Diane and Tyler incorporated thoughtful details that reflect who they are as a couple throughout their Dover Hall Estate wedding weekend. With the grand estate serving as the backdrop; they incorporated grays, oranges, plums, and navy into their wedding color palette. Diane and Tyler recently moved to another country, so travel was a main focus for their wedding! Using luggage tag escort cards to display where guests were seated, they that also doubled as favors. Their custom wedding crest incorporated a tulip, which is also seen as a symbol of a declaration of love. The Tulip is the most famous flower from Holland and often used as the icon of the Netherlands - their new home! Having met in Texas, not only did they have a bridal party but they also had a house party so they were surrounded by great family and friends all day long! Salsa dancing has been an important, fun part of their relationship so for their first dance they choreographed a dance to La Vida Es Un Carnival performed by their live band.

Tell us your proposal story: “I had never put much thought into what type of proposal I would want so looking back I’m always so surprised that Ty knew the perfect way to propose me. It was a Friday night and Ty told me he had a surprise weekend planned, starting with a nice dinner on Friday (the clues that a proposal was coming were there but I truly didn’t pick up on them!). Friday came and I loved the idea of dressing up for a nice dinner just because. After dinner he took me the Lorenzo Hotel in Dallas for rooftop drinks and a stunning view of the city. When we headed to a hotel suite I was confused but confusion immediately turned into amazement. I walked through the maze of twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling with photos and messages detailing the road map of our relationship. And at the end he asked me to embark on the greatest adventure of becoming husband and wife. It was so personal, reflective, and intimate.”

Tell us about your vision: “When we started this process we knew we wanted a one-stop-shop for a venue. Easy logistics, for us and our guests, was very important because we knew the majority would be from out of town. Our vision was a versatile venue set in a classic or traditional setting. We both wanted a timeless look that embodied us. Luckily we found Alana, our wedding planner, and she really made that happen. We worked together to create an elegant vision that had a classic look with detailed. personal touches. We were able to weave in themes like our love of travel, our move to Amsterdam, and affinity for good cocktails! In terms of colors I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than fall in Virginia, especially at Dover Hall. We wanted to use Dover and the fall backdrop as the foundation for our aesthetic. Since Dover itself is such a statement I didn’t want to overwhelm the venue which is why I loved having a fall color palette that brought out the rich colors of the season and the venue while creating a romantic and classic atmosphere. “

What was most memorable to you both: “Reciting our vows was our favorite part of the day and the most memorable moment. We both wrote our vows so it was a very intimate and personal. There are very few times in life you make a declaration of love and commitment in front of all your closest family and friends..it was a powerful moment. We designed the ceremony ourselves so it was very special to us. Our first dance is a moment we will never forget. As Ty and I started dating we began salsa lessons with a few friends. It was so much fun and brought us closer together. As a tribute to that we did a surprise, choreographed salsa first dance. It was so much fun and people were so surprised! “

Advice for engaged couples? “My advice to couples planning their wedding would be to enjoy the process and really reflect on what is important to you and your family.Weddings are about the journey (the process) and the destination (the big day)! Your wedding is a huge event so it’s easy to get stressed, worry about every detail, and get stuck in the weeds. Instead be flexible, focus on the items that really matter to you, and trust in your vendors…they have done this before! And while finding the perfect place setting might seem absolutely vital, remember all that really matters is that both end up at the alter saying” I do””

The following Wedding professionals contributed to this Dover Hall wedding:

Photography: Nicki Metcalf Photography | Ceremony Venue: Dover Hall Estate | Event Planning: Chancey Charm | Floral: Cultivate Event Co | Wedding Cake: Publix | Videography: Yeattes Productions | Invitations: English Tea Paperie | Rentals: Paisley and Jade | Linens: Rent E Quip | Beauty: Katie Dietz | Handlettering: SA Style & Design | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux | Bride’s Shoes: Something Bleu Shoes | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie | Veil: Custom Made | Headpiece: BHLDN | Earrings: BHLDN | Flower Girl Dress: JJ’s House | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Submitted via: Matchology