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.
Bride: Stephanie Hutton, 32, Manager, Administration & Operations
Groom: Sterling Hudgins, 29, Engineering Technician: Facilities Management Specialist
Date: March 23, 2024
Venue: Cousiac Manor, Lanexa, Virginia
Guests: 100
LOVE STORY
Sterling, a charming and witty individual, and Stephaine, a kind-hearted and adventurous soul, met on the Bumble dating app in the fall of 2018. Their unique love story, filled with laughter and shared experiences, led them to their first date at the charming Bangkok Noi Thai in Gloucester, Virginia.
In February 2023, Sterling surprised Stephanie with a romantic proposal at the Bayside Landing at The Mathews Land Conservancy in Mathews County, Virginia. The ring? A stunning Brilliant Earth Oceana 18k white gold ring, featuring a stunning round center diamond with a beautifully braided halo and band, adorned with 57 diamonds weighing 1 carat.
WEDDING FACTS
Sterling and Stephaine’s wedding theme reflected their unique style and personality. The rich jewel tones, lavish florals, teal velvet tablecloths adorned with gold reef chargers, sapphire tableware, and taper candlesticks set a sumptuous scene. But what truly made the event memorable were the personalized touches, such as the gold sequin sweetheart table and the captivating Hudgins photo booth backdrop, inviting everyone to share in their joy.
ATTIRE
Stephaine’s mother’s wedding dress was repurposed into a getting-ready robe for Stephaine to wear before changing into her wedding gown, adding a touch of family history and tradition to her bridal look.
Stephanie’s wedding gown, the Bailey by Sottero and Midgley, was a stunning ivory color over nude (natural illusion) with a v-back and v-neckline. The elegant sparkle tulle train, beaded accents, beaded spaghetti straps, and neckline added a touch of glamour. The fit-and-flare silhouette gracefully complemented Stephanie’s curves.
Stephanie’s earrings were handmade by Eldor Tina Jewelry in Tel Aviv, Israel. She adorned herself with two bracelets: one made of pearls and the other a diamond tennis-style. She wore a fingertip-length ivory veil trimmed in tiny crystals. Her veil was tucked under her hair bun.
The bride’s fragrance of choice was the Marc Jacobs Daisy Ever So Fresh, which added a floral elegance to her ensemble.
She wore Jack Rogers Platinum shimmer ruffle ballet flats, which reflected hints of gold, complementing the nude dress and the gold wedding decor.
The bridesmaids wore teal-colored chiffon dresses by a designer named Kennedy Blue. The dresses were similar floor-length styles with ruffle sleeves. Each bridesmaid chose her favorite style from the Luca, Ava, or Katie collections. The Matron of Honor wore the teal ‘Jade’ style dress: an A-line, floor-length gown with a floral embroidered bodice and an illusion top with a high neck and V-back.
Sterling looked dashing in a charcoal grey three-piece suit paired with a crisp white button-down shirt from The Modern Groom. But what truly caught everyone’s attention was Stephanie’s thoughtful gift: an engraved Fossil watch with their names and wedding date. The watch perfectly complemented Sterling’s attire, which included black shoes, a stylish teal paisley tie and a coordinating teal pocket square.
The groomsmen wore the same sophisticated outfit as Sterling, but with solid teal ties and pocket squares. Sterling also gifted each groomsman a personalized Fossil watch.
CEREMONY
The couple had originally planned to hold the ceremony on the venue’s waterfront but heavy rains from a tropical storm forced them to move it to the pavilion.
The florals initially intended for the outdoor arch were modified on the morning of the wedding to fit the pavilion. They spanned thirteen feet across and hung three feet down each side. The arch featured a mix of jewel-tone flowers that matched the bridal bouquet. Additionally, sprigs of navy wisteria and Amaranthus hung from it.
The entrance to the ceremony featured an “unplugged” gold mirror, detailed multi-page programs, tissues for happy tears, and jewel-toned florals in gold vases. Guests were seated in white chairs decorated with teal peonies, fuchsia Dahlias, plum freesias, Ficus sprigs, and teal satin ribbons adorning the aisle seats.
The ceremony began with an invocation about finding “the one,” followed by a reading from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 that spoke to the power of being “two.” A rose ceremony honoring the couple’s mothers and a ring blessing concluded the ceremony.
COCKTAIL HOUR
The cocktail hour took place on the venue’s porch overlooking the waterfront of the Rose Mallow Barn. Knox and Phoenix, two alpacas from Meadowgate Alpacas, were the couple’s special guests. Knox sported a beautiful floral necklace while Phoenix looked dashing in his navy bowtie. Guests eagerly lined up to meet and take photos with the alpacas, all while enjoying music and refreshments.
Stephanie and her mother worked magic on the cocktail tables, transforming them into elegant masterpieces. They draped them with navy tablecloths and adorned them with gold floral placemats. Adding a touch of glamour, they filled fishbowls with shimmering gold and ivory beads, complemented by the warm glow of gold tealight candles. The result was a stunning and sophisticated display that captivated everyone’s attention.
The guests were treated to a delicious spread of charcuterie-style meats, cheeses and crackers, buffalo chicken dip and a mashed Potini bar—mashed potatoes served in martini glasses with various toppings.
