A Charlottesville DIY Wedding Dream

Like a dream

Unique DIY details make for a truly special day

Photo: Hannah Malloy

Caite Hamilton 10:08 a.m. Jul. 14, 2022

Linnea White & Reo Revak

September 18, 2021, at Eastwood Winery

It’s hardly a surprise that custom and DIY details would factor prominently in the wedding of Linnea, the owner of downtown consignment shop Darling, and Reo, a woodworker at Gaston & Wyatt—at least not to anyone who knows them. 

“My parents said that [the wedding] was so special because it told the story of us—the life we’ve already built together and lived together,” Linnea says. “It was hopeful for the future, but also grounded in the years we carry already.” 

To pull it off in their five-month engagement, Linnea started early, thrifting constantly to find vases, glassware, candlesticks, and disco balls to create her dream aesthetic: 1980s South Beach. The bride spray-painted baby’s breath while Reo built the couple’s arbor, wedding signs, and photo booth backdrop. 

And they went custom on attire. Linnea worked with ABC Couture Bridal to create her retro-inspired two-piece Swiss dot tulle dress: a corset bodice with puff sleeves with a flowy, shin-length skirt. Ever the thrifter, she’s already re-worn the top and her custom headpiece by Nicole Rule, a combination of her dress fabric and her mom’s veil from the 1970s.

Still, even with all of the details worked out, what it came down to for both bride and groom was finally saying, “I do.” 

“It was hot as hell that day, and on the mountaintop, the sun was shining directly in everyone’s faces looking towards the arbor (our ceremony was at 4:30pm),” Reo says. “Right as I walked down the aisle, a big cloud came and the cover stayed until the ceremony was over. It was pretty perfect.” 

Drink up

Wanting to do something resembling a unity candle or sand ceremony—but nontraditional—the couple decided to pour their favorite flavor of Truly into one glass and drink from it. “We opened the Trulys, poured them into one glass, and drank from the cup together,” the bride says. “There were so many laughs and tears during the ceremony, and this was definitely a funny and special moment.” 

Vintage getaway

Linnea searched high and low for a pink vintage car to rent for the wedding day, to no avail. Two weeks before the wedding, while bar-hopping downtown, she spotted one. “When we saw the driver leaving later that night, we basically ambushed him to get his information,” she says. “It was such a beautiful prop and completed the overall vibe and aesthetic of our wedding perfectly. Talk about serendipity.” 

Easy decision

Eastwood was the only venue the couple toured. While Linnea originally wanted a beach wedding, Reo is a Charlottesville native, so holding the wedding in a “magical, dreamy” tent on a summer’s day with a mountainous backdrop was the perfect compromise. 

He’s a regular

While working at West Main as a server, Linnea noticed Reo, a regular fixture in the restaurant and, as she says, “our lives quickly became intertwined.” They dated for 11 years before getting married.

The details

Photographer: Hannah Malloy Event planner: Crystal Whitaker Saul Officiant: Justin White (bride’s brother) Catering: Harvest Moon Catering Flowers: Fiori Floral (boutonnières and bridal bouquet) Cake: Bowerbird Bakeshop Speaker rental: Spectrum Integrators Bride’s attire: Custom by ABC Couture Bridal (dress), Danicole Accessories (headpiece) Shoes: Charlotte Mills Groom’s attire: Custom Alton Lane Rings: Elaine B Jewelry Hair: Sarah Douquette of EderraSalon Makeup: Daphne Latham Video­grapher: Amanda Monroe Finn Disco balls: LivingColorfullyShop (Etsy) Neon sign: The Neonist

14 Sun-Sational Wreath Ideas from Fiori Floral Studio and other amazing florists!

14 Sun-Sational Summer Wreath Ideas to Brighten Your Home

While the holidays are certainly the time of year when wreaths make an appearance, these versatile decor pieces can be used all year long to brighten up your home, no matter the season. With countless styles, materials, and sizes to choose from, whether you’re looking to give your whole porch a welcoming, summery feel or add a splash of color to your home, you can’t go wrong with these fun wreath ideas.

We rounded up experts from Phoenix, AZ, to Tampa, FL, for their favorite summer wreath ideas to adorn your home. From classic and timeless to rustic and organic, check out these wreath ideas to find one (or a couple) to inspire your next DIY project.

