In the enchanting energy of spring, love blossomed beautifully at The Historic Cavalier Hotel when our lovely couple Jaden and Tommy tied the knot. As wedding planners, we had the privilege of orchestrating every detail of their special day, and we’re thrilled to share the stunning design of their unforgettable wedding celebration with you!
Tommy surprised Jaden with a romantic proposal at Martin’s Tavern in the same booth where JFK proposed to Jackie, and right away they got started looking for wedding venues. Leaning into their timeless style, they fell in love with the elegance and rich history of The Cavalier Hotel. With it’s stunning oceanfront location in Virginia Beach, coupled with historic charm, it offered the perfect backdrop for their romantic spring wedding. The luxurious amenities and exceptional service provided by the Cavalier made it an easy choice for their celebration.
We carefully selected a color palette that reflected the freshness and romance of the season. Soft pastels, including blush pink, soft peach, and blues, dominated the florals & decor. These colors were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also because they harmonized perfectly with the venue’s historic charm and the oceanfront backdrop. The pastel hues infused the entire celebration with an air of delicate elegance and whimsy.
Jaden and Tommy held a deep desire to spotlight their families as the central figures of their celebration, emphasizing that there was nothing more meaningful to them than witnessing the pure joy and happiness of their loved ones. This heartfelt intention shaped every aspect of their wedding day, creating a profound and touching experience for their families who were genuinely moved by the numerous heartwarming moments they had the privilege of sharing together.
To capture the essence of spring, we focused on incorporating a soft and romantic color palette featuring pastel shades of blush, mint green, and lavender. Floral arrangements by Isha Foss Design played a pivotal role, with an abundance of seasonal blooms of Delphinium, Garden Roses and Aster Peach adorning the ceremony and reception tent space. We also incorporated garden-inspired decor elements like wrought-iron arches and a hanging floral installation above the head table.
Jaden and Tommy’s ceremony was held in the Cavalier’s Sunken Garden, with stunning floral displays beautifully set amongst clear Chiavari chairs to accentuate the space and setting the stage for the beautiful ceremony to come. Delicate flower arrangements lined the aisle, and a beautiful floral arch created a picture-perfect setting for their vows. The spring breeze gently rustled the leaves, adding a natural serenity to the moment.
With live acoustics provided by Harbor String Quartet, the classic music created a warm glow around the ceremony space.
When it came time for ceremony, emotions ran high as anticipation filled the air. The most poignant and heartfelt moment came when Jaden was about to walk down the aisle with her father.
As wedding planners, it was our privilege and responsibility to ensure that every detail of this precious moment was executed flawlessly. We understood that this walk down the aisle would be an emotionally charged moment for both Jaden and her father, and our goal was to provide support and assistance to make it as seamless and memorable as possible.
The atmosphere was charged with the intensity of the moment, but with our assistance, Jaden and her father were able to savor every step of their journey down the aisle. It was a walk that embodied the essence of the day — the merging of two lives, the support of loved ones, and the promise of a beautiful future together.
Cocktail Hour commenced on the Great Lawn Loggia and Raleigh Loggia where guests could fully unwind, drink a delicious “Aperol Fritz” or “Cole Fashioned” and catch up with one another!
To create a cozier atmosphere, we strategically placed statement bars throughout the cocktail and reception area. These bars were adorned with flowers, offering guests a cozy and intimate space to gather and enjoy handcrafted cocktails. The bars not only served as functional drink stations but also doubled as stylish decor elements that enhanced the overall ambiance. They encouraged mingling and added an element of warmth to the celebration.
The heart of Jaden and Tommy’s elegant spring wedding was undoubtedly their grand wooden escort display created by Paisley & Jade. Crafted with care, this sizable wooden masterpiece stood as a testament to both the couple’s love for elegance and the charm of the Cavalier Hotel. As guests arrived to cocktail hour, they were drawn into this sophisticated and timeless display that adorned their journey towards their night of celebration.