The couple’s thoughtfulness was evident in every aspect of the wedding, including the choice of their signature ‘Puptails.’ Named after the couple’s beloved Pomeranians, The Foxy, a traditional Old Fashioned made with Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon and The Pearl, a refreshing mixed berry lemonade with Tito’s Vodka, were a delightful addition to the cocktail hour.
The couple hired the live wedding painter, Kaitlin Funkhouser, to capture their special day. But here is the twist—she painted them with the alpacas Knox and Phoenix! How cool is that? Kaitlin set up at the back of the ceremony and later moved to the reception barn to work her magic. The acrylic painting added such a unique and beautiful touch to their special day, surprising and delighting everyone.
RECEPTION
The reception was a remarkable sight, a testament to Sterling and Stephanie’s meticulous planning and attention to detail. The mix of round and long rectangle tables dressed in teal velvet tablecloths, gold chargers and exquisite table settings added a touch of sophistication to the decor and created an inviting atmosphere. The teal runners and carefully chosen decor at the head tables perfectly complemented the guest tables, resulting in a cohesive and welcoming ambiance.
The crate display with bud vases, engagement photos and candles added a romantic touch to the reception, setting the scene for a truly unforgettable evening. The guest book, a charming round wooden sign bearing the couple’s names and wedding date, was a heartfelt and unique way for guests to leave their well wishes. The memorial table, adorned with gold frames holding cherished photos, was a touching and elegant display, honoring loved ones and creating a meaningful tribute.
The photo booth was a hit, featuring a stunning backdrop, fun props and enchanting lighting. Everyone had a blast posing for unforgettable photos and creating lasting memories captured on film. Special activities such as the anniversary dance created heartwarming and memorable moments for everyone involved.
The delicious buffet offered a delectable spread that delighted everyone’s taste buds, from the seafood lasagna to the herb-roasted chicken and tasty sides. It was indeed a feast to remember. And let us not forget the dessert bar – a sweet tooth’s paradise with mini cheesecakes, chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, assorted cookies, brownie bites and adorable llama sugar cookies. But the highlight was the small 3-tier teal wedding cake with delicate floral accents, a true masterpiece.
The koozies featuring a photo of alpacas, the couple’s names, wedding dates and the initial “H” for their last name were a big hit.
The grand sparkler exit along the venue’s waterside was a beautiful way to end the evening. As Sterling and Stephaine made their way out, surrounded by friends and family, Sterling gallantly dipped Stephaine for a mid-exit kiss, which almost turned into a mishap as he nearly dropped her!
The couple honeymooned in the South Pacific.
Bride: @lilhut91
VENDORS
WEDDING VENUE: Cousiac Manor – @cousiacmanor https://cousiacmanor.com/
PHOTOGRAPHER: Happy Acres Photography – @happyacresphotography https://happyacresphotography.com/
PAINTER: Kaitlin Funkhouser – @kaitlinfunkhouserart https://kaitlinfunkhouser.com/
DATING APP: Bumble – @bumble https://bumble.com/en-us/
OFFICIANT: Chris Karol – @chriskarol_ https://www.chriskarolmarriageofficiant.com/
ENGAGEMENT RING: Brilliant Earth – @brilliantearth https://www.brilliantearth.com/
WEDDING BANDS: Modern Gents – @themodgents https://modgents.com/
GOWN:
STYLE: Bailey
Sottero and Midgley – @maggiesotterodesigns https://www.maggiesottero.com/sottero-and-midgley/bailey/18383
ALTERNATIONS: Maria’s Alterations https://www.facebook.com/p/Marias-Alterations-100064244793430/
VEIL: Dareth Colbern Designs, Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/648435877/wedding-veil-beaded-veil-rhinestone-veil?ref=yr_purchases
SHOES: Ballet Flats by Jack Rogers – @jackrogersusa https://www.jackrogersusa.com/
HAIR: Brianne Jenney, Best Face Forward – @bestfaceartists https://bestfaceartists.com/
MAKEUP: Susanne Mayer, Best Face Forward @bestfaceartists https://bestfaceartists.com/
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Kennedy Blue – @kennedyblueofficial https://www.kennedyblue.com/
STYLE: Luca, Ava, Katie
ATTIRE: The Modern Groom – @themoderngroom_ https://themoderngroom.com/
INVITATIONS: White Lace Design, Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/845286021/teal-wedding-invitation-navy-wedding?ref=user_profile&frs=1
CATERING: Autumn’s Custom Catering – @autumnscafeva https://autumnscustomcatering.com/index.html
MUSIC: Elliott Entertainment – @elliott_entertainment https://www.facebook.com/ElliottEntertainment/
CAKE: Cindy’s Cakery – @cindyscakeryva https://www.cindyscakery.com/
FAVORS: Coldie Holdie – @coldieholdie https://coldieholdie.com/
ALPACAS: Meadowgate Alpacas – @meadowgatealpacas https://www.meadowgatealpacas.com/ACCOMMODATIONS:
Airbnb – Elizabeth Rose Landing: A River House Retreathttps://www.airbnb.com/rooms/46350545?source_impression_id=p3_1724255178_P3ehq84mrH8jZsNgHONEYMOON:
Hotel Kia Ora, overwater bungalow, Rangiroa, French Polynesia https://www.hotelkiaora.com/
Norwegian Cruise Lines https://www.ncl.com/
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.
