We had a few technical hitches this week as we moved to our new server (blah to all the tech troubles of running a blog!) but we are back with today’s intimate Charlottesville vineyard wedding by Ashley Baber Weddings! Claire and Miles knew that hosting a Virginia wedding was a priority. And after visiting Charlottesville with its rolling hills, and abundance of beautiful venues and wedding weekend hot spots, they fell in love!

Blenheim Vineyards instantly had their hearts. With the historic buildings and massive tree to have the ceremony under, they knew they couldn’t say no. Doesn’t hurt that Dave Matthews owns the winery and they love his music! The venue knew the importance of having a rain backup plan. Spring weather meant that a beautiful pole tent was available. Claire and Miles made it through all the portraits and outdoor ceremony before the heavens opened up; it was perfect timing! Thank you to Kristen Gardner Photography for sharing their intimate spring wedding with us today via Matchology!

Tell us about your proposal: “It was a beautiful day at The Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA. Miles had planned to have the families meet up for drinks and dinner. We were getting ready to move for Miles to start Physician Assistant school in Lynchburg, VA, so this was a perfect time to celebrate. After a cocktail we walked over to the garden where Miles asked Claire to marry him. We then celebrated with champagne and delicious cuisine at Harriman’s, followed by a spa day at the resort, the next day. “

What was most important to you while planning (splurge or skip?): “The most important thing from our wedding planning was that we wanted to have a really fun party. We wanted to have our families and friends come together and have a great time. It was really important for us for the food and drinks to be delicious. And the dj to get everyone on the dance floor.

We splurged on the photographer, because the photos are really one of the few things that you get to keep forever. Having a great photographer is SO important to get the right shots you want and to capture the feel. I can’t say enough great things about Kristen Gardner, i’m so in love with our photos and wedding album. We skipped on the linens and flatware. I was so drawn to gold flatware and rustic table ideas from pinterest. It was considerably less to do something simple at the tables and just have the gold flatware at the head table. “

Tell us about your flowers: “Miles’ mom, Francie, did our flowers. She owns her own business doing interior plants and flower deliveries. Claire gave her some styles she liked and Francie put together beautiful bouquets. Claire took her flowers and instead of doing a bouquet toss, had them pressed and framed by Waterford Past-Thymes). It is so gorgeous and a great way to keep your flowers!” 

Personal or DIY moments in your wedding? “Claire learned calligraphy to address all the invitations and to create the name cards. For the head table she used preserved magnolia leaves and a gold paint pen for the name cards. She also did all of the signage except for the Menu.Celeste built custom corn hole sets and the wooden frame for the name cards. Claire and Miles took empty Blenheim wine bottles and cut the top of to create a vase. For the ceremony they sat in a macrame hanger off a chair, at the end of every row. For the reception they were taken out of the hanger and placed on the tables. The Officiant, Rev. Julie Price, was a long time client of Claire’s. It was so great to have someone we knew and connected with marry us. “

Advice for couples planning? “Plan everything you can, then let go and enjoy your day. You spend so much time leading up to the day, just enjoy every moment of it! Take time to have date nights and don’t talk about anything wedding planning related. All of your family, friends and strangers will give you advice, listen and then decide if you want to use it or not. It’s about you as couple coming together, plan what would be perfect for you, not for someone else or to be identical to pinterest. I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the details, trying to be unique and extra things you can do now. But what is most important is it is you and your significant other getting married and that’s the most unique thing that can be.”

The Following DC wedding professionals contributed to this intimate vineyard wedding:

Photography: Kristen Gardner Photography | Venue: Bleinheim Vineyards | Event Planning: Ashley Baber Weddings | Floral: Groom’s Mother | Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors | Videography: ND Visuals | Wedding Cake: Sweets by E | Beauty: Maude Salon | Wedding Dress: Soliloquy Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Lord and Taylor | Bride’s Shoes: JCrew | Submitted via: Matchology

For more wedding vendors, please visit our Washington DC area wedding vendor guide and for additional local ideas, check out our wedding inspiration galleries and other Washington DC area real weddings.