Our Wedding Blog

Keswick 9/28/24 Keswick 9/28/24

A Celebration of Love: Kirby & Trent’s Stunning Keswick Vineyards Wedding

What a difference a day makes! After yesterday's couple navigated their wedding during Hurricane Helene, Kirby and Trent were treated to nothing but sunny blue skies for their celebration. As they say, "If you don't like the weather in Virginia, wait an hour!"

Kirby and Trent set the tone the moment their guests arrived at Keswick Vineyards, one of Charlottesville's top wedding venues. Walking through the stunning corridor of Edgewood Estate, guests were greeted by an elegant champagne tower. The scene was further enhanced by the estate's natural beauty, with vineyards, mountains, and the iconic fountain creating a perfect backdrop for their outdoor ceremony.

After the heartfelt vows, guests headed to cocktail hour, where a large hanging fabric displayed their table assignments. At the bar, they were greeted by a sweet touch—a Polaroid photo of the couple’s dog, Ginger, posed in front of the fountain. Though Ginger couldn't physically attend, her presence was still felt.

One special moment was when I happened to catch the couple sneaking a quiet moment by the pool, enjoying appetizers and toasting to their marriage just after their ceremony.

As everyone moved into the Aurora tent, they were immediately drawn to the showstopping decor—a wreath-shaped structure hung over the dance floor, adorned with multiple disco balls. Below, a striking black-and-white checkered dance floor signaled that dancing was a high priority for the evening. The couple made sure their guests were well-fed with a decadent menu featuring filet mignon, salmon, and later in the night, Cane’s fried chicken for a fun, late-night snack.

Kirby and Trent’s wedding was a day filled with beauty, joy, and celebration, making it a perfect reminder of how magical weddings at Keswick Vineyards can be—especially when the Virginia weather cooperates!

Special thanks to the following vendors: Wedding Planner Jaclyn of Exchange Events, Catering by Exchange Events, Pastry Chef Cake Bloom, DJ Frank Smith of Prime Time Events, Photographer Svenja Bauer, Videographer Cat McCarthy Creative, Florist Ciara Floral Design, Hair by Sei Bella, Makeup by Captivasting Complexion, Cville Transportation and Easy Riders buses, Skyline Tent Company for the black and white dance floor, Wedding Lighting Company for the disco balls and MS Events for rentals.

Keswick 9/27/24 Keswick 9/27/24

Hurricane Helene, Go Away!!!

Lauren & Anthony’s wedding day at Keswick Vineyards on Friday, September 27, 2024, will certainly be one to remember—not only because it was the day they became husband and wife but also because Hurricane Helene decided to make her appearance. While we all witnessed the devastation caused by the hurricane, we are incredibly thankful that Lauren & Anthony’s wedding was still able to take place. Perhaps it was the luck of burying that bottle of bourbon, a Southern tradition the couple participated in? Although they had to deal with some outer bands of the storm, they were spared the worst of the high winds and torrential rains.

Interestingly enough, at the time of their ceremony, it technically wasn’t raining. So, yes, their outdoor ceremony could have happened, but in the interest of everyone’s safety and comfort, the decision was made to move everything under the Aurora tent. They opted for the far end of the tent, ensuring the vineyard remained in the background, creating that dream look they envisioned. In some of the photos, you’ll notice that the tent sides are up in some shots and down in others. We made sure to have the sides rolled up for the ceremony so the views wouldn’t be obstructed, but later, as the winds calmed down, the sides were lifted again, giving the tent a more open, airy feel for their reception.

The couple’s choice to have greenery strung across the tent, instead of swagged from the bistro lights, really added to the outdoor ambiance, making it feel as though you were sitting beneath the stars—even though we were safely tucked away from the unpredictable weather. Their ceremony, though moved to their “rain plan,” was still absolutely beautiful. And as the weather cleared later in the day, everyone was able to step outside and explore the grounds surrounding Edgewood Estate. Lauren and Anthony even managed to get those breathtaking photos in the vineyard and in front of the estate that they’d dreamed of.

As the evening progressed, the Aurora tent transformed, glowing with bistro lights and uplighting. One of the most magical moments was their first formal dance, highlighted by the chandelier they added to their decor. The soft glow and shimmering lights created a romantic setting, and the photos of this moment capture just how special it was. Another fun touch they included was the addition of lottery tickets at each guest’s place setting. It added a playful element to the evening—I wonder if anyone got lucky?

Despite the unexpected challenge of a hurricane, Lauren & Anthony remained positive throughout the day, embracing the situation with grace and joy. The most important thing was that, by the end of the day, they were officially husband and wife, surrounded by their loved ones, and enjoying every moment. Keswick Vineyards proved once again that, no matter what Mother Nature has in store, we’re always prepared to make sure our couples have the celebration they deserve. Lauren & Anthony’s wedding was a true testament to that.

Special thanks to the following vendors that sacrificed their comfort of being dry to make this wedding a dream come true: Wedding Planner Lelia of Mahogany Hill Weddings, Harvest Moon Catering, DJ Carter Ward of Fordson Labs, Musician C’ville String Ensemble, Photographer and Videographer Uriel Photography, Wink’s Photobooth, Will Branch Florist, Officiant Chad Garner, Hair & Makeup by LaneyXO, Transportation provided by Albemarle Limousine and Quick’s Buses, Blue Ridge Event Production, Party Perfect and MS Events for rentals.

