Love Has No Boundaries

All you need is love.  Charmaine & Aly are definitely an example of that and was much needed on this particular Saturday, August 12th.  On a day that started with Charlottesville being on the national news for a white supremacy gathering that turned tragic, it was reassuring to see how diversity can be so beautiful.  With Charmaine arriving from China just 5 days before her wedding day, and Aly arriving about 8 days from Dubai for his wedding day, these two were ready to show the world how love is blind and can conquer any boundaries.

Charmaine & Aly began their wedding day like they did on their first date with a pool game.  I was told that Charmaine won the last time they had played which was many years ago and Aly always wanted a rematch so today was the day.  I won’t say who won but I think another game is in order to break a tie.

With a lot of the guest being from Dubai and Pakistan, the brief rain storm we had was such a treat for them.  To them, the rain was like the first snow fall for us.  They just don’t get rain in the desert and relished in it.  To top it off they were treated to a double rainbow!  They definitely hit the pot of gold at Keswick Vineyards!

Charmaine had a beautiful, white lace wedding dress with a veil to cover her face.  She was simply beautiful!  After some photos, she would change into her “comfy” dress that was adorned with jewels on the front bodice.  Even better, it had pockets!!!

Guests enjoyed a delicious 3 course plated dinner prepared by Harvest Moon followed by a 3-tier cake by Passionflower Cakes.  It was one of the best cakes I have tasted!  Guests enjoyed the rest of the evening dancing the night away and enjoying a little late-night rain, yet not enough to spoil the couple’s sparkler departure.

Thank you to the following vendors for making this international wedding a huge success despite the distractions that were going on in Charlottesville:  Keswick Vineyards as their Day of Coordinator, Harvest Moon Catering, Tourterelle Floral, DJ Derek Tobler, Ayesha Photography and Passionflower Cakes

Aug 12, 2017 at 2:03 PM Permalink

So Many Great Ideas!

On Saturday, August 5th, Katie and John were married at Keswick Vineyards.  For an early August vineyard wedding you couldn’t of asked for a more perfect day with the weather.  They really hit the Jack Pot with no humidity and a breeze to top it off.

They chose to be married in front of the fountain at Edgewood Estate.  This is a very popular location for ceremonies under 140 in size.  With the back drop of the vineyard and the mountain views you can see why this location is so popular.  With a barrel with a unity candle in the middle and a couple of floral arrangements on each side, they were all set.  

Katie and John had so many cute ideas for their wedding as you can see by my photos.  I really like the photo of them with balloons that guests would sign versus the traditional guest book.  They also had a bible that guests highlighted their favorite verse and then signed it.  I think that makes a great guest book also for those that are religious and know their bible versus.  A beautiful memory barrel was also under the reception tent and I just loved the little saying displayed with the photos and angel statue.

Guests enjoyed a family style dinner prepared by Travinia Italian Kitchen.  Topping off that dinner was a wedding cake, cupcakes and cannoli’s!  No one left unsatisfied that evening.  

What better way to end the evening then to have a sparkler send off with one of Albemarle Limousine antique cars to drive you away in.

Thanks to the following vendors for making this dream wedding reality for Katie & John:  Wedding Planner, Keswick Vineyards; Caterer, Travinia Italian Kitchen; Desserts by Sweethaus; DJ Andy Wilfong of Party Masters; Musicians Terra Voce; Photographer & Photobooth, Ward Photography; Videographer, Partytrap Studios; Hair & Make-up by Charlottesville Makeup Artist; Florist, Lacy’s Florist; Skyline Tent Company for tent lighting; Officiant Father Jason Lody; Transportation by Ambassador Limousine (buses) and Albemarle Limousine for vintage get away car.

Aug 5, 2017 at 8:13 AM Permalink

Thays and Clinton get married!

Congratulations to Thays & Clinton who were married at Keswick Vineyards on Saturday, July 22nd.  With most of the guests being from Miami, this wedding definitely had some “heat” to it.  Thays looked exceptionally beautiful in her wedding dress.  I just love the look she gave her father as they made their way to the alter.  When Clinton laid his eyes on her you could see his eyes swell with tears as he was captivated by her beauty at that moment.  

