DestinationsEngagementEngagementSurprise Proposalvirginia weddings

DESTINATION: SURPRISE PROPOSAL & ENGAGEMENT – Victor & Elizabeth

BRIDE: Elizabeth Paterson, 29, Artist/Graphic Designer

GROOM: Victor Bloom, 29, Project Manager 

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Arlington, Virginia

PROPOSAL: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

DATE: 10/6/2020

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: The Glenstone, Potomac, Maryland

DATE: 07/18/2021

Victor and Elizabeth’s love story is like a scene straight out of a romantic movie. Imagine a balmy summer evening in Arlington, Virginia, where they first locked eyes on the dance floor at The Clarendon Grill. Introduced by mutual friends, their beautifully intertwined beginning on 07/02/2015 seemed like destiny in action. It was a night brimming with laughter and marked the start of their extraordinary connection. Just a few days later, their first date unfolded at the same spot, a casual and joyous happy hour. The way their story unfolds is like something out of a fairytale!

In the early stages of their relationship, Elizabeth took a bold step and expressed her love first. It seemed as if she couldn’t hold back her feelings any longer. From the start, she was confident in her love for him and felt incredibly secure. Over time, those three little words became a natural part of their conversations. Isn’t it fascinating how a simple phrase can have such profound meaning!

Elizabeth and Victor admire each other’s qualities. Elizabeth appreciates Victor’s grounded nature and how he encourages her to slow down. Victor is inspired by Elizabeth’s passion and dedication to her graphic design business and her support for her family and friends. They enjoy hiking and traveling together, finding the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.


SURPRISE PROPOSAL

Victor proposed to Elizabeth on October 6, 2020, with an incredible backdrop. They were on a private rooftop tour of the beautiful Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. While a Biltmore photographer captured the stunning views, Victor surprised Elizabeth by kneeling and asking her to spend forever with him. It was a moment straight out of a fairytale—a perfect blend of romance and natural beauty. Such a beautiful moment to treasure!

RING

Elizabeth’s face lit up as she shared the heartwarming story of Victor proposing a custom-designed ring using the diamond from his parents’ ring. The way he incorporated a marquee setting with a star-like shape made it so unique. I could feel her excitement as she described the beautiful piece in yellow gold that perfectly matched her wedding band. This ring is not only stunning but also holds immense sentimental value. What a lovely and meaningful way to start their journey together!

ENGAGEMENT

Victor and Elizabeth’s engagement photo session was held on July 18, 2021, in the serene beauty of Glenstone in Potomac, Maryland. The couple wanted their photos to capture the essence of their relationship, and Glenstone’s expansive sculpture garden and natural surroundings provided the perfect backdrop. They envisioned their engagement photos reflecting the joy and contentment they find in each other’s company, and Glenstone was the ideal setting to convey that sentiment.

ATTIRE 

Check out Elizabeth’s show-stopping outfit: she rocked a stunning white dress from Vince paired with simple gold accessories. Her favorite gold hoops added the perfect touch of glam, while her tan sandals kept the look beautifully neutral and photo-ready. 

Victor looked absolutely dashing in his carefully chosen ensemble for the engagement photo session. He opted for a sophisticated yet modern look, donning a stylish combination of neutrals that perfectly complemented the surroundings. His attire exuded confidence and elegance, setting the tone for a beautifully memorable photo shoot.

WEDDING

Victor and Elizabeth tied the knot on September 18, 2021, at the stunning Mayhurst Estate in Orange, Virginia! After their magical wedding, they flew to Hawaii for their dreamy honeymoon! Watch for a future blog about all their wedding details.

ADVICE 

“Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but try not to get too stressed about the planning. Easier said than done, we know, but try to keep things in perspective and enjoy the process as much as you can!” – Victor and Elizabeth

Bride: @studioebloom

Groom: @vicspics21 

VENDORS

VENUE 

PROPOSAL: Biltmore Estate – @biltmoreestate

https://www.biltmore.com

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: The Glenstone – @glentstonemusuem

https://www.glenstone.org

PHOTOGRAPHY:  Rebekah Bronwen – @rebekahbronwen.photo

https://www.rebekahbronwen.com/home

RING: Quest Fine Jewelers – @questfinejewelers

ATTIRE: Vince @vince

SHOES: French Sole – @frenchsole

ATTIRE: UNTUCKit – @untuckit 

WEDDING VENUE: The Mayhurst Estate, Orange, Virginia – @mayhurstestate

https://www.mayhurstinn.com/weddings

RESTAURANT: The Clarendon Grill, Arlington, Virginia

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.