Katelyn and Jeff’s wedding was not your average wedding. On the day of their wedding in Fincastle, Virginia, a huge windstorm blew in — we’re talking 50mph gusts, which blew out the power source for the entire city. Thus, there was NO power for their indoor wedding. K+J were kind of scrambling at first, but their planner, Alicia Cooper of Tina Lane Events, stepped in. They all figured you’ve gotta go with the flow (this is one of the number one things we hear from GWS couples! Not everything will go as planned, but don’t sweat it) and make the best out of everything. Because there was virtually no power, the day actually became more dreamy + romantic, and the battery powered string lights for the ceremony truly sparkled.
Katelyn tells us: Our inspiration was dark, intimate and romantic. We love the outdoors, but March in Virginia can be so unpredictable… so, why not bring the outdoors inside? We are also the kind of people who just have a small circle of friends that we do everything with, so we did not really need a large wedding.
Let’s see how Hailey Pierce Photography pulled off shooting in the dark! (Hint: she did AMAZING!)
The Fireside First Look
How sweet is this first look in front of the fireplace?!
Processional: The last 50 seconds of This Is Us Score Suite [repeated] by Siddhartha Khosla, played by two friends on violin + guitar
Recessional: Old Ties and Companions (Acoustic Version) by Mandolin Orange
First Dance: I Get to Love You by Ruelle
Katelyn’s Lillian West gown was perfect for a winter-spring wedding, especially with those darling sleeves.
To really bring in the overall cozy + moody hues, Petal Flower Company created this uber textured bouquet, brimming with wine-colored hues. Isn’t that macramé wrap from the bouquet gorgeous?
The Wedding Party
The bridesmaids all donned moody, autumnal hues.
Jeff brought his own sense of fashion to the wedding wearing a maroon jacket from J.Crew and a floral tie, accompanied by his groomsmen looking super sharp in suspenders.
Looking for a floral tie? Take a peek at our GWS x Neck and Tie Co. collab!
The Electric Reception Without Any Electricity
Isn’t that spectacular?! One, we love how they made the best out of a seemingly not-so-good situation… Two, it actually made for stunning, moody photos!
Battery powered lights saved the day + made the COOLEST statement backdrop.
My most memorable moment was a tie between when I first got there and was informed of the power being knocked out in the whole town... and having my two year old niece help me get ready! She is such a girly girl and loves all the princess things (so of course. seeing her auntie in a gown was a dream).
In addition to the naked cake, they had decadent cupcakes for all of their guest to indulge in.
A-MA-ZING!! What a way to celebrate + pull off a wedding… even when the power went out.
Can we get a round of applause for these two + their whole wedding party?! :)
My best advice to the bride and groom getting ready for their wedding day is to remember at least 3 things are going to go wrong (at least from your vision). In the end though, you still leave the night with your best friend by your side.
Another helpful tip is to go somewhere relaxing for your honeymoon. We got a cabin in the Smoky Mountains for a week, but we kinda wished we had gone somewhere tropical. We just felt like we always had to be doing something. Oh, and hire a wedding coordinator! Such a good investment. I didn't think I needed one because I'm in the wedding business myself, but she did so many small details i wouldn't have thought of!!
photography: Hailey Pierce Photography // venue name: The Kyle House, Fincastle, Virginia, USA // planning: Alicia Cooper of Tina Lane Events // florals: Petal Flower Company // wedding dress: Lillian West // wedding dress boutique: Ashley Grace Bridal // hair stylist: Hannah Morgan // makeup artist: Hannah Crickenberg // groom attire: J.Crew // videography: Peter Potecha // paper goods: Celeste Clark // handmade details: Old City Mailroom // catering: The Kyle House // cake: Viva La Cupcake
Love the story behind this wedding ..