Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Fall Weddings This Couple's Fall Nuptials in Charlottesville Featured a "Complex Neutrals" Color Theme By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on February 14, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Vicki Grafton Photography Alissa Polino and Steve Marck's relationship was forged in college, at—of all places—a bowling alley. "My roommate at the time had just started dating a guy on the football team, so she organized a group of girls and a few guys on the team to go bowling—there was nothing else to do," says Alissa. "After an epic adventure of walking miles in the snow to the bowling alley near campus, we met up with the group of football guys who I didn't know at all. Steve ended up being there, and we had a lot of fun hanging out that day." Shortly after, Steve texted Alissa's roommate to ask for her number—and the romance began. Five years later, the pair got engaged during a fly-fishing trip with Steve's family over a Fourth of July weekend. They eased into the preparations and, after settling on Charlottesville for their fall celebration, chose Clifton House as their venue; it was a quaint little inn and had lots of beautiful outdoor garden space. "We wanted to get married and have the reception in the same location to eliminate confusing logistics, and it was also so fun to have the 20 rooms on the property filled with our family and friends all weekend," says Alissa. "The tent, food, and seating, were all included at the venue, which made things a bit more streamlined." After a rocky start to planning, Alissa found Elizabeth Gopal at East Made Co., who helped bring the event to life. "I was all over the place with design and décor—I knew what I didn't like, but had a hard time selecting things that all looked good together, fit the overall scheme, and were in budget," explains the bride. "Elizabeth was so helpful." Instead of trying to do it all, Alissa played to her strong suits: Her work as a textile representative was beneficial during the process, since she knew just about everything there is to know about fabric. "We had Alissa collect hundreds of textile swatches and fabrics to drive our design of the entire day," says Elizabeth. "We allowed fabric, texture, and subtle color to guide all elements of our design." The goal was to add a touch of soft color into a neutral cream palette without getting too girly—an objective that was achieved with soft blushes, whites, and greens accented with honey tones. The end result was exactly what the couple envisioned. "Steve and I wanted things to be simple, natural, and beautiful without being flashy or over the top," adds the bride. "Simple, elegant, mature, and timeless. I think we achieved it!" 01 of 22 Grand Invitations Vicki Grafton Photography The couple's invitations were digitally printed on handmade paper; their envelopes were handwritten in walnut ink. Deckled edges brought an organic, luxe feel to the set, while an illustration of the venue, The Clifton, by designer and calligrapher Curved & Co., added a personalized touch. Trending Now: Deckle-Edge Wedding Invitations 02 of 22 A Contemporary Dress Vicki Grafton Photography For Alissa, the easiest thing about the planning process was finding her wedding dress. "I knew exactly what I wanted," she says. "I went to New York City and found my dress there, but ended up buying the same one at a small dress shop in Virginia so that it was more convenient to do alterations and fittings." The simple crepe gown by Suzanne Neville featured delicate straps, modern lines, and a romantic vibe. "I wanted to look beautiful and natural as a whole and not have the dress be the main event," says the bride. "It was also timeless." 03 of 22 Sophisticated Suede Vicki Grafton Photography Alissa accessorized with Alexandre Birman block heels; they helped her maneuver around in the grass. The blushing nude shade also complemented the wedding's color scheme. 04 of 22 Beautiful Textures Vicki Grafton Photography The smoothness of Alissa's gown was offset by a textured bouquet of bright white flowers tempered with honey tones and gentle greens. Butterfly ranunculus, scabious, hydrangeas, strawflowers, hellebores, lisianthus, and garden roses composed the beautiful arrangement. The 50 Best Wedding Bouquets 05 of 22 A Classic Tux Vicki Grafton Photography Steve donned a timeless tuxedo from The Black Tux and completed his look with a black bow tie, black studs, and a crisp white pocket square. 06 of 22 Delicate Boutonnières Vicki Grafton Photography The groomsmen's refined white flowers beautifully highlighted Steve's boutonnière of pale green hydrangea blossoms. Boutonnières You Both Will Love 07 of 22 Pretty in Pink Vicki Grafton Photography Alissa chose understated Jenny Yoo gowns from BHLDN in a graceful shade of dusty rose for her bridesmaids. 