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Bride: Sarah Dollar, 23, Sales Associate
Groom: Jeffrey Kerschner, 26, Electrician
Date: October 23, 2021
Venue: Fairy Stone State Park, Stuart, Virginia
Guests: 130
Jeffrey and Sarah have shared a friendship since childhood, having met at church in Roanoke, Virginia. Though they were close back then, life pulled them apart after high school. Fortunately, they reconnected in the fall of 2018 during a delightful surprise encounter at a Hobby Lobby store in Radford. At that moment, Sarah was studying at Radford University, while Jeffrey was searching for supplies for an extra-credit project at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke. Sarah fondly recalls, “I saw him and went up to say hi and at that moment, we both felt ‘sparks.’ On their first date, they enjoyed a lovely visit to Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia.
PROPSAL
Jeffrey proposed to Sarah in December 2020 at the very spot where they shared their first date, strolling together through the enchanting Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights at Explore Park. As he knelt, he asked Sarah to marry him and after a delightful moment of surprise, she happily said, “Yes.” Jeffrey crafted the engagement ring, working closely with his uncle, a talented jeweler. The charming vintage-style ring features the bride’s mother’s diamond, beautifully accented by floral details on the sides and sparkling Tsavorite stones, making it a truly special keepsake of their love story.
VENUE/THEME/COLORS
Jeffrey and Sarah happily chose Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart, Virginia, as the perfect spot for their wedding. The location was both private and breathtaking, with an open field and many lovely areas for photos, including a peaceful lake and charming wooded spots. The rustic buildings added a warm, cozy touch.
“Jeffrey had previously done electrical work for the reception building, so he was familiar with it,” the bride shared. Since the park was conveniently located near both Jeffrey’s and Sarah’s homes, it made traveling easy for them and their loved ones, which was a significant advantage.
Their theme beautifully celebrated the gorgeous scenery and crisp autumn air. Both the bride and groom adore fall and they wanted their wedding to feel sweet, cozy and inviting. The spot truly captured the rustic, fall ambiance they envisioned.
Their color palette reflected the rich tones of fall — burnt orange, deep purple, navy and olive green — tying everything together in a warm, seasonal harmony.
ATTIRE
Sarah found her beautiful gown at New Fangled Bride & Formals in Salem, Virginia. She enjoyed getting ready in one of the cozy cabins on the venue’s lovely property. Her dress was a fitted, lacey masterpiece with a graceful long train. She beautifully enhanced it with buttons down the back, a vintage veil, her sparkling engagement ring and delicate stud earrings.
Sarah and her bridesmaids all wore Toms shoes, with the bride’s in vibrant red, adding a cheerful pop of color. The bridesmaids chose velvet dresses that perfectly matched the color scheme, each selecting their favorite style.
For the groom, a special touch was a custom-made, dark brown textured wool suit complemented by a stylish vest. The bride even crafted a tie for him, adding a heartfelt detail.
The groomsmen looked sharp in khaki pants paired with cream corduroy shirts and their ties echoed the bride’s chosen color, tying the whole look together beautifully.
BOUQUET
The cascading bridal bouquet by Kerschner Creations was a beautiful blend of purple, navy, orange, and green, with ribbons of each color gracefully flowing down. It was adorned with sunflowers and lovely fillers, creating a charming centerpiece. Each bridesmaid carried a simpler bouquet in a single color that perfectly complemented the bride’s stunning arrangement.
The groom’s boutonniere beautifully echoed the colors of the bridal bouquet. At the same time, each groomsman wore a boutonniere featuring a wedding color, adding a personalized touch to the wedding party’s look.
CEREMONY
Sarah walked down the aisle, escorted lovingly by her father, as the outdoor setting was beautifully adorned with vibrant, colorful trees, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Before the ceremony, the groom thoughtfully decorated the outdoor space as a sweet surprise for his bride. He arranged chairs and surrounded them with Polaroids that captured their memorable moments from the past year. Additionally, he crafted a beautiful macramé backdrop himself. He laid out decorative rugs for the couple to stand on during their heartfelt vows.
Jeffrey and Sarah were pronounced married by their pastor, Joseph Pjecha, who included various scripture readings during the ceremony. He also included a meaningful 3-braided cord ceremony symbolizing the union of the bride, the groom and the Holy Spirit. To add a little playful charm, the pastor surprised them with a fun Hobby Lobby coupon, bringing a smile to everyone’s faces.
Music:
Processional: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “In Christ Alone,” “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Come Thou Fount” and “Shine Jesus Shine.”
Bridal Entrance: “Canon.”
Recessional: Same as processional.
COCKTAIL HOUR
During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious selection of finger foods while the couple had their portraits taken. The signature drinks were non-alcoholic and included a hot tea bar.
RECEPTION
The reception took place in the main building of Fairy Stone Park, where warm woodwork added a charming touch to the cozy space.
As the newlyweds arrived, the bride’s father proudly introduced them as husband and wife, marking a special moment.
The tables were decorated with lovely tablecloths and charming little vases filled with fresh flowers. Sarah also delighted everyone by spreading dried rose petals, a sweet keepsake from the bouquets Jeffrey had given her over the years. These petals were gently laid along the center of each table, adding a personal and romantic touch.
DINNER MENU
Jeffrey and Sarah’s loved ones put together a lovely wedding dinner for everyone attending. Guests enjoyed a delightful selection of soups, fresh bread, and other tasty finger foods.
SONGS FOR FIRST DANCES
The newlyweds joyfully danced to the beautiful tune of “How Long Will I Love You” by Canyon City, creating a memorable moment. The heartfelt father-daughter dance was to “Sarah Beth” by Rascal Flats, while the groom shared a tender sway with his mother to the enchanting melodies of “Fireflies” by Owl City.
GUEST BOOK
Jeffrey and Sarah happily decided to use a Bible as their guest book. The couple asked guests to sign their names on the pages that shared their favorite Bible verses, creating a meaningful keepsake filled with love and faith.
CAKE
The bride’s aunt baked the wedding cake and cupcakes for the special day. She decorated them with beautiful, handcrafted iced flowers that perfectly matched the couple’s wedding colors. It truly added a personal and charming touch to the celebration.
FAVORS
The guests happily received a special homemade chai mix as a lovely wedding favor, making the occasion even more memorable.
EXIT
The bride and groom happily made their exit from the reception through a delightful bubble send-off.
HONEYMOON
The newlyweds enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee.
Bride IG: grassfairy15
VENDORS
VENUE:
Fairy Stone State Park
Fairy Stone State Park
Explore Park | Roanoke County Parks Rec & Tourism, VA
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Cassie Carter Photography
https://www.instagram.com/cassiecarterphotography/
WEDDING BANDS:
Effy and Kay Jewelers
Kay | Wedding, Engagement & Fashion Jewelry
OFFICIANT:
Joseph Pjecha
GOWN:
Newfangled Bride & Formals
https://newdsalem.com/pages/wedding-info
SHOES:
Toms
FLOWERS:
Kerschner Creations
Flower Arrangements | Kerschner Creations | Roanoke
RENTAL EQUIPMENT:
Aztec Rental
Party Rentals in Roanoke VA | Tool Rentals in Roanoke VA
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.
