“Charlotte and Cameron both attended Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Virginia and can’t point to an actual date they met, but had known of each other throughout their lives. They often debate how exactly their relationship started, but meeting with their best friends one day at a brewery sticks out to both of them as the true beginning. Charlotte, Cameron, and their best friends met up for a beer, after the first one Charlotte got a phone call and had completely forgotten she had scheduled a dinner with her grandparents and had to rush away. Thankfully, Cameron asked her to grab a beer just the two of them in the next few days. When they met for that first drink, they both left knowing their lives were about to drastically change.”
“Our first date was at 202 Market in Downtown Roanoke. We met for a beer and both left knowing our life was going to drastically change.”
The Scoop
Bride: Charlotte, 33, Hairstylist, Charlotte Bennett Hairdressing
Groom: Miles, 31, Inventory Manager, Mersen (Graphite Anticorrosion Equipment)
Wedding date: October 8th 2022
Number of guests: 245
“The Bride’s family has a long standing history in their hometown so getting married in an old family home turned wedding venue was a no brainer. The happy couple honored their southern roots by burying the bourbon, which seemed to work because they had a completely clear and beautiful day from start to finish. From welcoming their guests with a string quartet and a glass of champagne, to the super fun 10 piece party band showering the crowded dance floor with pink & gold confetti; there was never a dull moment.”
“We made sure to incorporate all of their favorites into their special day. While the Bride’s favorite local Artist (Maria Driscoll) painted the bright and bold florals, the guests enjoyed the couple’s favorite cocktails at their custom mixology bar which served everything from a classic old fashioned to an amazing frozen mango margarita. Illustrations of their fur family and handprinted crest graced the everything from the RSVP cards to the Pillows on their bar side Sectional overlooking the dance floor.”
“The importance of honoring family was evident as Bride’s brother served as her Man of Honor and the Groom’s sister served as his Best Woman. Their adorable pups served as the ring bearers, and their sweet nieces handed out full long stem roses to their guests.”
For their wedding vibe they hoped for a “backyard wedding with secret garden vibes.” They definitely met this beautiful goal!
According to Charlotte, “A show stopping moment was when the couple was cutting their 3D edible floral wedding cake in the clear tent under the full moon to the tune of ‘Can’t Help Myself’ played by a live pianist as their crystal chandeliers shined in the background. And the creme de la creme? All the floral was sourced from Mimosa Hill, a local flower farm just a few miles away. Swoon.”
“The couple says they will never forget the vibe of the dance floor and guests reactions when their pink & gold confetti cannons burst at the end of the night.”
“The Bride wore the ‘Liberty’ gown by Evie Young, a female designer from Australia, purchased from Studio I do in Roanoke, VA. The gown featured a bold lace appliqué embroidered onto chiffon. Her something borrowed & blue was represented as her mother’s blue sapphire ring, a gift from her father on their 10th wedding anniversary. Her shoes were Valentino rockstud sandals, a wedding day gift from her father. For the reception dinner she debuted a gold & floral crown by A’EL ESTE that matched her flower girls’. After dinner, she debuted her final look – a second dress by MacDuggal and white sparkle vans.”
“The groom wore a custom white tuxedo with black satin lapels designed for him by Hickey Freeman at Davidson’s and Del Toro Tuxedo Slippers.”
Charlotte chose ‘The Logan’ dress in emeral velvet by Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids.
“Our color palette was Emerald, Raspberry, Blush & Floral print. We really wanted to work away from the typical fall wedding color scheme and incorporate colors that supported the bold floral.”
While Sunnybrook has been under the care of the present owners Tammy & Randy Skaggs since the early 2006, the estate home that was converted into the present day venue was built by a distant relative of the Bride’s in 1918.
One other fun touch was that the couple’s papillon puppies served as their ring bearers for the ceremony.
Charlotte leaves fellow brides with this word of advice: “Hire the vendors you really love, and trust them to do their thing. In the end, everyone has more fun and does a better job when they’re into the concept.”
Congratulations to you both!
Vendor Credits
Venue: Sunnybrook
Photographer: Jared Ladia
Planner: Schuyler Somers at A Little Party Events
Officiant: George Anderson
Gown: Evie Young Bridal & Studio I Do Roanoke
Shoes: Valentino
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Lyndsey Lenee
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Jenny Yoo
Invitations: Emily Mayne
Flowers: Caitlin Cheatham
Rental equipment: Happily Ever After Rentals
Catering: Sunnybrook
Band: Better By Tuesday
String Quartet: Melodious Strings
Pianist: Adam Mitchell
Cake: Blush Baking Company
Photo Booth Photos: Flex Photo Booth
Transportation: Rolls Royce, gift from Bart Wilner
Honeymoon Accommodations: The Ritz Carlton in Aruba
