For this week’s Virginia weddings story, we’re hearing all about Kelly and Brandon’s romance and the big day on October 24, 2020.
Kelly tells us how they met. “Brandon and I met in middle school. We grew up in the same neighborhood and were friends throughout high school. Though we were not high school sweethearts, our previous friendship made reconnecting [as adults] much easier. Brandon enlisted in the Army after high school, and I went to college at Duke University. After college, I moved back to our hometown in Chesapeake, VA where I began working as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Brandon moved back home after getting out of the Army and we began hanging out again. We reconnected about life and the years since high school and quickly could not leave each other alone!”
For their first date, Brandon came over to Kelly’s place for a homecooked meal. “It was Autumn, so all the pumpkin things were out. Brandon showed up with a couple of pumpkins and we carved them on my back deck.”
The Scoop
Bride: Kelly, 27, Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy
Groom: Brandon, 28, U.S. Army Veteran/HR Specialist
Wedding date: October 24, 2020
Number of guests: about 100
Their big day was filled with love, pies, and stunning mountain backdrops. “We both love the mountains so we decided that Charlottesville offered the most beautiful backdrop for our wedding day. Our wedding happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, but thankfully we were still able to safely gather with our families and friends. Brandon’s Army friends traveled from all over the country to be with us – we were extremely grateful.”
For Kelly’s attire, she donned an all-satin dress made with simplicity and elegance. “I actually bought the very first dress I tried on! My grandma gave me a beautiful bracelet to wear on my special day which matched my dress and other jewelry perfectly.”
The bridesmaids wore champagne-toned dresses, each in a different style that best suited their shapes. “It was important to me that they felt beautiful as well! They ordered them from All the Rage in Virginia Beach.”
For their Autumn wedding, they chose fall colors into the palette, along with lovely neutrals to blend beautifully for their rustic but elegant wedding. “We had our reception in an event barn, but our florals and drapery made the space very elegant and beautiful. Sienna added on a gorgeous flower arch at the entrance of the event barn, and Stage Right Lighting did the drapery, which made our vision truly come to life.”
Kelly leaves us with these thoughts: “We were able to bury a bottle of bourbon on the property during our 30-day walkthrough. It is supposed to bring good weather on your wedding day, and it totally worked! The forecast showed rain all afternoon (stressful for an outside ceremony), but thankfully it held off all day. It was also fun to dig up the bourbon after our ceremony and share it with the bridal party. As for advice, don’t let the moments pass you by. The whole day went by so fast and we really tried to relish every moment with our families and friends. It’s challenging but try not to sweat the small stuff! Not everything will go perfectly to plan, but at the end of the night, it will undoubtedly be one of the best days of your life! Also, get a day-of coordinator! Colleen made our day perfect and worry-free.”
Vendor Credits:
Venue: The Event Barn at Mount Ida Reserve, Scottsville, VA
Photographer: Sienna Turecamo photography
Day of planner: Colleen McDonough with Chancey Charm Weddings
Officiant: Mr. Dave Norris
Gown: Studio I Do, Virginia Beach, VA
Veil: Ava Clara Couture Bridal, Virginia Beach, VA
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Hair: Brianna Adams
Makeup: Evonne Burns
Bridesmaids’ dresses: All the Rage, Virginia Beach, VA
Formal wear: Jos. A. Bank
Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations
Flowers: Sienna Turecamo
Rental equipment: MS Events, Charlottesville, VA
Lighting/Drapery: Stage Right Lighting, Virginia Beach, VA
Catering: Clear Water Grill
DJ: Ricky Morris
Cocktail Hour Singer: Amy Andrews
Wedding Pies: Family Ties and Pies, Charlottesville, VA
Favors: Homemade candles
Transportation: Blue Ridge Bus Tours
Wedding Submission Services: Published + Pretty, on Instagram
Where did you go for your honeymoon? Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we have not had a honeymoon yet!
1 Comment
I loved reading about Kelly and Brandon’s wedding; it sounds like the day was perfect! I am so glad that they had a day-of coordinator to help make sure nothing went wrong. It is also great that they could dig up some bourbon after their ceremony and share it with the bridal party. Thank you for sharing your story!