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REAL VIRGINIA ENGAGEMENT: RON & DALTON

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

NAME: Ron Boehmer, 34, Public Affairs

NAME: Dalton Cox, 31, Public Relations

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Charlottesville, Virginia

DATE: May 21, 2024

VENUE: 

The Clifton Inn, Charlottesville, Virginia

Mount Fair Vineyard, Crozet, Virginia

LOVE STORY 

Their love story unfolded like a scene straight out of a modern-day fairytale, beginning on the digital pages of the dating app Hinge. It was there that Ron and Dalton first crossed paths, setting the stage for a romance that would soon blossom into something truly magical. Their connection quickly deepened, leading them to their real-life first encounter at Right Proper, a quaint and charming brewery in the heart of Washington’s vibrant Shaw neighborhood. From the moment they locked eyes, it was clear that something special was brewing. Ron’s irresistible charm utterly enchanted Dalton, while Ron found himself completely captivated by Dalton’s magnetic presence. It was a match that seemed destined by fate, a beautiful beginning to a love story that would continue to unfold each passing day. 

On their inaugural outing, Dalton envisioned a lighthearted dinner to break the ice. Still, Ron threw a curveball by revealing his decree against dining on the first date. Initially thrown off, Dalton’s nerves began to fray slightly, a feeling amplified somewhat by the beers they sipped on instead of a meal. However, fate intervened in the form of a shared plate of fries. This simple dish was meant to tide them over, bridging their differences and drawing the duo closer. That evening, what began with a hint of awkwardness transformed into a memorable connection, marking the beginning of their unique story.

Since that fateful day, Ron has made it a tradition to buy Right Proper beer to celebrate the anniversary of their first date.

Their love has grown stronger with time, as evidenced by their memorable second date in the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. They used the opportunity to learn more about each other, fostering a deep connection that continues to thrive.

Their story is about love, mutual respect, and admiration. Ron values Dalton’s remarkable personality, while Dalton cherishes Ron’s compassionate nature. They share an unbreakable bond and unwavering support for each other and their loved ones.

I LOVE YOU

On New Year’s Eve 2019, Ron orchestrated an unforgettable bash that became the talk of the town among his friends. Nestled in his cozy abode in the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., the night was filled with the warmth of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and an air of anticipation as they all welcomed a brand-new decade together. It wasn’t just a party; it was a night where memories were made, bonds were strengthened, and the spirit of new beginnings was alive in everyone’s heart.

As the night unfolded, the spontaneous duo of Dalton and Ron found themselves on an impromptu adventure to a local Washington bar, Lost & Found DC, adding an extra dash of excitement to the evening. When the clock struck midnight, they hailed an Uber and returned to Ron’s place. After the whirlwind of festivities, as Ron tidied up, Dalton seemed poised to share something important. In a heartfelt moment, he confessed, “I love you,” to which Ron immediately returned the sentiment. 

PROPOSAL

Ron and Dalton’s love story reached new heights on April 6, 2024, when they both proposed to each other during a breathtaking moment while hiking along the Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park in Syria, Virginia. Their relationship had been deeply intertwined with the park, as they often sought solace in its natural beauty during their romantic weekend getaways. Their decision to propose on April 6 was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate nod to their fifth anniversary as a couple. 

To ensure an intimate experience, they embarked on an early morning adventure, arriving at the trailhead just after daybreak. Despite the biting cold at the summit, they were undeterred. Setting up their iPhones to capture the special moment, they took turns reading heartfelt letters and posing the life-changing question, surrounded by the majestic natural beauty of the mountain.

Despite the freezing temperatures, their love warmed their hearts enough to forgo champagne on the mountain. Instead, they savored a cozy breakfast at a local restaurant with sentimental value. This place had been part of many of their previous weekend escapades. After sharing the news with their loved ones, they celebrated with champagne in the comfort of their home, toasting the start of their new chapter together.

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

It’s so romantic! Ron and Dalton went ring shopping together around Christmas and decided to use the same rings for their wedding. Although they considered matching rings, they ultimately chose different styles that complemented each other. Dalton chose a classic Cartier 1895 wedding band in yellow gold, while Ron opted for the timeless Tiffany Forever wedding band in platinum. 

