Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS

    19 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Decorations

    Looking for a golden idea? You're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. This Couple Set Out to Plan a Virginia Wedding That They'd Love as Much in 20 Years as They Did on the Big Day

This Couple Set Out to Plan a Virginia Wedding That They'd Love as Much in 20 Years as They Did on the Big Day

By Blythe Copeland
September 11, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The event was as classic as they come.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

High school sophomore Bryanna Marshall had been chatting up Nicholas Schwarting at a homecoming party on behalf of her friend—but the plan backfired when Nicholas asked for Bryanna's number instead: "I'm a terrible wing woman," she says.

Two months later, they started a relationship that lasted until Bryanna left for college. "It ended up not working out because of the long distance," says Nicholas, "but we always stayed in touch." When Bryanna moved home after finishing her degree, the couple resumed dating even adopted a puppy together before Bryanna moved (again!) to purse her graduate studies. Though they agreed to wait until she finished school to get engaged, Nicholas decided he couldn't wait any longer: He proposed on a Christmastime walk through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, just before their 10-year anniversary. "We were posing for a picture when Nicholas dropped onto one knee," says Bryanna. "I started sobbing before he was able to say anything!"

Bryanna and Nicholas hosted 140 guests for a ceremony and reception at the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, on May 18, 2019. "The architecture is classic and historic," says Nicholas. The venue fit the theme the couple wanted, which Bryanna describes as "classic, traditional, elegant, and romantic." While they created a memorable weekend for their guests, Bryanna and Nicholas also kept their priorities top of mind: "I dreamed of a room full of my favorite people with incredible music and my sweet husband by my side," says Bryanna. "Quite honestly, we could have been married in a barn, but I am beyond blessed from the support from our families, who put together a dream of a wedding day."

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Towering Beauty

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The Omni Homestead Resort had everything the couple was looking for in a wedding location. "Every corner of the venue was breathtaking," says Bryanna. They appreciated that guests could stay on the property—meaning they didn't have to worry about transportation—while taking advantage of the pools, spa, historic tours, and other amenities; they also loved that they could make a trip to the resort a family tradition. "Our dream was to pick more than a venue," says Bryanna. "We wanted something that we could return back to for anniversaries and eventually bring our children to."

  • What to Consider Before Choosing a Wedding Venue

2 of 20

3 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pure Elegance

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Bryanna had an idea of her dream wedding dress when she began shopping: "I anticipated lace," she says. "Lots of lace. But every lace dress I tried on didn't feel like a wedding gown." In the end, she chose a "classic and clean" satin number from Martina Liana with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a trumpet shape.

"I wouldn't say there was a moment when I knew it was the dress," she says. "I believe brides put a lot of pressure on themselves to find the perfect gown, when in the end I would have been happy marrying Nicholas in a brown paper bag." She accessorized the garment with low heels from Jimmy Choo, a blue stone bracelet from Kendra Scott, and "navy earrings that made me feel like they were made for Princess Diana," she says.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

In the Navy

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Bryanna chose navy blue gowns from Kleinfeld Bridal Party for her bridesmaids, creating a color palette that she knew would never go out of style. "I picked these dresses because I wanted clean and classic," she says. "I wanted the vision of the girls to be timeless for years to come."

4 of 20

5 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Bountiful Bouquet

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Bryanna's bouquet of creamy blooms included calla lilies, ranunculus, peonies, orchids, and Playa Blanca roses in a cascading shape, tied with a satin ribbon.

  • More of Our Favorite White Wedding Bouquets

5 of 20

6 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Man of the Hour

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Nicholas wore a navy-blue tuxedo from Men's Warehouse, which contrasted with the groomsmen's gray ensembles. "It's a color scheme that has classic written all over it," says Bryanna. Though they were happy with the end result, Nicholas realized later that a bespoke wedding-day outfit would have been worth the time and cost: "I should have worn a custom suit," he says. "That was my only regret."

  • Is a Custom Suit Worth It?

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Their First Look

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The couple planned to save their first look for Bryanna's walk down the aisle, but changed their minds at the last minute. "I knew Nicholas would most likely tear up during the ceremony, and selfishly, I wanted the pictures!" says Bryanna. "But Nicholas has terrible anxiety and I knew if we had a first look it would ease his nerves."

She was right: "I felt incredibly nervous before the first look," says Nicholas, "but once I saw my bride, I was excited and happy to marry my high school sweetheart and excited to see her come down the aisle."

  • Is a First Look Right for You? Consider These Pros and Cons

7 of 20

8 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ready for the Aisle

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

After the wedding party processed down the aisle to The Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition," played by a string trio, Bryanna's mother and father escorted her down the aisle to "Shallow" from A Star Is Born to meet Nicholas at the altar.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bold Blooms

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Under the ceremony site's pergola, large-scale floral arrangements in shades of white and green—including hydrangeas, peonies, and orchids—flanked the bridal party. Long garlands decorated the structure, while gold lanterns lined the aisle. "The easiest part of the process was picking the flowers and décor," says Bryanna.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Saying "I Do"

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The couple chose a religious service, officiated by Mike Frick of Cornerstone Chapel, which included communion.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The New Mr. and Mrs.