Keswick 9/22/24 Keswick 9/22/24

Blending Cultures and Traditions: Maddy & Tom’s Vibrant Wedding at Keswick Vineyards

Maddy and Tom's wedding at Keswick Vineyards on September 22, 2024, was a beautiful fusion of their diverse backgrounds and cultures, reflecting their journey from different parts of the country to their shared love story. Maddy, originally from the West Coast, and Tom, hailing from Philadelphia, might have grown up in completely different worlds, but fate brought them together at college, and the rest is history.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of their wedding was the way they embraced each other's heritages. Tom's Asian roots were honored during the cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed delicious appetizers inspired by his culture. The menu included perfectly crisp spring rolls, flavorful dumplings, and other traditional treats that celebrated his background. The fusion of East and West was both delicious and meaningful, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

In addition to honoring his Asian heritage, Maddy and Tom's wedding fully embraced Maddy’s Jewish culture. Maddy took great care to incorporate all the elements of a traditional Jewish wedding, blending ancient rituals with modern love. The ceremony began with the signing of the ketubah, a beautifully decorated marriage contract symbolizing the couple’s commitment to one another. This document, often framed and hung in the couple’s home, is a reminder of the love and promises made on their wedding day.

The couple stood beneath the chuppah during their ceremony, a symbolic canopy that represents the home they will build together. The open sides of the chuppah invite friends and family into their lives, and its simplicity echoes the beauty of a life filled with love and togetherness.

At the end of the ceremony, Tom participated in one of the most recognizable Jewish wedding traditions: breaking the glass. As he stomped down on the glass, the sound echoed through the vineyard, symbolizing the fragility of life and love and serving as a reminder that, like glass, marriage requires care and attention. The guests enthusiastically shouted, “Mazel Tov!” to congratulate the newlyweds and wish them well on this exciting new chapter.

During the reception, the wedding party celebrated with challah, a braided loaf of bread traditionally used in Jewish festivities, symbolizing unity and joy. Of course, no Jewish wedding would be complete without the hora, the lively dance where the couple was lifted into the air on chairs, surrounded by their loved ones. This joyful moment was full of laughter, cheers, and pure happiness as Maddy and Tom were celebrated in the most festive way.

Maddy and Tom’s wedding was more than a beautiful blending of cultures—it was a testament to their love and respect for one another. Even before the big day, they honored a Southern tradition by burying a bottle of bourbon to ensure a gorgeous day for their outdoor wedding. Their effort worked perfectly, as the warm September sun shone brightly, blessing their union with picture-perfect weather.

The combination of cultures, traditions, and love made Maddy and Tom’s wedding day an unforgettable celebration at Keswick Vineyards. With every thoughtful detail, from the delicious Asian appetizers to the cherished Jewish customs, this couple’s special day was a beautiful representation of the life they are building together.

Special thanks to the following vendors: Wedding Planner Kenya of Boundless Love Events, Catering by Exchange Events, Desserts by Duck Donuts and Sugar Magnolia, DJ Frank Smith of Prime Time Event Group, Abbey Dillard Photography & Videography, Lindsey Ann’s Florals, Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman, The Veil Hair & Makeup Co., James Limousine Service and Rentals by MS Events.

Keswick 9/21/24 Keswick 9/21/24

“The 21st Day of September”

Zoe and Matt’s wedding on the unforgettable "21st day of September" at Keswick Vineyards was a day filled with beauty, creativity, and attention to detail. Just as the famous song celebrates, this day was truly special, not only because of its iconic date but also because of the thoughtful ways in which every little element tied the event together.

The wedding day began with a warm welcome as guests arrived and were greeted by personalized touches. From the very first step, a cohesive design was evident. The welcome sign, table assignment sign, and menu cards all featured a lovely piece of artwork depicting Edgewood Estate, subtly reinforcing the venue's charm and history throughout the event. The same delicate imagery, spread across different pieces, created a seamless visual flow that tied one area of the wedding to the next.

An especially delightful detail was how the couple incorporated Keswick Vineyards into the personal touches. Each individual place card was displayed in a cork from Keswick Vineyards, giving a nod to the venue itself while also adding a rustic charm to the tables. It’s small details like these that truly bring out the couple’s personal connection to the place and make the celebration all the more unique.

Zoe and Matt exchanged their vows in a breathtaking ceremony by the fountain in front of Edgewood Estate. The wedding party’s attire reflected the couple’s eye for elegance and richness. The groomsmen wore blue suits that beautifully complemented the metallic green dresses worn by the bridesmaids, a striking yet sophisticated combination that added a touch of modern flair to the day.

The reception exuded opulence, thanks in large part to the stunning décor. Rich, dark blue tablecloths mixed with white tablecloths draped over the tables inside the pristine white Aurora tent, which was tastefully adorned with greenery swagged across the bistro lights. The simple yet sophisticated greenery paired with the deep tones of blue added to the tent’s elegant ambiance. Marble table numbers further elevated the richness of the décor, making each table feel thoughtfully curated and stylish.

One of the most memorable touches at Zoe and Matt’s wedding was their unique guest book concept. Instead of a traditional book, guests were invited to take Polaroid photos of themselves and tape them into a keepsake album while writing personal messages to the couple. This interactive guest book not only served as a fun activity for guests but also as a heartfelt memento that the couple can look back on, filled with both photos and words of love from their family and friends.

From the personalized cork place cards to the richly decorated tables and the fun guest book, Zoe and Matt’s wedding was a beautiful blend of meaningful details and cohesive elegance. Their big day truly tied together the magic of Keswick Vineyards and the thoughtful touches that made their wedding day one to remember.

Special thanks to the following vendors: Wedding Planner Hannah Rose Event Design, Catering provided by The Catering Outfit, Cake Bloom, DJ Billy Crystal Fingers, Photographer & Videographer by Amative Creative, Monarch Floral Farm, Hair & Makeup by Avenue 42, Transportation by Quicks Bus, Rentals by MS Events, Eventide and BBJ.