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Real Virginia Weddings: Alexis & Jackson 

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  • Real Virginia Weddings: Alexis & Jackson
  • The Bride: Alexis Champion | 29 | Government Contractor
  • The Groom: Jackson Fudda | 25 | Systems Engineer
  • Date: June 26, 2026
  • Location: Manassas, Virginia
  • Guest Count: 110

Love at First Sip

Alexis met Jackson just a few weeks after he moved to Virginia from Spain, where he was attending flight school. Alexis and a friend were having dinner at a winery where Jackson happened to work as a bartender. It was love at first sip, and Jackson joined Alexis and her friend for a night out as soon as his shift was over.

After some long-distance dating while Jackson finished school, he asked Alexis to marry him under a decorated gazebo at a family Fourth of July celebration.

“The engagement was absolutely everything I could have dreamed of and the best surprise,” remembered Alexis. “When I was picking out an outfit for dinner, I just so happened to pick a white dress that Jackson had got me for Christmas that year that I had not gotten to wear yet. It truly made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world seeing the man of my dreams get down on one knee and ask me to be his forever. I will remember this day for the rest of my life.”

Alexis and Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

Planning Process

Alexis and Jackson described the planning process as both a pleasure and a pain. They didn’t book vendors in the typical order and contracted with their DJ before even selecting a wedding date! “Things all still fell into place,” the couple explained.

They selected Brentsville Hall in Manassas, Virginia as the site for both the ceremony and reception. This venue offered in-house catering, bar services and decor, which alleviated some stress for Alexis and Jackson. “We only had to deal with one vendor and knew we were getting the highest quality services available,” they said.

The couple opted for in-house catering. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

The Details

Magical elegance inspired Alexis and Jackson’s vision for their special day. After establishing a base palette of blue and white, the couple incorporated whimsical pastel decor that complemented the venue’s all-wood interior and crystal chandeliers.

Soft pastel tones set the scene. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

“It was a wedding fit for a Disney princess in a way,” Alexis said.

Moody blue details complimented the theme. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

For seating, the couple worked with Roseanna at Bella Villa to curate a collection of vintage furniture rentals. Instead of sitting on standard seats, guests reclined on colorful vintage couches and tufted armchairs.

“She truly went above and beyond, not only helping us select the furniture, but creating a layout for the event,” the couple shared. “The front rows on both sides looked less like ceremony seating and more like a living room built for the people we love most. It made everyone more comfortable, and it gave the whole day a warm, ‘collected-over-time’ feeling.”

Vintage furniture offered elegant seating. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

After the ceremony, the same pieces were rearranged into lounge groupings at the reception. Due to an autoimmune disorder that affected both of her legs, Alexis had limited mobility and could not stand for long periods. The elegant furniture provided a comfortable yet on-theme, accessible option for her throughout her special day.

Floral decor lined the aisle. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

“I can’t rave enough about how every aspect of the night turned out so beautiful and elegant,” she said. “And most of all, the level of comfort that was brought in which allowed me and our guests to participate to the fullest in every event of the night.”

The bride customized her gown. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

Alexis sourced her ballgown from Danielle Bridal in Woodbridge. She customized the dress’s top and altered the back to add a deep V back neckline. Her train featured glitter and layered tulle for a shimmery effect. To complete the look, Alexis added a beaded rose from her mother’s wedding gown at her waist and donned a cathedral-length tulle veil edged with embroidered florals and greenery.

The groom wore a custom outfit. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

Jackson wore a custom suit from Anthony’s Tuxedos in Georgetown.

Bridesmaids wore twilight blue. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

Groomsmen also dressed in suits from Anthony’s Tuxedos in Georgetown, while bridesmaids selected unique twilight blue dress styles from Azazie.

Sanaz Fahimi at Butterfly Photography captured Alexis and Jackson’s special day.  

The Day

Alexis and Jackson shared personal handwritten vows and speeches. Family and friends also spoke, bringing guests to tears several times.

The couple shared handwritten vows. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

The couple fondly remembered an anniversary dance held at the ceremony that celebrated all the other married couples present and ended with the newlyweds dancing their way to the floor.

The happy couple shared a dance. (Photo courtesy of Butterfly Photography)

Guests partied late into the evening, enjoying a photo dash, karaoke and Jackson’s surprise performance of “Two Dozen Roses” by Shenandoah.

Happy Honeymoon

Alexis and Jackson set sail on a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon, visiting The Bahamas, Sint Maarten, Anguilla and San Juan.

“After a year of planning every detail of the wedding, there was something perfect about unpacking once and letting the islands come to us,” they shared.

Wise Words

The couple suggests prioritizing the parts of the wedding that the guests will remember.

“For us, that was comfortable vintage furniture instead of standard chairs,” they said. “And people still talk about it!”

Wedding Ingredients

Tags : Real Virginia Weddings
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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