Perfect weather for this joyous celebration at Veritas Vineyard & Winery
Rebecca & Justin’s wedding at Veritas Vineyard & Winery
It was a gorgeous late afternoon in the mountains outside Charlottesville. Reverend Claire Goodman of Sacred Ground Ceremonies performed a personalized service for Rebecca and Justin, featuring music by James Taylor, Sugarland, and Josh Turner. John Baldwin played guitar and serenaded the couple as well.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed the beautiful evening with cocktails on the porch and lawn beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. They heard music by Wilco (“Far, Far Away”), Nick Drake (“Place To Be”) and “My Favourite Book” by Stars. A couple of classics, “This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies and “I’m Sticking With You” by The Velvet Underground, led into a set of circus inspired songs. “Greatest Show On Earth” by Michael Jackson, “Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite” by The Beatles, “Baby Elephant Walk” by Henry Mancini, “Cathy’s Clown” by The Everly Brothers, and “The Tears Of A Clown” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.
Guests entered Saddleback Hall to a gorgeous circus themed tableau. A collaboration between Skyline Tent Company, Stonegate Event Rentals, and Pat’s Floral Designs, under the expert direction of Kate Harlan of Simply Chic brought Rebecca and Justin’s vision to life. The ceiling was hung with flags and lights to evoke a circus tent, surrounding a disco ball at the center. The tables featured bright and fun flowers, as well as red clown noses.
The members of the wedding party were introduced to “This is How We Do It” by Montel Jordan and Rebecca and Justin began their first dance to “Making Plans” by Miranda Lambert. Rebecca’s father Don gave the first toast. He remarked that with two dads, Rebecca got twice the love but now had to hear twice the speeches. He welcomed Justin to the family and called him “awesome” and Rebecca a “beautiful, successful, intelligent young lady.” John told the crowd that his daughter Rebecca was lucky to make it here today. On various occasions she was almost washed out to sea, survived an earthquake, was attacked by swarm of bees, and had her truck struck by lightning.
During dinner, guests enjoyed music including “The Ferris Wheel” by The Everly Brothers, and “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin. A set of old timey country tunes featured “Honky Tonkin'” by Hank Williams, “Fallin'” by Wanda Jackson, and “Patsy Cline’s” Sweet Dreams (Of You).
Rebecca’s sisters Sarah and Anne took the mic together to toast the happy couple. They quoted a Wiz Khalifa tweet, and said “Right now, Rebecca is the starchild – my favorite”. Best Man Daniel refrained from telling an inappropriate story and said that Justin was the closest thing to a brother and “Kept me on the right track for many years”. Best Man Ken commended Rebecca for putting up with all the video games and gave Justin his assessment “Life is good, bro”. To Rebecca he said, “I Love you like a sister, please take care of my little dude”.
Eric Kelley was on hand to photograph every moment, including the cake cutting to “Set this Circus Down” by Tim McGraw. Albemarle Baking Company provided a delicious assortment of pies. Rebecca danced with both of her dads in turn to “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon. The dancefloor opened with “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees and “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé.
The floor started to fill up with “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel and Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”, followed by “Circus” by Britney Spears. The Black Eyed Peas gave us “Boom Boom Pow” and we heard “American Boy” by Estelle (feat. Kanye West). We slowed things down for the couples with “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes and “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. Rebecca’s brother Jack took the mic to sing “Crazy Girl” by The Eli Young Band for the couple, which went over great.
The energy built back up with “You Keep Me Hanging On” by The Supremes (The Apple Scruffs Edit) and “Call On Me” by Eric Prydz. Everybody got crazy to “Love Shack” by The B-52’s. A set of hip-hop featured “Stronger” by Kanye West, “Buggin’ Out” by A Tribe Called Quest and “Shake Your Rump” by The Beastie Boys. The evening ended on a high note with “No Sleep” by Whiz Khalifa. Congratulations to Rebecca and Justin!
