Photography by Bit of Ivory
Virginia Beach, Virginia June 25, 2011

From a garden path leading to the front steps of the bride's great aunt and uncle's waterfront home in Virginia Beach, to the back yard reception; it was the perfect wedding venue for Ashley and Joe. "A month into the planning, my mom found 68 yards of green floral fabric that became the source of design inspiration- and we stuck with it!" This fabric motif was used on everything from envelope liners for the invitation to picnic table runners. Relying on a multitude of details and DIY touches, this "Garden Party" included personalized mason jars; vintage frames with pictures of the bride and groom at different ages; homemade apple butter; handmade confetti cones for the send off; handwritten chalkboard signs; and a green themed candy bar. Fitting the "mood" of the day, Ashley wore a strapless lace dress by Anjolique accented at the waist with a rhinestone belt. Two veils were worn –a cathedral length with headpiece for the ceremony; and birdcage with detachable flower for the reception. "Although I am a high school fashion teacher and love trends, I wanted a classic dress that I could look back on years from now and still love." Deciding on a First Look, they met on the garden path. "Just spending time alone with one another before the craziness of the day helped ease any fears." The couple created a nostalgic photo slideshow that played during each of their First Dance songs. A tall vintage-looking plant stand displayed the white and green cupcakes topped with personalized flags from Etsy. Heidi's Flowers crafted a vintage feel using dozens of mason jars, twig wreaths, and galvanized pails to display white hydrangeas and a beautiful mix of flowers. "We wanted it to look effortless and informal – like we had just picked the flowers from a field that day."

VENDOR LIST

RECEPTION SITE
Family Home

PHOTOGRAPHER
Bit of Ivory

VIDEOGRAPHER
Victoria Shirley

FLOWERS
Heidi's Flowers

GOWN AND VEIL DESIGNER
Anjolique| Pure English

BIRDCAGE VEIL
Pieces of Pemberley

BRIDAL SHOES
Steve Madden

BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Anjolique| Pure English

GROOM'S SUIT
Dan Ryan's

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Anjie Compres/Picasso Hair Salon
Sara Craig/MAC Make-up

FAVORS
Homemade Apple Butter & Flower Pots

RINGS
Baker's Jewelry

CAKE
Carolina Cupcakery

LINENS
Distinctive Rentals