1) Traditional with a twist

Fresh boxwood wreaths are a lovely addition to your home and can add warmth to the inside of the home. Hang one inside your front door or on any door you choose. They’ll last for months inside your home, and you can change up the ribbon color and decor on it with each holiday. Add hearts for Valentine's Day, mini flags for the Fourth of July, etc. Get creative and have fun! -Adorn Floral Design

2) Play with size and colors

A super fast and easy way to brighten up the outside of your home for the summer season is to make or purchase a bright and colorful wreath for your shed in your backyard (or two wreaths if you have double doors). This adds so much to the space you will likely use all summer and early fall. You can also put an oversize matching wreath on your front door for major curb appeal. Larger wreaths make so much more of a statement than the standard sizes you always see. -Brittany's Floral Design

3) Opt for preserved flowers and foliage for a timeless look

Creating a sustainable wreath for your home can brighten up any space and be a talking point for years to come. I love designing wreaths with preserved flowers and foliage that stay vibrant even after they've dried, such as strawflower, statice, and eucalyptus. They add beautiful color and texture that your family and guests can enjoy in places like your front door, mud room, kitchen, or dining room. -A Petal To Peddle

4) Use what you have on hand

Forage greens on your property to use as a base and add fresh summer accents. Think lemon, lime, or dried clementine. Mist your wreath daily with a blend of water and your favorite essential oil to keep your home smelling great. -Fiori Floral Studio

5) Think outside the box

Wreaths are not just for your front door - you can put them in any room of your house for any season. I recommend using natural dried or fresh products with funky forms, like an antique mirror, an old bicycle spindle, or a square shape. -Wildflowers LLC

6) Use natural materials for a fragrant summer wreath

Choose natural material wreaths in summer like eucalyptus or lavender. As the weather heats up, these materials release their natural oils and provide a beautiful fragrance. -Fountainhead Floral Design

7) Get fruity

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the delicious fruits in-season. Use fresh berries, cherries, or even watermelon slices to create a colorful and unique summer wreath. There are so many beautiful summer plants and flowers that can be used to make a stunning summer wreath. Try incorporating ferns, palm leaves, or even seashells into your design for a truly unique look. There are no rules when making a summer wreath, so have fun with it. Be creative and experiment with different colors, textures, and materials to create a one-of-a-kind summer wreath. -Xquisite Floral Design & Events

8) Don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures. 

Don't be afraid to mix colors and textures. Embrace your inner curator and explore your creative side. Think of all your favorite things about summer, like sunny days, beach waves, and pool days (to name a few). Then draw upon those for inspiration. Adding pops of color alongside different textures will give your wreath depth and dimension while creating a realistic feel. And who says wreaths are just for front doors? Explore options for your home’s interior. For example, embellish your entryway, fireplace/mantle, or interior door. Lastly and most importantly, have fun and get creative. Don't be afraid to let your "sun-sational" personality shine to brighten your home and spirit all summer long. -Halo & Honey Wreath Co.

9) Give the classics a modern upgrade

Bring the beauty of nature indoors this summer with a uniquely modern take on the classic wreath. All you'll need is an artificial foundation, floral wire, and your favorite in-season blooms to add summer flair to your abode. Think striking hues and colors that bring life to your home, asymmetrically displayed to add a pop of fun and excitement throughout the summer season. For added texture and depth, incorporate aesthetic succulents, air plants, eucalyptus, and mosses. -Narcissus Florals

10) Evoke the senses with an aromatic dried wreath

Dried wreaths are a great way to evoke multiple senses with your floral arrangements. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to it for a burst of summery aroma when you walk in the door (my favorite is Lemongrass). -Lang Floral Designs

11) Embrace summer with seasonal accents

A great summer wreath idea to enjoy the fresh scents and vibrant colors of the summer garden is to incorporate lavender, thistle, rosemary, or eucalyptus into your wreath, as they all can be dried. And if you grow asparagus in your vegetable garden, their long delicate leaves are a great addition. But if you want vibrant flowers on the wreath, make a simple wreath with greenery and attach small jars on the side - remember to add water and cut flowers, and bring the fresh garden flowers into your home every week. -Koko Floral Design

12) Decorate with colorful fresh florals

A wreath created with fresh-cut flowers is a welcoming, elegant, and everlasting display. Our favorite creations for summertime fun include hardy tropical flora that maintains their shape while basking in the summer heat. Display your do-it-yourself aloha wreath traditionally on your front door for a colorful splash, or get creative and turn your dining space into an in-house tropical escape. -Sami Sacha Flowers

13) Keep your wreath all year long with a Russian sage base wreath

I love designing wreaths with a fresh Russian sage base and dried embellishments because they retain their scent, shape, and beauty as they dry. This gives the wreath longevity and means you get to enjoy it for a longer period of time. -Mayflowers Floral Studio

