Meagan + Sam - A mountain view wedding at CrossKeys Vineyard in Mt Crawford VA for these JMU sweethearts - April

After an epic engagement in Italy, it was only fitting that Meagan and Sam’s wedding at CrossKey’s Vineyard in Mt. Crawford, VA was equally romantic. They tied the knot on a patio overlooking the vineyards. The moments were exceptionally romantic and the style was timeless with a nod to their JMU roots . The quick but furious storms that rolled though couldn’t put a damper on this epic wedding day.

The Story

After knowing each other through mutual JMU friends since 2011, we started talking at a New Year’s Eve party the day Meagan had moved back from Boston. A few weeks later, Sam had open heart surgery and asked his brother, Robbie, to text Meagan to visit him in the hospital (must’ve been that new heart!). After that first hospital visit, there were many more dates in the Kirtley basement playing board games and Meagan taking Sam on walks around the neighborhood while he recovered. A few months later, Sam moved back to Arlington and the rest is history!

The Proposal

In May 2018, we traveled to Italy for a two week vacation full of carbs, vino, and lugging suitcases on every form of transportation possible. We spent our first few days in an Airbnb in Positano, quite possibly the most beautiful place we’ve ever seen. After doing a cooking class (full of carbs and vino), we went to watch the sunset up the mountain from our Airbnb (all who know Meagan’s parents know that love of sunsets is in the Veronesi DNA) and Sam popped the question! We went back and celebrated with our leftover pizza and gnocchis and a big bottle of Limoncello – bellissimo!

The Dress

I found my dress at Vivid Bridal Boutique in Manassas, VA – it is a Stella York dress. I am one of the most decisive people so I was quite worried when I had gone to 3 or 4 different dress shops and still hadn’t found “the one.” I was convinced I didn’t want any beading, but as soon as I put this one on, I didn’t want to take it off so I knew that was it!

First Look

We did a first look and were very happy we did! It was great to have that private moment just the two of us – we were able to get rid of a lot of our nerves and really start enjoying the day.

Favorite Moment

It was great to see all the little details come together into one – the flowers, limoncello, biscotti, signs – it’s impossible to tell how it will all come together, but it was great. Our favorite moment was the outdoor dance party! We loved watching everyone on the dance floor having a blast.

Advice for future couples planning their wedding

It goes by so fast so enjoy it! You do so much planning in advance that it’s important to just be in the moment that weekend and not worry about the details anymore – and if anything doesn’t go as planned, no one else knows anyway!