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Amanda & John: An Outdoor Wedding in Boones Mill, VA

Amanda Trostle and John Kinney met eight years ago when they were in a band together. Amanda was a rhythm guitarist, and John was a singer. It wasn't

Amanda Trostle and John Kinney met eight years ago when they were in a band together. Amanda was a rhythm guitarist, and John was a singer. It wasn't long before they were composing their own personal love song. THE BRIDE Amanda Trostle, a high-school Spanish teacher THE GROOM John Kinney, an adult ESOL instructor THE DATE July 26 The avid world travelers got engaged during a birthday (hers) hike in Shenandoah National Park. John likes to take pictures, Amanda explains, and I usually want to keep trekking. So it was no surprise when John stopped so he could dig through his camera equipment. When he said to Amanda, Hey, can you hold this for a second? she absentmindedly stuck out her hand, expecting a roll of film or a lens cap. What she got was a tiny box containing an engagement ring.

The Reception
Bouquets and centerpieces mixed vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow, and incorporated green apples, lemons, and oranges.
The Ring Bearer
The Bridal Bouquet
The Ceremony Decor
The Bridesmaid Looks
The Bridesmaid Bouquets
The 100 guests dined on grilled veggies with walnut pesto, peach barbecued chicken, and char-grilled salmon. Carafes of sangria were set on the tables, and a pyramid of fruit-filled chocolate cupcakes adorned with flowers and more fruit was topped with a small cake for Amanda and John to cut.
The Ceremony Decor
A bar was set up near a lovely stream, and the trees around the reception tent were hung with votive candles set in hanging mason jars. Before the couple departed through a shower of sparklers, they boogied on the dance floor with their enthusiastic guests.
The Flower Girl Details
When it came time to plan their wedding, Amanda and John headed back home -- or, more specifically, to Amanda's childhood home in Boones Mill, Virginia. The bride and groom each walked down the aisle of rose petals with both of their parents, finally reaching the base of a magnificent magnolia tree. A Celtic band played, and the wedding ceremony included a handfasting ritual.
The celebration that followed had a Latin flavor. The music was an eclectic mix of Latin tunes and favorites from the past. The overall theme was color and diversity, Amanda points out. I enjoyed watching various friends and relatives being ridiculous on the dance floor. My, how they love 'YMCA'!
The Reception