Every girl has her own version of the perfect wedding, and for many girls, that vision includes mountains. Recently, we had the opportunity to provide the venue and background for a faux wedding of sorts: a styled photo shoot. We had several local businesses participate in addition to the Orchard House Bed & Breakfast….there was a prestigious photographer from Charlottesville, a high-end bakery/restaurant from Nellysford, a mother/daughter floral team from Gladstone, and an award winning winery from Lovingston. Each vendor contributed something special to make the photo shoot successful, and it was especially fascinating to witness how they participated when they were doing so without anyone else’s directions or requests.
The barn was all set up for the perfect reception….off-white linens covered 60″ round tables, there were red plates and checkered napkins that played off the rustic barn theme. The Mason jar centerpieces matched the Mason jar sconces on our barn beams. The Lovingston Winery merlot beckoned on each table, and the Basic Necessities dessert platter was a crazy teaser for our model bride and groom. The flowers provided by Fratelli Floral were breathtaking. They were a collection of fall foliage, including fresh pears and even raspberries, assembled in the perfect look of a freshly scooped bouquet.
Everything was perfectly ready for our talented photographers from Adrienne Eichner to do their thing.
And then the skies opened up and an unforecasted rain storm (like no other this summer) descended upon us. Our little group assembled in the barn in shock. Although the barn sliding door was open and the fresh rain air was a treat, we could hardly believe this was happening at this very moment. We waited patiently, avoiding diving into the dessert platter and the tempting merlot. And we waited.
Finally, one of the photographers blurted out, “We’re losing light, we have to make the best of this situation.” From that point on, everything fell into place. The newly drenched cement patio glistened magically. The string lights that form a pergola over our patio twinkled in the rain like stars. Our models even added an umbrella to their poses and made the best of the new situation. Our barn looked like a castle, with the glistening chandeliers and string lights casting a glow over our faux reception. Suddenly the rain was like a purposeful and beautiful part of the photo shoot.
Our wedding style shoot turned out to be a huge success, although I have yet to see a photo proof. I already know they are going to be spectacular. I loved the spontaneous photo I took from my iPhone while the professionals changed their lenses.
Mostly, I loved how gorgeous our newly renovated barn presented itself, how much fun it was to work with such professional vendors, and how we all treasured the Blue Ridge Mountains hovering protectively over our property. Many girls dream of mountain weddings in Virginia, and now I know, without a doubt, that the Orchard House Bed & Breakfast is ready to make those dreams become a reality. No matter what Mother Nature throws in at the last minute…..