Virginia Weddings Magazine
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Real Virginia Weddings: Madelyn & Albert

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  • Bride: Madelyn Brown | 26 | Financial Consultant
  • Groom: Albert Smith | 36 | Operations Manager
  • Date: March 14, 2026
  • Location: Roanoke, Virginia
  • Guest Count: 145

Jokesters

When Albert hosted a casual Christmas Party at his home, Madelyn showed up in a red dress and fur coat. While acceptable for another party she was attending that evening, Madelyn’s fancy outfit drew attention and became the subject of Albert’s jokes. Always a good sport, Madelyn laughed and was quick with a witty reply at Albert’s expense. “We quickly became fast friends as we both are jokesters,” she shared.

The couple was engaged at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, Florida following an elegant high tea with family.

Madelyn and Albert tied the knot. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Lucky in Love

The couple’s wedding theme celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, highlighting all shades of green and shamrocks galore. Madelyn and Albert chose a wedding date that would coincide with downtown Roanoke’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, saying, “We chose the date because we wanted our guests to have a whole weekend of fun!”

The couple chose a St. Patrick’s Day theme for their special day. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Green decor came in all shades from lime to Mojito to Kelly. White, black and gold elements anchored the color scheme.  

Continuing the theme, guests took home trucker hats that said “Lucky in Love” along with green, lime-flavored macarons as favors.

Favors stayed on theme. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

The Details

Albert had Madelyn’s ring custom made by Town Jewelers in Washington, D.C. The princess cut 2-carat solitaire had a pavé setting and white gold band.

Madelyn’s ring was custom made. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Heirlooms and handmade items reminded Madelyn of her family’s love and care. The bride accessorized her Unaltered Bridal gown with her mother’s wedding bolero and pearl bracelets. Plus, Madelyn’s grandmother handmade her cathedral-length lace veil and stitched the couple’s wedding date and initials into the fabric.

The couple’s wedding date and initials were stitched into the fabric. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Albert wore a black tuxedo from Jos. A. Bank and a unique black feathered bow tie from Brackish.

The groom wore a unique bow tie. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Some bridesmaids wore Dessy Mojito-colored satin gowns in a variety of styles, while one opted for a black jumpsuit. Groomsmen were outfitted by Jos. A. Bank.

Madelyn’s bridesmaids wore a variety of styles. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Dear Dogs

The bride’s large bouquet from The Twisted Tulip featured white roses and greenery. In honor of Madelyn’s recently departed pit bull, Maggie, the bride and bridesmaids tied small dog bones into their bouquets using white ribbon. The bridal party dropped the bones into a small ginger jar at the end of the aisle in remembrance of the dear dog.

The wedding honored Maggie. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Maggie and the couple’s Golden Retriever, Frankie, also made an appearance on the wedding cake, which was designed to look as if tiny bites had been taken by the dogs. Blush Baking Company provided the almond raspberry and Biscoff cookie layer cake.

The cake playfully referenced the couple’s pets. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

The Day

The couple chose Hidden Valley Country Club as the setting for their special day. They loved that the venue offered Blue Ridge Mountain views and an outdoor ceremony location. “Hidden Valley Country Club is a country club with an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a great patio and a very nice club house,” said Madelyn. “I chose the club because it is the club I grew up going to since I was a very young child. I have so many memories of holidays and celebrations here that it felt like home choosing to have my wedding venue here too.”

Ginger jars featured prominently in the decor. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Heather Turner of Heather Turner Photography captured photos of the wedding.

Champagne and sparkling water greeted guests as they arrived at the ceremony. A harpist played soft music for 30 minutes before the event began, as well as the processional, bridal entrance and recessional music during the ceremony.

A harpist played during the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

At the reception, green and white ginger jars sat beside clear vases filled with hydrangeas. Elevated gold towers held floral arrangements while staying out of the way of guests. Chiavari chairs circled tables and dainty folded napkins sat atop plates.

A buffet-style meal included rosemary chicken, a carving station, short rib, green beans, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and rolls.

Elevated arrangements featured gold pillars, florals and greenery. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Guests danced the night away on a dancefloor lit by an LED sign that read, “M&A.” Before the party concluded, the couple surprised guests with a lucky late-night snack: tacos!

A custom sign lit up the dance floor. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)
The couple provided a late-night taco feast. (Photo courtesy of Heather Turner Photography)

Wedding Ingredients

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

Tags : Real Virginia WeddingRoanoke WeddingSt. Patrick's Day
Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

The author: Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland is a freelance writer and editor. When she’s not poring over manuscripts and searching for misplaced commas, Elizabeth can be found reading in a cozy chair with her cats, performing onstage at her local community theatre or antiquing with her husband.

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