack. The recessional music was Bombadil’s sweet love song, “Perfect.”
Pictures
Olivia was instantly drawn to Anna Filly as their photographer, captivated by the enchanting beauty of Anna’s portfolio. Each image told a story, showcasing stunning lighting and compositions that felt timeless and natural. Olivia knew Anna was the perfect choice to immortalize their special day.
Cocktail Hour
As the sun set and excitement filled the air, guests mingled during the cocktail hour, enjoying a delightful culinary experience on a patio by the family’s pool. The savory Virginia ham sliders paired perfectly with sweet, rich fig preserves. But the real star of the show was a special recipe straight from Olivia’s grandmother’s cookbook: a mouthwatering take on the classic Southern BLT that included crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, creamy pimento cheese and crispy fried green tomatoes.
Andrew’s signature drink was the “Virginia Mule,” made with Virginia bourbon. Olivia’s drink was the “Mountain View Mist,” crafted with lemon, elderflower liqueur and gin.
Reception
The newlyweds held their reception in the cozy side yard of their family home. The dance floor and bar were on the pool patio and back porch. White paper lanterns adorned the trees surrounding the pool. They created comfortable gathering areas in the yard to ensure guests were relaxed and could easily mingle.
At the end of the pool patio, they arranged a large pole tent where their guests dined. The tent was draped with greenery and featured a large floral centerpiece. The wedding party sat at a long head table while the other guests sat at round tables dressed in blue and white gingham tablecloths.
Each table centerpiece consisted of three vintage milk glass vessels filled with a mix of hydrangeas, magnolia leaves, white roses and greenery, complemented by a silver candelabra. Additionally, mercury glass votives and candles were presented in vintage blue willow teacups on each table. Guests sipped from blue willow China and vintage milk glass goblets. Each place setting also included a custom monogrammed napkin.
Menu
The dinner featured a relaxed Southern menu of barbeque pork and chicken, mac and cheese, green beans, cole slaw and cornbread.
Toasts
Heartfelt toasts were made to honor the newlyweds. Each toast held special significance because the couple drank from a silver cup that belonged to Olivia’s parents. The newlyweds’ names and wedding date were engraved alongside those of Olivia’s parents.
Cake
The four-tier cake consisted of layers of lemon cake with raspberry jam and vanilla cake with blackberry jam. It was covered in buttercream frosting and decorated with hydrangeas.
Band
Bombadil also performed live music for the reception. The newlyweds’ first dance was to the band’s song, “Long Life.” Olivia and her uncle swayed to “Yellow Clouds,” while Andrew danced with his mother to “Blue and Dark Blue,” both Bombadil originals.
Pool Splash
Things got fun when the groomsmen playfully lifted Andrew as if to toss him into the pool. Spontaneously, Andrew jumped in fully clothed and then the groomsmen quickly joined him. The night turned into an pool party filled with laughter and splashes!
Transportation
Andrew and Olivia left the reception, surrounded by glowing sparklers. Filled with joy, they got into a cozy 1940s Rolls Royce, excited to start their adventure together.
Honeymoon
The newlyweds honeymooned in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Best Gift
Andrew and Olivia’s honeymoon fund was their best gift.
VENDORS
VENUE
Private Residence
Vinton, VA
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anna Filly
Roanoke, VA
CONSULTANT
Garden Rose Events and Design
Michaella LaBrie
OFFICIANT
Rev. Jon Strand
Vienna, VA
ALTERNATIONS
Alterations by Hillary’s Custom Costumes
Roanoke, VA
540.354.7927
HAIR/MAKEUP
Glam with Courtney
Roanoke, VA
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Hillary’s Custom Costumes
Roanoke, VA
540.354.7927
FORMALWEAR
Men’s Wearhouse
Accessories from Jacob Alexander
INVITATIONS
Shine Wedding Invitations
FLOWERS
Creative Occasions Events Flowers & Gifts
Vinton, VA
540.345.8385
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Aztec Rental
Salem, VA
Tidy Services
Salem, VA
Sunbelt
Roanoke, VA
CATERING
Bella Events Catering
Roanoke, VA
540.330.6544
BAND
Bombadil
North America
LIGHTING
Lighting Ninja
Roanoke, VA
540.598.1694
CAKE
Casey’s Cakes
Roanoke, VA
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Roanoke
Roanoke, VA
HONEYMOON
Villa Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, Virginia Weddings Magazine can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
