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: Natalie Duncan, 30, Faculty & Equine Manager at Virginia Tech
Groom: Isaac Slone, 35, Assistant Director of Operations and Training at Virginia Military Institute
Date: 11/4/2023
Venue:
Ceremony: Basilica of St. Andrew Church, Roanoke, Virginia
Reception: The Train Station, Roanoke, Virginia
Couple Portraits: Roanoke Star, Mill Mountain, Roanoke, Virginia
Guests: 100
LOVE STORY
Isaac and Natalie’s love story resembles something straight out of a modern romance novel. It all began in late February 2020 when they connected through Facebook’s dating app. A few weeks later, they had their first date during the challenging pandemic, sharing a romantic dinner in Blacksburg, Virginia, against all odds.
During the long months of the pandemic, they discovered each other’s passions. Natalie introduced Isaac to the world of horses and he showed her the thrill of rock climbing, creating unforgettable memories.
Photo: Hanging Rock, Salem, Virginia.
Natalie surprised herself when she said, “I love you” to Isaac. She was so surprised that she quickly tried to continue the conversation as if nothing had happened. To her delight, Isaac reciprocated at once. It was a moment they would never forget.
PROPOSAL
Isaac proposed to Natalie in 2022 during a Christmas event in Chantilly, Virginia. During a glitzy, black-tie Christmas ball with her family gathered Isaac asked Natalie the most crucial question of his life: “Will you marry me?” It was a sweet moment, and Natalie could not believe her eyes. She kept repeating, “Really? Are you for real? Are you serious?” before finally saying, “Yes.”
The ring was exquisite, adorned with cherished Celtic knots and placed in a setting that echoed her great-grandmother’s ring. Set in rose gold with an Edwardian-style shape, the ring has two Trinity knots with small diamonds framing the central diamond and delicate Celtic scrolls around the rest of the slim band.
Natalie could not take her eyes off the stunning engagement ring. Her heart swelled with love for her dashing fiancé in his elegant tuxedo, and she found herself so lost in admiration that she nearly bumped into several walls.
ATTIRE
Natalie’s exquisite gown, which she discovered at the charming bridal boutique Chantilly Lace in Blacksburg, was breathtaking. It was an off-white masterpiece with delicate horsehair stripes and intricate lace details. She incorporated spaghetti straps and a corset into the gown, making it a unique piece. To top it off, the bride wore her great-grandaunt’s exquisite necklace, adding a touch of meaningful elegance to her ensemble.
Photo: Couple’s home.
For the ceremony, the bride wore lace booties with satin ribbons that she bought from Amazon. Natalie slipped into a pair of hand-painted white Keds as she arrived at The Train Station.
Natalie’s bouquet was a gorgeous blend of green shades with a touch of boho style, featuring stunning eucalyptus accents. It was an absolute masterpiece created by the skilled florist at Green Designs in Roanoke.
The florist also crafted beautiful floral hairpins for Natalie and adorable collars and crowns for their two dogs to wear during the family portrait session. Natalie trusted the florist to deliver something genuinely breathtaking and they exceeded her expectations.
Isaac rocked his look in a stunning, deep blue three-piece suit from Davidson’s in Roanoke. He added a touch of family history by wearing his grandfather’s timeless cuff links.
The groom’s boutonniere was perfect – featuring fragrant eucalyptus and delicate flowers that perfectly matched the bridal bouquet.
SPECIAL GUEST
Natalie included her “unofficial” bridesmaid, Barley Jude, their Old English Sheepdog, in the wedding photos; it was adorable! Before the ceremony, Barley Jude received an exquisite grooming from Riverside Vet Clinic in Radford to ensure she looked stunning for the occasion. As if that was not cute enough, a group of Virginia Military cadets, who were Isacc’s students, served as Barley Jude’s escorts at the reception. It was such a delightful and meaningful memory from their special day!
CEREMONY
Isaac and Natalie tied the knot on November 4, 2023, at the Basilica of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Roanoke, surrounded by their loved ones. Just before the ceremony, the couple stood on the church’s terrace, anticipation in the air as they prepared to enter the sanctuary together. As they stepped inside, the couple embraced the timeless traditions of the Catholic faith, marking the beginning of their journey as a united and forever-bonded couple.