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

After the ceremony, the duo left their guests to enjoy the cocktail hour while they posed for portraits around the venue. Friends and family nibbled on small bites that included deviled eggs, white truffle chicken salad, and pancetta-wrapped shrimp, while a saxophonist played in the background.

  • More of Our Favorite Cocktail Hour Bites

11 of 20

12 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheers!

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The newlyweds opted not to serve a signature cocktail, but did ask guests to put their own signatures on a beverage: A bottle of Veuve Cliquot acted as their guest book, on which friends and family left their best wishes for their marriage.

  • Wedding Guests Books That Aren't Actually Books

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Golden Touch

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Bryanna and Nicholas incorporated the same gold stands seen at the ceremony during the reception, starting with a freestanding seating chart that directed guests to their assigned tables.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Light and Bright

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Inside the hotel's Dinner Hall, round tables dressed with floor-length white linens contrasted with dark wooden chairs. Alternating tall and low centerpieces included lush white flowers and rich greenery; they were placed on gold or crystal stands. The room's high ceilings and dramatic windows allowed plenty of natural light to shine in.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Up in the Air

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

All-white blooms in the centerpieces—which included calla lilies, orchids, and hydrangeas—worked with the white linens, simple place settings, and gold accents, creating a crisp, timeless look for the celebration.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dinner by Candlelight

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The newlyweds joined close family and friends at a long head table—which was decorated with a garland of deep green foliage and white flowers—that wrapped around a selection of pillar candles on gold pedestals. They also made time to go to each table and greet their guests individually, which ended up being one of the groom's favorite parts of the day. "It was nice to have a moment, even if it was brief, to say hi to all of our guests and thank them for coming," says Nicholas.

  • Acts of Thanks to Work Into Your Wedding Day

16 of 20

17 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

At the Table

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Scripted wooden place cards marked each guest's seat. A printed menu previewed the meal, which included a Bibb salad starter, a lemon sorbet course, and an entrée choice of beef tenderloin, parmesan-crusted chicken, or basil-ricotta tortellini—followed by a dessert of pistachio raspberry mousse cake.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Dance Floor Scare

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

The couple shared their first dance to Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" and then continued the party with live music from Brian and Friends. But a few minutes into dancing, Bryanna's allergies and asthma flared up—and she couldn't find her inhaler.

"Unfortunately, a tight chest turned into an asthma attack which turned into a panic attack," she says. "I ripped out all of my extensions and broke out in hives on my face and neck." But after she found her inhaler, "she popped right up and ran out to the dance floor," says Nicholas. "She is such a strong and empathetic woman to put her health aside to entertain her guests. I was begging her to go up to bed, but her stubbornness is just another aspect of her personality that I love."

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Feeling Blue

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

For their wedding cake, Bryanna and Nicholas chose an unconventional dessert: A vanilla cake with marbled icing, perched on a tower of ombré macarons in two flavors—cookies and cream and birthday cake—from Fresh Baked. The food was the only reason they were willing to pause their dancing: "Once the party started, we didn't want any interruption that would make the day feel shorter!" says Bryanna. "We wanted continuous fun and laughs until they kicked us out of the reception hall!"

  • More Fun Ways to Serve French Macarons at Your Wedding

19 of 20

20 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

Credit: Kiyah C. Photography

Photography, Kiyah C. Crittendon  

Event Planning, Design, and Flowers, Caroline LaRocca Event Design

Venue and Catering, The Omni Homestead Resort

Videography, DP Videography

Officiant, Mike Frick, Cornerstone Chapel

Stationery, Minted

Cake, Fresh Baked  

Music, Brian and Friends (reception); TingTingBells (ceremony)

Bride's gown, Martina Liana

Bride’s accessories, Jimmy Choo shoes; Kendra Scott bracelet; Aspen Jewelry Designs jewelry

Hair and makeup, Hair Harmony Salon

Bridesmaids' dresses, Kleinfeld Bridal Party

Groom's suit and accessories, Men's Wearhouse

Menswear, Men's Wearhouse

Engagement and wedding rings, Aspen Jewelry Designs

Guest Book, Etsy

Signage, Leah Letters

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
`
View All
  • Five Essential Details to Consider When Planning an At-Home Wedding
  • A Classic New York Wedding at the Bowery Hotel
  • Chrissy Teigen Just Shared a Rare Photo of Her After-Party Wedding Dress
  • Should You Serve an Additional Dessert Course If You're Already Serving Wedding Cake?
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 20
2 of 20 Towering Beauty
3 of 20 Pure Elegance
4 of 20 In the Navy
5 of 20 A Bountiful Bouquet
6 of 20 Man of the Hour
7 of 20 Their First Look
8 of 20 Ready for the Aisle
9 of 20 Bold Blooms
10 of 20 Saying "I Do"
11 of 20 The New Mr. and Mrs.
12 of 20 Cheers!
13 of 20 Golden Touch
14 of 20 Light and Bright
15 of 20 Up in the Air
16 of 20 Dinner by Candlelight
17 of 20 At the Table
18 of 20 A Dance Floor Scare
19 of 20 Feeling Blue
20 of 20 Sources

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service
  • Media Kit
  • Sitemap
  • Martha's Blog
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • FAQ
  • Corporate
  • International

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

This Couple Set Out to Plan a Virginia Wedding That They'd Love as Much in 20 Years as They Did on the Big Day
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.