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Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding

During a wedding, it’s almost a guarantee that at least one thing will go not-quite-according-to-plan. Perhaps the candles aren’t lit, the ceremony music doesn’t begin on time, but can you imagine if your wedding day was met with a massive windstorm/thunderstorm combination? Newlyweds Kira and Tyler watched as a storm crept in during their rehearsal dinner and woke up to a wedding day with no power and roadways blocked by storm-ravaged trees. Tyler, his groomsmen, and friends and family rallied to restore the reception venue to its former glory, and thus resulted this beauty of a wedding shot by Elisa B Photography.


blue bridesmaids dresses

From the bride, Kira: “Dressed Rustic” is the name our florist/decor artist Shawn (of Beehive Events) gave to our wedding. We envisioned simple, elegant, farm-inspired, warm, and welcoming. Our color palette and inspiration was French blue, violets, greens, yellows, creams + fresh herbs & seasonal blossoms.


green white boutonnieres

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green white bouquets

blue ridge mountains

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bride and groom

My mom, dad, sister, and I assembled the wedding programs (with help of Christ Church’s Parish Administrator and an Office Max Copy Center genius) cutting royal blue ribbon, burning the edges to prevent fraying, and tying a bow for about 160 programs. We also designed/made the escort cards, menus (which doubled as place markers), and welcome bags.


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outdoor tented receptions

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outdoor tented receptions

During our rehearsal dinner a Derecho (a new word for me – not quite a tornado but way more than a thunderstorm) came through Virginia, knocking out power across the state, somehow missing the main street that our host restaurant was on, but ravaging the farm where our reception was to be held. Thankfully no one we knew was hurt, but I got a call at 7AM on Saturday morning from Ty that the reception might not be possible. Miraculously our tent stayed upright but the downed branches, trees, lack of electricity, block roadways, etc. seemed to pose an insurmountable obstacle to hosting a 150+ guest reception. Ty’s family rallied, calling in neighbors, every groomsmen, wedding guests, and with the hard work of nearly 50 people cleaned up the farm. I still have not seen pictures of the destruction beforehand (they forbade me from helping) but I know that without the help of all of those people (my dad included) it would not have been the same. The entire event ran off of 3 generators (just barely, but it worked). Oh, and Jackie from Bon Hair (my mom and grandmother’s hairdresser) came up to Charlottesville to do the bridal party’s hair… she too had to improvise, no electricity!


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reception drink platterswhite tag escort cards

outdoor first dance

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Ode to Joy,” Beethoven
Hymn: “Amazing Grace,” first verse sung a cappella by a dear friend
Communion: “The Swan,” Saint-Saëns, played by my maid of honor (sister & best friend) on the cello
Recessional: “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” Lyra Davidira
First Dance: “Eyes on the Prize,” M. Ward, acoustic solo guitar played by groomsman Sam Bush of The Hill and Wood (https://cargocollective.com/thehillandwood/)

Wedding Location: Charlottesville, VA / Wedding Photographer: Elisa B Photography / Wedding Venue: Private Residence / Event Design and Flowers: Beehive Events / Wedding Dress: Marisa “825” / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ruth Hsia / Wedding Caterer: A Pimento Catering / Desserts: Cakes by Rachel / Wedding Music: Soul Expressions / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura via Gus & Ruby Letters / Calligrapher: El’s Cards

View Comments (9)
  • There is absolutely no way you could tell that a Derecho passed through and you were with no power! Everything turned out beautiful! They say it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day, I wonder what it means if there is a Derecho during the rehearsal dinner?! 🙂

  • As the mother of the bride, I can truly say that planning this celebration was a privilege.
    With the help of both my daughters it was a blast, every choice was considered and felt right.
    We worked with amazing women, owners of Apimento catering and Beehive events. Love is so powerful, it united our families, and friends into a simple smile and joy! Thanks to so many talented people that made it such a wonderful day.

  • The tent on the grass is definitely good!! The blue bridesmaid dresses are so fresh. Of course, the bride is the most stunning!

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