A Southern Vintage Wedding at Panorama Farms in Earlysville, Virginia

High school sweethearts Erica (25 and a medievalist) and Robert (26 and a mathematician) said “I do” exactly nine and a half years after their first date, surrounded by the bucolic bliss of Panorama Farms in Earlysville, Virginia. Erica and Robert’s alfresco black-tie celebration included panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a decadent spread of Southern food and jazz music. “We wanted to create an extremely romantic, elegant setting, complete with champagne, vintage jazz and fireflies,” Erica says. A neutral palette of creams and blush blended seamlessly into the the natural beauty of the country backdrop, adding a sophisticated touch. Erica and Robert incorporated family heirlooms into their celebration, from a trophy that his grandfather won at a horse show (which was used to hold the bridal bouquet) to the macaroni and cheese they served in honor of Erica’s meemaw (grandmother). During the ceremony an arch was decked out with greenery and mason jars filled with floral arrangements were suspended from it. Guests were given fans to keep cool, along with envelopes of lavender and rosemary to toss as the newlyweds walked up the aisle. After the ceremony, Erica and Robert enjoyed a private picnic cloistered in a grove of trees, while their guests attended cocktail hour. A beautiful spread of fresh flowers, a cozy plaid blanket and picnic basket filled with delicious goodies awaited the newlyweds. A server brought the couple iced tea, champagne and hors d’oeuvres from the cocktail hour. “It was so wonderful to enjoy a private moment—and some of our favorite foods—while guests mingled,” Erica says. During cocktail hour, guests snacked on a Southern spread of fried oysters, ham biscuits, pimento cheese, Erica’s homemade pickles, shrimp and grits, and cracked crab and asparagus shooters. The celebration continued with dinner and dancing in a rustic barn that was decorated with hanging lanterns. “My favorite design detail was in the barn, which looked absolutely magical with lanterns hanging from the ceiling,” Erica says. —Marissa Hermanson