We love ourselves a grand ole wedding, really, we do - but at the end of the day, if we have our partner and our bestie by our side, that's all we really need. A stunning estate to ground it all doesn't hurt, either! The Dover Hall Estate is an incredible venue outside of Richmond, Virginia, with extensive grounds, several guest rooms, and unique design features. Many of its poignant pieces inside were sourced directly from Europe, when it was built. There is not a venue to match it in the area. And oh yeah, it's even been featured on an episode of The Bachelorette! Just sayin...
Keep scrolling to see more photos captured by Angela Elise (who also created the faultless film below). Kristin Shockley of Lustre Theory designed and produced all of the styling magic while Photosynthesis Floral Design brought the brilliant blooms. The bride wore several couture gowns direct from Marchesa, which effused flowing, romantic vibes. For this talented wedding crew, it was all about the non-traditional bride - who wanted a look plucked from personal expression, color, and all the details. All of the images are in the full gallery, so be sure to click through and read on to hear more from Melanie at Dover Hall.
The shoot follows a bride getting ready for her day with her Maid of Honor. She has chosen two stunning Marchesa gowns with incredible detailing. The editorial moves through her spring wedding day with her husband to be and her best friend by her side. They enjoy the table decor with all its breads, fruits, platters and bubbly.
The table styling includes luscious still life details and dramatic linens from La Tavola Fine Linen. These details help to bring the tablescape to life, you can see yourself sitting down and picking up that glittering coupe glass full of sparkling wine. Interacting with it, reaching for one of those grapes and cutting into the bread.
The florals from Photosynthesis were flowing and romantic, with organic blooms that accented the color choices and overall feel so well. The blooms are also used within the cake vignette, against that kelly green dinIng room wall. The cake styling mirrors the rest of the colors and richness of the shoot, featuring a robin's egg blue cake created by Sweet Fix.
Included with the table design are six stunning floral chairs that mirror each other on opposing sides. Everything together comprised a wonderfully-magical scene in the rose gardens at Dover Hall.
The custom designed stationery pieces are hand-painted with gold foil detailing and calligraphy. They have a whimsical French influence and coloring that pulls from the accents and styling of the shoot and sets a strong tone of this day for guests. Each part of this day fits together and shows the couple's love for design and romance.