VENUES & PHOTOGRAPHY 

Ron and Dalton’s journey to their engagement photo session is the stuff of dreams, blending elegance with a breath of whimsy – a love story captured frame by frame. Their adventure began in the manicured embrace of a formal garden, a nod to the classic aesthetic they envisioned for their wedding. Yet, it was essential for them to pepper this elegance with splashes of joy and laughter, embodying their vibrant spirits. Thus, a picnic blanket, a bottle of champagne, and a special bottle of spumante treasured from a trip to Italy became the emblems of their playfulness set against the serene backdrop.

The choice of location was nothing short of inspiring. The historic Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, with its time-honored charm and lush gardens, mirrored the grandeur of their upcoming celebration while holding a tender significance as the cradle of their engagement joy. The idea of weaving these magical moments into their save-the-dates and wedding website was a stroke of genius, sparking anticipation among their loved ones.

But the enchantment didn’t stop there. The sprawling vistas of Mount Fair Vineyard in Crozet, Virginia, offered a canvas of natural splendor – from verdant gardens to the noble posture of the mountains, all under the watchful eye of a quaint greenhouse. Timing their shoot to coincide with the late May bloom was a masterclass in capturing the essence of the moment, wrapping them in the full glory of spring.

Their attire was a seamless continuation of their story – elegant sportscoats that whispered of timeless grace at the Clifton Inn, softening into a relaxed but chic style against the pastoral beauty of Mount Fair. Dalton’s reflection on their attire captured it perfectly – they aimed for a sharp yet breezy ensemble, embodying the quintessential Virginia summer vibe with effortless sophistication.

In every snapshot, Ron and Dalton’s engagement session unfolds like a tale of two souls dancing between the realms of tradition and personal expression, each picture a testament to their love and the grand adventure that lies ahead.

WEDDING PLANS 

Ron and Dalton can’t contain their excitement – they’ve just sent their save-the-date invitations to their guest list of 120! The big day is May 2025 at the stunning Mount Fair Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia. The invitation included a beautiful engagement photo printed through Minted, and they’ve set up a fantastic wedding website through withjoy.com. They’ve enlisted the amazing Adam Anderson-Grove to ensure everything runs smoothly. Jen Fariello, Photographer, will be there to capture every magical moment. And let’s remember the honeymoon – they’re off to France in the fall of 2025, beginning their journey in the romantic city of Paris and then venturing through wine country to Provence. Ooh la la!

IG: @ronboehmer

IG: @fantastic.mister.cox

VENDORS

VENUE:

Mount Fair Vineyard – @mount_fair_vineyard

https://mountfairvineyard.com

The Clifton Inn – @thecliftonva

https://www.the-clifton.com

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Jen Fariello – @jenfariello

https://jenfariello.com

ATTIRE: Ron

RING: 

Tiffany – @tiffanyandco

https://www.tiffany.com

WATCH:

Shinola – @shinola

https://www.shinola.com

ACCESSORIES: 

Warby Parker – @warbyparker

https://www.warbyparker.com

SHOES:

Cole Haan – @colehaan

https://www.colehaan.com

CLOTHES: 

J.Crew – @jcrew

https://www.jcrew.com

HAIR:

Moxie Hair Lounge – @moxiehairlounge

https://www.moxiehairlounge.com

ATTIRE: Dalton

RING: 

Cartier – @cartier

https://www.cartier.com

WATCH:

Todd Snyder – @toddsnyderny

https://www.toddsnyder.com

ACCESSORIES: 

Oliver Peoples – @oliverpeoples

https://www.oliverpeoples.com

SHOES:

Allen Edmonds – @allenedmonds

https://www.allenedmonds.com

CLOTHES: 

Brooks Brothers – @brooksbrothers

https://www.brooksbrothers.com

Alex Mill – @alexmillny

https://www.alexmill.com

Spoke – @spoke_london

https://spoke-london.com

Banana Republic – @bananarepublic

https://bananarepublic.gap.com

HAIR:

Moxie Hair Lounge – @moxiehairlounge

https://www.moxiehairlounge.com

SPARKLING WINE:

Poggio Amorelli – @poggioamorelli

SAVE-THE-DATE ANNOUCNEMENTS: Minted – @minted

WEDDING WEBSITE: https://withjoy.com

Wedding Consultant: Adam Anderson-Groves – @donovangrovesevents

https://donovangrovesevents.com

PARK:

Stony Man Trail, Shenandoah National Park, Syria, Virginia.

GALLERY:

National Gallery of Art – East Building, Washington, District of Columbia

BAR:

Lost & Found DC – @lostnfounddc

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.

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.