Today I'm excited to introduce my friend Ruth of Raise the Ruth Events. She is a talented wedding and anniversary planner in our area and is kindly bringing her expertise on planning a summer wedding in Hampton Roads to my blog. Read on to find out how to plan the perfect wedding for one of my favorite seasons!
The air is sticky, the sun is out much longer than usual, and a nightly barbecue is a way of life. Oh sweet summertime you are my favorite! It’s the season for peonies (my fave flower), bright colors are everywhere, and wedding invitations are flooding your mailbox at an all-time high. Summer allows so many options, and it’s the perfect time to get married in Virginia.
Venues
Virginia is home to so many gorgeous venues to host your “best day ever.” From sandy beaches to manicured gardens the options for beautiful summer venues are endless. When choosing your summer wedding venue it is so important to select a location that offers beautiful scenery to match the style and culture of your wedding. Using the natural backdrop of the mountains or the beautiful lush greenery and flowers in bloom will definitely help to set the tone for a gorgeous day.
Fort Monroe Beach
Surrounded by water on all sides, the beach at Fort Monroe is one of the best places in Virginia to enjoy the view of the Chesapeake Bay. With the salty air and sounds of the sea, your guest are bound to have a beautiful time. If you want a venue with indoor options as well, The Water Table in Virginia Beach sits beside Lake Ruddee or a selection of venues in the Outer Banks.
The Woman’s Club of Portsmouth
With its southern elegance and charm, The Woman’s Club of Portmsouth is easily one of the most breathtaking venues in Hampton Roads. The indoor décor and style is lovely, and the outdoor deck and covered porch help set the scene for a timeless summer ceremony.
Estate Wedding
This is easily one of my favorite types of weddings! The charm of an estate is undeniable, and it often offers a blank canvas with endless possibilities. If you’re looking for something that feels timeless, design your dream ceremony at an estate and hold your ceremony on the lawn before taking advantage of a gorgeous indoor reception! Some locations in the area that will give the perfect estate feel are The Hornbsy House in Yorktown, Tuckahoe Plantation in Richmond, Bayvue Estate in Mathews County, or Holly Ridge Manor in Virginia Beach.
Design & Style
One of the most important, yet fun parts of your wedding is creating a design and style that compliments your personality as a couple. Summer offers such a gorgeous, bright, and airy color palette, that it’s easy for you to have fun while planning! Adding in details like a lush silk ribbon to bouquets, or using complimenting colors for bridesmaid dresses (instead of asking everyone to wear the same dress) are just a few ideas.
One of my favorite ways to add flare to your wedding is in your reception centerpieces. Have fun when it comes to your centerpiece arrangements! A few designs I love are hanging architectural plants, bright paper flower accent walls, and large floral arrangements. Summer is such a carefree time, so use it as a perfect excuse to have fun and really bring your wedding vision to life.
Food
Summer food is all about enjoyment and the great outdoors! Your menu can be light with a cool summer salad or more on the Southern side with pulled pork and all the fixings. Some of my favorite weddings have used local grown fruits and veggies to create a delicious sauce for meals or garnish a cold beverage. I love that summer allows for so much variety in choices. A made-to-order taco cart, ice cream bar, or even a suckling pig is not off limits in this season. Have fun, share your traditions, and your guests are bound to have a memorable experience.
If you can get past the sticky weather you will see there is so much you can do to plan an amazing summer wedding in Hampton Roads. It’s truly the perfect time for a fun filled, colorful, celebration!
View more from the Wedding Planning Series:
Planning a Winter Wedding
Planning a Fall Wedding
Planning a Spring Wedding
I’m Ruth, a Virginia girl with a big smile, and I love to celebrate everything! All details of planning, organizing, and production make my heart smile. I have caught every bouquet from every wedding I have attended since the age of twelve. I believe every milestone in life is cause for celebration! Coming from a large family my parents made sure to celebrate every single occasion from a lost tooth to graduations. Building memories is what life is all about, and it is so important to remember that.
Summer Wedding Inspiration
Mason + Olivia
Charlottesville
Jake + Rachel
Hollyfield Manor
