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: Elizabeth Paterson, 29, Wedding Stationery Designer / Graphic Designer
Groom: Victor Bloom, 29, Project Manager
Date: 09/18/2021
Venue:
Ceremony: St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church, Orange, Virginia
Reception: Mayhurst Estate, Orange, Virginia
Residence: Arlington, Virginia
Guests: 70
LOVE STORY
Victor and Elizabeth’s love story is the perfect script for a romantic movie. Just picture a warm summer evening in Arlington, Virginia, where fate brought them together on the dance floor at The Clarendon Grill. Introduced by mutual friends, their love story began in the summer of 2015, and it felt like destiny in action.
The magic continued when Victor proposed to Elizabeth in the fall of 2020 against the stunning backdrop of a private rooftop tour at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Victor presented Elizabeth with a unique custom-designed ring, incorporating a marquee setting with a star-like shape and using the diamond from his parents’ ring. It was indeed a one-of-a-kind proposal that perfectly captured their incredible love story.
WEDDING FACTS
Victor and Elizabeth embarked on an exhilarating quest to find the perfect wedding venue, exploring Washington and Orange, VA locations. From the moment they set foot on the enchanting grounds of Mayhurst Estate in Orange, Virginia, they knew that this was where their wedding dreams would become a reality. The Estate’s history and French-inspired architectural splendor provided an exquisite backdrop for guests to savor an unforgettable evening of fine dining and dancing beneath a grand outdoor tent while wandering the charming property during cocktail hour.
As a wedding stationery designer, Elizabeth believes a venue should play a pivotal role in shaping the event. This belief harmonized perfectly with her aesthetic, as she profoundly appreciates nostalgia and French country design.
Victor and Elizabeth had a vision for their wedding – a blend of romantic garden vibes and historic luxury. They wanted to immerse themselves in the lush landscape and the venue’s rich architectural heritage to create a whimsical and organic aesthetic.
Picture this: Sage green and antique gold accents paired with the soft glow of taper candles create an aura of calm and tranquility. The venue was remarkable, with towering magnolias and blooming plants at every turn, inside and out.
Everything exuded a soft, sophisticated charm, from the stationery to the antique dishware, weaving together a cohesive look that emanated timeless elegance.
As an artist and graphic designer, Elizabeth poured her heart into designing the invitation wedding suite, from hand-painted signage to calligraphy place cards, infusing the evening with her unique artistic flair.
ATTIRE
Elizabeth’s bridal journey was like a fairytale come to life! She discovered her dream dress at the enchanting Labella Bridal in the charming town of Occoquan, Virginia. The gown was elegant, with intricate lace detailing, delicate bows, and a timeless silhouette that perfectly hugged her figure. Her accessories had sentimental value, from the gold leaf beret to the meaningful necklace from her mom and the heartwarming bracelet and earrings.
Elizabeth chose stunning white tulle shoes from Loeffler Randall to top off her bridal look. Later, she effortlessly switched into stylish blue sandals from Cult Gaia for the reception, ensuring comfort and style for the celebrations. Her bouquet was a beautiful mix of ivory and greenery with delicate pink roses, adding a whimsical touch to her organic yet refined aesthetic.
The bridesmaid bouquets were smaller versions of Elizabeth’s gorgeous bouquet. Their dresses in sage green from Anthropologie added a pop of color to the wedding. Elizabeth’s thoughtful gifts of marble clutches and gold floral hoop earrings from Tuckernuck for her bridesmaids added elegance to the entire affair.
Victor and his groomsmen epitomized timeless elegance in their sleek black tuxedos from Joseph A. Banks. Victor’s impeccable attention to detail shone through in his choice of monogrammed cufflinks and a custom-embroidered handkerchief, a thoughtful gift from Elizabeth. Adding simple yet striking white rose boutonnieres brought the whole look together, making it a memorable wedding party.
CEREMONY
Victor and Elizabeth tied the knot on September 18, 2021, at 4 p.m. at the St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church in Orange, Virginia. The ceremony began in the glow of the church’s magnificent stained-glass windows, creating a truly magical atmosphere. One of the beautiful things about the location was its proximity to the reception venue, Mayhurst Estate, just a short distance away. Elizabeth felt incredibly at ease during the ceremony, as her parents were church members. The processional music, “Ave Maria,” filled the air as Elizabeth’s dad proudly escorted her down the aisle. The church was adorned with stunning pink and white roses and lush greenery, adding to the beauty of the occasion. The ceremony featured heartfelt readings by my older brother, and our family’s beloved priest officiated it.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds stepped out to see a shiny red vintage Porsche waiting for them. Amid the cheers of onlookers, they set off on their first journey as a married couple, riding in style to the celebration that awaited them.
