virginia weddings

REAL VIRGINIA WEDDING: Jamaal & Alison

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

Bride: Alison Thomas, 33, Patient Service Coordinator

Groom: Jamaal Foster-Scott, 33, Fire Alarm Inspector

Current Residence:  Mechanicsville, Maryland

Date: May 4, 2024

Venue: Farm 1750, Hustle, Virginia

Guests: 100

LOVE STORY 

The love story of Jamaal and Alison is a modern-day fairytale that began with a touch of magic in the fall of 2018. At a lively party in Norfolk, Virginia, Jamaal and Alison’s eyes met across the room and time seemed to stand still as they started a conversation. Their journey from that moment to the altar is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of fate.

In 2022, Jamaal proposed to Alison at the picturesque Anne-Marie Sculpture Gardens & Arts Center in Solomons, Maryland. As Jamaal kneeled to ask the life-changing question – “Will you marry me?” – he presented Alison with an exquisite 1.25-carat diamond set in a double halo-twisted white gold band.

In March of 2024, Jamaal and Alison had unforgettable celebrations with their closest and dearest friends. Jamaal’s bachelor party was off the charts! He and his groomsmen hit up Charlotte, North Carolina during the March Madness tournament at the Spectrum Center, where the University of North Carolina at Charlotte hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA ® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. They snagged an awesome Airbnb right in downtown Charlotte for their stay. Talk about an epic weekend!

Alison’s bachelorette weekend in Charleston, South Carolina was fantastic! They stayed at a beautiful Airbnb outside downtown Charleston and had a wonderful time. One of the highlights was their delicious dinner at the Church and Union Charleston restaurant, followed by a night of dancing at the incredible Republic Garden & Lounge. It was a weekend filled with unforgettable memories!

WEDDING FACTS

Jamaal and Alison’s wedding theme was not just elegant; it was a symphony of regal purple, shimmering gold and classic black colors. The celebration exuded a level of sophistication and style that set the stage for an unforgettable day filled with love and joy. The grandeur of the theme was a sight to behold, a true reflection of the couple’s passion and commitment.

VENUE 

Jamaal and Alison selected Farm 1750 in Hustle, Virginia as their wedding venue because it felt like home. The venue, surrounded by over 30 acres of stunning vineyards, exuded a charm and warmth that perfectly complemented the couple’s love story. It was a place where memories were made and love was celebrated.

ATTIRE 

In the heartwarming setting of the venue’s rustic farmhouse, the bride and her bridesmaids were all smiles as they prepared for the special day in the venue’s enchanting bridal suite. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as they made the final touches, surrounded by the charm of the countryside.

Alison was an absolute vision in her A-line wedding gown from David’s Bridal in Springfield, Virginia. The dress, Style Number 9WG4102, was a breathtaking masterpiece in lace, with pockets, a sassy left-leg slit and elegant buttons down the back. The wide straps added a touch of timeless sophistication to the entire ensemble.

Her accessories were just as stunning – a necklace and pearl earrings with delicate stones, perfectly complementing her “Born Dreamer” by Charli D’Amelio. And let’s not forget about her satin chunky heels with an open toe adorned with pearls and stones!

The bridal bouquet of white roses with greenery was simply elegant. In contrast, the bridesmaid bouquets, featuring a mix of purple flowers and foliage, added a pop of vibrant color. The boutonnieres, each a single white rose, tied everything together beautifully.

The bridesmaids looked fabulous in their lilac-colored dresses. Each chose a style that flattered their figures, adding a fun and personalized touch to the day.

On the wedding day, the groom and his groomsmen gathered in the beautifully decorated groom’s room in the farm house’s lower section. With its private entrance and lovely patio, it was ideal for them to unwind and soak in the excitement leading up to the big event. 

Let’s dive into the details of the groom and his groomsmen’s attire. The groom exuded elegance in a navy blue suit, complemented by a pristine white button-down shirt, a stylish lilac-colored tie and brown-colored dress shoes and belts. Meanwhile, the groomsmen looked equally sharp in their coordinated gray suits, crisp white dress shirts, brown-colored shoes and belts, adding a touch of sophistication that seamlessly tied in with the wedding theme.

CEREMONY 

The bride’s sister officiated the ceremony, adding a personal and heartwarming touch to the special day. Jamaal and Alison stood beneath the majestic trees in the area lovingly known as “Beneath the Chestnut,” surrounded by the beauty of nature as they exchanged their heartfelt vows. The ceremony space was adorned with delicate white roses, creating an atmosphere of pure love and natural elegance.

As the groom and groomsmen walked down the aisle, the song “International Player’s Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK was played. The processional music for the bridesmaids and flower girls was “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Haley Reinhart. The bride was escorted down the aisle to the music of “Look At Me” by Carrie Underwood. The recessional music was “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis.

