BRIDE: Kirsten Lyn Montalbano, 23, Interior Designer
GROOM: Matthew John Weston, 22, Area Sales Representative
DATE: September 7, 2019
LOCATION: Luray, VA
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 125
High school sweethearts, Kristen & Matt, tied the knot in September 2019, at the beautiful Stoneyman Valley Ranch in Luray. The couple met in senior year when Matt messaged Kristen on Instagram. “His opening line was, ‘Well hello ? haha….’ Thankfully his looks were better than his pickup lines because he won me over and just a few weeks later we met in person, and a month after that we were dating.”
After high school, both Kristen & Matt attended Virginia Tech, continuing to date throughout their four years. In the fall semester of their senior year there, Matt told Kristen that his mother had arranged for a photographer for their senior photos.
Of course, that was a ruse, and at the end of their walk through campus, by a waterfall in the horticulture garden, Matt dropped to one knee and held out the custom ring containing the diamond from Kristen’s great-grandmother’s engagement ring in a new setting.
Kristen planned the wedding with her mother’s help, creating a unique look and feel for her special day. “We did a really neutral/nature-inspired palette that allowed all of the small details to take [the] forefront. Even as an interior designer, I tend to use very minimal color and focus more on the intricate details. I also think the simple palette highlighted the natural beauty of all of my stunning bridesmaids!”
Kristen’s ivory, mermaid silhouette dress bears the intricate embroidery and beadwork by Allure Bridal, while her simple block heels by Franco Sarto complemented the day’s attire, along with the simple veil’s dainty white beading on the trim. But the drop pearl necklace from Kristen’s late grandmother deserves the attention: this beauty has been worn by each bride in Kristen’s family for at least three generations.
While the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, Kristen & Matt hiked around the reception venue property with their photographer, catching stunning photos, and about 20 grasshoppers between the layers of Kristen’s dress! The happy couple was the recipient of a wedding giveaway photography package from Katie Skinner photography; the same photographer who’d shot Kristen’s brother’s wedding the year before.
“We took a day off between wedding and honeymoon which I would highly recommend! We went to Atlantis Bahamas and stayed a week at the Cove which was a very beautiful and romantic resort. We swam with dolphins, relaxed on the beach and by the pool, snorkeled with a giant manta ray, and took lots of naps. It was the best week of my life!”
Congratulations to you both and many happy years ahead.
CEREMONY+RECEPTION SITE – Stoneyman Valley Ranch / Luray, VA / 703-380-2211
PHOTOGRAPHY – Katie Skinner Photography / Grand Rapids, MI / 616-581-1519
OFFICIANT – Blake Wood / Pastor at Faith Community Church in Harrisonburg, VA
GOWN – Allure Bridal / Amanda’s Touch Bridal and Formal / Fishersville, VA / 540-221-4748
VEIL – Amanda’s Touch Bridal and Formal / Fishersville, VA / 540-221-4748
SHOES – Franco Sarto/ Amazon.com
HAIR – Summer Whitlock / Loading Dock Salon Elkton, VA / 540-298-8225
MAKEUP – Noelle D’Archi / New Jersey /Instagram @beautynnd
BRIDESMAID DRESSES – showmeyourmumu.com
FORMALWEAR – Classic Tuxedo / Harrisonburg, VA / 540-433-9966
INVITATIONS – Vistaprint.com
FLOWERS – Vivian’s Flower Shop / Luray, VA / 540-743-5420
CATERING – Romano’s Italian Bistro / McGaheysville, VA / 540-289-5770
MUSIC Ceremony and Reception – DJ Frank McMillan / Harrisonburg, VA / 540-246-5649
CAKE – Country Road Bakery + Catering / Baker, WV / Instagram @countryroadbakery
ACCOMMODATIONS – Peabody’s Hip Little Stay / Luray, VA / 540-742-0696
HONEYMOON – The Cove Atlantis / Nassau, Bahamas
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
