You will be sure to fall head over heels for this sweet heirloom Virginia wedding captured by Sarah Street Photography! The bride was absolutely lovely in her third generation wedding dress, worn by both her mother and grandmother, which was the inspiration for the whole wedding!
Taylor and I were high school sweethearts and had been together for 7 1/2 years when we got married. It was a vintage style wedding centered around my gown that my maternal great grandmother Elaine found for my grandmother in a department store called the Emporium in San Francisco (no longer operational). From then, by grandmother wore it on March 31,1962, then my mother wore it on August 19, 1989, and I wore it for my wedding. I altered the gown somewhat from the original (removed puffy sleeves, etc) but other than that it hadn’t been altered. Additionally, I wore a necklace around my wrist that was worn by my grandmother with the dress originally and an aunt on her wedding day.
The wedding colors were ivory (to match the dress), grey and blush/neutral pink. I loved the process of choosing bridesmaid dresses, as all of the girls were free to choose different styles and colors as long as they matched the scheme. All of the girls seemed happy with the choices, as was I.
Most important to us was having a genuine Christian ceremony that accurately reflected our love for one another. Also most important was the comfort and enjoyability of family and friends, while focusing on what we wanted as well. Delicious food/cake, wine/drinks, and great dancing were also necessities!
My favorite part was seeing my groom crying when he saw me for the first time walking down the aisle. Taylor’s favorite part was the ceremony as well (“Saying I do” he says). I also loved the excitement of getting ready, being with all of my closest friends and family, and all of the dancing during the reception!
We chose the Williamsburg Winery for the venue as it had a vintage and romantic feel. I wanted a semi-formal affair that was beautiful but comfortable for my guests, and I feel as though this is exactly what I got. All of my vendors were so amazing. We could not have done it without them.
I did make signs for the wedding with my best friend and maid of honor. We made a welcome sign, wedding directional signs, reserved signs (for the ceremony), a bar menu sign, some other small signs and a non traditional “guest book” (a beautiful piece of maple featuring “Jones est. 2017”). We also made a seating chart out of a rustic looking wooden frame and tags clothes-pinned to twine. My father made the beautiful arbor for the ceremony. It sits in the backyard of our first home now and it is something we will cherish forever.
Photography | Sarah Street Photography | Venue | Williamsburg Winery | Coordinating | Chickadee Events | Florist | Kelly Gish Floral Designs | Cake | Bella Cakes | DJ | Astro Entertainment | Alterations & Veil | Pleiades Bridal Design | Hair | Ashley Soltis | Makeup | Kim Porter | Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal and All the Rage
