As they started the task of planning their wedding, Jenny and Brendan began with a basic question: big wedding or small? Ultimately, they opted for the former, realizing that the bigger the big day, the more love they’d get to share with friends and family. And the decision paid off, especially at the ceremony during the ring warming (a tradition in which the rings are passed through the crowd so guests can “warm” them with well wishes).
“Our guests were so dedicated in their warming that we needed an extra minute of music before the rings made it back to our officiant,” says Jenny.
After settling on the wedding size, the couple focused on making the wedding special—not just for themselves, but for guests, too. “We wanted to provide them with an experience that showed how much we appreciated them traveling and going out of their way to be with us,” Jenny says.
THE DETAILS Day-of coordinator: Julia Define of Down the Aisle Events Ceremony and reception venue: James Monroe’s Highland Officiant: Personal friend Catering: Harvest Moon Catering Flowers: Hedge Fine Blooms (bouquet and boutonnières) Cake: Albemarle Baking Company Music: Plum Blossom Music trio (ceremony and cocktail hour); Dennis Payne, DJ Playback (reception) Dress: Eddie K. Shoes: Badgley Mischka Rings: David Yurman (engagement ring); James McHone Jewelry, Harrisonburg (bands) Hair and makeup: The Spot Beauty Shop Videographer: Sallah Baloch Donuts: Duck Donuts Lighting: MS Events and Virginia Tent Rentals Ring bearer outfits: Janie and Jack Invitations: Minted
By Caite Hamilton
Caite has been at C-VILLE since 2007, when she started as a part-time proofreader. Over the last 16 years, she's held the positions of Online Editor and Special Sections Editor. Currently the Magazine Editor of C-VILLE, Caite oversees content in special issues and special publications (ABODE, Knife & Fork, C-VILLE Weddings, and Best of C-VILLE).