Julia Nelligan & Stewart Yates
Married
Jun 24, 2023
Lynchburg ,
Virginia
Photo Credit
Jared Ladia Photography
Style
Formal
Season
Summer
The Proposal
Julia and Stewart met in July 2020 shortly after Julia moved to Atlanta after graduating from The University of Georgia. They became fast friends after Stewart helped Julia and her roommates move into their house and eventually started dating. Stewart proposed to Julia at Smith Mountain Lake, VA, Julia’s favorite place in the world. While on a boat ride and a drone following for footage, Stewart proposed with the beautiful mountains as a backdrop. After this, a painting was made of this scene and put on the wedding matchbooks.
In Preparation
Julia always envisioned her reception at her family’s manor-style home in Lynchburg, Virginia. In contemplating her wedding, Julia had an exciting idea to utilize their pool as the central focus for the reception – illuminated blue and topped with a clear dance floor under a fabulously lit tent. The family home became the canvas for planning a beautiful fusion of florals, food displays and stations, unbelievable cake, bars, a string quartet, and a high-energy band. Julia embraced the look of a classic, timeless color palette, opting for white and ivory florals throughout both the ceremony and reception spaces. The addition of color came through the navy bridesmaids’ dresses and the subtle blue details within her branding, stationery, and stage. Stewart and the groomsmen wore black tuxedos to maintain a classic look.
The Big Day
Julia and Stewart’s special day was filled with joy and fun surrounded by close family and friends. The day began with Stewart and his groomsmen enjoying brunch and getting dressed at The Virginian in downtown Lynchburg. Meanwhile, Julia and her mother joined her bridesmaids at home for hair and makeup. Julia and Stewart had a sweet first look at the front of the house, followed by a lot of laughter with their bridal party and families. Even the family dogs took a turn for formal photos! The ceremony took place in the timeless setting of the Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church, with a beautiful backdrop of white florals and an organ. After the ceremony, guests arrived at the home where they were greeted with welcome beverages, passed hors d’oeuvres, bars, and a string quartet on the front porch. Cocktail hour was followed by food stations that remained open throughout the night, and the band kicked off the party that did not stop! After the cake cutting, Julia, Stewart, and their guests were invited to enjoy a family signature toast and a surprise dazzling firework show before returning to the dance floor.
The Retreat
For her bouquet toss and exit, Julia wore her mother’s wedding gown that was expertly reconstructed by Jessica Brown with Mandi Jackson Bridal. Following the wedding, the couple enjoyed their honeymoon at Eden Rock Resort in St. Barths.
Featured Wedding Vendors
BRIDAL SHOES
Manolo Blahnik
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
CATERER
VENUE
Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church
WEDDING CAKE
ENTERTAINMENT
EVENT PLANNER
FLOWERS
GOWN
GROOM’S TUX
HAIR STYLIST & MAKEUP
ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS
HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS
Eden Rock, St. Jean Bay at St Barths
INVITATIONS
PHOTOGRAPHER
RENTALS & DECOR
TRANSPORTATION
Afton Coach, LLC and Legacy Transport of Virginia
