Julie & Derek

Julie and Derek’s November nuptials ushered in gold and navy details, rustic fall elements and classic black tie couture. Trump Winery stretched out in crisp orange and green on a brilliant sunny day, vineyard rows and late-season hillsides beckoning as far as the eye can see.

Grace Wedding Co. planners set the autumnal scene on the private estate’s highest point — the Grand Hall — revealing a breathtaking collage of rolling hills, vines and lakes. An al fresco afternoon ceremony overlooking Blue Ridge panoramas was flanked by tall white candles and soaring floral installations courtesy of Wild Fleurette. The beloved Charlottesville floral designers hand-selected seasonal blooms, foliage and natural elements in a magnificent mélange of deep magenta and soft yellows and pinks mingling with fall rust and gold.

Monogrammed matchbooks and a special champagne bottle label extended into the Grand Cru Ballroom reception space where guests’ place settings wore gold script monogrammed linens and customized menus. A table dedicated to the loving memory of family passed on shone in delicate candlelight and gold frames while a photo album guest book invited thoughtful messages.

Nikki Santerre Photography captured genuine emotion and joy in a tearful father-daughter first look and gift exchange and tender newlywed embraces in streaming tree-lined sunlight. Family portraits unfolded in front of the timeless Barn & Pavilion French doors on spacious slate terraces and toasts and dancing glowed under the ballroom’s 40-foot ceilings and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Caterers from C&O Catering delighted with a three-course dinner and award-winning estate wines and a head-turning five-tier white wedding cake monogrammed in gold capped the evening.