As an extra touch of fun and personalization, we decided to incorporate a crossword puzzle board that added an element of interaction and entertainment for the guests. Placed strategically near the bar, this custom-made crossword was designed to test their knowledge of the couple and their journey together. This thoughtful addition allowed guests to engage in friendly competition and sparked conversations as they worked together to fill in the blanks with answers about the couple’s shared adventures, milestones, and favorite memories.
The Cavalier Hotel’s Great Lawn served as the reception venue under a clear top tent, elegantly transformed with romantic drapery and bistro lights. We set up long banquet-style tables adorned with lush floral centerpieces and candlelight to create an intimate and inviting atmosphere.
The linens and florals were instrumental in creating a dreamy tablescape. We opted for sky blue tablecloths with gold beaded chargers to evoke a sense of vintage charm. The centerpieces featured lush arrangements of seasonal blooms carefully nestled in crystal vases. These florals not only added vibrant pops of color but also provided a fragrant and visually stunning focal point for each table. The combination of soft linens and vibrant florals made the dining experience feel luxurious and inviting.
Floral installations were a key element in transforming the reception space into a romantic wonderland. Hanging floral installations suspended from the ceiling above the head table created a breathtaking canopy of flowers. This installation not only drew guests’ eyes upward but also infused the entire room with a sense of enchantment and beauty. The cascading blooms made for stunning photo opportunities and added a touch of fairytale magic to the celebration.
Placed at the center of the reception tent, their black-and-white checkered dance floor was a striking visual feature that not only encouraged guests to get up and dance but also added a touch of retro glamour to the evening. As the newlyweds took their first dance as a married couple, the checkered floor served as the perfect stage, adding an element of energy and excitement to the evening and ensuring the dance floor was never empty.
The touching speeches delivered at Jaden and Tommy’s spring wedding were undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming and memorable moments of the evening. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon and reception was in full swing, close friends and family took the microphone to share their heartfelt words and well-wishes for the newlyweds.
It made our hearts so happy to see how the creation of a beautiful space could bring so many smiles to a room. To have created an event that felt so timeless and extraordinary for two people who meant so much to us is an experience we’ll never forget!
Lighting played a key role in making their space remarkable. We utilized a combination of soft, warm, and romantic lighting, including string lights and uplighting. The tent was bathed in a warm and inviting glow that created a magical atmosphere as the sun set. The lighting design by Blue Steel Lighting Design transformed the space from a simple tent into a captivating and inviting environment that perfectly complemented the springtime theme.
As Jaden and Tommy’s spring wedding celebration reached its crescendo, Astro Events treated guests to a nostalgic and energetic medley of beloved 90s hits toward the end of the night. This musical journey down memory lane was the perfect way to infuse the reception with an infectious sense of fun and nostalgia.
Jaden and Tommy’s spring wedding at The Cavalier Hotel was a testament to the beauty of love in full bloom. As wedding planners, we were honored to be a part of their special day and witness the magic of their love story unfold.
We are especially proud of how our careful selection of colors, linens, florals, statement bars and remarkable lighting played key design roles in creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant celebration that will be cherished by the couple and their guests for years to come.
If you’re considering a spring wedding at a historic and elegant venue, like the Cavalier Hotel, we hope this real-life love story inspires your own wedding dreams!
Stay tuned for more inspiring wedding stories and tips from our team!
Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Angelica & Co. Weddings
Venue & Catering: The Historic Cavalier Hotel
Photographer: Echard Wheeler
Videographer: Delta Studios
Rentals & Decor: Paisley & Jade, BBJ La Tavola
AV & Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting Design
Florist: Isha Foss Design
Hair & Makeup: Rachel Morgan & Flawless On Site
Ceremony Musicians: Harbor String Quartet
Cake: Incredible Edibles @incredibleediblesbakery
Transportation: Orange Peel Transportation
Stationery: Duly Noted
Officiant: Todd Rensi & Mark Herring
