Airlie Wedding | Lieb Photographic | Kristi and Tom

Wedding

Aug 28, 2019

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“Any poets wanna fall in love?”

That’s how it all began on August 2, 2018, when Tom randomly tweeted the above out into twitter air. Little did he know, that Kristi’s response would be the beginning of their relationship.

So here we are…one year later and it’s been so much fun hearing from Kristi about her wedding day plans over the last few months. Seeing the timeline come together and her vision unfold has been such a joy. So when Kristi and Tom’s Airlie Wedding Day finally came, I was more than impressed with the excitement, the extraordinary color palette and the absolute joy surrounding the day.

Every single element was indicative of Kristi’s careful attention to detail. From her coral, green, goldenrod and lavender palette to her carefully crafted haircombs for the bridesmaids (thanks to Dragonfly Events!)…everything was a perfect match! Just like Kristi and Tom.

It’s no surprise that Kristi and Tom selected #foundpoem as their wedding day hashtag. I had a little fun seeing how many other posts also shared this hashtag. How fitting it was that the best man and maid of honor also read poems at the ceremony and Kristi and Tom had poems all around the reception space!

Bridal Portraits

After Kristi was prepared for the day, we headed over to the butterfly gardens for her bridal portraits. We were also joined by a few butterflies!

Kristi was absolutely stunning! Her golden locks and flawless skin was easily complimented by the coral tones in her bouquet.

Soon Kristi shared a first look with her father. It was such a priceless moment! And then they shared some time with her mother and grandmother as well.

Krsiti and her bridesmaids graced the Spanish Steps with their lovely lavender gowns and sweet smiles. They also enjoyed some quality time together before the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the men began their preparations for the day. Tom had so many special details of his own, including a pin with both of his grandfathers pictures on them. Kristi had this made for him , of course! And his tie clips for his groomsmen made the perfect gift!

After Tom was dressed and ready, he rocked his portraits as well on the grounds of Airlie!

He took the time for photos with his groomsmen as well as his immediate family. Then he was ready for his first look with Kristi!

The First Look

And it was such a precious first look!! Tom was nervous, then overwhelmed and then just full of joy to see his beautiful bride!

After their memorable first look, it was time for some romantic couples’ portraits. I love how Kristi and Tom gave themselves enough time to really enjoy some portraits together all around the central parts of Airlie.

The formal gardens were bright and beautiful and Kristi and Tom were so very romantic and sweet together!

The lush greens and the late summer blooms in the gardens were the perfect accent to Kristi’s bouquet. I love all of their gorgeous portraits together! What a treasure for years to come!

The Ceremony

Soon it was time for the moment everyone was waiting for…the ceremony. Tom anxiously awaited for Kristi to walk down the aisle and was more than excited to see her walking toward him, escorted by her parents.

It was a lovely ceremony, officiated by their friend and with their own personal vows to each other. Their vows were witty, romantic and full of hope and promise. Tom’s may have even involved a colon or two…I’ll let you figure out which kind.

After they made it official and sealed the deal with a smooch, Kristi and Tom headed over to Spanish Steps. There they enjoyed some champaign and hors d’oeuvres before taking some group portraits with their bridal party and extended family.

After group portraits, we took a few images on the bridge with the love sign in the background and then headed toward the reception at the pavilion.

The Reception

The entire pavilion was beautifully decorated with the same palette to coordinate with Kristi’s bouquet. Her vision had truly come to life thanks to Dragonfly Events and Design.

The cake was stunning and while Eloise Pastries was responsible for it, Kristi made all of the cookies on the cookie bar!

After their grand entrances, Kristi and Tom shared a first dance as husband and wife before heading out for golden hour portraits.

Golden Hour

We began the golden hour time near the entrance to the garden, which was lit by two lampposts, reminiscent of The Secret Garden. How fitting for these two poets who love literature!

We then moved on into the upper garden where the sun was still visible and was falling on the plain with the most perfect golden haze. This is what “golden hour” dreams are made of!

