Samantha & Jake say "I DO"

On Saturday, November 12th, Samantha & Jake were married at Keswick Vineyards.  Thankfully the weather was about 10 degrees warmer then the day before and what a difference that made outside.  Samantha, Jake and their entire wedding party are performers so this wedding was very animated.  It was a challenge to get some traditional wedding photo's from this group.  Guest had a wonderful evening enjoying cigars by a fire pit they brought.  It was a beautiful evening still lit by the full moon.  Guest got an extra treat that evening with a singing/dance performance from the guest who are the "Celtic 5" that perform at Busch Gardens.  They were incredible and the crowd loved it!  All of us at Keswick Vineyards wish Samantha & Jake all the best and a special thank you to the following vendors who participated in their special day:  Photographer Ashley Whitlow, DJ Gregory Vinson Jr., The Early Katering Company, flowers by Hedge Fine Blooms, officiant Danni Burnette and wedding cake by Buttercream Dreams.

A beautiful fall wedding

Kristi's favorite color is orange so she must of been in heaven on her wedding day when the fall foliage was at its peak.  On Saturday, November 5th, Kristi married Darren on the grounds of Keswick Vineyards located just outside of Charlottesville, VA.  It was a brisk fall day with the sun shining which provided warmth for the guest as they witnessed the ceremony amongst the vines in the vineyard.  With the backdrop of Edgewood Estate surrounded by mountain and vineyard views accented with a burst of fall colors on the trees, could it get any better?  Kristi had her bridesmaids wearing beautiful dresses in a salmon orange color.  The bouquets in fall colors really popped against Kristi's beautiful white wedding dress.  I couldn't take enough photo's capturing this beautiful fall wedding day.  The natural fall colors everywhere made it a photographers dream.  See below some of my photo's from their wedding day. Click here to read the blog from Ward Photography and to view some of their professional photograph.  Kristi and Darren's wedding day could not of been a success without the help of the following vendors:  Catering by The Event Company; Ward Photography, Pat's Floral Designs, Favorite Cakes, DJ Rick Ripley, guitarist Travis Elliott, Minister Jay Carey, Barb Wired Event Planner and hair/make-up by Jeanne Cusick.

11-11-11 Such a popular day to get married!

Congratulations to Leah & David who were married at Keswick Vineyards on one of the most popular wedding days for this year.  This wedding was extra special to Keswick Vineyards since Leah's parents, Debbie & Gregg, have been part of the "Keswick family" for several years.  They are both wine club members and barrel owners.  Debbie & Gregg purchased their wine barrel as a gift to each other for their 30th wedding anniversary.  Gregg made sure that his love for Keswick Vineyards was obvious to all the guest by having their barrel with plaque under the reception tent and then wearing a tuxedo shirt that appeared to be just that until he took off his jacket to reveal this wine theme tuxedo shirt.  (see photo's below) I have to get one of these for my husband Al!  It was an honor to be chosen as the venue to host their daughters wedding and we sincerely thank them for that.  Now, onto Leah & David.  What a delightful couple they are.  David & Leah were such good sports, along with their photographers, to brave the chill in the air and ride around in the golf cart to capture all the different backdrops for photo's.  I think they will see that it was well worth it.  Leah & David chose to do a "1st look" before their ceremony which I think is a great idea.  It allows the photographer more time to take all those wonderful portrait photo's of the couple before the ceremony which allows them more time with their guests.  Leah & David got married at 4:15 pm.  It struck me kind of strange that they would choose that time versus 4:00 or 4:30 but then Leah's father explained to me the significants of that time.  Apparently on April 15th (4-15) Leah & David realized that they had found their soul mate and knew they would be getting married so they used that date as their ceremony time.  How sweet is that?  This entire wedding was full of special meanings.  Every time I walked around I would notice something cute that I hadn't seen earlier.  Leah and some of her family and friends had made Monster Cookies and Pumpkin Bread from old family recipes.  Her Grandmother in California couldn't make the trip so her presence was felt by having these goodies for everyone to take home with them.  I got to sample both and they were delicious!  Guest enjoyed themselves by dancing the night away under a full moon.  Thanks to the following vendors who made Leah & David's wedding so special for them:  catering by 20 South, Katie Jett Walls of Red Turtle Photography, musicians The Madison Trio, Pastor Renee Teague, make-up artist Karen Lanquette, DJ Mark Allen of Class Productions DJ Services and Pastry Chef Porter's.  Below are some of my photo's capturing the beauty of their wedding. Click here to view the professional photo's by Katie Jett Walls.

Marnie & Jim say "I DO!"

