Goldie Gown in a Keswick Vineyards Wedding | Julie + Blake

One look at Julie and Blake’s wedding photos, and one thing is clear: these two delight in one another.

They may have walked into their first date with no expectations, but, says Julie, “from the very beginning, we would never run out of things to say or share, and hours would fly by talking until late at night.” Since then, they’ve been inseparable! Blake proposed at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado, and they put their summer vineyard wedding on the books!

Finding 'The One' (Dress, That Is)

Julie’s search for a timeless wedding dress that was that was both sophisticated and would harmonize with their garden party aesthetic proved harder than she thought! “I think I tried at least 40 dresses, with all different silhouettes, necklines, detail . . . nothing seemed right until I tried on the Goldie gown.” Standing there at Bridal Boutique Lewisville, everything clicked, “The simplicity of the straight, strapless neckline, the detail of the floral jacquard, the buttons lining the train all the way to the hem, the waist detail – it was perfect. I felt beautiful, unique, and still like myself.”

Picture-Perfect in Virginia Wine Country

Since mountains set the stage for Julie and Blake’s engagement, it was only fitting they made an appearance on their wedding day, too! “We were married at Keswick Vineyards just outside Charlottesville, VA, a stunning estate winery with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop and the most dreamy sailcloth tent for our reception.” Both their ceremony and reception were outdoors, the weather was stunning – sunshine, blue skies, and fluffy white clouds, and everything came together beautifully. “It was honestly magical – exploding with color, personal handmade details, signature drinks in the perfect blush wine glass, bistro lights above – and filled with so much love and laughter.”

See more of their day and get all the details from our lovely bride below!

How did the two of you meet?

We met online, on an app called The League -the app was going to kick me off for “flakiness” for not initiating any conversations with my matches, so I asked Blake how his week was going. He had just gotten back home (Dallas, TX at the time) from getting stuck in Spain with Covid! The rest is history.

When did you realize Blake was special in your life?

I think we both approached our first date without huge expectations, and we genuinely just hoped to share some good conversation over cocktails. From the very beginning, we would never run out of things to say or share, and hours would fly by talking until late at night. After enough time, following each date I would spend the in-between looking forward to the next, and Blake quickly became simultaneously the most vibrant and calming presence in my life.

Could you share your engagement story?

We got engaged in Boulder, CO at the base of the Flatirons! We visit every year around Labor Day and stay at The Chautauqua with friends. These friends and this trip are close to our heart – Blake initially planned to propose on a hike, but returned from a work trip to Africa with some residual food poisoning, so he pivoted to ask one evening before going out to dinner downtown with some help from our friends.

What feeling or atmosphere did you want to create for your celebration?

We wanted our friends and family to have fun! We were married at Keswick Vineyards just outside Charlottesville, VA, a stunning estate winery with the Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop and the most dreamy sailcloth tent for our reception. We created a garden party atmosphere, and it was honestly magical – exploding with color, personal handmade details, signature drinks in the perfect blush wine glass, bistro lights above – and filled with so much love and laughter.

What little detail or decision are you especially glad you included?

It’s so hard to pick just one! Our cocktail hour had the round bar and draping floral installment of my dreams, but Blake and I also worked together to build and make our planter box welcome sign and seating chart (filled with more beautiful florals). The parasols, the green patterned linens, our place settings with menus and acrylic name tags (also handmade) – everything came together beyond what I could have ever hoped for or imagined. Oh! And the specialty ice cream cookie sandwich truck for dessert from Rookie’s!

What part of your wedding celebration felt most meaningful to you both?

Sharing the night (and entire weekend) with our friends and family was incredible – we will never again get all of these people together! Blake actually twisted his knee at the very end of our first dance (totally coincidental), and the love and support from everyone was completely palpable. With some ice, several glasses of “The Wrigley” named after our pup, crutches, and an amazing vendor team, we enjoyed the rest of the evening mostly as planned – and we even got to sit on a golf cart in the industrial sized wine cooler for 10 minutes, just the two of us, and shared some sips and happy tears. We will never forget that!

Any advice for couples currently planning their wedding?

At the end of the day, it’s about the two of you, and marrying your best friend. The decor, the signature drinks, the food/dessert – have fun with these things and do not let the small details stress you out! Remember why you’re taking this step together, and that everyone is there to love, support, and celebrate the two of you. There is no better feeling.

Julie + Blake's Vineyard Wedding Vendors

dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Goldie gown via Bridal Boutique Lewisville | photographer: Sarah Houston Photography | venue: Keswick Vineyards | planner: Kristin Ridge Events | florals: Willow Branch Flowers | hair and makeup: The Veil Bridal Co. | catering/bar: Exchange Catering | rentals: Argent Events | linens: BBJ La Tavola | dj: DJ Tobler | dessert: Eat at Rookies | groom’s attire: The Black Tux

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