A Southern Glam Wedding at Shadow Creek in Purcellville, Virginia

Not ones to “dress up,” Lyndsay Johnston (27 and a facilities coordinator) and Cody Carlyle (23 and a salesman) set out to plan a wedding that combined country elements with sophistication. “We grew up in rural areas wearing boots, living on farms and embracing a casual lifestyle,” Lyndsay says. “We wanted everyone to feel that.” Deer antlers were a recurring motif for the festivities held at Cody’s family’s venue, Shadow Creek. They worked them into their custom logo, then used that design for invitations, favor decals and signage. For the bride, the lush ceremony arch was best in show. “I just stared at it from my window, taking it all in.” A real deer antler held the bride’s bouquet of roses and dahlias. To honor her late grandparents, Lyndsay attached her grandma’s locket bearing their photo. The reception’s mixed assortment included oversize lanterns and mock whiskey barrels, plus place settings of mismatched china. “We used many items my mom had been purchasing over time at auctions, sales and online,” the bride says. Vines and hanging wood votives decorated a rustic chandelier. The red velvet and champagne cake was covered in cream cheese mousse and vanilla bean buttercream. The pair included the family horse, Gus, in a few postceremony pictures.