Real Virginia Wedding

Michael & Allison

Virginia Bride features weddings weekly here on the blog. Being featured in the blog does not necessarily mean they are featured in the print magazine.

Bride: Allison Wehr, 30, Executive Administrative Assistant

Groom: Michael Ferraro, 29, Technician

Date: 10/20/2023

Venue: Arbor Haven Weddings, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Guests: 75

LOVE STORY 

The Beginning

Michael and Allison met on October 14, 2018. Allison was visiting her hometown in

Broadalbin, New York to attend a funeral. While home, she met a friend for drinks at a local bar. The friend’s roommate, Michael joined them. Allison and Michael made an instant connection. Allison inquired whether Michael had a girlfriend. He said, “no.” They spent the rest of the night dancing and getting acquainted. After this chance meeting, they remained in touch through online chats and phone calls until their first date.

First Date

After being apart for two months, Michael and Allison decided to meet for a first-date weekend. At the time, Michael’s residence was in New York and Allison was living in Virginia. Their first date was on December 9, 2018. “We spent the night in New York City,” said Allison. “The next day, we went to Connecticut to Michael’s favorite casino.” “We had a blast and it wasn’t easy to part ways when the weekend ended.”

I Love You

Allison was the first to say, “I love you.” Michael immediately reciprocated. When I asked Allison what she loved most about Michael, she said, “his kindness and caring attitude.” Michael said, “I love her quick wit and good looks!”

Proposal

Michael proposed to Allison in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 18, 2021. Michael made a dinner reservation at the Top of the World Restaurant located in the SkyPod, atop the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas to make the evening spectacular. “The SkyPod offers unparalleled city views as the restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes, said Michael.”

After dinner, the couple ordered dessert. When dessert was served, Allison was confused because she had ordered cheesecake. But a chocolate box was set in front of her. “Michael told me to open it,” said Allison. “I did.” “And a ring was sitting inside a strawberry in the box.”

RING

Michael gave Allison a gorgeous 14-carat white gold engagement ring. The oval diamond solitaire was set east-west, secured by tapered prongs and embraced by a halo band of smaller diamonds.

BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY

August 2023, the wedding party, hosted a combined bachelor and bachelorette party for the couple. They spent the afternoon at the National Harbor Top Golf in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Later, the group enjoyed drinks and dancing at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar in National Harbor, Maryland. 

VENUE 

Michael and Allison chose Arbor Haven Weddings in Fredericksburg, Virginia as their wedding venue. “When we toured Arbor Haven, it felt warm and cozy,” said Allison. “And instantly, we felt at ease with the owner, Keri Walker.” “It felt like the perfect fit for us.” “Keri was also our wedding coordinator.” “She was there for us 24/7 via text or email.”

THEME/COLOR PALETTE

Michael and Allison wanted a simple and classic wedding. They chose different shades of purple and pink with gold accents. “Our color scheme easily came together after Michael chose his purple tuxedo,” said Allison.

ATTIRE 

Bride 

The bride and bridesmaids dressed in a 1,000-square-foot Bridal Suite. “It had four dedicated hair and makeup counters,” said Allison. “And plentiful seating for our entire bridal party.”

Allison wore a white gown with floral accents and a sheer bodice. She was adorned with diamonds Michael gave her on their 1-year anniversary: earrings, necklace and bracelet. Her perfume was by Lancome. Allison finished her look with Betsey Johnson rhinestone platform sandals. 

Bouquets

The bride’s bouquet was made of deep purple and blueberry roses, lavender spray roses, blue thistle, purple lisianthus, viola ranunculus, purple wax flower and eucalyptus. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were smaller versions of the bridal bouquet.

Bridesmaids

The color of the bridesmaids’ dresses was light purple and gray-toned. The dresses were floor-length gowns from Azazie.

Groom/Groomsmen

The groom and groomsmen dressed in the Groom’s Quarters. A 1,300-square-foot space featuring a unique bar, arcade games, a pool table, a poker table, multiple televisions and recliner chairs. “The Groom’s Quarter was one reason we chose this venue,” said Michael. “We hired a bartender for the afternoon.” “We relaxed, played games and had lots of fun hanging out.”

The groom wore a deep purple custom-made tuxedo. His shirt was white and his bowtie was black. He donned shiny black shoes. He finished his look with custom gold cufflinks given to him by the bride.

The groomsmen sported black tuxedos. They each wore a deep purple vest that matched the color of thegroom’s tuxedo.

Boutonnieres

Michael and his groomsmen wore pocket squares with flowers matching the colors in the bridal bouquet. 

FIRST LOOKS

Dad

After Allison finished dressing, she shared a first look with her dad. “I planned an outdoor private moment, but it was raining, so my dad came into the bridal suite to see me,” said Allison. 

Groom

Michael and Allison had a first look inside the venue’s barn. “We wanted a few moments together so we could say our vows in private,” said Allison. “And to relax a bit before seeing our families.” “We were much calmer after our dogs joined us in the barn and we took some pictures.”

CEREMONY  

The ceremony was held in front of a gazebo overlooking a pond with a water fountain in the background. A corner floral piece matching the bridal bouquet adorned the gazebo. The aisle guest chairs were decorated with white flowers and greenery. A sprawling weeping willow tree shaded the guests.

