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.
FIANCÉE: Stephanie Hutton, 31, Manager, Administration & Operations
FIANCÉ: Sterling Hudgins, 28, Engineering Technician: Facilities Management Specialist
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Gwynn’s Island, Mathews County, Virginia
DATE: March 27, 2023
VENUE:
Proposal: February 2023 – The Mathews Land Conservancy, Bayside Landing Mathews County, Virginia
Photography Session: March 2023 – Urbanna, Virginia
LOVE STORY
Stephanie and Sterling’s love story is a modern-day fairytale, unique to them. It all started on the dating app Bumble, a platform that brought them together in a way that was meant to be. Their connection wasn’t immediate, but it was destined. Sterling stumbled upon Stephanie’s profile and added her on Snapchat in October 2018, a move that Stephanie found intriguing but didn’t lead to an immediate conversation.
However, three months later, on a chilly January 2019 afternoon, Sterling was stuck in the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and decided to send Stephanie a Snapchat about the terrible traffic. To his surprise, Stephanie snapped back! They started chatting every day and eventually agreed to meet for a date at Bangkok Noi Thai in Gloucester, Virginia on February 5, 2019.
When Sterling arrived at the restaurant, he nervously waited in his truck. He had never been to a Thai restaurant before, so he was worried he would make a fool of himself. His anxiety intensified when Stephanie arrived and he at once thought, “Wow! She’s way out of my league.” Stephanie was also nervous because a co-worker had made fun of her boots that day. She had no idea she would meet her ‘Knight in Sterling armor’ that evening – although he was wearing a blue polo shirt and jeans. They had a lovely evening and decided they wanted to see each other again.
Sterling finally mustered up the courage to confess his love to Stephanie after months of dating, and boy was he nervous! But as soon as the words “I love you” escaped his lips, Stephanie kissed him and replied, “I love you, too.” It was a moment of pure magic and relief for both.
Stephanie relishes Sterling’s unwavering support, endless patience and unconditional love. Sterling could not stop raving about her boundless affection, work ethic and the incredible surprise gifts she gave him.
PROPOSAL
Sterling proposed to Stephanie most incredibly! It was a beautiful February 2023, and Stephanie had no idea what was in store for her.
Sterling and Stephanie’s family orchestrated a brilliant plan to bring Stephanie to Bayside Landing at The Mathews Land Conservancy in Mathews County, Virginia. The location boasts a sandy beach, waterfront open space overlooking the historic New Point Lighthouse, and an open-air pavilion.
Upon arriving at the site, Stephanie noticed a truck and horse trailer with two people and white animals in the distance. As she approached the trailer, she realized her favorite animals, Alpacas, were behind a fence. The owners had adorned the alpacas with floral garland collars. Overwhelmed with excitement, she hurried over to visit the Alpacas.
As Stephanie was busy bonding with the adorable alpacas, little did she know that Sterling was nervously pacing around, waiting for the perfect moment. When Stephanie’s mom suggested a photo with an alpaca, Sterling saw his chance. He got down on one knee, his heart pounding with nervous excitement, and asked the question that would change their lives. With tears of joy and a heart full of love, Stephanie said, ‘Yes!’
Sterling surprised Stephanie with a stunning Brilliant Earth Oceana 18k white gold ring. It had a dazzling round center diamond and a beautifully braided halo and band, totaling 57 diamonds at 1ct weight. Talk about a magical moment!
PHOTOGRAPHY
In March 2023, Sterling and Stephanie’s engagement photo session was a dream come true. Their love story unfolded beautifully as they wandered through the charming streets of Urbanna, Virginia, captured by the talented lens of Happy Acres Photography. The session started at the picturesque marina, where the couple shared a romantic moment by the water. They then strolled to the historic courthouse, where they shared a playful kiss. The session ended on the quaint town streets, where they shared a laugh and a loving gaze. Every spot symbolized their love for the water and their easygoing personalities. It perfectly reflected their laid-back style and created a delightful backdrop for their engagement photos. Stephanie’s deep connection to the community made it even more special, adding an extra layer of warmth to the entire shoot.
And let us talk about style! Sterling and Stephanie knew how to bring their A-game for this photo session. They effortlessly switched up their outfits midway through, adding a fun and stylish twist to the photos. Stephanie wore a stunning Tommy Hilfiger floral ruffle dress and then rocked a chic Old Navy floral top and jeans. At the same time, Sterling looked dapper in a Van Heusen light blue long-sleeve shirt and khaki pants, followed by a relaxed Old Navy short-sleeve button-up and American Eagle jeans combo.
ADVICE
Sterling and Stephanie said, “remember, it’s your special day and it’s important not to let others influence your plans. Your wedding day is meant to celebrate you and your future spouse, so focus on what makes you happy without needing to impress or please others.”
WEDDING PLANS
The couple said “I do” at the beautiful Cousiac Manor in Lanexa, Virginia, in March 2024. It was a day filled with love and laughter as 100 guests joined the celebration, with every moment captured beautifully by Happy Acres Photography. Remember to show them some love by liking their story and stay tuned for an upcoming blog post about their magical wedding day.
Bride: @lilhut91
VENDORS
VENUE:
Urbanna, Virginia https://urbanna.com
The Mathews Land Conservancy, Bayside Landing, Mathews County, VA
https://www.mathewslandconservancy.org
PHOTOGRAPHER: Happy Acres Photography – @happyacresphotography https://happyacresphotography.com
HAIR/MAKEUP: Olivia Hudgins – @livhudginshair https://livhudginshair.glossgenius.com
ENGAGEMENT RING: Brilliant Earth – @brilliantearth
RESTAURANT: Bangkok Noi Thai Cruise – @bangkok_noi_thai_cuisine
https://www.bangkoknoithaicuisine.com
ATTIRE: Old Navy, Dillards, Tommy Hilfiger, TJ Maxx
SHOES: Rackroom Shoes
ATTIRE: Ven Heusen, Old Navy, Ariat, American Eagle, Chaps
WEDDING VENUE: Cousiac Manor – @CousiacManor https://cousiacmanor.com
DATING APP: Bumble – @bumble
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.