08 of 22 Elegant Groomsmen Vicki Grafton Photography Steve's attendants wore classic black tuxes that coordinated with his own. 09 of 22 Adorable Flower Girls Vicki Grafton Photography Steve's niece and Alissa's cousin's daughter served as the couple's littlest attendants; they wore white linen dresses and carried delicate nosegays of roses. Five Points to Consider When Choosing a Flower Girl for Your Wedding 10 of 22 Sweet Ceremony Décor Vicki Grafton Photography Alissa and Steve's ceremony overlooked the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the pair opted for understated flower arrangements—they were placed in urns—that would allow guests to take in the scenery. 11 of 22 The Last Row Vicki Grafton Photography An installation designed to resemble a "growing garden" at the back entrance to the aisle beautifully framed the space and added an organic element to the tableau. 12 of 22 A Simple Vow Exchange Vicki Grafton Photography The ceremony itself was short and sweet. "We wanted to keep it simple," says Alissa, who found their vows online. "I felt like the vows were real and relatable—that's why we picked them." 13 of 22 A Unique Display Vicki Grafton Photography Guests found their escort cards on a tall display built by the groom—it was a labor of love that featured close to 100 swatches of the fabric Alissa sells. Laser-cut wooden letters were adhered to the top. Unique Wedding Seating Charts to Guide Guests to Their Tables 14 of 22 A Show-Stopping Entrance Vicki Grafton Photography The entrance to the reception tent was lush with greenery, and made a dramatic statement upon entry. The floral décor from the ceremony was repurposed and stood sentry at the mouth of the tent. 15 of 22 A Stunning Reception Venue Vicki Grafton Photography The reception's floor plan was specifically designed to make the head table a focal point; the bride and groom were truly surrounded by friends and family. Wine-barrel chandeliers were strung overhead to coordinate with the wood poles and exquisite flooring. Green smilax was woven around the central poles to bring the feeling of an outdoor garden inside—they also harmonized with the ivy-lined entryway. Tent Decorating Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Wedding 16 of 22 Alternating Linens Vicki Grafton Photography Alissa, Steve, and Elizabeth Gopal of East Made Co. took an alternating approach to the guest table linens: Half of the stations featured patterned tablecloths paired with white napkins, while the rest were topped with cream linens paired with patterned napkins. These two looks were united by the florals—every table featured centerpieces in shades of blush, apricot, vanilla, and white. Here's Why It's Worth Renting Linens for Your Wedding Day 17 of 22 Finishing Touches Vicki Grafton Photography Each place setting featured wooden-handle flatware and white pearl-edge chargers, plus a menu printed on handmade paper. 18 of 22 The Florals Vicki Grafton Photography The tables' low compote floral arrangements were surrounded by small Ikebana-style compositions; sandstone-hued pillar candles fortified the event's "complex neutrals" scheme that Elizabeth ideated and executed. 19 of 22 Raising the Bar Vicki Grafton Photography Dainty, deckled-edged table numbers—they referenced the invitation suite—were floated on vintage iron stands, bringing an Old-World touch to the romantic tablescapes. 20 of 22 A Timeless Cake Vicki Grafton Photography White buttercream iced two stacked tiers of buttermilk-poppy seed cake with lemon curd, honey-orange mousse, and honey-poached berries; the dessert was created by Paradox Pastry Café. More Romantic Wedding Cakes 21 of 22 A Trip Around the Dance Floor Vicki Grafton Photography Alissa and Steve took their first dance as man and wife to "You and Me" by one of Charlottesville's famous sons, Dave Matthews. 22 of 22 Sources Vicki Grafton Photography Photography, Vicki Grafton PhotographyVenue, The CliftonEvent Planning and Design, East Made Co.Flowers, Mallory JoyceInvitations, Calligraphy, and Day-of Paper Goods, Curved & Co.Bride's Gown, Suzanne NevilleVeil, BHLDNJewelry, Tiffany & Co.Shoes, Alexandre BirmanHair and Makeup, Anna BreedingBridesmaids' Dresses, Jenny Yoo for BHLDNMenswear, The Black TuxEngagement Ring, Diamonds Rock JewelersWedding Bands, Pave JewelersMusic, Polaris for East Coast Entertainment (reception)Catering, The CliftonCake, Paradox Pastry CafeRentals, BBJ Linen; Emerson James; MS EventsTransportation, Easy Riders Bus CompanyLighting, Blue Ridge Lighting Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit