Virginia brides, we have found your new best friend! Today’s bride, Christina, could be the wedding stylist and planner. We’re in awe of the gorgeous pink details and the creative signs (and the magnificent flower boy and girl!) It would not be easy to find a bride who didn’t get at least one thing from this country-style rustic celebration.
Attention to detail is an understatement in this rustic wedding. The elegant, subtle invitations set the mood for guests to follow. The bridesmaids, who were meticulously coordinated with pink dresses, all had their styles and suits. Pink roses in blush and bunches of eucalyptus can be found all over the floral design, mixing the finest of traditional floral arrangements with modern trends in greenery.
The signage is stunning! Along both sides of their aisles, they expressed their faith by putting quotes on the rustic signs that lined every row. We’ve never seen such a great use of signage during a wedding before! “Don’t worry ladies, I’m still single” was the most adorable as we watched our little usher walk walking down the aisle.
Our Love Story
We first met in October 2009. We were at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. My age was sophomore while Justin was an undergraduate, who declared repeatedly that he was not searching for a partner at that moment! We were that couple who was on and off again but couldn’t quite be separated. We shared many of our initial years in a long-distance relationship.
Seven years after our first date, in August 2016, Justin informed me that we were going back to our hometown of college to go on a morning hike excursion along Massanutten Peak. Justin had to frame the entire experience as one of the “first” new things we were planning to do during that summer since we had not hiked together, and he wanted me not to be concerned!
When we started this hike, Justin took out his GoPro video camera in order to film the trek along the way. As we reached the summit of the mountain, we rewarded ourselves with an incredible view over the valleys beneath. It was so quiet.
He informed me that we needed to get some pictures and then found a rock to place the camera on. He then controlled the camera using his phone so that we could capture some nice photos of us from in the distance on the peak. After we had taken a few pictures, I was then instructed by him that I should turn my back so that he could take some pictures photos of me looking towards the distant horizon. As I turned around, he sat on one knee, asking me whether I wanted to marry him! I was in tears and yelled, “YES! !”
After realizing what had happened, I quickly replied: “Wait, did you talk to my Dad? !” On the way back down the mountain, Justin made a few jokes and informed me that I needed to climb a few rocks to find a rock; however, the entire trip was symbolic of our friendship. Our relationship at times was a struggle, but it was not always smooth; however, in the end, we were able to climb the mountain top-to-top, and with a stunning panorama of the town that brought us to each other.
The best part is that He captured the entire event on film for us to show our family and family and
The Venue
I am a huge fan of detail, and so when it came to wedding planning, I wanted to be mindful of the pieces we would incorporate into our wedding. I wanted guests to be able to feel a part of our story throughout the day and to be an authentic and natural celebration that reflected our love for each other and personal style.
I was certain that I would like to have a part of our wedding held in the barn or farm-style setting. I’m not a big fan of excessive glitz and glamour as such, so the quiet and plain nature of rustic wedding venues in our region was a great fit. I was awed by the way our platform was beautiful. The location stood out, and we didn’t need to do much to create a nice appearance. It was stunning by itself!
Far from the bustle and noise in the metropolis, I was confident that we could have a wonderful wedding with friends and family without having to worry about other events taking place. We also were married in the town I was raised and born in. We required a venue that could allow for our 250 guests!
The Ceremony
The ceremony was by far the biggest element of our wedding for me, even though Justin would claim that the reception was the one Justin was eagerly anticipating!
Faith played a significant role in the creation of our wedding ceremony. We decided to hang a hand-crafted Scripture sign above the guests as they arrived at the ceremony. My father made the sign using wood, and a trusted family friend wrote the words. The aisle signs were designed by my father and close family friends and served to remind us of the importance of true love and unconditionally.
To honor family members, Justin and I presented only one rose to each of our mothers prior to the beginning of the celebration. It was quite a memorable moment since we hadn’t ever told our moms we would perform the gesture, and they were surely shocked! We arranged small candles that were lit in the shape of a circle around the unity candle. And shortly before burning the candle for unity, it was time to light a candle in honor of each loved one who died as a way to honor their memory.
After the ceremony, we were so excited to get married that we burst out in a dance to the beat of Bruno Mars, and I didn’t think I had forgotten to take my bouquet back by my Maid of Honor! The good news is that Justin’s older brother, also known as the Best man, was gracious enough to bring the bouquet in addition to his own as Justin danced across the aisle!
The Attire
My bridesmaids wore different styles of Azazie dresses in the dusty rose hue, and it was perfect! I wanted everyone to wear the same color, but they really wanted to find clothes that fit their body shape so that they could feel comfortable all day.
Justin’s favorite color is blue. The groomsmen’s mysterious blue Generation Tux suits complemented the dusty rose dresses beautifully.
