I don’t think any family has celebrated more in one weekend than this one: a fabulous 4th of July celebration, Calyn’s birthday, and finally, a stunning wedding! Friends and family joined them for the entire weekend, and they let us tag along to capture the fun.
A Star-Spangled Wedding at the Greenbrier
On paper, it sounds like a lot of different events: pool parties, BBQs, luncheons, evening gatherings with sweets and cocktails, plus a full wedding day. In reality, it was great to see everyone really enjoy their time together, enjoying WV (and The Greenbrier), and come to the wedding relaxed and already so happy with everything they had enjoyed for the entire weekend! Even Gretzky the dog was excited to stop by and enjoy each event!
Day 1: Pool Parties and Fireworks
Day one kicked off with a quick portrait session with Calyn and Brian on the patio outside the famous Greenbrier pool. Following photos, they joined their wedding party and family at the Infinity Pool for some fun in the sun.
As day turned into evening, the family hosted a 4th of July BBQ at Howard’s Creek Lodge, with lawn games, festive drinks, dancing with DJ Brian Jones, and of course, an amazing view of the Greenbrier fireworks!
Day 2: Bridal Luncheon, Rehearsal Dinner, and Welcome Party
Calyn’s bridesmaids gathered to host a sweet luncheon at Sam Sneads, which the guys enjoyed a round of golf. Following the rehearsal, family and wedding party gathered in the North Parlor for a rehearsal dinner, then all of the guests were welcomed with a Sweets and Spirits welcome party held in the Cameo Ballroom.
While each even had its own perfectly coordinated details, my favorites were the cocktail napkins with trivia about the couple, from their pup Gretzky’s point of view!
Day 3: The Wedding Day
Saturday started off with the guys heading our to shoot sporting clays on the range at The Greenbrier Sporting Club. Calyn and her bridal party began their preparations with Frank and the girls from Studio G in the bridal prep room at the Chapel. After a quick trip to the Presidential Suite for portraits and an exchange of gifts, everyone headed back to the Wedding Chapel for the ceremony.
Calyn walked down the aisle by her father to Trumpet Voluntary in D. Following a beautifully traditional exchange of vows, everyone danced their way down the aisle to Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder.
Calyn and Brian hopped in the carriage, and the guests were shuttled to cocktail hour on the Colonial Terrace. This was their first glimpse of the amazing design transformation carried out by the Design Foundry. In addition to draping the walls and creating stately entrances, there were several mirrored trees, with place cards for each guest gently swaying in the summer air.
Everyone celebrated through the evening, while Calyn and Brian enjoyed their first dance to Stand By Me, then danced the night away, closing out the reception with confetti canons at midnight!
The Vendor Team
A multi-day wedding also meant we got to spend a little extra time with some vendors we haven’t yet worked with. Kaitlin with Cheers Darling Events made planning and executing a 3 day celebration look effortless, while keeping the whole vendor team up to speed and informed. Photographer Lisa Blume‘s laid back style and fun attitude made it a pleasure to work with her for the weekend. Being there early allowed us to watch the phenomenal transformation that occurred in the Colonial Hall & Terrace by the Design Foundry. I’ve been to the Greenbrier countless times and honestly would not recognize the room once they finished their work. It was stunning and beautiful; the best part was watching every guest in attendance walk in the room and experience it firsthand!
Additionally, we got our pal Amberlee Christey Photography to tag along and help us out with video (just in case you thought there was anything she couldn’t do) as we need an extra set of hands to capture all of this goodness.
Venue: The Greenbrier
Video: WV MotionWorks
Photo: Lisa Blume Photography
Planning: Cheers Darling Events
Ballroom Design: Design Foundry
Stationery: Emily Baird Design
Florals: William Thomas Florals
Additional Florals and Rentals: Gillespies
This wedding has been published by The Knot.
If you’re getting married at the Greenbrier, whether it’s a multi-day celebration, or a simple, private elopement, MotionWorks Wedding Films is there to capture your love story! Contact us today to start the conversation about booking your wedding film.