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A Wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a Quintessentially-Fall Color Palette

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A Wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a Quintessentially-Fall Color Palette

By Jillian Kramer

July 12, 2019

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This couple embraced autumn's boldest hues while designing their classic nuptials.

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It took a little work on Sally's part to convince Luke to give up his single glory days and date her; but once he committed to her as a college sophomore, he was smitten. By the time he proposed more than seven years later, that was still the case—in fact, he was beyond nervous to pop the question. Just before he asked for Sally's hand, "he stepped on my foot and I was annoyed because I had no idea why he was being so weird," she says. But then, "he dropped to one knee and the rest is history."

The Washington, D.C. couple decided to host their October 27, 2018, wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, making the fête a destination wedding of sorts. "Although Charlottesville isn't the Bahamas, it's not super easy to get to and required a lot of logistical planning in advance for the type of accommodations and vendors we wanted to have," Sally says. "Luckily, we have amazing family and friends from all over the country who were happy to make the trip and they loved the area."

The couple also loves Charlottesville: It's the place they'd often travel to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. And they'd discovered Pippin Hill, their venue, on one of those trips. "When we were there, there was a wedding happening that evening, and I commented this is the exact place I envisioned getting married at," she says.

With 184 guests by their sides, the couple wed in a celebration that embraced fall's boldest hues—red and burgundy, with green accents—and its bounty. "Our wedding day was everything we wanted: elegant details with touches of both our personalities, effortless flow, but most importantly, a hell of a good time," Sally says.

Watch Sally and Luke's wedding video by Shaking Hands Productions.

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An Unparalleled Location

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Pippin Hill boasted both spectacular outdoor spaces—with views of its vineyards—and elegant indoor spaces; the couple used both for their wedding day.

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Seasonal Invitations

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"Our stationary was gorgeous, and it totally set the tone," Sally says of the invitation suite created by Steph B. and Co. Using Pippin Hill and the season as inspiration, the suite featured burgundy envelopes and liners, and was tied with a velvet ribbon.

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Lucky Number Four

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Can You Ever Try on Too Many Wedding Dresses?

Sally's Ines Di Santo wedding dress was the fourth she tried on, and she fell for its long, lace sleeves. She paired the garment with a wedge pump and a veil by the same designer.

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A Vintage Bauble

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The bride also donned a statement sapphire ring—the central blue stone was surrounded by diamonds—that was a family heirloom.

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A Groom in Burgundy

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21 Grooms Who Wore Colorful Wedding Suits

Luke wore an Enzo tuxedo with a color palette-appropriate burgundy dinner jacket.

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Silly First Look

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The couple shared a first look. "We are both really silly," Sally says, " so we took that moment to just be ourselves and let the nerves escape us!"

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Autumnal Bouquet

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52 Gorgeous Fall Wedding Bouquets

Sally's bouquet was designed by Wild Green Yonder, made with seasonal garden blooms—in varying shades of rich burgundy and warm blush—and greenery.

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Wedding Party

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Bridesmaids wore red dresses by Katie May, while groomsmen donned suits from Friar Tux.

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A Ceremony Under the Tent

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Here's What Every Type of Wedding Tent Looks Like

The couple held their ceremony on the grounds of Pippin Hill, beneath a sailcloth tent to protect themselves and guests from potential showers. "The ceremony was so perfect and in the most beautiful setting," recalls Sally. "I remember looking around and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world right before we said our vows."

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Walking Down the Aisle

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Sally's father walked her down the aisle as "Canon D in Major" played.

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Religious Vows

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Religious, Spiritual, and Civil Wedding Ceremonies: What Makes Each Different?

Reverend Canon Richard A. Lord officiated the duo's religious ceremony.

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Cocktail Hour

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In addition to serving drinks during cocktail hour, Sally and Luke also offered freshly shucked oysters. There was one other highlight of the interlude. "We got to see the sunset during cocktail hour—it was perfectly timed," Sally says.

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Escort Cards

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Planner Evoke Design & Creative designed the couple's escort card display, a board on which drawings of Sally and Luke were pinned. The drawings depicted the couple in three ways—as Patriot fans, at their first meeting, and on their wedding day—and were emblazoned with guests' table numbers. "They were the best," Sally says.

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A Glowing Reception

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Hanging Décor Ideas Guaranteed to Elevate Your Wedding

Inside the reception space, lanterns and garlands hung from the ceiling. Tables were alternately topped with burgundy linens or left bare, and lined with gray café-style chairs. Dozens and dozens of candles made the space glow.