Alanna and Justin’s Rustic Mountain Top Wedding

by Amy Serrago

Alanna and Justin met while doing missionary work in Africa and though they became friends instantly, it was a couple of years before they started dating. The two endured a long distance relationship for a while, until December of 2016 when they traveled back home for the holidays and Justin popped the question. Of course, Alanna said yes! As a child, Alanna loved the time she spent camping in Grayson Highlands Park, so when she and Justin started planning their wedding, the park was a natural choice for the location. Alanna says, “the style of the wedding developed around the rustic beauty of the woods and mountains. Natural colors like green, off white, rose pinks and gray, and elements like raw wood, flowers, greenery, brass and glass were used to compliment the already stunning scenery”.

Alanna made a beautiful boho bride in her traditional A-line gown with it’s delicately beaded lace bodice, sheer overlay and sweep train. She topped off her look with a crown of flowers and sparkling drop earrings and her bridesmaids were gorgeous in different shades of pink and blush. All the ladies carried bouquets of roses, peonies and wildflowers accented with plenty of lush greenery. Justin and his groomsmen were handsome in gray. Each of the guys wore a slightly different teal tie and finished off their looks with fun socks featuring video games and tacos, two things they had all bonded over.

After the ceremony which included a foot washing ritual to celebrate the couple’s Christian traditions and a hand fasting ceremony to honor their Irish heritage, guests were treated to lawn games and a local barbecue dinner. Tables were set family style in the beautifully rustic barn where plenty of greenery and brass candlesticks served as centerpieces. For favors, Alanna and Justin’s guests were given preserves made by Alanna’s mom from a generations-old recipe, a family tradition. Alanna had some great advice for future brides too, “Gather together the things and people that you love. Let others help you and don’t feel guilty about how much people do for you. It is a gift of love, let them and love them back”. We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations Alanna and Justin!