virginia weddings

REAL VIRGINIA WEDDING: Bryce & Madilyn

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

BRIDE: Madilyn Kazmucha, 24, Editor

GROOM: Bryce Andrew Carter, 23, Underwriter

DATE: May 12, 2024

VENUE: Glencliff Manor, Rustburg, Virginia

GUESTS: 100

LOVE STORY

Bryce and Madilyn’s enchanting love story started with a serendipitous blind date in December 2021, during their third year at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Mutual friends set them up and Bryce’s simple gesture of inviting Madilyn to coffee at a nearby Starbucks sparked something magical. In 2023, Bryce surprised Madilyn with a breathtaking proposal at Thunder Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.

WEDDING FACTS

Bryce and Madilyn envisioned their wedding day as an enchanting celebration exuding simplicity, elegance and abundant floral beauty, resembling a scene from a whimsical garden fairytale. Madilyn’s love for sunshine and flowers was the guiding inspiration for their magical day.

Their chosen color palette, featuring delightful shades of pink, green and white, truly encapsulated the romantic atmosphere they envisioned. In a nod to Madilyn’s adoration for all things pink, the wedding was awash with this enchanting hue. Guests were asked to don their best pink attire, resulting in a sea of rosy elegance. Complemented by serene greens and pristine whites, the overall effect was a timeless and graceful ambiance that perfectly captured the essence of their love story.

Teresa Clayton, the owner of Glencliff Manor, was the couple’s wedding planner. “She handled nearly everything: coordinating flowers and cakes, directing people, and assisting us as needed,” said the bride.

ATTIRE

Madilyn’s gown was a vision of elegance, a true reflection of her dream dress. The A-line silhouette, the halter neck, the floral lace top and the flowing, simple bottom in a soft white color all came together to create a stunning ensemble. The small keyhole open back added a touch of sophistication. The style number for this exquisite dress is SDWG1156 from David’s Bridal.

Madilyn wore simple yet elegant pearl dangling earrings and a matching pearl bracelet to complement her dress. Her perfume for the special day was “I DO” from Anthropologie. She completed her look with simple white heels adorned with delicate floral embellishments.

The bridesmaids’ dresses were stunning in ballet pink from David’s Bridal. And what made them even more special was that each bridesmaid got to choose her style. 

The bride’s bouquet was an absolute showstopper! Madilyn could not help but be in awe of its beauty. It was a perfect blend of pinks, whites and greens, featuring peonies, roses and delicate baby’s breath. And let’s not forget about the bridesmaid bouquets. They were like mini versions of the bridal bouquet, with the same lovely pink and white roses, lush greenery and whimsical baby’s breath. The whole floral arrangement was simply enchanting!

The groom looked dashing in a sleek black suit from Men’s Wearhouse, paired with a stylish blush pink tie adorned with silver stripes and a delicate blush pink rose as his boutonniere. The boutonnieres for the groomsmen also had striking blush roses, perfectly complementing their sharp black suits and blush ties. It was a classic yet modern ensemble that exuded timeless charm.

VENUE

Glencliff Manor, surrounded by blooming flowers, twinkling fairy lights and lush greenery, was the perfect setting for Bryce and Madilyn’s special day. The venue’s elegant and straightforward charm beautifully reflected their vision. What is even more remarkable is that this stunning place is surprisingly affordable. As if that was not enough, the couple says the owner, Teresa Clayton, is absolutely fabulous.

FIRST LOOK 

Bryce and Madilyn made a beautifully bold choice to share a unique first look before their ceremony. Picture this: a serene, vine-covered pergola at the venue, with lush greenery and twinkling lights creating a magical, intimate atmosphere just for them. It was their chance to exchange private vows, calm any pre-ceremony nerves and bask in the day’s excitement. 

CEREMONY

As the guests took their seats for the ceremony, the air was filled with the enchanting melodies of “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys and “A Million Dreams” by James Wong. The music set a perfect tone for the heartfelt moments that were about to unfold. 

The ceremony occurred in the Manor’s gazebo next to a stunning waterfall. Simple yet elegant pink and white floral arrangements adorned the wedding arch and the gazebo’s entryway, creating an attractive and inviting atmosphere for the ceremony.

Toby Carter, Bryce’s father, officiated the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony focused on the couple’s faith and commitment to God. They exchanged traditional vows surrounded by their closest family and friends. Bryce’s sister read Song of Songs Chapter 8: Verses 6-7 from the Bible. The song “Love Me Like I Am” by The Piano Guys played in the background during Bryce and Madilyn’s Salt Unity ceremony.