Congratulations to Marnie & Jim who were married on Saturday, October 29th, at the beautiful Keswick Vineyards located just outside Charlottesville, Virginia.  Despite the unseasonable cold weather that day (it actually snowed in some nearby areas), Marnie and Jim were all smiles.  They were just so happy that it wasn't raining and that the sun came out for their ceremony and photo's afterwards.  There was a chill in the air that evening but with two heaters in the beautiful sailcloth Sperry tent everyone stayed warm.  Marnie reminded me so much of Jessica Simpson in looks and personality.  She was one of those carefree brides that just wanted to have a good time.  They chose to have some real Southern comfort food including mac & cheese that you could add all sorts of ingredients to it like bacon, broccoli, onions, etc., corn bread pudding, pulled BBQ and coleslaw.  Marnie surprised Jim was a "fry truck" later in the evening where guest could get onion rings or french fries with toppings like cheese or chili.  I guess Jim LOVES cheese so there was plenty of it.  Guest enjoy the rest of the evening dancing to music by DJ Greg Tutwiler.  I look forward to seeing photo's from their photographer Stephanie Yonce but until then, a couple of mine to share below.  Thanks again to the following vendors for making Marnie & Jim's wedding so special:  Stephanie Yonce Photography, National DJ Connection, Event Planner FeteStudio, flowers by Green Flamingo, catering by Groovin Gourmet out of Richmond, The LunchboxVA fry truck and Brian Purcell as officiant.  Here is the link, click here, to see the professional photo's by Stephanie Yonce.

Sarah & Matt's beautiful fall wedding

On Saturday, October 22nd, Sarah and Matt were married at Keswick Vineyards by the Reverend Deborah Lewis.  Their outdoor ceremony in front of the Estate with the back drop of the vineyard looked amazing with the burst of fall colors.  Sarah looked stunning in her wedding dress and she was escorted down the aisle by her father while the Piedmont Chamber Players played their strings.  I was so happy to see her bridemaids in full length gowns along with the Mothers.  Sarah & Matt wanted their wedding to have three components:  timeless, sophisticated/elegant and simple.  They definitely achieve their goal.  The colors used were very soft with light, dusting pink and light grey tones.  Baby breath was used to decorated the arch for the ceremony and for centerpieces they had very tall candle operas with baby breath arrangements on top.  They up lighted the Sperry tent with a yellow filter to cast a beautiful glow through out.  The simplicity was truly timeless and sophisticated.  I can't wait to see the photo's taken by Jen Fariello and the video taken by Kirby Martin.  I got a brief look at some of the footage and was speechless.  I hope to be able to share that with everyone at a later date.  Sarah and Matt really paid attention to every last detail including renting a 1946 classic car from Albemarle Vintage Limousine in grey to match their color scheme.  Gotta love a couple like this!  Their guest, a lot from California, enjoy tasting some of Virginia's finest wines from Keswick Vineyards.  I would say their favorite was the Cabernet Franc & Viognier.  Thanks to all the vendors that helped make Sarah & Matt's wedding a dream come true for them including:  20 South Catering, Pat's Floral Designs, Kirby Martin Cinematography, Jen Fariello photography, Reverand Deborah Lewis, wedding director Dianne Garcia, Albemarle Vintage Limousine, Festive Fare, Skyline Tent, pastry chef Kathy Watkins from Favorite Cakes, Piedmont Chamber Players (string trio) and DJ T.D. Layman of Sound Enforcement.  Please enjoy some snapshots taken that day.  Better yet, click here to view the professional video taken by Kirby Martin Cinematography.  Click here to read the blog written for Charlottesville Wedding Blog by photographer Jen Fariello.

Virginia & Jack's Wedding Day

Congratulations to Virginia & Jack who were married at Keswick Vineyards by Pastor Larry Farnen on Saturday, October 15th, 2011.  Virginia & Jack met when they both attended the University of Virginia.  They currently live in Richmond along with their families and wanted to come back to the Charlottesville area to be married.  Virginia was such a stunning bride and Jack looked very handsome in his dark grey suit.  The yellow colors in her bouquet provided by Sugar Magnolias complimented the golden colors in the vineyard.  The weather was beautiful for this all outdoor ceremony/reception wedding.  Virginia & Jack surprised their guest with a taco trailer during cocktail hour.  Guest couldn't get enough of Boka Tako Truck.  After cocktail hour the guest enjoyed the evening under the Sperry Tent that was beautifully decorated by Skyline Tent.  Guest enjoyed a family style dinner catered by C&O of Charlottesville.  Jean-Jacques Bakery provided the delicious wedding cakes.  Virginia and Jack also had a popcorn buffet served along with some Coke in the original small glass bottles.  At the end of the evening instead of doing a sparkler send off, Virginia & Jack gathered on the dance floor with their remaining guest and arm to arm sang the UVA fight song, "That Good Ole' Song".  Jay Johnson of Astro Entertainment from Virginia Beach was the DJ providing music for the evening.  All the fun and excitement was captured by Studio Saldana Photography from New York.   To view their vimeo trailer video click here.  Below are some of my photo's from the day.

