1. Real Weddings

A Chic, Rustic Wedding at West Manor Estate in Forest, Virginia

Marlee Flynt (24 and a registered nurse) found the check for her engagement ring weeks before Michael Bryant (26 and a police officer) was able to pro

Marlee Flynt (24 and a registered nurse) found the check for her engagement ring weeks before Michael Bryant (26 and a police officer) was able to propose to her. She was on her toes waiting for the proposal for four weeks, but Michael managed to catch her off guard by popping the question by a lake on their way to brunch with their family. Marlee and Michael had a southern chic wedding at West Manor Estate in Forest, Virginia. They chose an elegant color palette of blush, gray and dusty purple with red and gold accents for their rustic, fall occasion. Floral arrangements of red dahlias and hydrangeas in white, green, pink and blue beautifully wreathed the dining tables in the manor's ballroom. The bridesmaids dressed in blush and dusty purple while the groomsmen wore charcoal gray suits to match the wedding colors. As a nod to Michael's profession as a police officer, guests were served coffee and a variety of donuts from Uncle Joe's Donuts for dessert. Marlee and Michael didn't sweat the small stuff and stayed true to their vision for the wedding. "A wedding is whatever you want it to be," Marlee says. "At the end of the day, it's only about you and your significant other making a commitment to each other for the rest of your lives."

Marlee and her bridesmaids carried bouquets with white, powder blue and blush hydrangeas, dusty miller and red dahlias.
Marlee wore a beautiful lace fit-and-flare wedding dress with cap sleeves and a beaded belt.
The bridesmaids wore floor length dresses in the styles of their choice in shades of blush, dusty purple and gray.
Michael wore a three piece, charcoal gray suit with a gray tie and a white rose boutonniere.
Marlee and Michael were married at the Mountain View United Methodist Church in Forest, Virginia. This is the church Marlee's parents belong to and that Marlee grew up attending.
Wedding Party in Blush, Gray and Dusty Purple
The reception was held at West Manor Estate in Forest, Virginia.
The ballroom at West Estate Manor features large, sunny windows and beautiful crystal chandeliers.
Textured Silver Linens on the Sweetheart Table
Centerpieces at the reception consisted of flower arrangements with red dahlias, pink, green and white hydrangeas and pink astilbes.
For dessert, guests enjoyed a variety of donuts provided by Uncle Joe's donuts, including chocolate, glazed, maple and caramel apple donuts. Marlee and Michael also served their guests coffee as a nod to Michael's career as a police officer.
Heart Shaped Signs for Donuts
The small white cake that Marlee and Michael cut for the cake cutting was provided by a close family friend and professional baker, Jenn Anne of Jenn Anne Cupcakes.
Sparkler Exit at West Manor Estate