1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Vineyard Wedding at Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia

On the lookout for the perfect wedding venue, Bernadette Michel (26 and a design director for a healthcare association) and Eric Slee (37 and a legisl

On the lookout for the perfect wedding venue, Bernadette Michel (26 and a design director for a healthcare association) and Eric Slee (37 and a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate) chose Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they spent one of their first romantic getaways as a couple. “We immediately fell in love with the town and its scenic views,” Bernadette says of quaint Charlottesville, which is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Lucky for us, Trump Winery happened to be one of our favorite vineyards.”

Staying true to their style, the couple hosted a classic wedding, but wove in natural details to complement the mountain backdrop. The couple said "I do" under a weeping willow tree at the winery, overlooking a pond and sweeping vineyards, and held cocktail hour in the property's charming barn before an elegant reception in the winery's grand pavilion. Floral arrangements took center stage, with pops of purple anemones and calla lilies mixed with white roses and dahlias making an appearance on table tops and in bouquets. Soft purple details, such a lilac bridesmaid gowns and purple blooms adorning the four-tiered cake, tied the celebration together. “The Trump venue had the perfect balance of rustic details and elegant features, plus a backdrop of rolling vineyards,” Bernadette says. "It was a beautiful setting." -Marissa Hermanson

The couple tied the knot at Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, where the Blue Ridge Mountains provided a picturesque, pastoral backdrop.
The couple said “I do” outside at the Trump Winery, and the reception was held under the vineyard’s beautiful pavilion. They welcomed guests with a rustic chalkboard sign directing guests where to go on the immense, vineyard property.
Bernadette’s bridesmaids created a memory book that they presented to her the day of the wedding. Her girlfriends filled it with photographs from their childhood, college and her bachelorette weekend together, along with personal messages.
Bridesmaids wore floor-length flowing lilac gowns and carried bouquets with pops of purple blooms.
Groom and groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos.
The couple’s first look took place in the beautiful chapel on Trump Winery’s grounds.
When Bernadette first started dress shopping, she wasn’t sure what she wanted. After a few dress appointments, she finally found her dream dress and had an “aha” moment when she tried on a beautiful lace Monique Lhuillier sheath gown.
Bernadette wore a lace veil that was purchased by her great aunt in 1956 while vacationing in Belgium. The family heirloom veil has been worn by nine brides, including Bernadette’s mother and grandmother.
At the ceremony site, purple and cream flowers adorned each row of chairs lining the aisle.
Bridesmaids carried round bouquets of purple and cream flowers and lush greenery.
A picture-perfect ceremony took place under a willow tree, overlooking the pond and vineyards at Trump Winery.
A gold wedding band with pavé-set diamonds complemented Bernadette’s beautiful diamond solitaire engagement ring.
Cocktail hour took place in the barn at Trump Winery, with a lavish cheese spread (a nod to Eric’s Wisconsin roots) and his and her’s cocktails: Gin Fizz for Bernadette and Old-Fashioned for Eric.
Bernadette created the escort cards, which were hung on framed wire mesh. A talented graphic designer, she also designed the wedding invitations, ceremony brochure, chalkboard menu and place settings for the head table.
Table centerpieces included purple anemones, white roses, white dahlias, purple mini calla lilies, and berries held in gold bowls. Hand-calligraphed place cards noted each guest's seat.
A buffet-style dinner was served in the pavilion at Trump Winery. Bernadette created the chalkboard menu herself!
A four-tiered cake frosted in vanilla cream and adorned with purple flowers was simply elegant.
Dinner was followed by toasts and the couple’s first dance as husband and wife.
The couple departed Trump Winery with a sparkler send off from family and friends.