Keswick Keswick

An Unplugged Wedding

How annoying is it during a wedding to see guests whipping out their phones to take photos during the ceremony? Photographers hate it the most because they are being paid to capture these moments and just when they are about to take that awesome photo, a guest blocks it. Many couple will choose to have their officiant say something before the ceremony starts about not doing that or they will have signs saying this is an unplugged wedding. But guess what? There is always someone that thinks that doesn’t apply to them. So, what are you to do to solve this problem???? I think I finally saw the solution at Emily & Derek’s wedding at Keswick Vineyards on Saturday, August 19th.

Just as the prelude was done and everyone was ready for the ceremony to start, their officiant told everyone to take out their phones to take as many photos as they wanted for the next minute and then they had to put them away for the rest of the ceremony. Brilliant! The guests were so happy to follow his request. They all had their moment to take a photo of the couple which made them extremely happy. He gave them a final warning that 30 seconds were left and then they were told to put their phones away for good. Guess what???? Everyone listened! Even that person that thinks you are not talking to them. ☺ Another wonderful thing that happened with them being allowed to take a photo was that their best man got to snap a selfie of him and the groom!

Special thanks to all the vendors for making this wedding just perfect for Emily and Derek:

Officiant Chris Karol

Wedding Planner Elizabeth Langley of About Thyme Events

Lexington Catering Company

DJ Fit

Brooke Danielle Photography

Good Earth Flowers

Heritage Bakery

Ave 42 Salon

MS Events for rentals

Read More
Keswick Keswick

Kelly & Chris's Italian Garden Wedding

Congratulations to Kelly and Christopher, who were married at Keswick Vineyards on Saturday, August 12th, 2023. Having their outdoor wedding in the month of August in Virginia, Kelly & Chris chose Keswick’s “shade” location for their ceremony. As you can see, the beauty of Keswick’s iconic fountain was still showcased behind the couple so they could magically have that fountain go off at their first kiss. It’s those little things that we do at Keswick Vineyards that make our weddings extra special and personal.

Kelly & Chris’s ceremony was simply beautiful. Look how adorable the ring bearers and flower girls are! And when Chris saw Kelly for the first time as she made her way to the alter, I swear I saw his eyes watering. I love capturing the look of a father walking his daughter down the aisle to the look of the groom seeing his bride for the first time. How lucky am I to witness these moments????

Kelly & Chris were not willing to take a chance of having any bad weather, so they did the Southern tradition of burying that bottle of bourbon a month earlier. Typically, the couple will unbury it together but, in this case, Chris and his groomsmen had the honor.

Kelly and Chris wanted to add a little “Italian” to their wedding day. Kelly’s family Italian heritage can be traced back 3 centuries! Chris also served in Italy during his Army days. So, they had this large display of little bottles of Pallini Limoncello for each guest to take with them to enjoy. They also had a pop of yellow in their centerpieces with lemons on the table also. I really liked what they used for their table numbers. It was pieces of rocks they smashed and placed numbers on them. Very unique. Another nice touch they had at each place setting was instead of a menu card, they chose to have their menu printed on individual bread bags that were placed with each salad plate. And the final touch of blue water glasses, loved it!

Finally, I love this photo that I just happen to be in the right place at the right time. I caught Kelly & Christopher have their moment alone in front of Edgewood Estate with the sun setting behind them as they enjoyed a little private dance together.

Special thanks to the following vendors for providing Kelly & Chris & their guests, the best wedding ever! Catering by Harvest Moon

Event Planner Chelsea Moring of Illumination Events Studio

DJ Dwight Ellis

Musicians C’ville String Quartet

Photobooth of Charlottesville

Peper Lover Photography

Officiant Rev. Rick Lord

Commonwealth Cake Company

Charlottesville Makeup Artist

C’ville Transportation

Verde Natural Florals

MS Events Rentals

Read More
Keswick Keswick

A Dream Come True: Courtney and Andrew's Long-Awaited Wedding

After a 12-year courtship, Courtney and Andrew's wedding day finally arrived on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The beautiful Keswick Vineyards in Virginia set the stage for their joyous celebration. On this hot July day, the couple wisely chose to exchange their vows under the shade of a majestic sugar maple tree. The venue offered a stunning backup location, providing a picturesque view for their long-anticipated nuptials. With a romantic ambiance created by floral decorations and heartfelt details, this wedding was a true testament to Courtney and Andrew's enduring love.

As guests made their way down the aisle, they were greeted by charming floral arrangements lining the path, culminating in a breathtaking floral arc at the floor of the altar. The bride and her father shared a heartfelt moment just before they embarked on their walk to the ceremony. Their exchanged glance spoke volumes, conveying the profound sense of joy and excitement they felt as they realized that the long-awaited day had finally arrived.

Courtney's choice of dress reflected her desire for a whimsical and fairy-like ambiance. The ethereal gown captured the essence of a garden, complemented by airy sleeves that could be easily removed, allowing her to dance and move freely throughout the festivities. Love was palpable throughout the ceremony, particularly in the gazebo area. A table adorned with their engagement photo, as well as wedding pictures of their parents and even a grandparent, served as a beautiful tribute to their families' love stories. A light wall, draped in tulle, showcased a collection of photographs that captured the couple's 12-year journey together, including cherished moments such as their prom photo. This delightful display was a testament to the couple's focus on enjoying life's moments and creating lasting memories.