Shannon & Davis's October 8th Wedding

On Saturday, October 8th, Shannon & Davis were married at Keswick Vineyards!  Shannon was escorted down the aisle by her Mother while she had a locket attached to her bouquet with a photo of her father who had recently passed.  The ceremony was beautiful and I was taken by how Davis just couldn't take his eyes off of Shannon.  He just kept looking at her with that look of amazement.  The two of them kept saying how it felt like they were looking at someone else's wedding.  They couldn't believe that this was their wedding.  Their true excitement showed all night long on their faces.  The evening couldn't of happened without the help of the following vendors:  Tom Daly Photography, Claire Goodman Officiant, Charlottesville Cupcake, Caterer Hank's Smokehouse, Blue Ridge Floral, T.D. Layman of Sound Enforcement as DJ, and Jessica Trembley as wedding director.  Below are some photo's I took but to get a sneak peak at their professional photo's by photographer Tom Daly, click here.

Amanda & Brian's October 1st wedding

On Saturday, October 1st, Amanda & Brian exchanged their wedding vows at a beautiful, outdoor ceremony at Keswick Vineyards.  What a beautiful couple Amanda & Brian made.  It sure makes it easy for us want-to-be photographers.  The two of them really out did themselves with the decorating.  The flowers for the ceremony and the centerpieces on the tables were incredible!  The centerpieces were on top of these 3-4 foot high clear glass vases that just made such a striking statement.  Skyline tent did an amazing job lighting the tent with wall washers and hanging oriental light balls from the ceiling.  I've never seen our  Sperry tent look more beautiful then I did that night.  The food, the music, the cake, the bridal party, everything was incredible and I'm so happy that Amanda & Brian chose Keswick Vineyards to celebrate their special day.  Congratulations to the both of you and please come back for a visit.  Special thanks to all the vendors that night including Barb Wired as the event director, Hot Cakes for catering & wedding cake, Skyline Tent Company for lighting and decorations, Linden Trio for ceremony & cocktail music, T.D. Layman as the DJ, Brian Purcell the officiant, Flowers by Natalie, Tom Sanderson Photography, Starring You films as videography, make-up by Jeanne Cusick and hair by Moxie.

Shannon & Zac's September 24th Wedding

All of the wood knocking worked for Zac.  All day I would tell him that it wasn't going to rain and he would make everyone knock on wood.  I'm happy to say that Shannon & Zac had NO rain for their entire wedding day!  The weather was perfect with the over cast skies. Shannon & Zac were married by Erik Bonkovsky after a 7 1/2 year relationship on September 24th, 2011 at Keswick Vineyards.  Shannon was escorted down the aisle by her father while harpist Eve Watters played.  Some of the most beautiful bouquets and centerpieces were done by Blue Ridge Florist.  Guests enjoyed food prepared by Groovin' Gourmet out of Richmond and played yard games while photographer Don Mears and his wife Lindsay took photo's of the couple and their families.  After dinner the guests danced the night away under the Sperry tent with DJ Derek Tobler.  The evening was spectacular and a special thanks for the crew from Barb Wired for handling all the details to make Shannon & Zac's wedding a day they will never forget.  Congratulations!  To view a blog from Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book featuring photo's from Don Mears, click here. Click on this link to see even more photo's by Don Mears Photography.

Erin & Levi's Wedding

On September 17th, 2011, Erin & Levi were married by Rev. Richard Fichter at Keswick Vineyards.  Erin had worried for the past week regarding the cold front and rain that was heading our way.  She prayed and prayed and her prayers were answered.  What a beautiful day her and Levi had for their all outdoor ceremony and reception.  It was like her prayers were answered when the sun peaked out from behind the clouds right when her ceremony began.  Erin shared with me a story of how her and Levi had burried a bottle of bourbon, upside down, that is suppose to give you good weather on your wedding day if you do this exactly a month before your wedding day.  Looks like that worked!  The overcast skies made it a dream for photographer Cat Thrasher as she captured every moment of the evening.  Guests enjoyed food prepared by 20 South Catering and dance the night away under the command of DJ T.D. Layman.  Special thanks to Verde Natural Florals, MS Events and Barb Wired.