Saturday, we wound our way around country roads, passing vineyards and equestrian racetracks to arrive at the wedding of Eboni and Leon Council. It was held just outside of Charlottesville at a charming B&B and venue named, Rosebrook Inn. The inn boasted 4 suites adjoining a large, airy gathering room. The downstairs held ample space for Eboni's late-night karaoke jam, and an eclectic Coca-Cola room for guests to cool down in. The entire inn was wrapped in white picket decking and crepe myrtles. Eboni held her ceremony outside at the gazebo.
Meet Eboni! She is a blast! I've been looking forward to this wedding for a while. Eboni and I hit it off, goodness... it seems like it was a year ago that she booked me for the day. She has big expressive eyes, and lots of tricks up her sleeves. She surprised her wedding guests with a doughnut truck at the wedding, flower girls dressed as frozen characters, and 3 wardrobe changes!
Upper left, you'll see her bridesmaid's dresses that I freshly steamed. Below them, you'll meet Jasmine, Eboni's planner. She was super sweet and organized. She is from Agape Love Events, LLC. Above right, Eboni dons her tiara and cathedral length veil before walking down the aisle. Her ceremony dress was a full ballgown, covered in large fluffy roses.
Her gowns were from Church Street Bridal. The cathedral veil was from The Gilded Thimble. Eboni made her own bouquet. I could go on and on about the details of this wedding! Each table had a cake on it. Each table had hand-wired place settings denoting the guests that should sit there. So every guest received his/her name wired in copper as a favor to take home.
Here are pictures of her other dress...
The first picture shows how Eboni wore this gown to her "first look" moment. Remember, she has tricks up her sleeve?! Leon was not really sure about doing a "first look", because he's a traditional guy and didn't want to see her gown before Eboni walked down the aisle. When her future husband and family members saw her in this first dress, she didn't spoil the surprise. They thought that it was her ceremony gown. ;)
The second picture shows the dress bustled for the reception. She also has on her birdcage veil that The Gilded Thimble whipped up for her. We selected a brooch, an ostrich feather, and a bit a tulle, and combined them all to make a fascinator which complemented her dress.
The final picture shows her front bustles, which would get her dress off of the ground all the way around. Eboni joked and called these her "Delta Burke" bustles. Remember the 80's prom dresses that had this look? It's perfect for a night of celebration!
"Nope, nope, don't make me cry!" These were Jasmine's words before she left Eboni to walk the aisle. I loved her body language at this moment. It sums up the feelings we often have with brides. Yes, this is a job, but we get connected. I feel like it's my job to somehow fall in love with every bride we work with. Eboni made that easy to do. I'm glad my heart comes through to my brides! Eboni gave me a perfect, new nick-name. "Friendor" Get it? It's a wedding vendor who is also a friend. So sweet!
Other vendors not mentioned above:
Planner: Agape Love Events
Videographer: Andrew Tawes Photography
Photographer: Santiago Vidal, U Imagine Photography
Cake: Whole Foods
Catering: Hank's Smokehouse
DJ: Andy Wilfong