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.
