A Romantic, Fairy Tale-Inspired Wedding at a Private Residence in New Market, Virginia

With only six months of planning, Brittany Gum (25 and a showroom and furniture designer) and Ben Smith (27 and a director of business strategy) pulled off a magical wedding at Brittany’s family farm in New Market, Virginia’s beautiful countryside. “I have always had this obsession with ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ so I was going for a grown-up, subtle fairy tale theme,” Brittany says. “We added little touches from the fairy tale, like glass cloches with the table numbers, vintage gates and ‘be our guest’ tags. There were enchanted flowers everywhere!” Opulent floral arrangements in soft pinks and purples set a romantic tone, while Virginia’s lush Shenandoah Valley and mountains provided a breathtaking backdrop. “I have always wanted an outside wedding on the farm, but I also wanted the feeling of getting married in a church,” Brittany says. “After going around the farm, we found the perfect hill to create an outdoor 'church.' ” A wrought-iron gate adorned with garlands, peonies and roses formed the entrance to the ceremony area, which was held in a field overlooking the mountains. Reclaimed white church pews, an aisle carpeted in flower petals, and a six-foot cross covered in garlands and roses created a heavenly outdoor sanctuary for the couple to say “I do.” The reception tent was constructed over two trees that flanked a wooden dance floor. Crystal chandeliers, vintage furniture and gold decor added an air of luxury. And a color scheme of ivory, gold, blush pink and royal purple created a dreamy atmosphere. The black-tie affair culminated with a dramatic fireworks show, a surprise planned by Brittany’s parents. —Marissa Hermanson