WHERE IT ALL HAPPENED
The 3:00 pm ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk . The outdoor reception followed at the Hermitage Foundation Museum overlooking the Lafayette River.

SEASON OF CHOICE
Selecting the date for the wedding was tricky for the bride and groom because both were finishing graduate school in the spring and starting new jobs in the fall. June was the perfect month as it was in the middle of these two events and they were guaranteed warm weather for their outdoor reception.

A FLORAL EVENT
The bride and her family knew they wanted flowers that would complement the natural beauty of the Hermitage’s river view and lush gardens. Large sculptural arrangements seemed unnecessary, so they worked with floral designer Leslie Hartig to create low, box-like arrangements in tones of lavender, purple, and ivory- favorite colors of the bride. They included a mix of hydrangea, hyacinth, tulips, roses, and calla lilies and had a rustic yet elegant feel. Mason jars with lit candles hung from the magnolia trees and paper lanterns were suspended in one of the tents. The vibe was romantic and elegant, allowing the natural beauty of the gardens to shine through.

AND THE BRIDE WORE
An A-line silk satin organza gown with cap sleeves by designer Anne Barge. It featured delicate bands of Alencon lace, a sweetheart neckline, and a chapel-length train. For the ceremony, the gown was accented with an ivory satin sash and a finger-tip length embroidered veil. For the reception, the bride changed it up by adding fresh flowers to her hair and switching to a mocha sash to compliment the floral arrangements and the bridesmaid dresses. “I really wanted something classic and elegant that wouldn’t look dated in five years. I loved the romantic look of the lace and the cap sleeves, and knew instantly that it was the dress.”

THOSE BRIDESMAIDS WERE DIVINE
All wore strapless duchess satin dresses with a pleated neckline and sash at the waist by Wtoo. The dresses were a light mocha with ivory sashes, providing a fantastic backdrop to the lavender hued bouquets. The neckline was flattering and the dress offered a classic look that everyone felt comfortable wearing.

THE GROOM WORE
A classic tux from Beecroft and Bull. Nothing fancy- he’s that kind of guy.

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
When it was time to cut the cake, all the guests gathered around the table and the moment the knife hit the cake, there was an explosion in the sky. Everyone looked up to see fireworks being sent off over the river. The bride and groom were absolutely stunned! The entire wedding ran over to the water and watched the show. It was an incredible moment and a surprise they will never forget.

THE CELEBRATION
The groom created a special jazz compilation played during cocktail hour. Then the band Right On! played a mix of classic Motown hits, rock and funk and kept the party going all evening. The menu offered different themed stations including southern dishes like country ham on Sally Lunn rolls and mini crab cakes; Asian-inspired foods like duck spring rolls and seared tuna. The wedding cake had four round tiers of almond and amaretto flavor and was decorated with a scroll-work design inspired by the lace on the bride’s dress, on butter cream frosting topped with fresh flowers.

THE PARTING MEMORY
Guests showered the couple with rose petals. It was a beautiful send off and captured the joy they had experienced the entire day.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ECHARD WHEELER
www.echard-wheeler.com