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Bride: Kristi Jenkins, Age: 26, Registered Nurse
Groom: Tracy Whitaker, 25, Lineman for Electrical Company
Date: April 27, 2024
Venue Name: Malden Hill Venue, Aylett, Virginia
Guests: 170
LOVE STORY
Tracy and Kristi’s story is like a charming movie waiting to be told. They’ve known each other since high school in Gloucester, Virginia, and their friendship blossomed into something deeper four years after they graduated. Their journey is filled with laughter, tears, and countless memories that have shaped their love into what it is today.
On a beautiful autumn day, October 28, 2022, Tracy proposed at Machicomoco State Park in Gloucester. He had planned everything perfectly, including presenting Kristi with a stunning 2-carat platinum halo ring. This particular moment captured their love and created memories they would cherish forever.
WEDDING VENUE
Tracy and Kristi selected the beautiful Malden Hill for its stunning rustic barn and rolling hills, which provided an enchanting backdrop for their special day. The barn features a spacious event hall, a fully equipped kitchen, and overnight accommodations, ensuring a memorable and comfortable experience for the wedding party and the 170 guests who attended the ceremony and reception.
THEME/ COLOR PALETTE
Kristi envisioned a wedding that beautifully blended classic elegance with a touch of timeless charm. As she planned for the couple’s big day, she opted for a palette of neutral colors that would effortlessly enhance the venue’s rustic atmosphere. Nestled in a picturesque barn, Kristi aimed to create an atmosphere that radiated sophistication while embracing the cozy warmth of the countryside. She wanted to ensure each detail echoed a sense of refinement, striking the perfect balance between classy and comfortable.
COORDINATOR
Kristi had a close family friend who helped plan her engagement and wedding. This friend organized everything and made sure all the details were covered. She also assisted with the setup and breakdown on the wedding day.
ATTIRE
Bride
Kristi, the epitome of elegance, looked stunning in a form-fitting gown adorned with exquisite floral lace and intricate beading. Her bridal look, complete with sentimental jewelry and a personalized touch with her initials on her shoes, radiated the love and joy of the day.
Adding to her allure, Kristi wore a diamond necklace with deep sentimental value; it once belonged to her aunt, a cherished gift from her late uncle many years ago. She glimmered stunning David Yurman bracelets on her wrists, alongside a diamond bracelet gifted to her mother by her father, weaving together family history and love. Her delicate and charming earrings were from Olive and Piper, adding sparkle.
To finish her bridal look, Kristi misted herself with the enchanting Chace by Chanel perfume, leaving a trail of floral notes in her wake. Her shoes, stylish Jack Rogers with her new initials elegantly monogrammed, were both fashionable and personal.
For her ” Something Blue, ” Kristi chose a lovely garter with baby blue accents, a sweet nod to tradition.
As for her bridesmaids, Kristi ensured they felt just as beautiful, offering them the freedom to select any style they preferred from Birdy Grey’s taupe-colored collection, all in beautiful chiffon fabric. Their joyous camaraderie added a lively spirit to the day, making Kristi’s wedding unforgettable.
Groom
The air was filled with laughter and excitement in the cozy confines of the groom’s cabin as the groom and his groomsmen prepped for the big day. The guys kicked off their shoes, cracked open some cold beers and challenged each other to epic cornhole matches, their playful banter echoing off the cabin walls.
The groom looked sharp in his tailored navy suit, complete with a crisp white button-down shirt and stylish tan suspenders that added a touch of flair. His navy bowtie perfectly matched his suit, while his tan shoes polished the ensemble. The groomsmen were equally dapper in their white button-downs, complementing the groom’s navy accents.
BOUQUETS/BOUTONNIERES
Kristi chose a light, airy bridal bouquet with greenery, ranunculus, baby pink roses, and wedding bell flowers. The bridesmaid bouquets were similar to hers but smaller.
The groom and groomsmen wore boutonnieres of baby pink roses, white wedding bellflowers and greenery.
CEREMONY
The ceremony occurred in a stunning barn atop a hill, offering breathtaking views of the rolling countryside. As guests took their seats, you could feel the magic in the air, eagerly anticipating the special moments.
A beautifully crafted arch adorned with faux flowers from Ling’s Moments stood proud at the altar. It perfectly complemented the bride’s exquisite bouquet and harmonized with her color palette. The scene was picture-perfect, a true feast for the eyes.
As the processional music began—“Timeless” by Taylor Swift in its enchanting piano rendition—the atmosphere turned electric. All eyes turned to the entrance as the bride passed down the aisle, gracefully escorted by her father, who beamed with pride.