Speaking of moments, we all know how cute flower girls can be.  I’ve seen those little ones walk on their own, be pulled in a wagon, have their parents carry them or I’ve even seen them run the opposite direction!  What made this flower girl different was you had to add about another 90 years to the normal age of a flower girl.  Yes, Thay’s 94 year old Grandma was her flower girl and was just thrilled with that role.  All the guests were amused as she threw rose petals into the crowd versus onto the aisle.

Cocktails were held under Keswick’s 300+ year old oak tree.  I just love the bar that they rented from Paisley & Jade.  After a delicious dinner prepared by Goodrich Gourmet Catering, it was time to hit the dance floor.  Thay and her father stole the show with their dance.  I was told Thays was dancing disco even before she knew how to walk and it showed.  The two of them did a father/daughter dance that just had everyone cheering.  Definitely one of the best I’ve seen.

Lastly, guests enjoyed desserts with homemade pies, cake and donuts.  The donuts were displayed on a pegged door so guests could just pull off the donut of their choice.  And for those that wanted a different type of dessert, cigars and brandy were also on hand!

Thanks to the following vendors for doing such an exceptional job:  Event Coordinator, Keswick Vineyards; Catering, Goodrich Gourmet Catering; rentals, Paisley & Jade and MS Events; Officiant, Moretta Henderson; Desserts, Sweethaus; DJ, Ty Russel; Harpest, Eve Watters, Photographer, Leah Hewitt Photography; Hair & Make-up, Carolyn Thombs & Malia Rafaie; Florist, Amy Dittmer; Video, Joseph Kim; and tent lighting, Skyline Tent Company.

Jul 22, 2017 at 7:28 AM Permalink

Twins, Cupcakes, and a hot July wedding!

Congratulations to Sarah and Sean who after being together for six years tied the knot at Keswick Vineyards on Friday, July 14, 2017.  Being a July wedding in Virginia, it can be hot.  I remember when they toured the property pointing out to them a good shady area in front of the fountain that would be greatly appreciated by their guests if they ended up having one of those hot, July days.  Well, they did have a beautiful, hot & sunny wedding day and remembered that spot and used it!  I was so happy to see that and I’m sure their guests really were the happiest.  This was a first for any of our couples to use this location.  From the photos, I think you all would agree that it is just as beautiful as any ceremony location at Keswick Vineyards.

Sarah is a twin and had her sister walked her down the aisle.  Another first for us at Keswick Vineyards.  What a special moment for those two to share.

The evening sunset provided a beautiful backdrop as guest enjoyed a buffet dinner prepared by Blue Ridge Catering.  I must say, the grilled chicken with pesto sauce was delicious!  And speaking of delicious, those cupcakes from Paris Cake Company.  I’m so happy the family let me keep the extras!  After dinner and dessert, it was onto the dance floor for guests to dance the night away.  Adding to the festivities the couple had glow sticks for their guests to grab and use while dancing and instead of a sparkler departure the couple was showered with bubbles as they drove away to their happily ever after!

Special thanks to the following vendors who make each of our weddings so special:  Caterer:  Blue Ridge Catering, Dessert:  Paris Cake Company, DJ:  DJ Ricky of Prime Time Sound, Phtographer:  Megan Garrison, Officiant:  Jay Ford with his wife Denise acting as wedding planner, Hair & Make-up:  Judy Hayward of On Location Bridal.

Jul 14, 2017 at 7:04 AM Permalink

Picture Perfect

What a beautiful day for a wedding!  Saturday, July 8th was one of those perfect weather days in Virginia.  To eccentuate the beautiful weather Aimee and Antonio chose our “fall location” to say their I do’s.  What a view this location has.  There just isn’t a bad view.  Between Edgewood Estate, the fountain, the vineyard and then the mountains, how do you decide how to angle your aisle?

As guests arrive they were instructed to use a polaroid camera to take a photo.  They then would tape that photo to the guest book and write a message.  That certainly personalized that guest book for the couple.

