A Celebration of Dance, Love, and Travel at Keswick Vineyards
Emily and Nathaniel tied the knot at Keswick Vineyards on May 25, 2024, in a stunning outdoor ceremony surrounded by their family and friends. The couple wanted to incorporate their love of travel and adventure into their wedding day. They also wanted to surprise their guests with some special details that reflected their personalities and passions.
Right from the beginning guests got to see a collage that Nathaniel had made for Emily. It showcased many pictures of them at memorable locations and part of a text Nathaniel sent to Emily after their first get together. He knew from the very beginning that she was the one for him!
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was Emily's grand entrance with her father in a vintage car. Nate and the guests had no idea that Emily had planned this surprise for him. Notice in my photos how everyone is looking back for Emily to appear like the rest of the wedding party when they finally hear the vintage car approaching up the private driveway of Edgewood Estate. Great job Emily with the surprise!!!
Another unique detail that the couple incorporated into their wedding day was burying a bottle of bourbon in the ground a month before their wedding. This is a Southern tradition that is supposed to bring good weather on the wedding day, and it worked! The couple enjoyed a sunny day, perfect for their outdoor vows & tented reception. They dug up the bottle after the ceremony and shared a sip with their bridal party, celebrating their newlywed status.
Cocktail hour was held under a 300+ year old oak tree on the east side of Edgewood Estate. The focal point of this area was a large, circular bar underneath some swagged bistro lights that could satisfy anyone’s thirst! Guests enjoyed music played by musicians while enjoying some appetizers while the couple and family took photos.
Photos with the vintage car was a must. That 1940’s Packard car in front of Edgewood Estate sets a classic yet timeless background for this couple. Just look how beautiful they are! And, how cute they are. They made sure to take a selfie with their priest and also had him take a moment to bless that gorgeous car. Too sweet!
The reception was held in a spacious tent at the vineyard, decorated with elegant white and green florals, string lights, and an elegant chandelier over the dance floor. The tables were named after different countries such as France, Italy, and Japan. Each table had a token that represented that country, such as a mini-Eiffel Tower, Lock Nest Monster, or a koala bear & kangaroo set. Their seating chart also reflected their love of travel.
The highlight of the reception was the couple's first dance. Emily, who has danced all her life and was on a dance team in college, and Nathaniel, who learned some moves from her, wowed the guests with their impressive performance, which included the iconic lift from the movie “Dirty Dancing”. Just look at those extensions of her hands in each move she made! This was definitely one of the best 1st dances I have witnessed here!
I could go on and on about this wedding because it just had so many exceptional moments. Hopefully my photos captured some of it. None of this would have been possible without the exceptional vendor team this couple put together including: Keswick Vineyards as their planner, Lexington Catering Company, DJ John Garland, Photographer Sarah Goodwin, Videographer Benjamin of Advantage Point, Verde Naturals Florals, Reverend Anthony Hash, Musicians Duo Boheme, Albemarle Limousine and Fredericksburg Limousine Inc. for transportation, Rentals by Happily Ever After, Hair & Makeup by FBJ Weddings and Photobooth of C’Ville.
