Chic Outdoor Wedding

By Jennifer Bonds
Katie Stoops
Keli and Nick were inspired by the traditional Virginia countryside for their chic summer wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Their Inspiration

Photo: Katie Stoops

It didn't take long for Keli and Nick to know that their whirlwind romance was for keeps. "We decided early on to do a destination wedding," says Keli, who fell in love with Charlottesville, Virginia, during frequent trips from the couple's home in Washington, D.C. Inspired by the traditional Virginia countryside, Keli and Nick created a chic outdoor wedding with a blue-and-white scheme that was as classic as the groomsmen's seersucker suits.

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The Invitations

Photo: Katie Stoops

Hand addressed by caligrapher Mara Zepeda, the invitations set the tone for the color scheme.

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Hand-addressed invitations: Mara Zepeda

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The Venue

Photo: Katie Stoops

The classic architecture of the Clifton Inn was an ideal backdrop for the wedding.

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Ceremony and Reception Venue: Clifton Inn; 434/971-1800

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Welcome Bags

Photo: Katie Stoops

Burlap bags stamped with the wedding logo greeted guests in their rooms.

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Keli's Bridesmaids

Photo: Katie Stoops

The bridesmaids wore different dresses in varying shades of blue. The bride's bouquet included dusty miller and eco-friendly balsa wood flowers.

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Pink and Green Bouquets

Photo: Katie Stoops

The bridesmaids' bouquets featured shades of light pink and green.

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Flowers: Pat's Floral Designs; 540/948-5611

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Boutonnieres

Photo: Katie Stoops

The groomsmen's boutonnieres were tied with burlap.

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Flowers: Pat's Floral Designs; 540/948-5611

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Special Touches

Photo: Katie Stoops

The pair's monogram and date were sewn into the lining of Nick's suit.

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The Ceremony

Photo: Katie Stoops

A custom-built arbor was adorned with orchids at the ceremony site.

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Ceremony and Reception Venue: Clifton Inn; 434/971-1800

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Wedding Music

Photo: Katie Stoops

A Scottish bagpiper led everyone from the ceremony to the cocktail hour.

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Reception Tables

Photo: Katie Stoops

An inexpensive alternative to traditional table linens, burlap adds texture and an organic feel to wedding and tabl decor.

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Rentals: Festive Fare; 434/296-5496

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Toasted Meringue Wedding Cake

Photo: Katie Stoops

The vanilla wedding cake was covered in toasted Swiss meringue.

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Escort Cards

Photo: Katie Stoops

Escort cards, made from matches, were a nod to Keli and Nick's meeting on match.com.

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Wedding Favors

Photo: Katie Stoops

Flip-flops gave guests a comfortable rest from a long day in heels.

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Reception Drinks

The couple served local wines, including Virginia FIZZ by Thibaut-Janisson.

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The Dance Floor

Photo: Katie Stoops

A projector lit up the dance floor with the couple's monogram.

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Lighting and staging: Skyline Tent Company; 434/977-8368

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Reception Treats

Katie Stoops

A local vendor surprised guests with hot apple cider-flavored donuts at the end of the evening.

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Donuts: Matt Rhodie, Carpe Donut; 434/806-6202

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