1. Real Weddings

Lauren & Jason: A Traditional Wedding in Afton, VA

Lauren and Jason first met at a real estate conference in Hilton Head. The two hit it off, and later on a trip to Palm Beach, Jason popped the questio

Lauren and Jason first met at a real estate conference in Hilton Head. The two hit it off, and later on a trip to Palm Beach, Jason popped the question with a ring he had hidden inside a seashell that he’d “found” on the beach. The Bride Lauren Hess, 22, optician’s assistant The Groom Jason Weaver, 27, VP The Date July 8 The couple returned to the bride’s home state of Virginia to marry, planning long-distance from their home in South Carolina. “Our planner made it so easy,” Lauren says. “The hardest parts were picking out the bridesmaid dresses and making the seating chart.” The couple held their reception at Veritas Vineyard, near Lauren’s hometown and overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Jason loves wine, which made it even more perfect,” Lauren says.

Guests enjoyed a five-tiered square cake with pearl-beaded edges and fresh orchids adorning each tier.
Lauren and Jason’s centerpieces were lit up with pinlights, and single figs were set at each place setting on top of the menus and folded napkins.
The cocktail hour was held outside, where small jelly jars filled with votive candles added a soft glow.
Wreaths of green, ivory, blue, and purple hydrangea tied with wide white ribbons marked the seats of honor for the bride and groom at the reception.
As guests entered the reception, they could leave notes, advice, and wishes for the newlyweds in the “well-wishing jar” set up near the entrance.
Lauren and Jason celebrated their nuptials with their guests in a huge room with gossamer-draped walls and ceiling.
Lauren and Jason shared their first dance to their band’s, The Jangling Reinharts, rendition of Elvis Presley’s “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.”
Lauren’s bridesmaids carried purple and green bouquets filled with orchids, hydrangea, and hypericum berries.
The Reception Decor
Lauren and Jason wed in the church the bride attended as a girl. The bride walked down the aisle to the traditional hymn “Morning Has Broken,” played by a trio made up of guitar, upright bass, and mandolin.
Lauren and Jason chose rustic, nature-inspired centerpieces that included figs and grapes as well as flowers like wild roses and hydrangeas. Some were low, while others were in tall glass vases filled with figs.