Once joined at the altar, the couple exchanged heartfelt traditional vows, their words echoing in the hearts of everyone present. They also shared a touching moment of unity with a beautiful knot-tying ceremony, symbolizing their commitment to keeping God at the forefront of their marriage.
As they sealed their promises, joyous recessional music filled the air—“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder—ushering in a new chapter of their love story. They were surrounded by the vibrant mix of natural blooms from King William Florist and whimsical faux flowers from Ling’s Moments.
COCKTAIL HOUR
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the patio, the newlyweds kicked off their celebration with a delightful cocktail hour. The charming venue featured a rustic chi bar area and a lovely courtyard, creating the perfect backdrop for this particular moment. Guests mingled, laughter echoing through the air as they indulged in a stunning large charcuterie board brimming with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and gourmet spreads.
To keep the atmosphere relaxed and enjoyable, the couple opted for a selection of their favorite brews alongside fine wines, ensuring everyone found something to sip. At the same time, they toasted to love and new beginnings.
RECEPTION
The couple’s reception was breathtaking. It was held in a beautifully refurbished barn that exuded warmth and charm. As guests entered, they were immediately enveloped by a cozy, intimate, inviting atmosphere. Each table was a work of art, adorned with three elegant vases cradling floating candles that flickered softly on the water’s surface.
Lush faux greenery added an earthy touch to the enchanting scene. At the same time, the table runners elegantly tied the entire setup together. Stylish table numbers stood proudly against sophisticated gold chargers, guiding guests with grace and flair to their seats. The finishing touch was the sage-green folded napkins.
It was a splendid gathering where every detail whispered romance and joy, making it a celebration everyone would cherish and remember long after the last dance.
The dinner menu included a salad, brisket, lemon-pepper chicken, macaroni and cheese, a veggie blend and rolls.
FIRST DANCE SONGS
For the couple’s first dance, Brad Paisley’s song “Then” beautifully captured their journey of love and togetherness. As the bride danced with her father, Alan Jackson’s “You’ll Always Be My Baby” added a heartfelt touch to the evening. During the mother-son dance, they shared a special moment during Jami Grooms’ “Her Little Man.”
GUEST BOOK
Kristi made a photo book on Shutterfly with pictures of her and Tracy over the years, including their engagement and proposal. For a personal touch, everyone signed the pages. The book is now displayed as a coffee table book.
CAKE
The two-tiered vanilla almond cake was topped with vanilla frosting. King William Florist provided the cake flowers.
FAVORS
As a fun and memorable touch, they gifted everyone personalized koozies featuring their names and the date of their big day.
EXIT
As the evening drew close, the couple relished a whimsical faux sparkler exit, lighting the night with joy and laughter. Friends and family cheered, their faces glowing in the warm light of the sparklers, creating a magical atmosphere filled with love and celebration. Afterward, the newlyweds made their way to their charming on-site apartment at the Malden Hill Venue, ready to start their adventure together as husband and wife.
HONEYMOON
The newlyweds enjoyed an eight-day cruise with Royal Caribbean to the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands and St. Maarten.
IG: _kwhittt
VENDORS
VENUE:
Malden Hill Venue
https://www.instagram.com/maldenhillvenue
Little England Farm
https://www.instagram.com/littleenglandfarm1716
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mak’s Captured Moments
https://www.instagram.com/makscapturedmoments
https://makscapturedmoments.com
VIDEOGRAPHER: Grayson Media LLC
https://www.graysonmediallc.com
GOWN/VEIL: Studio I Do
https://www.instagram.com/studioidobridals
HAIR: Roots 2 Ends
Gloucester, VA
MAKEUP: Beauty by Tiffany, Inc.
https://www.instagram.com/beautybytiffanyinc
https://www.beautybytiffayinc.com
FLOWERS:
King William Florist
https://www.instagram.com/kwfweddings
https://kingwilliamflorist.com
CATERING: Creekside Catering
https://www.instagram.com/creeksidecafeandmarket
FAVORS: Koozies
ACCOMMODATION:
Malden Hill Venue
https://www.instagram.com/maldenhillvenue
Hampton-Inn, Tappahannock, VA
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES:
Birdy Grey
https://www.instagram.com/birdygrey
INVITATIONS:
The Knot
https://www.instagram.com/theknotinvitations
DJ:
DJ Chad Rock
https://www.instagram.com/djroknu12
RINGS: Jared
https://www.instagram.com/jaredjewelers
SHOES:
Jack Rogers
https://www.instagram.com/jackrogersusa/?hl=en
HONEYMOON:
Royal Caribbean
https://www.instagram.com/royalcaribbean/?hl=en
CAKE:
Capital One Bakery
Henrico, Virginia
FORMALWEAR:
Men’s Warehouse
Newport News, VA
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.
