Will and Paula were married in rustic chic fashion, wrapped in the warmth of their loved ones and the colors of fall.
Photos taken by Lov & Sol Photography
A Wedding With Local Flare
The newlywed couple met in Washington D.C. and now live in Front Royal, VA. They chose a local venue to share the beauty of their quaint town with friends and family. The Old Springhouse matched their vision perfectly, with views to impress.
Will and Paula made it a priority to use as many local vendors as possible. They wanted to showcase the talent and amazing businesses right at home.
The couple booked the property for the whole weekend, making it easier for the bridal party and vendors. They loved The Honeymoon House for their rehearsal dinner and getting ready.
The Enchanting Little Town
As mentioned, the couple really wanted to show off their special town to their loved ones. After the wedding, everyone finally understood why Will and Paula love this area so much.
Guests were blown away by the picturesque views and cute Main Street area. They finally thought "Okay, we get it!"
The Beginning of a Hinge Love Story
It just so happens that these two were living amongst one another for 10 years without even knowing. Their D.C. apartments were quite close, yet they never crossed paths.
However, that all changed on one fateful night in January of 2023. They had both spent time on dating apps without any luck. Paula recalls that she "was actually about to delete the app for the millionth time, but got on one last time and Will popped up."
She was immediately intrigued and decided to give love a chance. That chance worked out as they were an instant match. A week later the stars finally aligned and they went on a date. They hit it off and have been inseparable ever since.
Their Wedding Date
As Will and Paula love the outdoors they knew they wanted a fall wedding surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. They've always enjoyed trips to the Shenandoah National Park, so the Shenandoah Valley was the exact backdrop they envisioned.
Although October is popular for fall weddings, Paula's parents happened to be traveling most of this month. Because of this, the couple chose the first weekend in November for their date. It seems the stars aligned once again as their wedding fell on the peak leaf day of the season.
Since the couple lives so close to the venue, they were able to keep their eyes on the mountains leading up to the special day. The colors were more stunning than they could have imagined and it was another perfect addition to their wedding.
The Dress
Paula only had 6 months between finding her dress and her wedding, so she bought a gown off the rack. She found a stunning Maggie Sottero gown at Blue Sage Bridal in Richmond, Virginia.
She was looking for a "fit and flare ivory dress with lots of lace to go with the rustic modern chic vibes" of her wedding. She remembers stepping into the first gown and knowing it was her dream dress.
Her dress featured lace details and a beautiful train. She loved its warm elegance mixed with the sexier sheer top and neckline. It was also a dress she could dance all night in (which is always a priority).
The veil was bought on Etsy. "It completed the look and photographed so well in the breeze." Millie’s Alterations in Front Royal altered the dress to fit the bride flawlessly.
A Modern Wedding Theme
The bride and groom wanted a rustic wedding with a modern twist. Paula said she had a vision for her colors before she even got engaged. They went with terracotta, sage green, and ivory to match the colors in nature.
The couple always wanted a fall wedding with breathtaking mountain views. As they toured Reitano Vineyards their wedding inspiration came to life and they knew it was the one. For the ceremony site, they used grounded florals to highlight the natural landscape and views.
Special Guests
No wedding is complete without loved ones in attendance. This wedding brought many people together, including someone who is extra special to the 90s girls.
Thanks to the help of amazing people, this wedding day was completely in sync (if you know what we mean).
Cuteness overload with this ring "bear".
A touching moment for those who were missed.
A Day to Remember
From "First Sip" to "First Look"
After this memorable wedding, guests couldn't stop raving about the entertainment. A local bluegrass band played for guests from arrival to cocktail hour. Guests also enjoyed a glass of Reitano wine as a "first sip" upon arrival.
The band continued playing for the ceremony and even learned songs that the couple wanted for their processional and recessional. The live music was a hit and another nod to some great local talent.
Music With a Twist
After the ceremony, the party began! Will and Paula curated an epic dance playlist without traditional reception music. Their Electronic Dance Music had everyone dancing the night away. Even the DJ had to note what an exceptional time was had and said it was one of the best weddings he’d ever been to.
The bride received another special music treat during her father-daughter moment. For their dance, her dad sang and professionally recorded a song he used to sing to her when she was little.
Chic, Cozy, and Candelit
For the reception, Paula wanted "chic, cozy candlelight" everywhere. Summit Events provided the uplighting which took the party to another level.
Everyone also commented on the desserts from Melania's Gourmet. Will and Paula had a small cake for cutting but opted for bite-sized desserts for their guests.
Moments in Black and White
Vendors
Venue + Decor
Venue: The Old Springhouse at Reitano Vineyards - @theoldspringhousevenueatreitano
Florist: Holly Carper - @carpersweddings
Candles: Yummi Candles - @yummicandles
Photography + Videography
Love and Sol Photography - @love.and.sol
Food + Beverage
Caterer: The Catering Company - @thecateringcompanyva
Cake & Desserts: Melania’s Gourmet - @melanias.gourmet
Everyone raved about the desserts from Melania's Gourmet. Will and Paula had a small cake for cutting but opted for bite-sized desserts for their guests.
Entertainment
Band: Stoney Creek Bluegrass Band - @stoneycreekbluegrassband
DJ: Sean Markland - Summit Events - @summiteventsco
Transportation
Shenandoah Shuttles - @shenandoahshuttles
Lodging
Front Royal, Virginia
Attire
Bride’s Dress: Blue Sage Bridal (Maggie Sottero Greenly Gown) - @bluesagebridalrva
Bride’s Dress Alterations: Millie’s Alterations - Front Royal, VA
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie - @azazieofficial
Groom & Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux - @theblacktux
Rings: I Gorman Jewelers - @igormanjewelers
Esthetics
Bridal Party Makeup: Lexi Higgs - Artistry by Lexi - @artistrybylexi
Bridal Party Hair: Amanda - @studio.verde.salon.spa
Bride’s Nails: Meghann - @meghann_studioverde
Bride’s Estheticians: Alexandra - @s.v.alexandra &
Liz Cassell, MSN, FNP-C - @boutique.injector
Digital + Creative
Print - Invitations/Programs/Signage:
Zazzle - @zazzle
Truly Engaging - @truly.engaging
Wedding Website: Zola - @zola
Registry: Honeyfund - @honeyfund
Planning
Wedding Planner: Paula HuYoung - @paulalynneha
Weekend/Day of Coordinator: Olivia Hilton - @oroseeventdesign