Captured by KYLIE MARTIN and designed by AMORE EVENTS CO., Story and Matt’s wedding weekend at THE CLIFTON INN in Charlottesville, Virginia, was the perfect balance of elegance and ease. Both born and raised in Virginia, the couple felt drawn to the area’s rolling hills and intimate charm. They envisioned a weekend that felt immersive — a chance for family and friends to gather, stay, and celebrate together.
The festivities began at KESWICK HUNT CLUB, a meaningful location from Story’s childhood spent competing in horse shows. With its cozy stone fireplace and welcoming ambiance, it was the perfect setting for their rehearsal dinner and welcome party — a warm start to a weekend filled with laughter and love.
A Meaningful Morning of Joy and Connection
On the morning of her wedding, Story surrounded herself with the women who shaped her life — her bridesmaids, her mother, and nine flower girls who filled the suite with giggles and excitement. Each bridesmaid wore a robe sourced by Story herself, and the atmosphere was one of joy and serenity.
For the bride, these quiet hours were just as meaningful as the ceremony to come. “I wanted the morning to feel fun and low-stress,” she shared. “Having everyone I love in one room made it so special.”
I wanted the morning to feel fun and low-stress,” she shared. “Having everyone I love in one room made it so special.
The Stationery
From the very beginning, Story knew that stationery would play a meaningful role in their wedding. A lifelong letter writer with a love for beautiful paper, she wanted each guest to receive something truly special in the mail — a thoughtful prelude to the celebration ahead.
Story and her mother spent many cherished afternoons at their local stationery store, MERRYMAKER, alongside its owner, Heather, carefully selecting the perfect papers, textures, and fonts. These moments became some of Story’s fondest memories of wedding planning — a creative process rooted in nostalgia and connection.
Each invitation suite was a labour of love, finished with the personal touch of calligraphy by Clarissa of INKWELL SCRIPTED and vintage stamps sourced from Etsy that reflected meaningful places in the couple’s lives. The result was not just stationery, but a timeless keepsake — a tangible reflection of the couple’s story and the elegance of their Virginia celebration.
The Look: Classic Meets Contemporary Romance
Finding the right gown was a journey — Story visited countless bridal boutiques before discovering the one: a pearl-covered SUZANNE NEVILLE gown from ZOYA ATELIER. Though more traditional than her typical style, she knew instantly it was meant to be. Custom off-the-shoulder pearl sleeves added a touch of softness, while satin DOLCE VITA heels and a vintage pearl bow completed the look.
As the evening turned to dancing, she slipped into an Aje mini dress paired with metallic blue cowboy boots — the perfect nod to her playful spirit. Her bridesmaids and flower girls wore a harmonious mix of champagne, cream, black, and metallic tones, creating a beautifully balanced mismatched look that reflected each woman’s personal style.
They envisioned a weekend that felt immersive — a chance for family and friends to gather, stay, and celebrate together.
An Emotional Ceremony Framed by Fall Florals
The ceremony took place outdoors beneath a lush, unstructured floral arch designed by STEELCUT FLOWER CO. — bursting with color and personality, and notably without a single white flower. The vibrant autumn palette mirrored the Charlottesville landscape and framed the couple beautifully as they exchanged vows.
Officiated by a lifelong family friend, the ceremony was deeply personal. Story and Matt’s heartfelt letters to one another, woven into the officiant’s remarks, left few dry eyes among guests. “We wanted it to feel like us,” Story said — and it did, from start to finish.
Story and Matt’s heartfelt letters to one another, woven into the officiant’s remarks, left few dry eyes among guests. “We wanted it to feel like us,” Story said — and it did, from start to finish.
Cocktail Hour and a Celebration to Remember
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds were met with cheers as they stepped onto the back porch for cocktail hour, greeted by friends and family. Guests sipped spicy margaritas and enjoyed freshly shucked oysters from Oysters XO, setting the tone for a lively evening ahead.
Dinner was served beneath a canopy of candlelight — Story’s dream realized. Long tables lined with flickering candles (and no florals, by design) created a romantic, glowing atmosphere. During the meal, Story’s mother surprised the couple by arranging performances from a cappella groups representing both their alma maters, resulting in a spontaneous rap battle that became one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.
Dancing the Night Away
As the evening continued, the dance floor came alive thanks to THE A TOWN A LIST, the band chosen by Story’s father. “He always said a band can make or break a wedding — and he was right,” Story shared. From the first song, guests flooded the floor, celebrating with infectious energy that carried late into the night.
A Dream Honeymoon in South Africa
After their Charlottesville celebration, Story and Matt embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon to South Africa, exploring Cape Town, the Winelands, and Sabi Sands on safari. From breathtaking sunsets to a surprise elephant visit outside their window, it was the perfect adventure to begin their new chapter together.
Dinner was served beneath a canopy of candlelight — Story’s dream realized. Long tables lined with flickering candles (and no florals, by design) created a romantic, glowing atmosphere.
