If you’re on the hunt for a classic wedding venue near Charlottesville VA that features rolling hills alongside a classic ballroom, Sweet Briar College in Amherst, Virginia should definitely make your short list.
Amanda and Dan’s wedding day was the perfect blend of honoring tradition while still showcasing their personalities, and I’m so glad that the Covid restrictions eased up in time for these two to celebrate with their closest loved ones!
Amanda’s classic taste led her to Celebration Bridal and Tux for her satin style ballgown, which was complimented perfectly by her elegant updo and make up. As a finishing touch, Amanda’s something borrowed, something blue was an antique blue topaz ring given to her by her mother. (Even sweeter: hidden inside of the blue ring box in Amanda’s hands below are Crayola marker streaks from a childhood adventure with her sister!)
Amanda grew up attending Bethany United Methodist Church, so it was really important to her to say “I do” in such a meaningful space. As she was tucked away from guests before the ceremony, I even found this nameplate on the door featuring some of her relative’s names.
In the timeline questionnaire that I send out before each wedding, I ask my clients “when you picture yourself in the future, curled up on the sofa and looking through your wedding album with your loved ones, which photos are you the most excited to show off from your wedding day?”
My heart absolutely melted reading Dan’s replies. “My most important picture would be with Amanda in the evening pulled away from the reception around sunset with greenery and a photo of me whispering in her ear during the reception. It’s very us. ” So you know I had to deliver!
Talk about a love that stands the test of time: the antique car featured above is Dan’s father’s. His side of the family has a tradition of using the car to and from historic family events, so Dan and Amanda’s wedding was no exception!
Sweet Briar College was the perfect wedding venue near Charlottesville VA for Amanda with its rolling hills, classic arches and timeless ballroom – not to mention because Sweet Briar was Amanda’s alma mater! Smith’s Sweets brought in a beautiful buttercream tiered cake that perfectly matched the classic atmosphere of Amanda and Dan’s event.
Despite the recently relaxed COVID policies that allowed guests to mingle inside of the venue, masks were still required outside of direct meal times. Amanda and I joked prior to her wedding that there’s always something that will ‘date’ an event in the future, but we never expected that ‘trend’ to be face masks!
As Moriah from Something Blue Events directed all of the guests to the entrance of the building and into lines to prepare for the sparkler send-off, Amanda and Dan asked the DJ to dim the lights and play a special song for their last dance.
It was so romantic to see these two swaying together in the dark room, creating an intimate memory together before rejoining the crowd.
A final photo that reminds me why I do this work: after Dan and Amanda walked through a cheering tunnel of their closest loved ones, they turned around to hold each other close to soak up the magic of their day together for just a few more seconds before driving off to their honeymoon suite.
Love a timeless wedding? Lorna and Nick’s Romantic Garden Wedding is right up your alley!
