Every couple wants a stress free wedding day. And while I wish I could promise nothing unexpected will happen, that’s just not realistic. Weddings involve a lot of people, moving parts, and timelines, so little hiccups are almost inevitable. But I have good news! They rarely become problems when you plan ahead. As a wedding […]

Wondering what to wear and looking for summer wedding guest outfits for an upcoming wedding? The answer really depends on two things: the dress code and the venue. Always check the invitation or wedding website first, but also let the venue set the tone. A black tie wedding at a ballroom calls for a different […]

Some weddings are beautiful because of the venue. Others are beautiful because of the story behind them. Sarah and Doug’s backyard wedding in Virginia was both! Held at their family homes in Middlebrook, Virginia, this wedding was deeply personal, nostalgic, and full of meaning that simply couldn’t be replicated at a traditional venue. From saying […]

When couples hear the words “wedding design,” they often think flowers, linens, and color palettes. And yes, those things are part of it. But great wedding design is really about creating a feeling. It’s the way your guests experience your wedding from the moment they arrive. It’s how all the pieces work together to tell […]

If you ask me the best time for a Charlottesville wedding, my answer is almost always going to be October. And honestly, there are a few very real and practical reasons couples (and I) gravitate toward it. Charlottesville in October just hits differently. The mountain views, the crisp air, the vineyards changing colors, the cozy […]

One of the first conversations I have with couples after they inquire is figuring out what level of support actually makes sense for them. Because the truth is, there’s no “right” answer when it comes to full wedding planning vs partial planning. It really comes down to your personalities, your schedules, your priorities, and frankly, […]

When I think about 2026 wedding trends, there’s one that stands out above everything else — and it has nothing to do with color palettes or design styles. It’s intentional wedding planning. And sure, calling it a “trend” feels a little ironic. But it is very much a shift I’m seeing with my couples. Instead […]

There are some venues you walk into and immediately start thinking about all the possibilities. Solara Ridge is one of those places. We had the opportunity to design and plan a styled shoot followed by an intimate dinner at this luxury Virginia wedding venue, hosted by Emily and James Hancock as they celebrated 10 years […]

Something might go wrong on your wedding day. Not in a scary way. Not in a “your day is ruined” way. But in a “real life is happening, and weddings are live events” kind of way. You’d be hard pressed to find a wedding planner without many, many wedding day disaster stories. With that being […]

I know what you’re thinking: you want to have a fun and unique wedding favor that your guests will actually like and use, but you don’t know where to start. As a wedding planner, I’ve pretty much seen it all when it comes to wedding favors, including which ones are left behind when everyone goes […]