District Weddings

The wedding of Bree and Tommy makes me want to take a drive out to Virginia to soak in the beautiful views and relaxing country scenes…what a place for a wedding celebration!! Michelle Marie Photographie captured this special day at Silverbrook Farm and B&B in Purcellville and it is filled with thoughtful, lovely DIY details…oh, what happiness to start your Monday!

A little bit about the wedding story from Michelle Marie Photographie …

Who would have thought the boy who walked Bree Mills to band class on her first day at a new school in 8th grade would end up as her husband fifteen years later? The now Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Burk met in middle school, developed a friendship that blossomed into a romance, and this year began a new chapter in their lives as a married couple. Their countryside wedding at Silverbrook Farm in Purcellville, Virginia was the perfect backdrop to say “I do” for these childhood sweethearts.

The 200-year-old farm house surrounded by the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the weathered barn made Tommy and Bree’s outdoor wedding and reception magical and unique. The bride says: “From the moment we pulled into the driveway at Silverbrook, we just KNEW it was special. Though the house, the barn, and the grounds are all breathtakingly beautiful, it is the atmosphere of family and love that drew us in. Dorothy “Dot” Shetterly welcomed us with hugs and we immediately felt as though we were home! The farm has seen so much love, both by the family who’s cared for it for the last 200 years and by the couples who have married there. I can’t imagine having our wedding anywhere else.”
The beautiful setting was enhanced by Bree’s creative DIY touches. One of my favorite pieces was her hair piece, which she created from scrap pieces of her dress! It had a vintage feel and was so delicate and elegant, really adding a special touch to her look. Bree personally dreamed up and created every detail of the big event; she designed the wedding and rehearsal dinner invitations, the wedding programs, the favor labels and the table assignment cards. She scoured antique stores and craft stores to find the perfect items to complete the antique, home-on-the-farm theme. Instead of a guestbook, there was a vintage mailbox for guests to leave the couple a love note. Vintage birdcages were placed on the gift table for cards.

The wedding was planned to be held outside, on the lawn of the beautiful old farmhouse, with a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bree had many gorgeous touches planned, including hanging lanterns in the trees. Due to the imminent chance of rain, plan B was put into place to move the ceremony into the barn. Bree says: “We were a little worried (let’s be honest, I was A LOT worried) about the weather leading up to the wedding because rain and severe storms were forecasted to hit in the early afternoon and carry on into the evening. We had so many of our friends and family members praying for the rain to hold off, and when the sky was still bright blue an hour before the ceremony was scheduled to start, we ditched the rain plan and went back to Plan A! But just as we were saying our vows on the front lawn of the farm, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, the dark clouds started to roll in. The storm held off just long enough to complete the ceremony, and get all of our guests inside before the winds kicked up and the sky opened! It was as if the weather paused just for us, just for our special moment. We got to have our beautiful outdoor ceremony, and the “good luck” of rain on our wedding day! What a blessing!”

After the ceremony, the guests moved into the barn – a perfect place to take refuge from the rain! And what a gorgeous barn it was. Strands of white lights twinkled from the rafters. The couple’s framed monogram hung over the bridal table. Chalk boards displayed the food and beverage choices, an old window shutter held the table assignments and handmade white lanterns hung from the barn’s rafters. These items were all made by Bree! She even made ribbon streamers with small bells for guests to wave upon the couples’ evening exit-this is an Irish tradition, fitting with Tommy’s heritage. While every element was beautiful, the centerpieces probably deserve their own standing ovation. Each table featured a tin bucket filled with a flowering potted plant, planted by Bree and her mom, each donning a small sign saying “take me home and watch me grow”! The flower pots were surrounded by lit votive candles in mason jars tied with twine, and each guest received a small jar of local honey with a personalized label.

In the end, every carefully constructed detail of Bree and Tommy’s wedding worked together to make an intimate, personal fairytale wedding. I was so happy to be a part of their wedding day!

The fabulous vendor team:

Caterer: Great Falls Gourmet of Herndon

Cupcakes: Market Salamander

Flowers: Affordable Arrangements

Photography: Michelle Marie Photographie