If you are on the hunt for the most unique intimate wedding venue in Virginia Beach, the American Rover should be at the top of your list!
As a privately chartered sailboat, the American Rover made a lasting impression on Monica and Hunter’s guests as we sailed the Hampton Roads waterways while they said “I do!”
With the option to get ready nearby at the Hilton Norfolk the MAIN or below deck like Monica and Hunter, the American Rover is a surprisingly versatile wedding venue in Virginia Beach.
As the American Rover left the dock in waterside district, Monica’s mom helped her slip into her lace three-quarter length sleeve mermaid gown. The two shared such a sweet moment together and embraced despite the hustle and bustle going on around them, as news had just reached the bridesmaids that the vow books had been left in a truck glove box a few miles away! Not one to let the stress get to her, Monica gave Hunter a quick call to laugh about the situation and began re-writing and practicing her vows with her sister.
This wasn’t the first time that Waterside District played a meaningful role for these two: Hunter actually proposed to Monica while on a dinner cruise at the Spirit of Norfolk earlier this year!
When Monica and I were talking about the proposal during our timeline planning call, she excited recounted the way that Hunter had pulled off the perfect surprise! (Everyone from her mother to his captain on the ship knew about it!) The day of, he asked Monica to get dressed up for a nice date but surprised her with tickets to a dinner cruise where three of their friends were there coincidentally.
Monica said that she could tell he was nervous throughout the evening, but thought it was just the stress from having planned such a big surprise for her. Later on in the evening when he pulled her aside, she says that she was so worried that she didn’t even think about the fact that he was proposing! After he popped the question, she said the waterworks began and she couldn’t get the “yes!” out fast enough.
Despite years of experience in the wedding world, the thought, planning and personalization behind proposals always gets me!
Family photos were a high priority to Monica and Hunter, as several family members had travelled internationally to Virginia Beach to be a part of their big day. Once the American Rover de-boarded, I chose this beautiful spot within walking distance that features a skyline view to ensure these group photos were quick and easy for their guests while still being a beautiful addition to their wedding album.
Within the timeline questionnaire that I send each couple before their wedding day, I ask detailed questions to ensure that I know your friends-who-feel-like-family and extended family members by name so that we can grab a photo with all of your most important people on your wedding day.
You can read more about how to organizing family photos to minimize your stress HERE!
Looking for other unique wedding venues in Virginia Beach? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Virginia Wedding Venues here!
