The Greenbrier in West Virginia made such a bold and beautiful backdrop for Laura and Cory’s August nuptials. With elegant details and timeless Southern style (including a gorgeous invitation suite and a totally scrumptious “cheese cake”) – this wedding is sure to inspire.
Photography by Eric Kelley.
What was the best advice you received as a bride? Many friends advised us to put the most thought and expense towards a photographer. Our pictures are incredible – I am so glad we listened! Having a stunning record of the day and all the loved ones that gathered to celebrate you is truly priceless.
What advice do you have for other brides? To relax and go with the flow, no matter what happens – and to pause and take mental snapshots throughout the day!
The Ceremony
“We wanted a traditional wedding ceremony that still felt casual and friendly. We fell in love with the beautiful but simple country look and feel of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in White Sulphur Springs.”
Your ceremony in three words. Playful, traditional and simple.
How did you go about planning your ceremony? We had a traditional Episcopal wedding ceremony. We liked the idea of reciting the same vows as so many before us.
Who officiated your ceremony? How did you choose him/her? Father Chris Thompson, of St. Thomas Episcopal. We discovered the gorgeous church, just steps away from The Greenbrier, on a planning visit the September before our wedding. We knocked on the office tour to inquire about ceremony availability, and met Father Chris. We loved his kind, warm manner and felt at ease with him right away.
What was your ceremony music? Processional: Edelweiss, from Sound of Music. I wanted to walk down the aisle to this song with my father because it is his favorite song from his favorite movie, the Sound of Music. It was the only lullaby he sang to me as a child! // Recessional: Country Roads by John Denver. This is the unofficial state song of West Virginia and a favorite of my husband, who grew up in nearby Bluefield, WV. We also closed our reception with a much rowdier version!
What were your ceremony readings? Old Testament Lesson: Song of Solomon 2:10-13. Psalm 128, and New Testament Lesson: Colossians 3:12-17.
The Reception
“We wanted an luxurious, singular, yet rustic and comfortable feel. We loved the ‘off-property’ ambiance of Howard’s Creek Lodge, which is immersed in the gorgeous scenery of the Greenbrier grounds, but still incorporates all the quality and service of the hotel’s ballrooms.”
How would you describe your reception? Elegant country!
What inspired you when you were planning your wedding? Everything we love about West Virginia: wildflowers, bluegrass, country music, whiskey and southern food. We wanted our guests to feel pampered and also free to let loose!
Are there any DIY details you’d like to tell us about? A figurine of our Italian greyhound, Indy, served as the cake topper!
What was your wedding menu? Low Country Boil and Fried Chicken and Waffles, with Cheddar Cheese Grits and Collard Greens. During cocktail hour, we served fried oysters and had a custom wedding cake made of cheese!
What type of cake or dessert did you serve? Vanilla Crisp Wedding Cake, Sugared Donuts, Greenbrier Peaches and Cream and Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème.
Now that’s our kind of cheesecake!
Special songs:
“Whatever It Is” by Zac Brown Band
Father/Daughter: “My Girl” by the Temptations
Mother/Son: “In My Life” by The Beatles
What was your favorite moment or part of the reception? When the father and brothers of the bride took the stage at the reception to play Michael Jackson’s “Beat it” alongside the band! Our dear friend Mandy, who has a phenomenal voice, leaped on stage to hit the high notes. The crowd went wild!
