Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings A Classic Farm Wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia By Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber has been writing, editing, and producing lifestyle and weddings content for over seven years. In that time, she has interviewed and worked with hundreds of leading experts to become an authority on all things homekeeping, flower arranging, home design, and wedding planning. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Trending Videos Close this video player Kennedy and Gregory Amanda Marsalis Kennedy and Gregory were involved with other people when they first met through friends in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2007. Greg soon moved into the apartment above Kennedy's and during the next two years, both of their relationships ended, and their friendship deepened over kickball, game nights, and the spicy mexican-chocolate cookies that Kennedy made and tied to his door. When a mutual friend died in 2009, Greg drove Kennedy to the funeral. "Even through my tears, I was suddenly quite aware that Greg was much more than a dear friend," said Kennedy. On June 2, 2012, the pair wed at North Wales Farm, Kennedy's family's 1,466-acre Warrenton estate in the heart of Virginia horse country. A family friend officiated before a huge window in the airy century-old hay barn. 01 of 18 Old North Wales Amanda Marsalis Tying the knot anyplace but at North Wales Farm was unthinkable. It's where Kennedy trained as a junior hunter-jumper champion, and it's where Greg popped a bottle of bubbly and proposed atop the old steeplechase tower overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Now a Virginia landmark, the 18th-century farm and manor house are steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War history. See More Amazing Wedding Locations in the U.S. 02 of 18 Historical Invites Amanda Marsalis The Rock Paper Scissors stationery included an architect's Jeffersonian-style drawing of the manor house and was based on the story of North Wales Farm, which played a role in the Revolutionary War. See More Invitations from Real Weddings 03 of 18 The Bouquet Amanda Marsalis Clematis, lavender, passion flowers, peonies, garden roses, umbrella ferns, and dusty miller made up Kennedy's bouquet. See More Bouquets from Real Weddings 04 of 18 Bridesmaids in Teal Amanda Marsalis Kennedy's bridesmaids chose their own styles of Joanna August silk-chiffon evening gowns. The bride's sister and best friend each wore crystal sashes so they would stand out as maids of honor. See More Bridesmaids from Real Weddings 05 of 18 Formal Fashions Amanda Marsalis The bride wore a strapless Vera Wang dress with a trumpet silhouette and tiered fans of cascading Spanish lace. Her groom chose a bespoke Alton Lane tuxedo. 06 of 18 Father and Daughter Amanda Marsalis A vintage car transported the bride and her father to the ceremony. 07 of 18 Home Grown Amanda Marsalis Guests received little burlap bags filled with the farm's own dried organic lavender, which was tossed in lieu of rice. See 10 Ways to Liven Up Your Ceremony 08 of 18 Altar Space Amanda Marsalis Climbing roses, open cut roses, clematis, jasmine, and tulip poplar transformed the barn for the ceremony. Hanging lanterns filled with water and floating candles were suspended from wagon wheels attached to the beams. 09 of 18 Antique Getaway Amanda Marsalis The smooching couple departed the ceremony for a private photo session. "A neighbor kindly lent us a carriage horse," said Kennedy. The antique buggy belonged to her father. 10 of 18 Double-Duty Escort Cards Amanda Marsalis Matchboxes with table numbers tucked inside served as unexpected escort cards. Partygoers used them to light the candles inside the tent when the sun began to sink behind the mountains. "It was 100 percent illuminated by candlelight!" says Kennedy. 11 of 18 Unique Tablescapes Amanda Marsalis Each of the 30 tables held a one-of-a-kind arrangement of flowers, fruits, and objects such as porcelain parrots, nests, glass orbs, and antlers. 12 of 18 Dinner is Served Amanda Marsalis The 260 guests dined on organic, locally sourced dishes, such as chicken and spring lamb chops. The menus, letterpressed onto the same handmade, deckle-edge paper as the invitations, were finished with a wax seal. See More Menu Cards from Real Weddings 13 of 18 Buttercream Confection Amanda Marsalis Five tiers of lemon-butter cake with fresh meyer lemon curd and lavender mousseline buttercream were covered in ivory fondant and topped with edible flowers. See More Buttercream Cakes from Real Weddings 14 of 18 The Groom's Cake Amanda Marsalis Designed to look as if a breeze had blown ferns and flowers onto a woodland scene, the Guinness Stout dark chocolate groom's cake featured sugared edible flowers identical to those on the more delicate white wedding cake. 15 of 18 Special Delivery Amanda Marsalis After dinner, small scrolled notes tied with leather summoned guests outside for "a pleasant surprise"—the fireworks display! 16 of 18 Fresh Favors Amanda Marsalis Blue Ridge Kettle Korn from Charlottesville and sachets of field-fresh lavender were among the treats given to guests in simple kraft boxes tied with grosgrain ribbons. See More Favors from Real Weddings 17 of 18 Sources Amanda Marsalis Event Design and Production: Easton Events Catering: Design Cuisine Rentals: DC Rental Floral Design and Rentals: Beehive Events Photography: Patricia Lyons Photography Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors (VA) Calligraphy: Tara Jones Cake: Paradox Pastry Music: Piedmont Chamber Players (ceremony); Pop Rocks (reception) Tent and Lighting: Skyline Tent Co. Hair: Moxie Hair and Body Lounge Makeup: Lora Kelley Transportation: Albemarle Limousine Welcome-Bag Items: Feast snacks; Jam According to Daniel jam; The Welsh Garden at North Wales Farm lavender products Videography: Shaking Hand Productions 18 of 18 There's More! Whether you decide to go big or small, seaside or mountainside, bohemian or black tie, find more wedding inspiration in our fall Real Weddings issue by downloading our app and buying the digital issue for only $.99. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit