virginia weddings

REAL VIRGINIA ENGAGEMENT: Dylan & Alyssa

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

FIANCÉE: Alyssa Grinnan, Age: 23, Claims Technician 

FIANCÉ: Dylan Langford, 26, Foreman

DATE:  11/08/2023

VENUE: Ravens Roost Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 10.7, Augusta County, Virginia

LOVE STORY 

Dylan and Alyssa’s love story is truly unique. Two people, their lives intertwined through mutual friends, their paths crossing like familiar faces. And then, a twist of fate, a serendipitous moment in the fall of 2019, brought them together. Intrigued by Alyssa, Dylan took a daring step and asked a friend for her Snapchat username. And from that moment on, their phones became a conduit for endless messages, forging a connection that felt so natural, as if it was meant to be.

But Dylan knew that the next step was to take their connection from the digital world to the real world. So, on a chilly December night, he surprised Alyssa at her favorite spot for karaoke and burgers, Another Round or 2 Bar and Grill in Manquin, Virginia. Alyssa was completely caught off guard but her excitement was undeniable. It was a magical moment and from that instant, they just clicked.

As days turned into weeks, their bond grew stronger and their unexpected meeting blossomed into a beautiful, lifelong connection. Dylan confessed his love for Alyssa after spending every single day with her for a month. When asked what she loved most about Dylan, Alyssa described him as genuine, charming and patient. Dylan said that Alyssa was affectionate, understanding and gracious.

Their love story is a testament to the power of unexpected encounters and the magic of genuine connections.

PROPOSAL

On a warm evening in July 2023, something magical happened in Southern Shores, North Carolina. Dylan had been planning the perfect proposal for Alyssa. The stage was set in a stunning oceanfront home where their families had gathered for a week-long vacation. Unbeknownst to Alyssa, a surprise of a lifetime was about to unfold.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group decided to capture their vacation memories with a photo session on the beach. When they were finished, Alyssa and her little brother, Gunnar, wandered closer to the ocean, utterly oblivious to the beautiful moment that was about to unfold. When they turned around to see where everyone else was, they were met with a heart-stopping surprise. Dylan was kneeling on one knee, holding a dazzling 2-carat platinum diamond ring. The astonishment on Alyssa’s face was priceless as he asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. After a moment of pure joy and surprise, she said “yes” without hesitation.

It was a proposal filled with love, joy, and the warmth of family. It was a moment that will be etched in their hearts forever, a beautiful beginning to their journey together.

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Dylan and Alyssa decided to have their engagement photos taken at the beautiful Ravens Roost Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and it was a fantastic choice. They hired Alyse Michelle Images to capture their special moments and the results were stunning.

Their engagement photo shoot was set in a location that was nothing short of a romantic paradise. Alyssa said, “We had a beautiful photoshoot on top of a mountain, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall leaves and under a breathtaking sky. It felt like stepping into a scene from the popular Paramount Network show Yellowstone, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. I felt like I was living a dream.”

Alyssa looked stunning in a flowing, elegant black dress accented with teal jewelry and chic heels. The long dress swayed gracefully with the wind as the photographer captured the couple’s portraits. Meanwhile, Dylan appeared dashing in a sophisticated black sports coat from Men’s Wearhouse, paired with stylish Ariat jeans and rugged brown boots. Their outfits were not merely clothing; they were a statement of their love and commitment, adding elegance to the special occasion.

ADVICE

Dylan and Alyssa shared their wisdom, advising others to take their time and savor every precious moment during their engagement photo session. They emphasized not rushing the special moments, as these memories will be cherished forever. Their advice is not just words; it’s a guide to creating lasting memories and enjoying the journey to the altar.

WEDDING PLANS 

Dylan and Alyssa are eagerly preparing for a magnificent winter 2025 wedding with approximately 200 guests at the breathtaking Malden Hill Venue in Aylett, Virginia. The talented teams at Alyse Michelle Images and Profound Videos will be there to capture every magical moment. 

IG: @lysgrin

IG: @dylanlangford1

VENDORS

LOCATION:

Ravens Roost Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 10.7, Augusta County, VA

Another Round or 2 Bar and Grill, Manquin, VA

https://anotherroundva.com

The Pineapple Post SS – 132, Sun Realty, Southern Shores, NC   

https://www.sunrealtync.com/outer-banks/southern-shores-nc-rentals/oceanfront/ss-132

PHOTOGRAPHY: Alyse Michelle Images – @

https://www.instagram.com/alysemichelleimages

https://alysemichelleimages.com

RING: Jared – @jaredthegalleriaofjewelry

HAIR/MAKEUP: Cam Carson & Co – @

https://www.instagram.com/camcarsonandco

https://www.camcarsonandco.com

ATTIRE:

Men’s Wearhouse – @

https://www.instagram.com/menswearhouse

Ariat® – @

https://www.instagram.com/ariatinternational

WEDDING VENUE: Malden Hill Venue- @ 

https://www.instagram.com/maldenhillvenue

WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER: Profound Videos – @

https://www.instagram.com/profoundvideos

MOVIE: Paramount Network – 

https://www.paramountplus.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.