Wedding Day

Ceremony

Mount Ida Farm + Vineyard

Reception

Our Wedding

How They Met

Alex and Landon traveled to Orlando, Florida for a summer internship at Disneyworld in 2015. Throughout that summer, they spent their time growing closer together while sharing unforgettable memories with friends along the way. They both knew the summer would come to an end and they’d have to go back to Pennsylvania and Illinois, but they both wanted to pursue a long-distance relationship. Throughout their fourth year of college, their loving relationship grew and their bond was reaffirmed after each long-distance visit.&nbsp;

Going the Distance

Alex and Landon both were fortunate to be accepted into a Master's program in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2016 and were finally able to be together again! Their love and bond was solidified during that busy year, but they both knew that they wanted to pursue terminal degrees in the years after. Unfortunately, the most fitting programs for Alex and Landon resulted in a another 7-hour, long distance relationship for four years. They both knew their journey would be far from easy, but knew it was the best choice in the long term. As another test to their relationship, they said their goodbyes in Summer 2017 and set off on their 4-year journey through their PhD studies. Alex and Landon were extremely busy in their doctoral studies, but managed to balance and see each other about once a month. Their trips would consist of weekend visits halfway between Georgia and Virginia (usually Charlotte, NC), summer conference travels across the United States, or trips back to each others’ homes during holiday breaks. The distance was tricky, but made their love grow stronger. In fact, Alex starting dropping some “subtle” hints that her left ring finger felt "awfully light", which Landon would always play off. Little did Alex know, Landon had something big in the works.

The Proposal

From October 1st-6th&nbsp;2019, Alex traveled to a conference in Amsterdam for the week. Throughout her trip, Alex kept trying to touch base with Landon, but Landon wouldn't answer her phone calls. Meanwhile, Landon had secretly traveled to Amsterdam on his own and was keeping a low profile to surprise her. After the conference, Alex headed out to dinner with friends who insisted on stopping at the famous Magere Brug (“Lover's Bridge”) on their way to eat. As they walked along, Alex looked over and told her friends, "Hey, that guy looks like Landon!" about a hooded figure on the bridge, and low and behold, it was! He pulled her over, and after her initial shock of continually asking "what are you doing here??" he got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him! They spent the rest of the weekend in Amsterdam celebrating with friends and colleagues, and the rest is history.

Alex & Landon's Story

We have reserved blocks of rooms at two different hotels in Charlottesville! Option 1: The Hilton Garden Hotel1793 Richmond Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911phone: (434) 979-4442website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.charlottesville.stayhgi.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.charlottesville.stayHGI.com</a>Please be sure to request the group rate for the DeJong-Lempke Wedding, or book by the unique book code DLW Option 2: The Double Tree by Hilton Charlottesville990 Hilton Heights Road,&nbsp;Charlottesville, VA 22901Direct Phone: (434) 964-4483Main Phone: (434) 973-2121website: <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure3.hilton.com%2Fen_US%2Fdt%2Freservation%2Fbook.htm%3Fctyhocn%3DCHOSHDT%26corporateCode%3D0003043982%26from%3Dlnrlink&amp;data=04%7C01%7CRachel.Brown%40hilton.com%7C6a3bc639b1b040068d5608d874319cae%7C660292d2cfd54a3db7a7e8f7ee458a0a%7C0%7C0%7C637387103716412424%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=tnlOYexN%2FARmQaSE8m2N%2BwtgzVG4vT6D9Gt3ybfCRaU%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/dt/reservation/book.htm?ctyhocn=CHOSHDT&amp;corporateCode=0003043982&amp;from=lnrlink</a>Please be sure to request the special event rate for the DeJong-Lempke Wedding, use the code 0003043982 , or follow the direct link above.

If you would prefer to book rooms elsewhere, below are other suggestions to explore in the area. Please be aware that it is a UVA reunion weekend, and there are several other weddings in the area, so prices may be slightly higher and rooms may book quickly!

Near Downtown MallMake yourself at home in one of the 113 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with double sofa beds. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and flat-screen televisions are provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlottesville Downtown, VA, you'll be centrally located in Charlottesville, a 2-minute drive from Downtown Mall and 7 minutes from University of Virginia.  This hotel is 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from Monticello and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from John Paul Jones Arena.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Charlottesville Pavilion - 0.6 km / 0.3 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 0.6 km / 0.3 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Paramount Theater - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Downtown Mall - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Migration: A Gallery - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Play On! Theater - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Virginia Discovery Museum - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Albemarle County Court House - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Historic Court Square - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Peterson Health Center - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  Corner district - 1.6 km / 1 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 1.7 km / 1.1 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 15.6 km / 9.7 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 83 km / 51.6 mi The preferred airport for Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlottesville Downtown, VA is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and barbecue grills.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlottesville Downtown

Near Downtown MallMake yourself at home in one of the 208 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.With a stay at Omni Charlottesville Hotel in Charlottesville (North Downtown), you'll be steps from Downtown Mall and 3 minutes by foot from Paramount Theater.  This 4-star hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Charlottesville Pavilion and 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Virginia Discovery Museum.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Downtown Mall - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Paramount Theater - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  Charlottesville Pavilion - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi  Migration: A Gallery - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Virginia Discovery Museum - 0.6 km / 0.3 mi  Albemarle County Court House - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Historic Court Square - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Peterson Health Center - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Play On! Theater - 1.2 km / 0.7 mi  Corner district - 1.7 km / 1.1 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 1.7 km / 1.1 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 2.1 km / 1.3 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 15.2 km / 9.4 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 83.1 km / 51.6 mi The preferred airport for Omni Charlottesville Hotel is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. This hotel also features wireless Internet access (surcharge), concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Charlottesville? This hotel has facilities measuring 13000 square feet (1208 square meters), including a conference center. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.Grab a bite to eat at The Pointe, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 10 AM and on weekends from 6:30 AM to noon for a fee.

