A Bright Spring Wedding at Rixey Manor in Culpeper, Virginia
When it came to planning their wedding, Sophia LaTour (25 and a student of physical therapy) and Sean Fuller (25 and a geologist) looked in an unexpected place, or rather to an object, for inspiration. A larimar and fire opal necklace that Sean designed for Sophia on their second anniversary inspired a color palette of brilliant blue, silver and pops of pink. “Larimar is a turquoise-colored mineral endemic to the Dominican Republic, which is where I spent five years of my childhood,” says Sophia. “The opal is from Australia, where I spent almost three years of my childhood.”
Rixey Manor played host to the affair. Rolling hills, lush pastures and scenic pounds provided a picturesque setting for the the couple’s outdoor ceremony. Ornate arrangements of vibrant lilies, gerbera daisies, eucalyptus, hydrangeas and roses framed the couple as they exchanged vows, while bundles of baby’s breath and flowing blue ribbons lined the aisle. “The best decision we made for the ceremony was asking Sean’s aunt to be our officiant,” says Sophia. “She knows us so well, so the ceremony was sweet and personal.” Her brother performed all of the music on Spanish guitar, with selections from The Beatles highlighting the positive influence her father has on her life. The couple even had their dog Warden get in on the festivities, having Sophia’s sister walk the pup down the aisle. “She was really clever and saved fabric from her dress after it was hemmed, braiding it into a leash for Warden, so he would match the bridal party,” says Sophia.
Dinner and dancing took place in the elegant ballroom, whose expansive windows and chandeliers lent a sophisticated feel to the reception decor. Tables were draped in larimar blue linens, with centerpieces featuring petit calla lilies floating in modern globular vessels topping each. Sophia’s mother DIYed many of the details herself, bringing a personal touch to the decor. “Even though she was living in France during the wedding planning, she was able to help out through her fabulous projects,” says Sophia. “She created the larimar blue and gray napkin rings, paper flower balls, serene blue votives and countless more!” After dinner, the Logan Kraft Band kept the dance floor packed all took the floor and kept the party going late into the night.
A tip for the taking from Sophia: “The venue owner and our day-of-even planner, Isadora, said that there was no need to pick a theme for the wedding — ‘wedding’ and ‘Sean and Sophia’ were theme enough. Choose your design elements based on special elements that define you as a couple. Don’t feel rushed or pressured to fit into a mold. Start by reflecting on what is unique and special to both of you and you will be off to planning a wonderfully personal and unforgettable wedding.”