virginia weddings

REAL VIRGINIA WEDDING: Preston & Ally

Virginia Weddings features weddings weekly on the blog. Being featured on the blog does not necessarily mean being featured in the print magazine.

Bride: Ally Davis, 25, Self-Employed 

Groom: Preston Burleson, 27, Equipment Manager 

Date: May 18, 2024

Venue: Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, Bristol, Virginia

Current Residence: Sevierville, Tennessee

Guests: 200

LOVE STORY 

In the spring of 2019, Preston and Ally met through mutual friends. On their first date, they went to The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg, TN, a cozy and charming spot setting the perfect evening tone. Over dinner, they shared laughs and fantastic conversation. And the bride said, “Preston and Ally had the best filets either of us had ever had.”

PROPOSAL

Preston asked Ally to marry him in front of a stunning cityscape adorned with glowing “MARRY ME” marquee lights and surrounded by balloons and rose petals. The proposal took place in Miami, Florida.

VENUE 

The couple was married at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Bristol, Virginia. The venue’s main building featured a stunning blend of modern and traditional architecture, characterized by white brick, black accents and large windows that allow ample natural light.

THEME/COLORS

Preston and Ally wanted to create a classy, timeless look inspired by classic styles. They aimed for a luxurious feel that would evoke charm and elegance. Their color palette featured baby blue.

ATTIRE 

The bride wore an elegant, form-fitting gown adorned with intricate beadwork and delicate pearls. The dress featured a halter neckline and an open back. Made of delicate mesh, the fabric added an ethereal quality to the design and a long, flowing train completed her look.

Ally accessorized with pearl drop earrings, a diamond necklace, a pearl ring and a tennis bracelet. She wore Louis Vuitton Attrape-Rêves perfume and her shoes were Jimmy Choo Sacaria Platform 120.

Ally’s bridesmaid dresses featured a mix-and-match collection in various shades of baby blue. 

The groom wore a classic navy suit with a crisp white shirt and a striking feathered peacock bowtie by Brackish, adding a unique and personal touch to his look.  The groomsmen wore navy suits, crisp white shirts and stylish bow ties.

CEREMONY 

Preston and Ally’s ceremony was held against the breathtaking backdrop of a vineyard overlooking a serene pond. Guests were welcomed with thoughtful details, including custom fans that matched the baby blue and white color scheme of the wedding. Each seat also featured a personalized copy of the Burleson Bugle, a whimsical newspaper highlighting Preston and Ally’s love story, sharing fun facts and providing wedding details.

The floral arrangements featured hydrangeas, orchids and delicate delphiniums in shades of blue and white. They opted for a modern look with a horseshoe-shaped floral display instead of a traditional arch. It was full of white roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums and greenery, beautifully framing them as they stood on a sleek white stage.

To add elegance, mirrored stands were placed beside the stage, each topped with blue and white chinoiserie vases filled with flowers. This blend of mirrors and vibrant blooms created a modern yet timeless atmosphere for the ceremony.

COCKTAIL HOUR 

The cocktail hour took place in the hotel lobby and balcony area. Guests were welcomed by tables decorated with blue and white floral linens. The decor featured beautiful floral arrangements, fresh fruit and blue-and-white porcelain items.

A highlight was the custom ice sculpture with Preston and Ally’s wedding crest, placed at the seafood station.

Preston and Ally created special signature cocktails for their reception, inspired by their beloved Goldendoodles. The drink menu featured “The Peyton,” a light mix of vanilla vodka, pear syrup, lemon juice and soda. “The Knox” was a bold drink made with reposado tequila, blood orange syrup, pineapple juice, lemon juice and ginger ale. Lastly, “The Manning,” named after the bride’s family dog, was a classic margarita made with blanco tequila, agave, Cointreau, fresh lemon and lime juice.

RECEPTION 

The reception took place under a tent by the venue’s pond. Guests entered through a staircase draped in greenery and white, blue and green floral arrangements. The tent had twinkling string lights and featured tables with gold flatware, blue and white floral centerpieces and wine bottles. A focal point was the champagne tower.

The dinner menu included filet mignon, chicken breast, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

CAKE

The cake had three tiers and featured elegant white designs. It included two small doodle figurines representing the newlyweds’ beloved dogs.

EXIT

Preston and Ally drove away in a vintage Camaro while sparklers lit the night. Guests lined the path, each holding a sparkler. This moment came after their private last dance and a fantastic fireworks show near the reception.

HONEYMOON 

The couple spent their honeymoon in the Bahamas.

VENDORS

Venue/Catering: Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards

https://www.instagram.com/nicewonderfarm?igsh=MXZtY3A0eG9jMWdkdg==

Wedding Planner: Stacia Powers Events

https://www.instagram.com/staciapowersevents?igsh=M242bjE1cno0cWti

Floral: Wild Eden

https://www.instagram.com/wildedenco?igsh=Y2xpNW9zZ2w2aHVx

Hair & Makeup: Bangs & Blush

https://www.instagram.com/bangsandblush_?igsh=dDFnMDB2ajdzenox

DJ: Stacie Hawk Carroll

https://www.instagram.com/stacierandydj?igsh=d3RndG9wYjhjM3Y5

Photographer: Maddie Kaye

https://www.instagram.com/maddiekayephoto?igsh=OTczMmxtZTh3M3c4

Photo Booth: Prep a Party

https://www.instagram.com/letsprepaparty?igsh=MXI3NWo0ajk2emw2bA==

Seating chart: Prep a Party

https://www.instagram.com/letsprepaparty?igsh=MXI3NWo0ajk2emw2bA==

Videographer: Lions Creative Media

https://www.instagram.com/lionscreativemedia?igsh=MTZ5OXZubzJvajRqNw==

Invitations: Morgan Harris Design 

https://www.instagram.com/morganharrisdesign?igsh=MWF4Y2w1Z2UyaG85aw==

Rentals: Pop Event Company, Action Rental and Sales, Caroline LaRocca Event Design LLC

https://www.instagram.com/actionrentalkpt?igsh=MTMxZXJsdTM5aWNlNQ==

https://www.instagram.com/popeventco?igsh=c3FuMW81ZDE3dXFw

https://www.instagram.com/eventsbycled?igsh=MWtqcjA2enl1aTcwOQ==

Live Painter: Heather Wolfe Art

https://www.instagram.com/heather_wolfe_art?igsh=MW1mdzRhNmRoMHJjcg==

Gown: Dana Harel Design, bought at The Dress Theory Nashville 

https://www.instagram.com/danahareldesign?igsh=bmkzbzFhNnEwZzUz

https://www.instagram.com/thedresstheorynashville?igsh=dnJ3dHpqam5qZ2hi

String quartet: David Kovac

If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas

The author: Debra Shepperson

Debra is a native of Virginia, having lived in both Roanoke and Richmond. She is the co-owner of Relish – Say I Do!! Officiant & Photographer. She is an artist who aims to create ceremony scripts and capture photos that evoke positive emotional responses, inspire others, and deliver nostalgia. Debra holds a graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth and an undergraduate degree from Saint Leo University, Florida. Before gaining more than ten years of wedding-related experience, Debra was a human resource executive. She has been happily married to the co-owner of Relish for more than 20 years.