DJ Fit ensured that the party atmosphere continued throughout the reception. Guests were entertained by a photo booth, a beloved addition that allowed them to capture candid and fun moments. Additionally, Courtney and Andrew created a greenery backdrop with their last name displayed in a neon sign, inviting guests to take selfies and create lasting memories in front of this personalized feature.

In satisfying everyone's sweet tooth, a simple yet elegant cake and cupcakes from a local store were served. The couple added a touch of decadence with delightful macarons awaiting guests at each table setting. These delectable treats added an extra touch of charm and sweetness to the celebration.

Courtney and Andrew's wedding day was a culmination of 12 years of love, patience, and shared experiences. Surrounded by the beauty of Keswick Vineyards, their long-awaited union under the shade of a sugar maple tree was nothing short of magical. From the heartfelt moments captured as the bride and her father made their way to the ceremony, to the enchanting love displayed through their photo arrangements, every detail spoke volumes about the couple's journey and the importance of cherishing time spent together. With the dance floor alive and the joy palpable, Courtney and Andrew's wedding was a celebration of love and a testament to the power of patience, perseverance, and a commitment to creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Special thanks to the following vendors:

Wedding Planner Karoline from Sweet Karoline Events

Lexington Catering

DJ Fit, Nathan May

Photo booth provided by DJ Fit

Photographer Alex & Suzzane Photography

Lacy’s Florist and Gift Shop

Officiant Dave Norris

Desserts by Publix

Hair by Avenue 42 Salon (Jesika)

Makeup by Ryley Lietzan

Read More
Keswick Keswick

Embracing Simplicity: Mackenzi and Cleanthi's Unforgettable Celebration at Keswick Vineyards

When it comes to weddings, sometimes less is truly more. Mackenzi and Cleanthi, a couple deeply in love, discovered the beauty of simplicity as they embarked on their journey to wedded bliss. On a radiant day at Keswick Vineyards, they demonstrated that the key to a remarkable wedding lies in letting the natural charm of the venue shine while focusing on providing unforgettable experiences for their guests. In this blog, we'll delve into the details of their enchanting celebration and highlight their emphasis on entertainment and interactive fun, showcasing how simplicity can create an extraordinary and joy-filled wedding day.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Keswick Vineyards, Mackenzi and Cleanthi chose to embrace the inherent splendor of their surroundings. With lush vineyards, rolling hills, and picturesque vistas as their backdrop, they allowed the venue to take center stage. By opting for minimal decorations and letting the natural scenery shine, they showcased the timeless elegance of Keswick Vineyards and allowed their guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance. Sometimes, the greatest beauty lies in simplicity, and Mackenzi and Cleanthi's wedding proved just that.

Understanding that their guests' enjoyment was paramount, Mackenzi and Cleanthi curated a fun-filled evening with a focus on entertainment. They provided an array of lawn games, including the perennial favorite, cornhole. These outdoor games added an element of friendly competition and camaraderie, ensuring that everyone had an incredible time. Guests of all ages embraced the opportunity to challenge each other, fostering connections and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come. By prioritizing interactive entertainment, Mackenzi and Cleanthi ensured that their wedding was not just a ceremony but a celebration of love, laughter, and togetherness.

While simplicity took center stage, Mackenzi and Cleanthi recognized the importance of a lively atmosphere. They enlisted the services of a talented DJ who skillfully curated a playlist to keep the dance floor buzzing all night long. From heartwarming ballads for their first dance to upbeat hits that had everyone grooving, the music added an extra layer of joy and celebration to their special day. The couple's focus on providing a night of fun and entertainment for their guests created an unforgettable experience, where laughter and dance filled the air, echoing the love that Mackenzi and Cleanthi shared.

Mackenzi and Cleanthi wisely allocated their resources to ensure that their wedding day was beautifully documented. They enlisted a professional photographer who artfully captured the heartfelt moments, the natural beauty of Keswick Vineyards, and the contagious smiles that adorned the faces of their loved ones. By investing in a skilled photographer, they secured a treasure trove of timeless memories, allowing them to relive their special day for years to come.

Mackenzi and Cleanthi's wedding at Keswick Vineyards serves as a reminder that simplicity can be truly magical. By letting the venue speak for itself, they created an atmosphere of natural beauty and elegance. By prioritizing interactive entertainment, they ensured that their guests were fully immersed in the celebration. The couple's focus on creating an extraordinary experience for their loved ones, paired with the breathtaking backdrop of Keswick Vineyards, made their wedding day an unforgettable affair. So remember, sometimes it's the simplest of choices that can leave the most lasting impression. Embrace the beauty around you, focus on creating unforgettable experiences, and allow love to be the guiding light on your journey to wedded bliss.

Thank you to the following vendors:

Wedding Planner Olivia Hilton

Autumn’s Custom Catering Café

DJ Carter Ward of Fordson Labs

Photographer Charlotte Gottfried

Officiant Father Michael McKinnon

Hair & Makeup by Posh Bride

Read More