Cocktail Hour
The courtyard of the Estate was alive with the vibrant tunes of musician Matt Waller, creating the perfect soundtrack for a memorable cocktail hour. As guests mingled and meandered through the beautiful setting, the air was filled with the delightful clinks of glasses, the aroma of delectable hors d’oeuvres, and the joyous laughter of friends and family. The sage green cocktail tables, live music, and lively games of cornhole all combined to craft an ambiance that was nothing short of magical. It was an evening of indulgence, where every sip, bite, and moment added to the tapestry of beautiful memories in the making.
RECEPTION
Vibrant tunes by Matt Waller transition guests from the cocktail hour to the reception. As guests passed through the charming 100-year-old boxwood hedge, they were greeted by a beautifully decorated Sailcloth Tent for the reception. A magnificent large gold mirror served as the welcome sign, setting an elegant tone for the evening.
The attention to detail was exceptional, with every table adorned with exquisite calligraphy place cards. Using the same wax seal from the invitations on the welcome board and name cards created a cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. And the bridesmaids’ bouquets added a lovely touch as table decorations.
Throughout the evening, family and friends gathered under the soft glow of candles and delicate bud vases, casting a romantic spell over the festivities. The seamless blending of the couple’s love story with the inn’s rich history added a touch of magic to the event.
The delightful, seated dinner reception featured each table with a unique set of antique dishware, creating an elegant and vintage ambiance. The menu offered mouthwatering options such as Braised Ribs, Lemon Chicken, and a delectable Vegetarian dish. Custom koozies with a lovely drawing of the Mayhurst, showcasing Elizabeth’s artistic talent, added a personal touch to the event.
Elizabeth’s hand-painted wayfinding signage ensured guests could seamlessly navigate the property, enhancing the overall experience. To add an element of fun, guests enjoyed playing cornhole and even had the chance to visit the property’s adorable goats during cocktail hour.
Cake Bloom created the wedding cake. It was a white cake with berry flavoring on the inside and the outside of it was decorated with natural flowers. As a gift, the bride’s aunt gave the couple a Kransekake (Norwegian Almond Ring Cake) as a nod to her Swedish/Danish heritage.
After-Party
After the reception, the newlyweds and some of their closest family and friends enjoyed a bonfire at the Estate and then spent the night there.
HONEYMOON
The couple honeymooned in Hawaii.
Bride IG: @studioebloom
Groom IG: @vicspics21
VENDORS
WEDDING VENUE: Mayhurst Estate – @mayhurstestate
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rebekah Bronwen – rebekahbronwen.photo
https://www.rebekahbronwen.com
CONSULTANT: Casey Cashell – @thecashells
OFFICIANT: Father Staples | St. Isidore the Farmer
ENGAGEMENT RING: Quest Fine Jewelers – @questfinejewelers
WEDDING BANDS: Quest Fine Jewelers – @questfinejewelers
GOWN: La Bella Bridal – @labellabridalva
https://www.labellabridalboutique.com
VEIL: La Bella Bridal – @labellabridalva
https://www.labellabridalboutique.com
SHOES: Loeffler Randall – @loefflerrandall
MAKEUP: Sandra Makeup and Hair – @sandramakeupartistry
https://www.sandramakeupartistry.com/bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Anthropologie – @anthroplogie
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Joseph A Banks – josabank
GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Joseph A Banks – josabank
INVITATIONS: ME! Studio E Bloom – @studioebloom
https://www.studioebloom.com/events
FLOWERS: Lisa Sparks, Orange, VA
RENTAL EQUIPMENT:
Gibson Rentals, Orange, VA
Beggars Banquet
https://beggarsbanquetrentals.com/
CATERING: Pampas Fox – @pampasfox
https://pampasfoxcatering.com/
MUSIC: Matt Waller Music – @mattwallermusicpics
CAKE: Cakebloom – @cakebloom
https://cakebloom.com/
FAVORS: Koozies I designed @studioebloom
https://www.studioebloom.com/events
ACCOMMODATIONS: Mayhurst Estate – @mayhurstestate
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.
