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Dover Hall Experience
NAME: Mashana Sangdee, 27, 4th Grade Teacher
NAME: Charles Chang, 28, Financial Auditor
DATE: 11/16/2023
VENUE: Dover Hall, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
LOVE STORY
Charles and Mashana met in the midst of Covid in 2021. Despite the unique circumstances, they connected and enjoyed each other’s company. “The transition from take-out and quarantining to masked outings is an interesting start to a relationship,” said Mashana. “Even though the pandemic resulted in many people feeling alone, we were lucky to find each other.”
First Date
Charles and Mashana’s first date was casual. They met at a Shake Shack in Tyson Corner, Virginia. Mashana was nervous because this was their first time to meet face to face. Charles was a perfect gentleman and Mashana quickly relaxed. “Whenever we go back to the Shake Shack, it reminds us of that funny time when we first met,” Mashana said.
I Love You
Charles said, “I love you” first. Mashana immediately reciprocated. “What I love most about Charles is his ability to make anyone feel comfortable, said Mashana. “He is outgoing and friendly.” “Mashana is empathetic and always goes above and beyond to ensure I am cared for and happy,” said Charles.
“Charles and I are two peas in a pod,” said Mashana. “But opposites at the same time.” “We are both Scorpios.” “We create the perfect balance for each other.” “I am very structured, a matter of fact and reserved. Charles is easygoing, outgoing and a risk-taker.”
PROPOSAL
Charles proposed to Mashana on October 22, 2022 at The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia.
“It was my birthday weekend,” said Mashana. “I knew Charles was planning a surprise getaway.” “We left our home in Richmond, Virginia and headed north.” “Charles did not tell me where we were going.” “En route, I wondered if we might be headed to The Inn at Little Washington.” “Their restaurant was on our bucket list of places to dine because it held a prestigious Micheline 3-starred rating.” “I was delighted when we arrived at The Inn.” “When we checked into our room, it was filled with giant balloons that spelled “Will You Marry Me.” “And a rose flower arrangement adorned the room.” “Charles bent his left knee to the floor and gave me the most beautiful engagement ring.” “I was caught off guard but immediately said, “Yes.”
Engagement Ring
Mashana’s 2.4-carat emerald cut diamond ring was custom-made by Jared at The Galleria of Jewelry in Midlothian, Virginia.
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION – Dover Hall
In the fall of 2023, Charles and Mashana’s engagement photos were taken at Dover Hall, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia.
“We wanted our photographer Jennifer Conti Photography to capture images of us in Dover Hall’s many unique rooms (parlor, ballroom and dining room), said Mashana. “And to use Dover Hall’s European garden landscapes, architecture and beauty as our photography backdrop for our save the date announcements.”
ATTIRE
During the session, Charles and Mashana changed their attire from casual to formal. They wore their casual attire for the outdoor Dover Hall photos. And wore their formal attire for indoor photos, matching the elegance of The Estate.
Both of Mashana’s cream-colored dresses were from Meshki. The first was a casual sleeveless dress. The second dress was a formal ankle-length dress. The material of the dress was satin.
Mashana finished each look with cream-colored heels purchased from Aldo. She was adorned with a rose gold Rolex encircled with diamonds. It was borrowed from her stepmother. Mashana wore Christian Dior earrings that were a gift from her parents.
Charles wore a cream-colored sweater from Stone Island. His cream-colored pants were from Lululemon. He wore black shoes from Gucci. His black suit was custom-made by David Jone Fashion in Phuket, Thailand. He wore a Rolex borrowed from Mashana’s father.
ADVICE
“Wedding planning can be very stressful and chaotic,” said Mashana. “Once we announced our engagement, we booked Dover Hall.” “Soon after, we booked almost every other vendor.” “Once our key vendor decisions were finalized, we relaxed and enjoyed our engagement.”
“Plan and try not to listen to opinions about your special day,” said Mashana. “Venues and key vendors are often booked more than a year in advance.” “It’s best to figure out who and where you want to book quickly instead of being disappointed and looking for backup options.” “You can leave decisions on decor, florals, cake and dress for later because trends are always changing.” “You may decide you want a different style, color or aesthetic after being exposed to more wedding inspiration.”
FUTURE WEDDING PLANS – Dover Hall
Venue
Charles and Mashana will be married on August 10, 2024 at Dover Hall in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia.
“When I imagined my wedding, I pictured the vibes of Lake Como, Italy,” said Mashana. “I love the Italian romantic atmosphere, detailed architecture, dramatic ambiance and stunning views of Europe.”
“The second we arrived at Dover Hall, I felt we had found our own Europe in Virginia.” “The Estate is stunning and grand, inside and out.” “The Dover staff is both professional and pleasant.” “They have made our wedding planning easier than I imagined.”
Consultant
Their wedding consultant will be Beautifully Divine Events.
Photography
Jennifer Conti Photography will capture their digital wedding memories.
Guests
“We are excited to be celebrating our wedding day with everyone we love,” said Mashana. “Most of our family and friends are from out of town.” “Some guests will be traveling from South Korea and Thailand.”
Earlymoon (Pre-wedding honeymoon)
Charles and Mashana are planning an earlymoon this summer, starting with a 10-day cruise to Iceland, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands and England. And then they will spend a few days in Paris, France.
VENDORS
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION VENUE: Dover Hall – @dover_hall
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jennifer Conti Photography – @jennifercontiphoto
HAIR & MAKE-UP: Morgan Olivia Events – @morganoliviaevents
RING: Jared The Galleria of Jewelry – @jaredthegalleriaofjewelry
ATTIRE:
(Dresses): Meshki – @meshki
(Shoes): Aldo – @aldo_shoes
(Earrings): Christian Dior – @christiandior_official
(Watches): Rolex – @rolex
(Sweater): Stone Island – @stoneisland
(Pants): Lululemon – @lululemon
(Shoes): Gucci – @gucci
(Suit): David Jone Fashion – @newdavidjone.fashion
PROPOSAL VENUE: The Inn at Little Washington – @theinnatLittlewashington
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.