Once we made our way back to the reception, they enjoyed toasts, the father/daughter and mother/son dances and more dancing with their friends, followed by the cake cutting. And of course, the mock sparkler exit!

It was the most perfect wedding day! And I do believe that many guests found their poems. So I am going to leave you with my favorite love poem, followed by the wedding professionals who helped make the day so special as well as more highlights from their incredible Airlie Wedding! Remember to keep scrolling and congratulations Kristi and Tom!

Letter

I had wanted to begin
by telling you I saw another
tanager below the pond
where I had sat for half an hour
feeding on wild berries
in the little clearing near the pines
that hides the lower field
and then looked up from red berries
to the quick red bird brilliant
in the light. I have seen
more yarrow and swaying
Queen Anne’s lace around the woods
as hawkweed and nightshade
wither and drop seed. A new blue flower,
sweet, yellow-stamened, ovary inferior,
has recently sprung up.
But I had the odd
feeling, walking to the house
to write this down, that I had left
the birds and flowers in the field,
rooted or feeding. They are not in my
head, are not now on this page.
It was very strange to me, but I think
their loss was your absence. I wanted
to be walking with Leif, the sun
behind us skipping off the pond,
the windy maple sheltering the house,
and find you there and say
here! a new blue flower (overy inferior)
and busy Leif and Kris with naming
in a world I love. You even have
my field guide. It’s you I love.
I have believed so long
in the magic of names and poems. 
I hadn’t thought them bodiless
at all. Tall Buttercup. Wild Vetch.
“Often I am permitted to return
to a meadow.” It all seemed real to me
last week. Words. You are the body
of my world, root and flower, the
brightness and surprise of birds.
I miss you, love. Tell Leif
you’re the names of things.

—from Field Guide, by Robert Hass

Thank you to these wonderful wedding professionals who helped make their Big Day so very special! Please keep scrolling to see many more highlights from Kristi and Tom’s Airlie Wedding Day!

Venue: Airlie

Planning and Florals: Dragonfly Events and Design

Hair and Make Up Artist: Les Bourgeois Artistry

Wedding Gown: Barbara Kravchok from Soliloquy Bridal Couture

Tiara: Anna Marguerite

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Vintage Engagement Band: Longs Jewelers

Wedding Bands: Jared

Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box and Happy Boxes Shop

Earrings: BHLDN

Bracelet: Loi Loi Creations

Necklace: Lady K Jewelry

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Robes: Lovey Dovey Design by Us

Bridesmaid Necklaces: Forever 21

Bridesmaid Haircombs: Dragonfly Events and Design

Bridesmaid Earrings: Old Navy

Boutonnieres and Garter: Beads Brooches Bridal

Groom’s Attire: Hajjar’s

Groomsmen Attire: Combatgent

Men’s Shoes: Florshiem

Men’s Socks: DesignosaurYeah

Ties: Dazi

Watch: HugoBoss

Groomsmen Tie Clips: Twinswood

Cufflinks: Mar Mohan

DJ: Musical DJs

Band: Caleb Neil Trio

Caterer: Airlie

Cake: Eloise Pastries

Ribbon: Krasnova Silk

Cookies: The Bride!

Cookie Labels: Koala Styled Shack

Succulent Favors: Mountain Crest Gardens

Succulent Favor Tages: Oxee Craft

Geometric Botanical Suite: Print Affection

Card Box: Watts and Co.

Guest Book: Liumy Design

Accessory Table Fabrics: Tritone Shoppe

Ceremony Arbor: Father of the Bride

Table Numbers: Lovely Cake Toppers

Ribbon wands, hand lettering and miscellaneous signage: The Bride!

Invitation Suite: Minted

To see more Airlie weddings and engagement sessions, peruse HERE.

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Virginia Wedding Photographer, Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Baltimore Wedding Photographer and Maryland Wedding Photographer.  She is also a Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Phoenix Wedding Photographer, Arizona Wedding Photographer and a Destination Wedding Photographer!

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