An Elegant Autumn Garden Wedding at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia

Julie Pace (32 and a journalist) and Michael Ferenczy (35 and a consultant) planned an elegant fall wedding with rustic undertones at The Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia. Working with the planners and designers at Atrendy Wedding, the couple pulled off a sophisticated but laid-back affair with a vibrant color palette of orange, purple and pink, textured florals, and fun seasonal touches like gilded pumpkin place cards. 

“It was important to us that our wedding be really beautiful but not stuffy,” says Julie. “Some of our favorite pieces were  farm-style tables and vintage furnishings near the dance floor.” With acres of grounds at their disposal, the couple decided to host both the ceremony and reception outdoors. Stone urns filled with rich purple blooms framed the altar, adding color without detracting from the setting. Julie and Michael included traditions like a joint breaking of the glass into the ceremony and asked a close friend to officiate. After saying their “I do's,” the newlyweds whisked their guests to the reception tent for a night of dinner and dancing. 

The pair sat their friends at long, wooden farm tables, each brought to life with bright flowers, flickering candlelight, mercury glass accents and playful ribbon table runners. “It really added to the family feel of the wedding,” says Julie. Good food was a must for the couple, and Federal City Caterers didn’t disappoint. 

Guests were greeted with mugs of hot spiked cider as they arrived to the ceremony, and dinner was capped off with an assortment of sweet pies. A live band rocked the house late into the night, and the couple sent their friends and family members home with champagne sips and s’mores. “The vibe at our wedding really reflected us: fun and relaxed,” Julie says. “It wasn't one element but everything together that really accomplished that.” —Libby MacCarthy