COCKTAIL HOUR 

The cocktail hour was delightful! It took place in a charming space right next to the ceremony site. The warm, soft glow of string lights illuminated the area, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Meanwhile, DJ Rick had everyone under his spell with an enchanting mix of love songs. It was mesmerizing! As guests mingled and savored the moment, the open bar flowed freely. The catering staff delighted everyone by serving Filipino-inspired chicken, beef and veggie egg rolls.

RECEPTION 

The reception was held in the venue’s breathtaking “Novacelli” space. This modern area was once a traditional barn but transformed into a stunning, versatile space with retractable walls and ceilings. Its name, “Novacelli,” meaning ‘new barn’ in Portuguese, perfectly captures its remarkable evolution.

The guest tables were adorned with crisp white tablecloths accented with elegant purple runners. Gold plates glinted under the soft glow of the lights, complemented by sleek black napkins and glistening gold silverware. The stunning centerpieces were the bridesmaids’ beautiful bouquets, surrounded by charming white wooden table numbers. It was a sight to behold!

The reception entrances were unforgettable! Picture this: the wedding party entered the reception like a basketball team, each member being announced with flair, paying homage to Jamaal’s passion for the sport. Then, something extraordinary happened – the wedding party formed a tunnel for the bride and groom to walk through, symbolizing their friends and family’s unwavering support and love. It was such a beautiful and touching moment!

The delicious dinner menu featured succulent grilled chicken, juicy beef steak and flavorful chicken pancit as the main dishes. And let’s not forget about the unique side dishes – fragrant white rice and soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. It was a meal to remember!

The couple’s first dance was to the enchanting melody of “Everlasting Ground” by Austin Brown, setting the stage for a magical evening. The heartfelt father-daughter dance featured the touching lyrics of “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. The groom and his mother moved everyone with their dance to the soulful notes of “I’ll Be There” by Mac Miller. It was a beautiful scene and unforgettable moments that added an extra emotion to the celebration!

Instead of a traditional guest book at the wedding, the guests signed a heart and placed it in a photo frame. The frame held a beautiful engagement photo of the couple. It was such a unique and heartwarming way to commemorate the special day!

CAKE

The wedding cake was a delicious coconut bundt cake infused with the rich flavor of coconut and topped with a smooth vanilla frosting and delicate coconut shavings. It was a true showstopper at the reception!

FAVORS 

As favors, guests selected from a delicious variety of cookies including chocolate chip, chocolate chocolate chip, brownie, sugar and M&M.

EXIT/AFTER PARTY 

As guests left the reception, the newlyweds and their closest friends continued the party inside the Novacelli until the wee hours of the night. Then, the couple spent the night at a nearby Airbnb. Their family and friends found lodging at nearby hotels in Tappahannock, Virginia. 

HONEYMOON 

The newlyweds are planning to take a 7-day cruise in 2025.

ADVICE 

The bride and groom advised, “enjoy every moment of the day as it flies by. Spend as much time as you can with your partner, so that when you reflect on the memories, they are shared with your significant other. If something goes wrong on the big day, do not let it ruin the experience because the day is really about marrying your best friend.”

Jamaal said, “I loved all the family and friends that came and showed love for us on our big day.”

Bride: @alilouise90

Groom: @jamaal_antonio

VENDORS

VENUE: 

Farm 1750 – @ http://@farm1750

https://www.farm1750.com

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kimberly Jade Forbes Photography – @ https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyjadeforbes/

https://kimforbesphotography.com

VIDEOGRAPHER: Chay Deaver – @views_sounds_media

www.views-sounds.com

BACHELOR AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES: 

March Madness:

www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com 

Restaurant: Church and Union

https://www.churchandunion.com/location/charlotte

Night Club: Republic Garden & Lounge

https://republicreign.com

OFFICIANT: Melody Stone – @melodydawnt

GOWN: David Bridal, Springfield, VA

SHOES: DSW – @dsw

HAIR/MAKEUP: Jennifer Le Makeup – @Jlemakeup

www.jlemakeup.com

PERFUME: Born Dreamer by Charli D’Amelio – @ https://www.instagram.com/borndreamerbycd/

DRESSES: Azazie – @azazie

 www.azazie.com

FORMALWEAR: Men’s Wearhouse – @ 

 www.menswearhouse.com

INVITATIONS: Canva – @Canva

www.canva.com

FLOWERS: At Home Store – @ https://www.instagram.com/athomestores

www.athome.com

RENTAL EQUIPMENT: Signature Event Rentals – @signatureeventrentals

  www.signatureeventrentals.net  

CATERING/CAKE: Lauren’s Lumpia – @laurenslumpia

DJ: DJ Rick – @ricktiggzentertainment

djricktiggz.com

FAVORS: BJs Wholesale Club –

https://www.instagram.com/bjswholesale

ACCOMMODATIONS: 

Holiday Inn, Tappahannock, VA

Hampton Inn, Tappahannock, VA

ENGAGEMENT SESSION: Anne-Marie Sculpture Gardens & Arts Center – @annmariearts 
  https://www.annmariegarden.com

If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, 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.