The couple’s ceremony included a traditional Catholic mass. The stunning church was so beautiful that it did not need any extra decorations to enhance its grandeur. During the processional and recessional, a church member performed traditional Catholic hymns on the organ.
“I had the most beautiful speech planned for the moment we first locked eyes,” Natalie fondly reminisced. “But I could not help myself—I ended up twirling and merrily declaring, ‘Ta-da! I’m a Disney princess!’ I don’t think I’ll ever live that one down.”
COCKTAIL HOUR & RECEPTION
After the ceremony, Isaac and Natalie went to the Roanoke Star at Mill Mountain for their couple portrait session while their guests headed to The Roanoke Train Station.
The newlyweds took a non-traditional approach, combining the cocktail hour and reception into one big celebration. Isaac and Natalie chose not to adhere to a specific color palette, instead allowing the venue’s natural beauty to take center stage and creating a truly breathtaking scene. This decision also spared them the stress of coordinating colors.
As guests arrived, they could select cocktails from the venue’s Speak Easy bar, an outdoor airstream bar or a third bar set up at the old ticket windows. Instead of a sit-down dinner, the venue set up various grazing tables, allowing guests to enjoy delectable bites at their leisure. When Isaac and Natalie arrived at the venue, they made a beeline for the main area known as the Speak Easy bar. The atmosphere hummed with anticipation as everyone eagerly gathered for the first dance, the heartwarming father-daughter dance and the much-awaited cake-cutting ceremony.
Throughout the evening, the couple and their guests enjoyed the plentiful grazing options and indulged in drinks and merriment. The menu was fabulous, offering a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes such as shrimp and grits and smoked salmon. So many choices were available that most guests were too full to sample everything. As night fell, family and friends toasted the couple, and dancing and mingling became the focal points of the evening.
Isaac and Natalie did not organize a send-off because they were the last to leave the venue. Interestingly, Natalie’s parents were supposed to take Barley Jude home but forgot her. So, the couple ended up sitting at the Speak Easy bar, chatting with the bartender and waiting for a friend to come and get their beloved pet, Barley Jude. Once she was escorted home, the newlyweds headed to Hotel Roanoke for their wedding night.
Guest Book
The newlyweds decided to use the vinyl album cover of their first dance song as a unique guestbook for their wedding. They provided metallic Sharpies for guests to sign the cover, creating a personalized and one-of-a-kind memento. After the wedding, they framed the signed album cover. It now holds a place of pride in their home as a cherished reminder of their special day.
CAKE
The wedding cake was delicious – an orange-flavored cake with a decadent white chocolate buttercream filling and frosting. To add a distinctive touch, the talented cake baker surprised the newlyweds with a little sugar replica of our beloved sheepdog on the cake.
HONEYMOON
The couple honeymooned in Jamaica.
BRIDE: @Natalie.b.slone
GROOM: @sloneisaac
VENDORS
CHURCH CEREMONY: Basilica of St Andrews – @basilicaofstandrewroanoke
https://basilicaofstandrew.org
RECEPTION VENUE: The Train Station – @roanoke_trainstation
https://thetrainstationeventvenue.com
PHOTOGRAPHER: Amative Creative – @amativecreative
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Roanoke – @hotelroanoke
OFFICIANT: Fr. Kevin Segerblom – Basilica of St Andrews, Roanoke, Virginia
ENGAGEMENT RING: Brilliant Earth – @brilliantearth
https://www.brilliantearth.com
WEDDING BANDS: Manly Bans – @manlybands
GOWN & VEIL: Chantilly Lace – @Chantillylaceblacksburg
https://www.chantillylacebridals.com
SHOES: Keds – @keds
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Davidsons – @Davidsonsclothing
https://www.davidsonsclothing.com
FLOWERS: Green Designs – @greendesignsva
CATERING: Schaal Catering
http://www.schaalsevents.com/
CAKE: Have Your Cake VA
https://www.haveyourcakeva.com
HONEYMOON: Sandals Montego Bay – @sandalsmontegobay
https://www.instagram.com/sandalsmontegobay
DOG GROOMER: Riverside Vet Clinic
Rock Climbing: Hanging Rock, Salem, Virginia.
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.
