eleanore + breck, a southern, bay wedding

Oh, where to begin on this one? This, out of just about every wedding I've ever done, was the largest labor of love on record. Bride and groom lived in Chicago, parents of the bride and hosts of the night lived in D.C., the bride's parent's property and venue for the wedding was in Gwynn's Island right on the Chesapeake Bay and I'm in Richmond. Needless to say, the sheer logistics of getting everyone together to plan once in a while was just about impossible. But we did it--several times!

Eleanore's parents are art and architecture enthusiasts, and their Bay property certainly displayed no different character. Built on a six acre property right on the Chesapeake Bay, nestled in pine trees and perfectly manicured lawns and gardens, was basically heaven for me. There was a blank slate and I was so stoked to tackle it! To plan and design an entire weekend of events, including a Friday evening party for 70 guests, a bridal luncheon, pre-ceremony cocktail hour, ceremony and cocktail hour, reception, post-reception beach party and a Sunday afternoon bluegrass and BBQ event, I was surprised to be standing straight by the end of May.
It was the best possible experience only because I had a huge support system at home, Phil (manfriend, we'll detail him later!), my family, my amazing staff and some seriously trusting clients. It truly went off without a hitch. I mean it--nothing went wrong! [Well, except for that time I forgot the steamer after two SUV loads of things brought in from Richmond and about 6 lists of inventory and items. A STEAMER?! But lovely intern, Anna Michelle saved the day with steam from the iron.]

So enough of my gushing over the truly amazing and unforgettable experience--and on with the details! Eleanore and Breck had a clear idea of colors they loved. Words were thrown out like natural, organic, unstructured, wood. We were able to incorporate their love for travel with an atlas garland hung over their chairs and a framed map identifying the places they've traveled together behind a vintage card catalog full of old postcards. Gwynn's Island is Eleanore's family's second home and it's overflowing with local resources--crabs, cheese, oysters--and residents that want to help! We packed welcome bags with TONS of information about this tiny 15 mile long Island, we had local cheeses brought in for cocktail hour, the caterer grew her own mint and basil for our signature cocktails and we even had an oyster shucker on site! The menu was also carefully crafted to include Texas, Chicago, and Virginia roots.

The Flower Cupboard, based in Williamsburg, truly created Eleanore's vision. Buckets and old planter boxes lined the aisle. The tree arbor was adorned with huge flower buds in just the perfect spots. Farm tables were topped with vintage lanterns and eclectic flower-filled vases.

Truly a stunning and breathtaking wedding. And the icing on the cake: WE WERE FEATURED IN SOUTHERN WEDDINGS! One of my most favorite blogs--I mean a southern girl can relate right?? Absolutely an honor, so I encourage you to check out their feature on Eleanore and Breck too!


Lastly--my girl, my homie and friend Laura Gordon takes the most incredible photos. Never even meeting the happy couple until the day of their wedding and she rocked out on capturing their real emotion and love. Take a minute to check out her full post and shout out as well!


photo: laura gordon
event planning and design: LK events and design
flowers: the flower cupboard
entertainment: the blue tips
farm tables, chairs, linens, glassware and china: classic party rentals of va
tent, lighting, tables: special event rentals
hair and makeup: catie starr