Under the wisteria: Charlotte & Blake’s Enchanted Garden Wedding

Wedding Blog

Sep 24

The most beautiful love stories often begin in the most unexpected ways! While their journey started at James Madison University, Charlotte and Blake's connection truly blossomed on a shared ride home from a bonfire, where they bonded over something simple and meaningful: their family farms. From that foundation of friendship, love grew until a surprise proposal in Virginia Beach led them to the next chapter. And what a chapter it was—a spectacular, wisteria-filled wedding at Charlotte's family estate.

Having previously planned Charlotte's sister's wedding (see Savannah and Clayton’s special day), we were so excited to help bring Charlotte and Blake's vision to life. Charlotte imagined an enchanted garden with a romantic palette of white, purple, and green. Working with Bespoke Floral Design, we brought in dramatic draping wisteria for the ceremony and a stunning floral arch that transported guests to an al fresco reception. Every element of the day embodied the romance, tradition, and family that had brought them together, creating a truly unforgettable summer celebration.

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A Love Story Told in Flowers

The flowers were more than just decor; they were a part of the couple's wedding day story. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a cascade of enchanting wisteria, its fragrant blossoms creating a tunnel of romance along the front walkway. The wedding party processed not traditionally from behind guests, but from the front of the house and just as the guests, under the floral blanket. Another floral statement stood between the cocktail hour and reception spaces. A large, full arch of wisteria and greenery-flanked by green hedges from Rent-E-Quip-served as the entrance to the reception. As guests approached, they could find their seating assignment arranged on the hedges alongside a painted bridal portrait of Charlotte.

A Reception that Transported

Walking through the wall of wisteria, guests were transported to an enchanted garden. Tall magnolia trees encircled the al fresco reception as fairy lights cascaded from their branches. Candles and flowers lined every table, which were all covered by beautiful floral linens from Nuage. In the distance, Charlotte and Blake’s custom monogram was spotlighted onto their horse barn. This monogram was reflected on the bars, cocktail napkins, programs, invitations, and even spotlighted onto the side of their barn, tying everything together. Dinner was served family style, an ode to Charlotte and Blake’s desire to bring everyone together at their home in an inviting, warm embrace. Cater 2 Events, specializing in family style meals for events, ensured everything was perfect for this special occasion.

The Perfect Touches

Charlotte and Blake incorporated sweet and sentimental details throughout their wedding. During the ceremony, Charlotte’s family grand piano was brought outside of the house and played on the front lawn as the wedding party processed. Just after the ceremony, the couple dug up the bourbon which had been buried as a tradition to stave off the rain on their special day (and it worked!). The wedding party and family gathered to all take a sip of the bourbon and celebrate the beautiful weather for the happy couple. Guests mingled and moved to the reception, where brass candleholders-a family heirloom-decorated the sweetheart table, adding that extra special touch to the decor. When it was time to mark the celebration with cake cutting, the couple used a beautiful sabre to make the moment sweeter. Charlotte and Blake enjoyed celebrating with their guests, and to close out the night, the couple rode away in a vintage blue car! They stayed at the Jefferson Hotel, as is tradition in Charlotte’s family.