During the ceremony, their officiant had them pause for a moment to take a look at their guests and to just say hi to everyone.  It was just one of those prompt moments that just made everyone feel included in the ceremony.  When the ceremony was completed guest waved wands that were made that had ribbons and bells on them.

As the couple left to do photos guests enjoyed beverages and appetizers prepared by Harvest Moon.  Once the couple returned, guests went under our Sperry Tent for a delicious dinner including salmon as one of their entrees.

To finish the evening guests enjoyed cake and danced the night away under a disco ball!

Thanks to the following vendors for making Aimee and Antonio’s wedding a picture pefect evening they will never forget:  Keswick Vineyards as their Day of Coordinator, Harvest Moon Catering, Officiant Claire Frances, Cake from Cakes by Rachel and One Creative Cookie, DJ Andy Wilfong of Party Masters, Musicians Classical Hillbillies, Meredith Coe Photography, Hair & Make-up by Avenue 42,Florals from Flowers by Zoie, Transportation by Albemarle Limousine and the Disco Ball from Skyline Tent Company.

Jul 8, 2017 at 1:05 PM Permalink

That's Amore!

Love was definitely in the air for these two coming all the way from France to have their Virginia vineyard wedding at Keswick Vineyards on July 7th, 2017.  Arnita has to be my most energized bride I have ever had.  She was so much fun to work with!  As you can see, from the beginning of her wedding day with her bridesmaids, having a good time was what it was all about.

How cute was their first look?  It played out like Romeo and Juliet!  Matthieu was up on a balcony to turn to see his beautiful bride below.  How creative was that?  Speaking of being creative, Arnita refurbished her mother’s veil into her wedding gown.  I just love when couples are able to do things like that.  I think Arnita’s Mom had just as much fun at her daughter's wedding as Arnita did.  She just had to get in every photo.  It was evident how close of a relationship these two share.

Again, you can see from the photos how excited Matthieu and Arnita were when they exited their ceremony.  They were definitely “gettin' down”!  Their entire wedding was like that from start to finish.  Just tons of happiness, joy and celebration!

Of course, when you live in France, who better to have cater your wedding than l’étoile Catering?  Their service and flavor of food was top notch.  I look forward to having them back!

Once again, special thanks to all the vendors for doing what they do best; making weddings at Keswick Vineyards perfect!  l’étoile Catering, Robert Radifera Photography, Foxtail Cottage Floral, MS Events for Rentals, Wedding Planner Pamela Harris, Celebrant Keith M. Hoyle, DJ TD Layman of Sound Enforcement and Make-up Artist Kimberly Bazemore.

Check out some of Robert Radifera's photos here!

Jul 7, 2017 at 8:37 AM Permalink

My Friend's Wedding

Keswick Vineyards hosted the marriage of Susan & Steve on Thursday, August 4th.  This wedding was extra special for Al & I.  We have been friends with Steve for many, many years sharing some wonderful memories together.  Through those years we were able to see Steve enjoy his bachelor lifestyle.  I guess we never thought Steve would ever get married again until he brought Susan over to meet us some 2 years ago.  Right away both Al & I saw something different with Susan.   Could she be the one?  You could instantly see a connection with these two.  Our gut was telling us that Susan was the one. And we were right!

During the past two years of us getting to know Susan we always had an on going conversation of Al’s fountain duty he has for all our weddings.  It was always a topic of conversation because they usually came for a visit on Saturday’s and Al would always say how he had to get back to do fountain duty.  With the “fountain” being such a focal point for all of us it was a natural choice for the location Steve would propose to Susan last year.  With me hiding to capture the moment on film, Steve dropt to his knee to ask for her hand in marriage.  When she said yes, Al triggered the fountain to go on and they finally got to experience what they had heard for a year themselves.