14) Experiment with different trends

Use dried materials, hydrangeas, honesty seed heads, etc., from the garden, and a festive-colored ribbon to hang your door wreath. Pampas grass is also a big fashion trend that extends to wreaths, and you can fix it with hairspray to stop it from dropping before use. It can also be used straight from cutting and will dry well on a wreath, lasting months. Feathers are back in fashion and inexpensive to buy. Peacock (particularly bleached), pheasant, or rooster can all be added to add a trendy touch to a summer wreath. -Poppies Floral Design

Originally published by Redfin

Charlottesville Elopements: A DIY guide to getting married during a global pandemic, Cville Style.

Getting Hitched, Cville Elopement Style

July, 2020

Charlottesville is an amazing venue for just about anything. Music, check. Theatre, check. Foodie Scene, check! But Charlottesville Weddings? Check MATE! Whether it’s a glam venue, flirty farm or a moody overlook, this little gem of a city has you covered.

We’ve put together a selective list of some of our favorite spots in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas. We’ve enjoyed working with Cville brides at each venue and hope you see the love that went into each bouquet created for each.

Raven’s Roost Overlook

The dashing 180º view at Ravens Roost is just at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Augusta County. Gorgeous depth and light perfect for the most breathtaking wedding photos.

Visit an hour before sunset to capture that “golden hour” Charlottesville is so famous for. Sprawling country side and the perfect size for a pandemic appropriate guest list.

Check out the exquisite photos by Xiaoqi taken in the beautiful summer sunset of 2019. https://xiaoqili.com/

Bouquet assembled as part of Fiori Floral Studios, DIY “Pinterest Queen” package. Just fabulous! Shop DIY packages HERE.

The Old Metropolitan Hall

Are you looking for intimate Cville glam? Look no further than The Old Met! Seasoned professionals will guide you from start to finish in this prime Downtown Mall location. Upon entry, one may feel a sense of old school class. Think Gatsby or Frank Sinatra in his prime walking through the iconic lobby of The Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. From the reflective mercury glass mirror focal point to the cool as ice chandeliers, no Charlottesville bride is ever disappointed by this location.

Get hitched at The Haven up the street or a nearby park. You can even opt to have your intimate ceremony inside, candlelit by the mirrors. Perfect for smaller intimate affairs.

See our most recent wedding at Old Met below. We were honored to be the wedding florist for this event! Get this look with the Classic Bridal Chic package HERE.

Shameless Plug…Thanks so much Marla! We loved your wedding so much! You made US look good!

“Jenn made my wildest floral dreams come true! I am extremely detailed and my wedding vision was unique and specific but I can honestly say that Jen understood and executed it to perfection! Each floral arrangement, bouquet, and boutonniere was STUNNING! Our wedding flowers were dramatic, vibrant, lush, and perfectly arranged. They provided the luxurious, elegant, and whimsical backdrop we were going for. Our wedding day was A TRUE VISION OF PERFECTION thanks to Fiori Floral Studio!”

DIY is NOT for me.

And that’s FINE! We #BouquetAllDay here at Fiori Floral Studio. The bridal bouquet is our most favorite design. Shoot us a message HERE to start a custom floral plan for your big Cville wedding. We can’t wait to chat and hear your plans to get married in the most magical city in Central Virginia!

xoxo ladies and gents,

Jenn

How I Local

We’ve all used the hashtag #HowILocal or #CvilleLocal right? But what does it really mean to shop local and sustainable flowers in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas?

During the height of the pandemic, we struggled to obtain wholesale flowers due to lots of preventative measures in place (rightly so). And while we’ve always worked with local farms here and there, this time it was different. We became an exclusively local Charlottesville flower business. That’s right. Every bloom from this studio was grown and harvested in the state of Virginia.

The amazing farming families of Sweet Greens Farm in Scottsville, Virginia were major players. Consistently delivering fresh (JUST picked that morning) flowers to me at my door. I was amazed by their professionalism and organization. Delivering contactless and safe blooms a few times a week. I’m still amazed at the gorgeous Icelandic Poppies I got from them. They flew out of here as fast as they came in.

So now, when I use that trendy hashtag, it means that much more to me. Support local. Support the people who made it possible for you to get through the height and into the new normal. Local farmers, I salute you. One gorgeous poppy at a time!

<3 Jenn

CVILLE POPPIES

ABSOLUTLEY GORGOUS