Omni Charlottesville Hotel

Near Downtown MallMake yourself at home in one of the 124 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with refrigerators and ovens. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 32-inch Smart televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown, you'll be centrally located in Charlottesville, within a 5-minute drive of University of Virginia and Downtown Mall.  This hotel is 4.4 mi (7 km) from Monticello and 2 mi (3.2 km) from John Paul Jones Arena.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Charlottesville Pavilion - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Downtown Mall - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Paramount Theater - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Migration: A Gallery - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Virginia Discovery Museum - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Albemarle County Court House - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Historic Court Square - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Peterson Health Center - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Corner district - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  Play On! Theater - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 1.6 km / 1 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 15.2 km / 9.4 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 83.1 km / 51.6 mi The preferred airport for Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and barbecue grills.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary during limited hours.Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held on select days. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.

Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown

Near Downtown MallMake yourself at home in one of the 117 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. LCD televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown/University Area, you'll be centrally located in Charlottesville, a 2-minute drive from Downtown Mall and 6 minutes from University of Virginia.  This hotel is 4 mi (6.4 km) from Monticello and 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from John Paul Jones Arena.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Play On! Theater - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Charlottesville Pavilion - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi  Downtown Mall - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Corner district - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Paramount Theater - 1.2 km / 0.7 mi  Migration: A Gallery - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  Virginia Discovery Museum - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  Albemarle County Court House - 1.5 km / 1 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 1.5 km / 1 mi  Historic Court Square - 1.6 km / 1 mi  Peterson Health Center - 1.7 km / 1 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 1.7 km / 1.1 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 15.8 km / 9.8 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 82.3 km / 51.2 mi The preferred airport for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown/University Area is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access and a picnic area.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown/University Area. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown/University

Near University of VirginiaMake yourself at home in one of the 100 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wired Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville-At the University, you'll be centrally located in Charlottesville, within a 5-minute drive of University of Virginia and Downtown Mall.  This hotel is 4.8 mi (7.7 km) from Monticello and 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from John Paul Jones Arena.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Corner district - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Peterson Health Center - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi  Rotunda - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Charlottesville Pavilion - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  The Fralin Museum of Art - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  Downtown Mall - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  Paramount Theater - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  Sheridan Snyder Tennis Center - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  Heritage Repertory Theater - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  University of Virginia - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 14.5 km / 9 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 81.2 km / 50.4 mi The preferred airport for Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville-At the University is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a fitness center or make use of other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can get around on the complimentary shuttle, which operates within 15 mi.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Charlottesville? This hotel features 900 square feet (81 square meters) of event facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request).A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville-At the University

Near University of VirginiaMake yourself at home in one of the 150 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and minibars. 47-inch LED televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel in Charlottesville, you'll be a 2-minute drive from University of Virginia and 5 minutes from Downtown Mall.  This hotel is 4.9 mi (7.8 km) from Monticello and 1.5 mi (2.3 km) from John Paul Jones Arena.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Corner district - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Rotunda - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Peterson Health Center - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Charlottesville Pavilion - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  The Fralin Museum of Art - 1.2 km / 0.7 mi  Sheridan Snyder Tennis Center - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  Heritage Repertory Theater - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  University of Virginia - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  Downtown Mall - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  Paramount Theater - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 14.6 km / 9.1 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 81.1 km / 50.4 mi The preferred airport for The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and concierge services. This hotel also features wedding services and a ballroom.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Charlottesville? This hotel has facilities measuring 1046 square feet (97 square meters), including conference space.Enjoy local and international cuisine at Renewal Tavern, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours).

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection

Near Downtown MallMake yourself at home in one of the 19 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Housekeeping is provided daily, and irons/ironing boards can be requested.With a stay at 200 South Street Inn, you'll be centrally located in Charlottesville, a 1-minute drive from Downtown Mall and 7 minutes from University of Virginia.  This bed & breakfast is 4.2 mi (6.8 km) from Monticello and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from John Paul Jones Arena.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Charlottesville Pavilion - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Charlottesville Ice Park - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Downtown Mall - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  The Jefferson Theater - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  Paramount Theater - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  Migration: A Gallery - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Virginia Discovery Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Albemarle County Court House - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Historic Court Square - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi  Play On! Theater - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Peterson Health Center - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  Corner district - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  UVA Children's Hospital - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  UVA Medical Center West Complex - 1.7 km / 1.1 mi  Elson Student Health Center - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 15.5 km / 9.7 mi Weyers Cave, VA (SHD-Shenandoah Valley Regional) - 83.3 km / 51.8 mi The preferred airport for 200 South Street Inn is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO). Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. This bed & breakfast also features concierge services and a picnic area.Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily.

200 South Street Inn

Travel

We will be providing shuttle services that will depart from the Double Tree and the Hilton Garden Inn Hotels for the wedding that will leave by 3pm for Mount Ida. If you are not staying in a hotel, but are interested in taking a shuttle to the venue, please be sure to go to the Double Tree location. An early shuttle will bring guests back to the hotels at 8pm. The final shuttles will be prepared for 10pm following the exit.

Transportation

Charlottesville Attractions

Looking to make a mini-vacation out of your trip? Check out the websites below for suggestions of some of our favorite things to do:

<a href="https://www.visitcharlottesville.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.visitcharlottesville.org</a><a href="https://monticellowinetrail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wineries</a><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g57592-Activities-c36-t133-Charlottesville_Virginia.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Breweries</a><a href="https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/blog/post/best-hikes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hiking</a><a href="https://spoonuniversity.com/place/charlottesville-foods-and-restaurants" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dining</a>

Photos