Soft instrumental music played while the guests were seated. The processional song was “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last. The processional song was “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding. 

COCKTAIL HOUR 

The cocktail hour was held inside the main reception tent, featuring a wooden bar built by the venue’s bartender. Three signature drinks were served: 

Hers: Tequila pineapple

His: Tito’s Vodka, Southern Comfort with orange and cranberry juice

Ours: Apple Cider Mimosa.

Country Lane Catering served brunch theme appetizers: mini bagels with various cream cheese options, lox and capers, meatballs and spinach cups.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Gracie Brooks was the couple’s wedding photographer. During the cocktail hour, she captured some beautiful portraits of the couple posing in front of a fire truck. Having wedding portraits taken with a fire truck as the backdrop is a tradition in Allison’s family.

RECEPTION 

The reception was held in a 5,400-square-foot all-weather structured tent. Its decor encompassed a vaulted ceiling, a stained concrete floor and floral chandeliers. Bistro lights were sprinkled throughout the structure.

Michael and Allison’s sweetheart’s table was positioned between their 2 head tables. The tables were graced with large wooden centerpieces filled with flowers resembling the bridal bouquet. Accompanying them were shimmering low-flame votive candles. The guest tables were decorated with multiple vases, baby’s breath, floating candles and golden votives. Atop the white linens were mismatched china dishes supplied by the caterer. “We loved the china,” said Allison. “It gave our tables a pop of color and rustic elegance.” 

Entrances/First Dances

The couples’ parents entered the reception first. And then the groomsmen entered, followed by the bridesmaids. All stood to applaud Michael and Allison’s entrance. 

Michael and Allison entered the reception to the lyrics of “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher. 

When the song “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole began, Michael and Allison danced as husband and wife. Father and daughter danced to the lyrics “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw. Mother and daughter rocked to the song “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. The groom and his mother danced to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.

Menu

The couple’s reception meal was brunch-themed: chicken and waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, biscuits and gravy and brisket sliders.

Cake 

The cake was 3- tiered. The bottom layer was red velvet, the middle was lemon raspberry and the top was red velvet.

Other desserts included various pies and dozens of different flavored cookies. 

Funnel Cake

“As a surprise for Michael, I booked a funnel cake truck,” said Allison. “The truck arrived towards the end of the evening.” “This treat was simply delicious.” “And one of Michael’s favorite parts of the evening.”

Favors 

The couples’ favors were jars of mixed berry jam and sugar cookies. 

Exit 

The backdrop for Michael and Allison’s exit was fireworks. “What an amazing send-off,” said Allison. “We will forever treasure those moments.”

ADVICE 

The couple offers this advice, “love and cherish each other every day.”  “Do not let the wedding process stress you.”

HONEYMOON 

The couple took a Royal Caribbean International cruise from Orlando, Florida to the Bahamas. After the cruise, they spent 3 days at Disney World in Flordia. 

While honeymooning, Michael and Allison found out they were pregnant. Join me in sending congratulations to the Parents-to-be!

Bride IG: @allison1219

Groom IG: @mferraro94

VENDORS

VENUE: Arbor Haven – @arborhaven https://www.arborhavenweddings.com/

PROPOSAL DINNER: Top of the World Restaurant – @stratvegas http://@stratvegas

RINGS: Jared – @jaredthegalleriaofjewelry http://@jaredthegalleriaofjewelry

GOWN: Maggie Sottero – @maggiesotterodesigns http://@maggiesotterodesigns

SHOES: Betsey Johnson- @betseyjohnson

HAIR: Emmy Keating Girod – @emmy.keating http://@emmy.keating

MAKEUP: Tiffany Winterton – @tiffanywintertonmakeup http://@tiffanywintertonmakeup

BRIDESMAIDS ATTIRE: Azazie – @azazieofficial

GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Jos. A. Bank – @josabank

INVITATIONS: Zazzle – @zazzle

FLOWERS: Finishing Touch Florist – @finishingtouchflorist http://@finishingtouchflorist

FAVORS: Sugar Me Sweets Baking Co. – @sugarmesweetsbakingco http://@sugarmesweetsbakingco

FUNNEL CAKE TRUCK: Funnel Cake Cafe – @funnelcakecafellc http://@funnelcakecafellc

HONEYMOON: Royal Caribbean International – @royalcaribbean and Disney World – @waltdisneyworld

CATERING: Country Lane CateringFredericksburg, VA

CAKE: Patty Slagle – Patty Cakes and CookiesSpotsylvania, VA 

BACHELORETTE/BACHELOR PARTY: 

National Harbor Top Golf in Oxon Hill, MD

Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar – @bobbymckeys

DJ and FIREWORKS: Bill Carroll @bill.carroll http://@bill.carroll

BARTENDER: Louie’s Mobile Mixology – @louiemobilemixology http://@louiemobilemixology

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.

The author: Debra Shepperson

Debra is a native of Virginia, having lived in both Roanoke and Richmond. She is the co-owner of Relish – Say I Do!! Officiant & Photographer. She is an artist who aims to create ceremony scripts and capture photos that evoke positive emotional responses, inspire others, and deliver nostalgia. Debra holds a graduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth and an undergraduate degree from Saint Leo University, Florida. Before gaining more than ten years of wedding-related experience, Debra was a human resource executive. She has been happily married to the co-owner of Relish for more than 20 years.