• Real Weddings

This gorgeous teal and gray wedding was carefully crafted to combine hints of classic wedding elements and touches of rustic charm. Amber Grove in Moseley, VA was the perfect place for Kirsten and Christian to say "I Do".
Aside from the flowers and cake, it was a complete DIY affair! Even more remarkable is the fact that it was pieced together from 7,000 miles away. Kirsten and Christian flew from Hawaii to Virginia to ensure that their beloved families and friends would be able to attend. As you read on you will see all the love that their families contributed into every aspect of this wedding, all beautifully photographed by Porter Watkins. As always, more of this beautiful event can be viewed in the gallery here.

One of the most important elements of the day besides the actual ceremony itself, was my dress. Although originally, I thought I would buy a dress like most brides these days, I was privileged to wear my grandmother's dress, handed down to me by my mother who also wore it. Both women encouraged me to alter the dress to fit my style, but the final design didn't actually happen until about 3 weeks before the wedding. I had planned on a structural yet simple style reminiscent of the Victorian era, but because of a wedding disaster turned happy accident due to a snafu with a local seamstress I wound up with the dress you see in our photos.

The day was beautiful, the sun was warm and the breeze was gentle. Love and family surrounded us. We had contributions to our day from almost every immediately family member and friend. Decor wise, my Mom and I spent weeks hand making little things (on our respective sides of the world) from flower pom poms, to wood burned centerpieces and escort cards. In the first few months of our engagement, my Mom began a mission to thrift like crazy for an eclectic china collection that would save us from the high cost of renting china, but also create a base for the feel of the day. Thanks to my super sweet Mother-In-Law and my Mom's best friend Tricia, we had homemade apple butter and an eclectic mix of jams for favors for our guests.

Our delicious cake was baked and delivered by The Desserterie, a Richmond staple. Too bad my Mom got to do the tasting... well, too bad for us. The cake turned out beautiful delicious (best wedding cake ever!) and the topper I made by painting miniatures of ourselves with wooden figures ordered off of Etsy. My Mom also put together our awesome candy bar that served as an extra take home for our guests.

Photographer: Porter Watkins Venue & Caterer: Amber Grove Cake: The Desserterie Flowers: Pandora's Posies Classical Guitarist: Rafael ScarfulleryCinematography: Jay Robinson | DJ: Jerry Strickland