We are excited to announce Drew & Giavona as the winners of our Wedding of the Year contest, having been chosen by popular vote amongst an abundance of other gorgeous wedding submissions. Photographer Annamarie Akins did a beautiful job telling their love story through photography as seen in our print edition. We hope you enjoy this sneak peek on our blog, where you can see even more gorgeous photography.
Drew and Giavona’s romantic and family-centric wedding in the breathtaking countryside of Albemarle was a perfect combination of beauty, style, and personal touches.
It was a timeless celebration of love, as Drew and Giavona said “I Do” inside the quaint and lovely Trump Chapel.
During the planning of the wedding, Giavona’s father unexpectedly passed away. In memory of him, the couple had a chair set aside especially for him, where a sign stood with the words, “Hakuna Matata,” her father’s favorite saying.
The bride’s gorgeous A-lined Austin Scarlett dress, paired with a unique alabaster bouquet, was a sight inspiring future brides. The bridesmaids lovely Jenny Yoo periwinkle dresses were paired with blush bouquets from Hedge Fine Blooms (pictured above).
Sporting a watch that Giavona had given her father years before, Drew matched his groomsmen in a navy blue suit and ivory boutonniere, also perfectly complimentary of the periwinkle bridesmaids dresses.
The merging of the couple continued with a reception at the Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery, chosen by the couple for its significance and beauty. Drew and Giavona fell in love with the sweeping vineyard and countryside views during countless visits to the estate, while Giavona was working on its renovation.
At the reception, the menu was written in Italian as a nod to Giavona’s father’s days as an Italian chef and included all of his favorite dishes, which A Pimento Catering provided. The chosen color palette of peach, ivory and gold highlights truly brought out the beauty of the natural setting.
We are so excited to share Drew and Giavona’s love story with you. To read more of the 2016 Wedding of the Year, see the latest issue of Charlottesville Wine & Country Weddings here.
Photographer: Annamarie Akins Photography
Venue: Albemarle Estate & Trump Winery
Caterer & Food Supplies: A Pimento Catering, Trump Winery & Carpe Donuts
Cake: Sweethaus
Florist: Hedge Fine Blooms
Rental Company: Festive Fare
Stationery: Adela Qersaqi
Dress & Shoes: Austin Scarlett & BHLDN
Bridal Party Dress: Jenny Yoo
Beauty & Hair Stylist: Elle Style Studio
Bridal Jewelry: Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry
Tuxedos: BlackTux.com
Entertainment: Peter Richardson, Guitarist
Videographer: Mwendo
Transportation: Easy Rider Bus Company
