A Rustic Woodland and Plaid Rehearsal Dinner

The night before their Christmas-themed wedding, Paige Sandbrook and Michael Handza, their bridal party and close family members joined together at Howard's Creek Lodge. The fly-fishing camp, located on the property of the pair's Virginia wedding venue, The Greenbrier, boasts a white oak log structure, where the rehearsal dinner took place.

Originally a barn, built in 1840, the building was a great spot for the elegant and intimate event.

Escort cards calligraphed by Arney Walker were glued to reindeer figurines (originally made to be cupcake toppers) that had been spray painted gold and set out with pinecones.

A guitarist played a mixture of acoustic renditions of Christmas tunes, classic rock, and country songs.

The Greenbrier's signature stir sticks were added to the beverages.

Round tables were set with plaid linens, rustic wood chairs, and sage green napkins. Roaring fires gave the room a warm glow.

Guests dined on a family-style feast of cornbread, buttermilk biscuits with apple butter, Caesar salad with smoked shrimp; slow-smoked barbecued beef brisket, macaroni and cheese, cast-iron fried chicken, country-style green beans, Portobello mushrooms and bell peppers with creamy stone-ground grits, and finally bread pudding with vanilla sauce.

Lanterns, antlers, pheasant feathers, berries, pinecones, and greenery came together for the centerpieces. A woodland-themed Christmas tree added to the rustic scene.

Photography: Kate Headley

Location and Catering: Howard's Creek Lodge at The Greenbrier

Event Planning: Pineapple Productions 

Flowers: Gillespies Flowers 

Stationery: Cheree Berry Paper 

Calligraphy: Arney Walker Calligraphy 

Music: Robbie Dummitt

Hair and Makeup: Lou Stevens