#AnnaliseRealBride Kelsey and her husband James had an exquisitely detailed spring wedding at Eastwood Farm & Winery. Kelsey, the owner of Walsh Events, a local wedding planning company, had just begun her new business venture while planning her wedding. This allowed her to explore her creativity and bring their wedding vision to life with new fresh ideas.
“When I started wedding planning, I was about a year in with pursuing “wedding planning” as a career, which doesn’t surprise me now looking back because I have always dreamed of my wedding day! I immediately knew that I wanted an outdoor tented wedding and I wanted it to be a “garden party” vibe. “
Garden Party Wedding Day
Virginia is known for many of their beautiful wineries which make for stunning wedding venue options for couples. Kelsey knew she wanted to find a venue new to the area and unique to her love story. Once she found her perfect location at Eastwood Farm & Winery the fun began to transform the space into her dream garden party.
“I booked our venue a week after I got engaged – having seen so many venues, I wanted something that hadn’t been around long, so that I could really make it unique to me. From booking the venue to our wedding date, it was almost 2 years, so we had plenty of time to plan, but for the most part, I knew exactly what I wanted, and it was just bringing that vision to life.”
The Love Story
Like so many love stories before them, Kelsey & James were introduced to each other through mutual friends. They connected at a local college Randolph Macon and the rest is history!
The couple chose to do a first look on their wedding day and read personal vows. Kelsey remembers this moments as one of the highlights of her wedding day to James.
“Our first look gave us a moment to read our vows to each other, and then our dog joined us. He is the heart of our little family so getting to have that was really special. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the immediate moment following our ceremony- it’s like this ah-hah feeling. The stress of the day is gone and you’re finally married. ”
Finding the Perfect Gown
Kelsey had a specific designer in mind when she arrived to her bridal appointment. Made With Love Bridal specializes in beautiful modern wedding gowns hand made with craftsmanship, love, tales and best-wishes.
The bride chose “Parker” a French crepe high neck gown with plunging back and button detail. She added on tulle wings for an additional element to her garden party vision.
It’s All in the Details
When asked to describe her wedding day vibe in a few words Kelsey used the descriptive words “colorful, inviting, whimsical, playful and lively”
She prioritized the day of details and ensured her guests had a rememberable experience. From the beautiful rattan details and colorful florals throughout, to the parasols for her bridal party and guests, Kelsey thought of it all.
“I tried really hard to spread my budget across vs. splurging on one or two specific things. But, I would say the elements that provided the best experience: transportation, catering, and the bar were my priorities. We wanted our guests to feel spoiled and taken care.”
Advice for Future Brides
“Money comes back!! (kidding kinda) My actual advice would be to do whatever it is that YOU want to do. I feel like too many people are worried about what’s normal, traditional, etc. and shy away from picking or doing things that actually represent them. This day is not about what your parents want or what people think, and maybe that’s harsh to say, but this is one of the most important days of your life, and it should be exactly what you want it to be. ”
Blog by Emily Haynes
Vendors:
Couple: Kelsey & James / Dress Designer: Made With Love Bridal / Photographer: Natalie Jayne Photography / Videographer: Boyd Weddings / Planner: Walsh Events / Wedding Day Execution: Lane Stewart Events / Makeup: Captivating Complexion / Hair: Avenue 42 Salon Floral: Fleuressence Floral Design / Venue: Eastwood Farm & Winery / Catering: Groovin’ Gourmet / Music: Bunn DJ Company Rentals: Paisley and Jade , Rent-E-Quip , Nuage Designs Inc , Bbj La Tavola / Lighting: Rent-E-Quip / Stationary: Wouldn’t It Be Lovely / Cake: Cake Bloom / Transportation: James Limousine Richmond
