Our Wedding Blog

Keswick 10/27/12 Keswick 10/27/12

Danielle & Tom's Masquerade Wedding | Danielle & Tom

Now that the wedding season (and harvest!) are both finished, we have some time to go back and share some of this years' beautiful Keswick Vineyards weddings with you! We'll start off with Dani and Tom's super fun and unique celebration! Getting married outdoors during the beautiful fall weekend in Charlottesville before Halloween, Dani and Tom never made any “bones” about their masquerade wedding. Everyone was in costume to celebrate this union of families and friends, and what fun! The bridal party carried old fashioned lanterns and the guests looked on in an array of colorful masks. Dani was stunning in her white gown adorned with black trim and crystals, with her black long train coat and beehive hairstyle setting the tone for her procession to Tom, as Harry Potter’s Hedwig’s Theme played. The ring bearer was the most unique of all as the remote dog from Doctor Who carried the rings on his tail to the bride and groom at the appropriate time. From farmers to nuns to Little Red Riding Hood – what a celebration! Congratulations to Danielle & Tom, this was one unique wedding that we loved!!!

Special thanks to the following Charlottesville wedding vendors: C&O Catering, photographer Dominique Attaway, Albemarle Baking Company, DJ TD Layman of Sound Enforcement, officiant Bruce Watson, transportation by B2B and Skyline Tent Company.

Keswick 8/4/12 Keswick 8/4/12

Military Vineyard Wedding | Carole & Brent

The natural beauty of Keswick Vineyards and the Edgewood Estate has never been so happily matched as with the lovely, unassuming elegance of a Naval wedding, as was the happy occasion earlier this month. Carole and Brent, a giddily-in-love couple, had the privilege of being Keswick Vineyard's first military wedding, and the level of class, elegance, and attention to detail that they created throughout their entire event left everyone hoping it is not the last military wedding to occur on these grounds. Shindig Weddings & Events helped design and plan a lovely Southern wedding, complete with the elegant details of provided parasols for the guests (to shield from the evening sun) to peaches provided at each place setting {a nod to the origin of the bride's middle name}, to a jaw-dropping-beautifully sword-arch upon the couple's recessional. In homage to the bride's Japanese heritage, 1,001 origami paper cranes were lovingly crafted by the bride's friends and hung for display, and all of the menu and beverage choices were hand-selected from local sources. As Carole and Brent fell in love in Hawaii, several Hawaiian influences were incorporated, but none more resoundingly appreciated than the Kona coffee, served over ice, that was brought out as the dancing ensued! With a warm summer's night, Keswick Vineyard's staff helped make the evening comfortable for everyone, providing cool towels for the wedding party at the ceremony and throwing out iced towels onto the dance floor as the night kicked into high gear -- this was Southern hospitality at its finest! As the couple bid goodnight and exited into a lovely town car tied with dozens of raucously celebratory tin cans, hundreds of "Virginia is for Lovers" cookies waited for their guests upon their return. At the end of the night, a beautiful wedding had been celebrated, a fabulous party had been enjoyed, and a sweet young marriage had begun.

Special thanks to the following vendors: Meghan Streit and her team from Shindig Weddings & Events, Beggars Banquet, DJ Derek Tobler, wedding dress by Isis Bridal, John Cachero Photography, Citrus Ceremonies Videography, Cake by Pastry Love, Hair & make-up by Jeanne Cusick and venue & award winning wines by Keswick Vineyards.

Keswick 6/30/12 Keswick 6/30/12

One Hot Rehearsal And the Magic Umbrellas... | Meg & Larry

It was a dark and stormy night… no really. The night before Meg and Larry’s wedding we experienced one of the strangest storms ever, and I have seen a lot. No one saw it coming but it uprooted trees and knocked out power throughout the state for days. We knew we had a lot to do the next morning to get ready for the celebration, but we found the help we needed and got the job done. By the time the bride and bridesmaids arrived for hair styling and make-up at lunchtime, there was barely any visible signs of a storm. We carried the entire event with generator power, never missing a beat. Many of the guests never even knew the power was out that day. I asked Meg, who is a very unique kinda gal (Larry is a lucky guy!), is this bizarre activity happening because you are such a daring redhead? She just laughed and said “Perhaps so!” She was so lovely in her layered cream gown with a tan sash. The heat of the day did not phase her beauty and Larry could not wait as she came down the aisle. They both had a glow about them that made the day extra special and so very worth the extra efforts to make it perfect for them. Their families were also glowing with pride for the union they had witnessed and the anticipation of the many years of happiness they will share. Guests were escorted to the East Lawn as an alternate ceremony location for extra shade, and also had lovely parasols and fans matching Meg’s summer colors to help beat the heat. They feasted on tender beef and rockfish dishes served family-style by 20 South Catering, with an assortment of pies from Family Ties & Pies for dessert. The extra special touch to this wedding was the wine served. Meg & Larry had participated in Keswick Vineyards blending party and won! They were able to serve the blending wine they came up with called Consensus which featured their picture on the label. How’s that for bragging rights at your wedding? Then came the first dance – hot! Larry in his fedora and Meg had changed her tan sash for sassy black lace. They surely got the crowd going for the rest of the night. We also refined the plan on Keswick’s “magic umbrellas”. There was a chance of more storms in the forecast and Keswick Vineyards provides golf umbrellas, about 4 dozen of them, as needed. These seem to keep the rain away for the events and sure enough, Meg and Larry never got wet. Congratulations to Meg and Larry and welcome to the Keswick Vineyards family, as our newest wedding couple and winemakers!

Special thanks to the following vendors: Barb Wired LLC, 20 South Catering, DJ Derek Tobler, Blue Ridge Floral, Family Ties & Pies, Terra Voce, Ralph Alswang Photograph y, Virginia Glenn Hair & Make-Up, Camryn Limo and Skyline Tent Company.

Keswick 5/28/12 Keswick 5/28/12

Kathryn & Philip's May Wedding | Kathryn & Philip

Kathryn & Philip held their wedding reception at Keswick Vineyards on May 28th, 2012. I found it funny how some of their guest that were from Jordan found our Virginia May weather chilly for them. Apparently in Jordan it was 120 degrees so our upper 80's, low 90's, was a bit chilly for them. I really like how Kathryn & Philip did a really long table for the wedding party. It really looked stunning under the Sperry Tent as you can see with the pictures below.

Special thanks to the following vendors for their help in making their wedding day extra special: C&O Catering, Rob Garland Photographer, Kirby Martin Videographer & Sugar Magnolias Florist.