Pushing aside all our plans for a small wedding with our kids as attendants, I planned an elopement, instead.
Amidst all the crazy around the world wide disease, an elopement made better sense, although my kids and I were devastated.
My intended, though, promised a formal wedding ceremony when the world again became sane.
Calling around Northern Virginia to try to sync an officiant with a venue, etc, I hit many walls…until the doors opened in the Charlottesville area at Prospect Hill Inn, which promised 18th century charm, tranquility, and ease.
When booking a room with them, they provide the venue, officiant, flowers, cake, champagne…and our choice of location for the ceremony and photography, indoors and out.
PROSPECT HILL INN
Doc Findley, the proprietor of Prospect Hill Inn, personally responded to my all my questions with promptness and clarity.
All I needed to bring, he said, was my fiancé and the marriage license.
JEN FARIELLO PHOTOGRAPHY
Doc’s wife connected me to any vendors I might want to use, from which I contacted a photographer from Charlottesville, Jen Fariello who soon responded to my inquiry with great friendliness.
Requesting a phone call to get to know me, she asked about our interests and preferences, which included my historical sewing of an Audrey Hepburn-Givenchy dress from Sabrina, which she wanted to feature. Ooo!
And on that happy note, all photography in this blog post are by the incredible Jen Fariello who documented our special day for us to remember and our loved ones to see from afar!
THE BIG DAY MASSIVE COLD FRONT
Although I was hoping for an outdoor ceremony and photography among beautiful spring flowers, like cherry blossoms, our comfortable spring weather deeply dipped the night before into the freeze zone, destroying all the gorgeous spring foliage.
While that saddened me, I was heartened that Prospect Hill Inn was prepared to allow me to make last minute decisions based on the weather…or my mere whim…which I found to be unique from other venues.
Arriving upon the property, I caught my first glimpse beyond the online photos of our honeymoon cottage…
While W waited for me in the manor house, I prepared for the ceremony…then heard Jen knocking at the door…
At the manor house everything was ready from gorgeous crystal chandeliers…
…to the famed Jean Antoine Houdon of Thomas Jefferson, which I wanted overseeing the nuptials!
Presented with my bouquet, of which the inn owners completely coordinated on their own with a florist they contract with…along with the groom’s boutonniere…
First look…hah! Not the way I imagined, but I had no idea how this would all play out.
Since this was an elopement, I knew it would be more low key, so I simply ran with their recommendations and enjoyed the moment.
Greatly missing my kids and fearing it would seem sort of weird, just doing this with a few of us, the owners, staff, and guests all watched with warm smiles that enveloped the atmosphere, so that it was all so natural and happy.
PRELUDE TO THE CEREMONY
The setting of the indoor ceremony with Thomas Jefferson and a Jazz musician in a colorful French Country red room upon the grand piano!
While Jefferson represents my 18th century love, the jazz musician represents my fiancee’s background.
His father, who taught at Yale University, was also part of a jazz group, that famously held yearly performances at the college.
And of course, I love grand pianos and French Country decor…so we were set!
CEREMONY
Upon meeting the officiant, a retired lawyer/judge, soon after I entered the manor house, he cheerfully introduced himself and asked if I’d prefer a civil ceremony or religious.
Choosing a religious ceremony, I was deeply moved (as was W) at the officiant’s fully memorized speech with Scripture that completely inspired without being silly or boring.
So beautiful and meaningful…something I presumed I’d have to abandon at the thought of an elopement.
PRESENTING MR. AND MRS.
Humorously, Jen asked us to hold the poses as she took tons more photos!
CHAMPAGNE
Also provided by the inn was the celebratory champagne…
My early 19th century shawl was perfect for my 1950s dress for our forthcoming walk upon the grounds of the inn, established in the 18th century.
Toasts at the 18th century boxwood entry to the manor house…
To my surprise, another 18th century Virginia event transpired…the shooting of guns into the air in the distance! (Was the Continental Army somewhere, about? Be still my heart…)
CELEBRATING OUTDOORS
Strolling in front of our honeymoon cottage…
…and then to the pergola just beyond the cottage…
I especially love these photos where Jen blurred out the background…when she interviewed me on the phone she learned of my hope for springtime in the photos, since I do not like winter.
She had the perfect solution to soften the hardness of dead wood in winter after a deep freeze the night before!
I marvel at how much I especially love these shots!
Somehow during our ceremony, the lateness of the afternoon warmed with the sun and our new lives together, so with Jen’s encouragement, I removed my shawl and was quite comfortable…rare for me!
Unexpectedly, Jen suggested I pull up my play list from my phone so we could dance…what a special touch!
CAKE AND CHAMPAGNE
Also provided by the inn was this cute little cake from a nearby bakery they often contract with.
Not only adorably cute, it was scrumptious…and I’m not even a fan of cake.
Many thanks to all who created this special day for us.
True to their word, all I had to do was bring the groom and the marriage license!
Stay tuned for more from this venue and photography shoot!
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VENUE CREDITS
Venue:
website: Prospect Hill Inn
instagram: Prospect Hill Inn
Photographer:
website: Jen Fariello Photography
instagram: @jenfariello
Engagement and Wedding Rings:
website: Jerry’s Occoquan Jewelers
Elopement dress:
Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy styled dress from Sabrina, which I sewed
stay tuned for more photos by Jen of my dress in upcoming blog post
For more photos, check my Flickr set.
EPILOGUE 2025
Sadly, a crazy life at this old house has kept me busy, and I’m finally updating my blog and wanted to tag the Findley’s for their wonderful provision at their lovely inn…but now I’ve learned that Prospect Hill Inn has new owners.
