Molly and Greg's Virginia Meets Amalfi Coast Wedding

Molly and Gregory met at a bar in Atlanta. She told him he had dreamy eyes, and he asked for her number. Seven years later, they tied the knot. For their big day on May 18, 2014, they returned to Molly's hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The outdoor celebration at Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club was a family affair, making it even more special. Her mom helped with the planning, a friend designed the stationery, another friend performed at the ceremony, and friends' children joined in the bridal party.

Both the bride and groom spent time during college in Italy, and both also love the beach. As the inspiration for their event, they put these two elements together, which led to a vibe reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast. The invitation suite first introduced the wedding's white palette accented with a deep blue hue. The paperie, designed by the couple's friend Austin DeBoer, boasted branch illustrations and a custom monogram. 

The couple selected the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club for their wedding venue. The location offers stunning views and also overlooks the house where the bride's mother grew up. The special place sits in the marina on Little Neck Creek and fulfilled the couple's desire to host an alfresco wedding in which they could enjoy the beautiful sunset and vista with their loved ones.

Prior to the wedding, guests were greeted with an illustration of the lovebirds as mermaids. The drawing also graced cups used at the welcome cookout.

Gregory donned white pants, a pink shirt, and a double-breasted navy blazer from Brooks Brothers. He accessorized the look with a plaid bow tie from The Tie Bar. Molly dazzled in an Elizabeth Fillmore gown. "I wanted something bohemian, romantic, feminine, and easy to dance in," she says of the dress she selected. She added a veil from Ava Clara, a gold-leaf hair clip by Jennifer Behr, and Charlotte Olympia navy-and-white "Admiral" heels for an added nautical touch and to serve as her "something blue." A gold and diamond circular pendant served as her "something old," as her mother had given it to her years prior.

Molly's bridesmaids wore blush-and-white two-tone gowns by Jim Hjelm Occasions.

Molly and Gregory's godchildren served as flower girls, wearing Isabel Garreton dresses, gold Crewcuts heart lockets, and fresh floral crowns. They walked barefoot down the aisle as they tossed petals.

The ring bearer, clad in white seersucker short-alls from Etsy and carrying the wedding bands on a customized linen ring pillow also from Etsy, followed the flower girls.

"He said, 'You ready for this?' and was so excited he ran me down the aisle," Molly says of her father and their entrance as the Galliard Trio played classical music. 

The ceremony was written by Molly and Gregory, and officiated by their friend James, who added in a homily and a few other personal touches. Readings included "I Carry Your Heart with Me" by E.E. Cummings and an excerpt from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" by Louis de Bernieres.

As the couple walked up the aisle together, guests tossed rose petals in celebration of their union.

Molly's bouquet, made by Palette of Petals, comprised pink and white peonies, Queen Anne's lace, white hydrangeas, stephanotis, and scabiosa. Satin and lace from her wedding gown tied the blooms together at the stems.

A cluster of white scabiosa adorned the groom's lapel.

The bride's brothers, Alex and Scott, shower her with some love.

After the ceremony, everyone walked over to a lawn furnished with Adirondack chairs for the coastal cocktail hour. They sipped on Painkillers as a signature drink; the rum libation is a favorite of the bride's family.

Escort cards were made by Molly's mother and aunt, using the signature blue of the day and pinning them to fabric hung by the entrance of the dinner tent.

At the reception, round tables were set with centerpieces of white hydrangea, wax flowers, and greenery. The menu was framed in silver and set out with custom matches. The matches were made by the man of honor, and printed with their new, shared last name on one side and the wedding date on the other.

The folded napkins at each place setting boasted sprigs of fresh rosemary. White paper lanterns in a variety of sizes were hung overhead in the tent.

The long farm tables were dressed with linen runners. Centerpieces of wooden bases held glass test tubes of petite white flowers and assorted greenery. 

The classic almond cake was enrobed with buttercream icing and stephanotis vine. "My favorite part of weddings is the cake," Molly says. "I wanted ours to be classic and delicious. It was amazing, and we had it for breakfast the next day."

"Your Song" by Elton John played in the background during the duo's first official dance as husband and wife.

A life ring buoy (painted to match the invites) was set out instead of a traditional guest book for attendees to sign as a keepsake of the day. 

Photography and Videography: Echard Wheeler 

Location and Catering: Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club

Event Planning: Julie Morgan of As You Wish

Flowers: Palette of Petals 

Stationery: Austin DeBoer

Cake: The Custom Cake Shoppe (757-463-2253)

Music: Galliard Trio; The Mystic Soul Bubbas 

Hair: Jessica Dorman of DaDa Salon

Makeup: Alex Fleear of Ava Clara Bridal