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Weathering the Storm: A Unique Destination Wedding

Embracing with joy unpredictable weather for an out-of-state event

Destination weddings have a unique charm, often evoking images of luxurious settings like European castles, Mediterranean villas, or tropical islands. Lauren and Anthony chose a different approach. They decided to meet their loved ones halfway on the East Coast.

They envisioned a top-tier experience set against the stunning, moody backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.  An unpredictable weather situation gave the newlyweds plenty of chances to laugh and embrace their event in Virginia.

Forevermore Weddings feels blessed to call Virginia home. From rural farms to inner-city vibes, rolling hills and sandy shores, Virginia has so much to offer. We were honored to plan Lauren and Anthony’s wedding.

This couple brought in family and guests from all over the world to celebrate their union at Keswick Vineyards. We worked with the fabulous husband and wife photo and video team from Utah, Uriel Photography. Lauren, a hair stylist herself, brought in her stylist from Florida.

Planning a destination event gave us the opportunity to consider details we typically take for granted. We had to consider airline delays, day-of transportation needs for everyone, scheduling tastings and site visits with flexibility.

Lauren said “Not being from Virginia, planning a wedding there seemed daunting and stressful. I reached out to Lelia on a whim one day and it was the best decision I made. She is worth every single penny.”

Memorable Moments

Lauren gifted beautiful jewelry with pearls from her grandmother. She wore a pair of Jimmy Choo boots that helped keep her dry too! Her mother, a florist herself, made her bridal bouquet with the most romantic flowers. Shimmer and sparkle were a part of Lauren’s character, so we brought in lots of candles and a chandelier.

There is an old wives tale that says rain brings good luck to newlyweds. Ironically, Anthony and Lauren gifted lottery tickets to their guests – good fortune for all!

“She helped me pull all my ideas together and I would not have been capable of doing it with out her. From laughing about the weather to crying when we had to say goodbye, Lelia made every single second so memorable,” shared Lauren.

So how do you execute your rain plan successfully?

Typical Rainy Day Solutions

Umbrellas, umbrellas everywhere. They were in the limo and on the buses. At the venue, clear ones were held during portraits and first looks. They covered the cameras and protected classical instruments. The team magically produced a slew of umbrellas to keep everyone as dry as possible.

Allow for extra time in your timeline, especially for transportation. Thank goodness everyone arrived safe and sound to the venue. Lelia’s heart stopped during the vendor team meeting. Our photographer called from the limo saying: “An accident happened in front of us. We’re all okay.” We appreciate you Albemarle Limousine.

Under Cover – the Aurora Tent

Keswick has the beautiful and spacious Aurora Tent. That allowed us to flip the ceremony space to full reception seating in minutes. The storm messing with our power supply… This is why you invest in a venue with an amazing staff who did their own trouble-shooting behind the scenes.

The mass amount of rain made some puddles. Luckily Harvest Moon Catering rescued the tapered ceremony seating arrangement while keeping feet dry. Willow Branch Flowers altered their designs to save the focal points. Everyone kept the vision in mind and worked together to make it happen.

Smiling Through the Storm

Lauren and Anthony dreamed of hosting a spectacular party filled with their loved ones. The DJ incorporated a fog machine, creating an enchanted atmosphere for their first dance as they floated on clouds. We activated the fog once more during the reception, culminating in a breathtaking exit that left everyone in awe.

The couple sought to steal away for a few cherished private moments. Unannounced, they sliced into their wedding cake and celebrated with sparkling champagne in the courtyard. Capturing vineyard portraits was also non-negotiable for them, rain or shine.

“Wedding planning is typically a stressful event for most women. Because of Lelia, we can truly say it was so much fun! Her attention to detail was above and beyond. Her care for her couples is something I’ve never seen before from a wedding planner! We LOVE her!!” exclaimed Lauren and Anthony.

Happily Ever After

This love story unfolds like a timeless fairy tale, destined to be recounted for generations. Just as the lush vineyards that frame Lauren and Anthony, relationships thrive on tender care and attention.

Their unwavering resilience and grace illuminated every step of the journey. All of their planning culminated in a wedding day that sparkled with their love and joy. Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate your love Lauren and Anthony.

Event Information:

If you’re considering Forevermore Weddings to coordinate your special day, get in touch with us. We are excited to assist you in crafting the wedding of your dreams. Destination weddings could be the exciting trend we explore in the upcoming seasons—stay tuned!

As always, thank you to our vendor team for a spectacular day:

Lelia

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