Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and okay – a dash of stress. When Sam and Tim reached out to us four months before their big day, they needed a helping hand to turn their vision into reality FAST. They dreamed of hosting a romantic fall wedding at Goodstone Inn, a picturesque venue that offers stunning views of Virginia’s rolling plains. With just four months to plan, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work! From the initial stages of planning to the final dance, their wedding day was nothing short of magical. Today, we are sharing a glimpse into how we brought their dream to life.

If you’re looking for a wedding planner to bring your unique vision to life, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From stunning venues to personalized touches, we’ll ensure your day unfolds just as beautifully as Sam and Tim’s. Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Head here to begin your journey with us!

Preparation and Setup

Sam and Tim’s fall wedding at Goodstone Inn really was all hands on deck! On-site preparations kicked off the Tuesday before the wedding with tent crews arriving to start the installation for this 200-person event. Tents, flooring, electrical lines, restroom trailers, and golf carts were all set up to ensure smooth transportation around the property. Though one of Goodstone Inn’s features is its full buyout requirement, allowing VIP guests to stay on-site in quaint cottages, the added vendor support for any event makes for a truly enjoyable wedding weekend! And we love a wedding weekend around here!

Despite our typical contingency plans for rain, the biggest challenge on this wedding day turned out to be the wind! With wind gusts over 30 miles per hour, we took extra precautions to secure florals, chairs, and equipment. Thankfully, the wind calmed to a gentle breeze just in time for the ceremony, allowing guests to stay warm with cashmere throws and hot apple cider.

Getting Ready

Sam and Tim chose to keep the stressors at bay and eliminated a traditional wedding party, instead getting ready with their closest friends and family. Sam was an absolute vision in a gorgeous gown, pearl necklace, and detached bridal sleeves.

The First Look

At Simply Breathe Events, we LOVE a first look. It is sometimes one of the most anticipated moments of a wedding day! Tim stood patiently in front of one of Goodstone’s charming cottages, that provided a perfect backdrop for this intimate moment. This first look was a beautiful testament to their love story, a quiet pause that allowed them to connect deeply before sharing their vows.

After their heartfelt first look, Sam and Tim took a moment to capture some photos together and then later with family and friends. A trend that has become increasingly popular at weddings, as it allows couples to maximize their time with guests later in the day. By taking these beautiful photos beforehand, Sam and Tim were able to enjoy more of their celebration without missing a beat, making the most of every precious moment with family and friends.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Sam’s vision was a whimsical, Bridgerton inspired if you will, countryside wedding. To achieve this look, their wedding ceremony design featured cane back chairs lined with poppy aisle florals, leading to a grounded floral arch that framed the stunning views without obstructing them. As Sam walked down the aisle with her father, her veil gracefully blew in the wind, creating a moment that left no dry eye in sight.

The Outdoor Tented Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, guests were invited to explore the grounds on their way to the pool for cocktail hour. The whimsical design continued with floating lily pads and candles, creating a magical atmosphere for mingling and celebration.

From there, guests were welcomed to the sailcloth tent by a lush greenery entrance. Each guest received a lantern with their table assignment, doubling as a keepsake.

For the reception design, we used a mix of warm wood tones, colorful blooms, candles, and rich textures. Long king tables were draped in rich ivory runners with floral chargers to keep the design vibrant. A standout personal touch was their wedding cake, which depicted one of their first trips to Vermont.

Golden Hour Photos

As the sun set, Sam and Tim captured STUNNING golden hour photos, which turned out to be some of our favorites captures from the day from the Virginia skyline.

The After Party

Sam and Tim’s fall wedding at Goodstone Inn was well thought out and executed in only four months! One of the last moments was a thoughtful idea from the bride and groom to cap off the evening with a s’mores station for guests to enjoy post-dinner conversations around a roaring fire pit. It was a perfect way to wind down and savor the joy of the day.

Wrapping Up: Dreamy Fall Wedding at Goodstone Inn

Sam and Tim’s fall wedding at Goodstone Inn was truly enchanting, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From the breezy hillside ceremony to the cozy conversation by the fire, every detail came together to create a day that was as magical as their love story. Helping them bring their vision to life was an absolute pleasure, and we couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out and for this beautiful family.

If you’re planning your wedding in Washington, DC, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us for personalized planning assistance, or follow us on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at how we turn wedding dreams into reality.

Vendor Team

Wedding Planning & Design: Simply Breathe Events
Venue: Goodstone Inn
Florist: Holly Chapple Florist
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Caterer: Goodstone Inn
Hair & Makeup: Emily Rooney Makeup
Photographer: Justin Kunimoto Photography
Band + Ceremony Musicians: Sound Society
Videographer: Paper Bird Weddings
Invitations/Wedding Day Signage/Stationery: Darling + Pearl Letterpress
Escort Display: Blissful Design & Decor Creative Studio
Chairs & Misc. Decor: White Glove Rentals
Photo Booth: Booth-o-Rama
Transportation: Reston Limousine
Tent, Flooring, & Tabletop Rentals: Select Event Group
Golf Carts & Valet: MJ Valet
Bars & Lounge Furniture: Paisley & Jade
Linens: BBJ Tavola

Tiffany Rivera is a DC & NYC Wedding Planner & Event Planner. For more inspiration when planning your destination wedding, check out this gorgeous and chic District Winery wedding.