Last week, we hosted DC friends, Adrienne and Shamik, for brunch at our place and toasted to their one year anniversary over mimosas. It is hard to believe 12 months have past since Kristian and I spent a romantic weekend in Virgina’s beautiful wine country celebrating this amazing couple.  I couldn’t resist dedicating a Celebrate Everyday post to their inspiring wedding weekend and all the fun details.

AN Estate to Remember 

Elegantly standing at the base of the blue ridge mountains, Keswick Hall at Monticello was the perfect combination of romantic elegance and historic charm to host the couples’ ceremony, reception and overnight guests.

Immediately upon entering the villa inspired space, guests were greeted with the sights and smells of fall…a fire roaring in the lobby, hot cider waiting for you at every turn and the fall foliage in full view from every gathering space. It was delightfully warm and welcoming. More on Keswick later…

Food Trucks, Cider Beer & a Blue Grass Band to Boot

On Friday evening, we joined the future Mr. & Mrs. for a festive welcome dinner at Castle Hill Cider. A blue grass band, JackAss Flats, played folk inspired tunes under a canopy of white lights strung from Cider Barn’s wooden beam ceilings. Food trucks served up hot cider donuts by Carpe Donuts and Blue Ridge Pizza Co.’s wood brick oven pizzas, while bartenders in the tasting room served a variety of cider beers and wines. What a wonderful way to kick off the weekend.

 

Wine Country, Thomas Jefferson and Archery 

 During downtime, guests were encouraged to enjoy the local vineyards, hiking trails and activities offered on site at the estate. For the Pearsons…we jumped in on the complimentary archery lessons, played chess by a roaring fire and took a tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate.

 

VOWS FROM THE HEART

Adrienne and Shamik invited guests to an intimate and spiritual Hindu wedding ceremony late day on Saturday. It was thoughtfully planned and filled with joyful moments, like the one captured in the photo above just after they were announced husband and wife.

Cocktails, Candlelight and Homemade Sweet Potatoe Pie

 

The reception embraced the fall season and showcased all the charm the estate had to offer. Spirits and hor d’oeuvres were served in one of the estates elegant lounges and billiards room. Guests were then escorted downstairs to join the couple for toasts and a candlelit dinner in the ballroom.

 

After a delicious meal, we DANCED the night away, snapped photos with friends in the photo booth, and fully indulged in sweet potato and cheery pie for dessert.

 AN OH SO STYLISH COUPLE

If I had to choose three words to describe bride and grooms’ attire I would have to say…chic, timeless and WOW. The bride wore a hot pink Halston Heritage gown for the traditional Hindu ceremony and then took everyone’s breath away with a long, golden Badgley Mischka gown for the reception. The groom was styled in an Armani suit and shoes designed by Prada. They looked spectacular.

 

middle ScHOOL Reunion 

My favorite part of the weekend was the reunion with friends Kristian and I share from our hometown. I actually met the groom and most of the folks in this photo in middle school. These important and life changing celebrations only bring us together once every few years. It was such a treat to see everyone and catch up on life.

Congrats on your one year anniversary! Thank you again for making us apart of your magical Monticello weekend.

With Love & Celebration,

Rae

Photos courtesy of Nick Kessler Photography

Shamik and Adrienne’s Vendors: 

Photo Booth – Virginia Photo Booths and More, Mechanicsville, VA
Dessert – Keswick Hall Pastry Chef – Jenn Riesman
Blue Grass Band – Jackass Flats via Sam Hill Entertainment
Friday Venue – Castle Hill Cider, Keswick, VA
Friday Catering – Carpe Donut and Blue Ridge Pizza Co.
Reception DJ – JG Entertainment, Arlington, VA
Photography – Nick Kessler, Richmond, VA
Videographer – East West Productions, VA
Florals / decor – Southern Blooms and MS Events
Planner – Engaging Affairs, Alexandria, VA