As the ceremony came to a joyous close, the sounds of “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen filled the air, creating an uplifting and celebratory atmosphere. 

COCKTAIL HOUR

During the cocktail hour, guests gathered at the Manor’s scenic pool area to indulge in a delightful assortment of treats. The spread featured a selection of artisanal cheeses paired with an array of savory crackers, a charcuterie board with a variety of meats, an enticing display of fresh, seasonal fruits and a selection of refreshing beverages. This created a perfect prelude to the reception festivities.

RECEPTION

The reception was dreamy! The Manor’s grounds provided the perfect backdrop for the outdoor pavilion where Bryce and Madilyn’s elegant reception took place. Teresa, the venue owner, worked magic and created a stunning setting with round tables adorned with white and gold chairs, light pink runners and beautiful floral arrangements. It felt like being at a lovely garden party – simply enchanting! Just what the couple had envisioned.

The dinner menu was delicious! The main dishes featured tangy lemon pepper chicken and juicy flank steak, accompanied by sautéed green beans and a delightful strawberry and spinach salad topped with tasty feta cheese. It was a truly delightful culinary experience!

MUSIC

The wedding party and bride and groom entered the reception to the song “Forever” by Chris Brown, which holds a special place in the couple’s hearts. The newlywed’s first dance was to the song “Crazier” by Taylor Swift, a song that perfectly encapsulates their love story. The father-daughter dance was set to the tune of “Oceans” by Hillsong, a song that has always been special to them. The mother and son danced to “Seems Like Yesterday” by Melissa Smith, a song that resonated with their journey.

GUEST BOOK

Their guest book was cream and gold. Madilyn made a sign that said, “Sign our book and snap a pic!” It was a hit. They had three Polaroid cameras out for guests to add a photo with their signature and message.

CAKE

Bryce and Madilyn’s wedding cake was three-tiered, with white icing and a pink floral arrangement cascading down the side. The topper read “The Carters” in calligraphy. The layers were chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Several people told Bryce and Madilyn that the cake was phenomenal!

FAVORS

The wedding took place on Mother’s Day. Instead of giving favors to guests, they gave roses to all the mothers in attendance.

FUN

To everyone’s surprise, Madilyn’s little sister, Stella, caught the bouquet. As the night of dancing wound down, Madilyn and her bridesmaids organized a spontaneous flash mob that captured everyone’s attention. Dressed in pink feather boas and sunglasses, Madilyn wowed the crowd as she grooved to the tune of “Dancing Queen” from Mamma Mia! It was a moment that no one will forget.

EXIT

The newlyweds exited the reception to a rose petal toss. They spent their wedding night at The Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia. They honeymooned in Hawaii.

Bride IG: @madilyn_carter 

Groom IG: @bryce_carter

VENDORS

VENUE/PLANNER/FLOWERS/MUSIC: Glencliff Manor – @glencliffmanor  https://www.glencliffmanor.com

PHOTOGRAPHER: Caylie Beth Photography – @cayliebethphotos https://www.cayliebethphotography.com

VIDEOGRAPHER: MRose Media – @mrosemedia https://www.mrosemedia.com

OFFICIANT: Toby Carter – @toby_l_carter, Lifehouse Church, Lebanon, OH

ENGAGEMENT RING: Jewelry Repair Stone Cutting & Coins, Pinellas Park, FL

WEDDING BANDS:

Ridge – @ridge  https://ridge.com

GOWN/VEIL: David’s Bridal – @davidsbridal  https://www.davidsbridal.com

HAIR: Jenna Zabona – @jennazabona

MAKEUP: @elfcosmetics  www.elfcosmetics

PERFUME: Anthropologie – @Anthropologie

https://www.instagram.com/anthropologie

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: David’s Bridal – @davidsbridal  https://www.davidsbridal.com

FORMALWEAR:

Men’s Wearhouse @menswearhouse  www.menswearhouse.com

Michael Kors – @michaelkors  www.michaelkors.com

INVITATIONS: Canva – @canva  www.canva.com

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Virginian – @thevirginianhotel   www.thevirginianhotel.com

CAKE: Gypsy Baker – https://www.facebook.com/gypsy.baker.73/.

CATERING: Dish (Of Lynchburg Virginia)

https://www.facebook.com/dishdowntownonmain

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.