An Enchanting Estate Wedding at Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania, Virginia

Shannon Hopper (23 and a marketing director) and Ryan Shaughnessy (23 and a Contract Specialist for United States Coast Guard) met during their early years in college. He lived in a house fully of guys and she in a room full of girls, so they spent their evenings chatting one another over instant messenger. She was intrigued by his serious yet sweet personality and they began dating in the fall. A few years later, Ryan and Shannon went for a dinner picnic in Washington, DC overlooking the Potomac. Ryan took hold of the intimate moment as the perfect opportunity for a proposal, just the two of them as she'd always wanted. Shannon had spent most of her life in the Fredericksburg area so the couple found a nearby venue that was filled with the comforts of home. The estate had different areas where they were able to hold each part of the wedding. The bride and groom each got ready in an area of the beautiful estate house, and after set out onto the sprawling lawn for the ceremony. Shannon walked down an aisle of white wooden chairs decorated with twine crafts leading up to an ivory draped arbor. Leading into the reception, guests picked up their escort "cards", packets of pink cotton candy inspired by the bride and grooms favorite snack. The rustic decor, inspired by the venue itself, was accompanied by blush pink and soft yellow hues and laced with accents of mercury gold. The brides father built and stained each of the flower boxes on the tables to add a special personal touch. After finding their seats, guests made their way to the build-your-own macaroni and cheese bar following by a wide selection of different flavored cupcakes. The late-night snacks, full menu of comfort food and handmade decor really reflected Shannon and Ryan as a couple.