Al & I were flattered when they told us that they wanted to get married at Keswick Vineyards.  Of course, they would choose the fountain as their location for their ceremony.  Susan knew they wanted a really relaxed and casual style to their wedding day to match their personalities.  She  envisioned guests seated out in the lawn area for the cocktail/reception time versus under our Sperry tent.   Steve envisioned a bourbon & cigar bar and they both agreed that having a food truck was the perfect choice to pull off their casual/partying theme.  I was a little concerned about doing the entire wedding outside of the tent in August since it is normally hot and people would want to be under a tent for shade and fans but I kept an open mind.  Who would have known that they had chosen the most perfect day you could have possibly had?  Perhaps burying the bourbon bottle a month earlier had something to do with it?  

Their day started with the guys relaxing in the “man’s cave” playing pool while the girls got their hair and make-up done at Moxie Hair Salon.  The ceremony was to be intimate with only the immediate family attending.  Susan was walked down the aisle by her two sons while her daughter was a junior bridesmaid.  Steve had his son and father as his best men.  Look closely at the photos and you will see our winemaker, Stephen, as their officiant.  As Stephen made reference to remembering Steve’s Mother who died earlier this year from a courageous battle against cancer, a butterfly swooped down as to make her presence known.  When Stephen announced that Steve could now kiss his wife, Al with his exact timing had the fountain come on.

After the ceremony the rest of the guests arrived.  They enjoyed drinks & appetizers while mingling and headed over to the Bavarian Chef food truck to get more delicious food when needed.  After a couple of hours everyone went under the tent for speeches and dancing!  Finally, the moment most of the guests were waiting for happened.  The bourbon & cigar bars opened!  I’ve never seen so many happy faces.  It was like children in a candy store.  Ron Barker provided the cigars and was on hand to help the guests pick the perfect cigar for them.  As you can see by my photo everyone really enjoyed hanging outside the tent enjoying themselves all night long.

Special thanks to everyone who helped Susan & Steve have the wedding of their dreams:  Catering by Bavarian Chef Food Truck, Event Planner Cindy Schornberg, Photographer Cindy Schornberg, Officiant Stephen Barnard, Florist Verde Natural Florist, Cupcakes by Pearls Cupcake Shoppe, Cigars by Ron Barker with CigarVolante, DJ Kevin Graham, Buses by UVA Transit, Hair & Make-up by Moxie Hair Salon, Rentals from MS Events, and of course, fountain duty by Al Schornberg!

Aug 4, 2016 at 5:51 PM Permalink

Last wedding for 2015 was a nail biter!

Saturday, November 7th, was the wedding day for Ginny & Brian at Keswick Vineyards located just outside Charlottesville, Virginia.  It would also be the final wedding for our 2015 wedding season that began in April.  To everyone’s dislike, Mother Nature was not being cooperative with the weather.  When all vendors arrived for the day we started to discuss the weather situation.  Almost all forecast where showing rain still at 4:00; the time the ceremony was to start.  Ginny was not embracing the weather and really wanted her ceremony outside and we all knew that and we were going to do everything possible to make that happen.  We prepared the Sperry tent for our rain plan ceremony location.  It was important to Ginny to have the vineyard in her back drop so her ceremony location under the tent was a little different then our recommended rain plan.  As you can see by my photos, the tent was looking beautiful to host their wedding ceremony.  In the mean time, everyone was on stand by to see if we would get a break in the weather and get lucky to keep the ceremony outside to fulfill Ginny & Brian’s wishes and guess what?  We did!!!!!!!!!  Ginny & Brian started to do photos outside while everyone else hustled to create their outdoor wedding ceremony within 10 minutes.  I can’t tell you how hard it is for the caterers to be that flexible since it is so time consuming setting up for a wedding.  Most caterers and wedding planners would not do what was done this day.  It required an amazing amount of flexibility, work and compromise from everyone to pull this off.  Hats off to Meghan Streit of Shindig Weddings and Events, LLC and Cristine from Harvest Moon Catering and the rest of the Keswick Vineyards team for working extra hard to make Ginny & Brian have their dream wedding outside.  I don’t think Ginny ever got to see what the tent looked like for the rain plan until now with these photos.  I’m sure she would have been happy with it but definitely was happier being outside and we are all about making our brides happy here at Keswick Vineyards!

