The Most Elegant Barn Wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Not even the threat of a hurricane could cast a shadow on Selene and Michael’s elegant barn wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains! The nurse and doctor fell in love after meeting in college but their road to the altar was anything but easy with Michael’s cancer diagnosis early in their relationship. His bride to be supported him through treatment and into remission, so a little thing like a natural disaster was not about to stand in the way of their wedding day. Nature smiled on them and they had a stunning day at The Lodge at Mount Ida in Charlottesvilla, VA, with planning and an amazing menu by The Local Restaurant and romantic flowers by Black Creek Flowers. Photographer David Abel Weddings made sure their happiness came through in every moment of this stunning and heartfelt wedding day!

Selene wore her grandmother’s diamond and sapphire ring as a tribute to her family and as her Something Old and Something Blue! The classic elegance of the heirloom ring was a perfect fit for the style of their wedding!

Selene and her bridesmaids prepared for the big day in the sumptuous bridal suite at The Lodge at Mount Ida. The venue made sure brides had the perfect space to get ready, dressing the room with antiques gathered from Caravatis in nearby Richmond to offer a true French Provincial feel.

The stunning bride fell in love with an Essence of Australia with a silk chiffon A-line skirt and a lace bodice. The low back framed her half up hair, with long loose curls and  her lovely floral headpiece.

The couple were engaged in Charlottesville, with a day at their favorite Carter Mountain Orchard taking in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, peach ice cream, and apple cider donuts. They chose to hold their wedding in the same area, choosing The Lodge at Mount Ida for their venue. 

The stunning venue offered a beautiful balance of elegant and rustic, with a vintage barn aesthetic that served as a lovely complement to their classic style!

Selene picked a soft sage green for her bridesmaid dresses, complementing the soft ivory, peach, and blush of the bouquets lovingly created by Black Creek Flowers.

The couple’s friend made their lovely welcome sign for the ceremony, with their names and wedding date hand painted on wood to fit the barn setting!

A custom etched wooden box with their initials added a personal touch to their wine ceremony keepsake!

The couple had planned to take advantage of the beautiful grounds for their ceremony before inviting guests into the barn, but the weather had other plans. With a hurricane warning in place, they moved the ceremony inside, with the towering windows open to the grounds. Soft drapery and a dramatic crystal chandelier turned the impromptu setting into a stunning backdrop. The skies stayed clear and natural light streamed in to give their vows a luminous quality in every photo by David Abel Weddings!

The couple made sure their ceremony felt personal by writing their own vows and asking special family members give readings close to their hearts. Michael carried a handkerchief from Selene’s mother, using the keepsake to wipe away their happy tears during the ceremony. As a special surprise, Selene’s family traveled from out of the country and sang an Italian love song!

The oak panelling and stone fireplace created a warm and welcoming ambiance for the barn reception. Selene loves eucalyptus, making it the perfect choice for Black Creek Flowers to use in their centerpieces and as greenery swags on chairs for the bride and groom.

Paradox Pastry created their lovely buttercream cake, pairing Italian Cream Cake with cream cheese icing, and chocolate with hazelnut cream cheese buttercream and raspberry jam.  They also had a gorgeous display of cookies to tempt their guests!

WEDDING VENDORS –

Photography by David Abel Weddings | Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Lodge at Mount Ida | Event Planning and Catering by The Local Restaurant | Floral Design by Black Creek Flowers | Wedding Cake by Paradox Pastry | Wedding Dress by Essence of Australia | Groom’s Attire by Ted Baker | Hair Styling and Makeup by First Look Artistry |  DJ: DJs for Lovers | Ceremony Music by The Bloom Trio | Stationery Design by Best Day Papers | Submitted via Matchology

The Most Elegant Barn Wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains