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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/
PHOTOGRAPHER: Gracie Hart Brooks – @graciehbrooks http://Www.hartofgracephotography.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 Catering, Fredericksburg, VA
CAKE: Patty Slagle – Patty Cakes and Cookies, Spotsylvania, 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.