I can’t thank enough all the vendors that day for all their hard work.  It was so great to be part of an amazing team which included:  Meghan Streit of Shindig Weddings and Events LLC, Caterer Harvest Moon, Photographer Jen Fariello, DJ John Garland, Desserts by Pearl’s Bake Shoppe, Officiant Kyle Hoover, Flowers by Blue Ridge Floral, Transportation by Albemarle Limousine, Lighting by Skyline Tent Company and Hair & Make-up by Top Knot Studios.

Nov 18, 2015 at 3:33 PM Permalink

Laura & Kris’s Wedding Day

Congratulations Laura & Kris who were married at Keswick Vineyards on Saturday, October 31st.  What a beautiful fall day they had as the colors were at their peak providing a spectacular backdrop.  Speaking of spectacular, the Sperry tent.  I just couldn’t get enough pictures of the Sperry tent.  The tent had bistro lights hung throughout while incorporating farm tables with round tables.  Just loved the look and feel that creates.  Laura & Kris also had some wicker lounge furniture for guests to hang out in under the tent.  Make sure to take a look at those flowers also.  AMAZING!!!!  The style and colors for the ceremony location and the brides bouquet were right on with mixing into this fall day.  The antique car wasn’t too shabby either! 
Of course, with it being Halloween, Laura & Kris had a “treat” table consisting of cake, cupcakes and candies for guests to help themselves to.  Guests also had carmel apples to take with them.  Carpe Donuts came later in the evening so everyone could enjoy some warm donuts and hot apple cider!  A wood cut out in the shape of the state of Virginia was used for the guest book. 

Special thanks to the following vendors:  Wedding Planner Beverly Wakefield of A Grand Affair Events, Caterer 20 South, Officiant Virginia Moore, DJ Derek Tobler, Guitarist for ceremony Peter Richardson, Photographer Amy Jackson, Hair & Make-up by Moxie Salon, Southern Blooms Florist, Rentals by Festive Fare, Skyline Tent Company for lighting, Desserts by Sweethaus & Carpe Donuts, A&A Limo for buses and Albemarle Limousine for the antique car.

Nov 4, 2015 at 7:11 PM Permalink

Presentación de Los Padrinos

On Saturday, October 24th, Anna & Daniel were married twice!  Both being of Catholic faith, they wanted to have a church wedding yet also wanted a beautiful outdoor wedding so they did both.  Their day started in the afternoon with a traditional Catholic church wedding.  Afterwards, they came back to Keswick Vineyards and relaxed before starting their 2nd ceremony.  This ceremony would celebrate the traditions of a Mexican ceremony which was a first here at Keswick Vineyards.
It started with El Lazo (The Lasso) which is an oversize Rosary that is placed over Anna and Daniel and unifies the couple together in marriage with the figure eight representing infinity to their marriage.  Next came Los Arras (The Coins).  At this point the groom gives the bride coins reinforcing the love and admiration the groom has for his bride.  She accepts as her intent to support him.  After that came Biblio y Rosario (Bible and Rosary).  Daniel’s Grandparents presented the couple with their first family bible and rosary reminding the newlyweds of Gods eternal love.  Finally, Vela de la Unidad (The Unity Candle) in which Anna & Daniel lite individual candles and then together lite one candle representing two individual lives becoming one.  At the conclusion of this ceremony Anna & Daniel read together the Irish Wedding Prayer.
Now that the ceremonies were over guests retreated to cocktail hour and enjoyed appetizers while the couple, with Photographer Robert Radifera, left to take memorable photos.  I just loved the flowers done by Verde Natural Florals.  They had just enough “extras” added to them to give off that fall feel.  The beautiful wedding cake done by Sweethaus also had just a few of those flowers added to it.  Not only did the couple have a delicious wedding cake but also had a groom’s cake that definitely let guests know the groom was a golfer.  Guests danced the night away with DJ Daniel Sims before the guests left in their limo by Camryn Limousine.  Felicidades y buena suerte a los dos por una vida maravillosa juntos!

Nov 2, 2015 at 4:31 PM Permalink