WEDDING BLOG

Paris and Ryan’s Dover Hall estate wedding is a classic pandemic wedding story, but with a little twist—a postponed big day and a baby on the way! While the pair certainly had a lot on their plate, with the help of their planner Yolanda Smith, they were able to celebrate two exciting milestones. During the ceremony, the bride showed off her pregnant belly for the first time as she walked down the aisle. And it wasn’t the only revelation that day. The couple took it one step further at the reception with a gender reveal by showering their guests with blue confetti. 

Surrounded by spectacular views of the rolling hills and woodlands, the castle-like Dover Hall was the stunning backdrop for their dreamy wedding. Keen to let the English-Tudor-inspired ballroom shine, Florist Tanya Cornwell filled the space with lush greenery and rich, bold blooms. For the ceremony, aisle chair florals perfectly complemented the asymmetrical garland and pillar that adorned the ornate stone fireplace. The same arrangements were repurposed as the ballroom was flipped for their elegant reception. Tablescapes with towering and low centerpieces kept the aesthetic timeless.

From the romantic portraits around the stunning property to all of the touching moments throughout the day, Barbara O Photography did an incredible job capturing the love and joy on their special day. If you and your partner have been pining for a countryside wedding at a grand estate mansion, this is definitely the inspo you’ve been looking for. 

The Couple:

Paris and Ryan

The Wedding:

Dover Hall, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, United States

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A Dover Hall Estate Wedding That Ticked All The Right Boxes

I was keen on the perfect venue selection to reflect both of our personalities, while Ryan’s most important wedding feature was having all of his friends and family attend. Although our wedding had such a diverse group of guests, our picturesque venue, vibrant DJ, and flawless wedding flow secured the interest of everyone, even amid a global pandemic. We are so proud of the fun that everyone had.

Personalizing Their Ceremony With Two Officiants And A Surprise Baby Bump Reveal Down The Aisle

We had two people officiate, one selection for both. I chose my godfather, and Ryan chose his uncle–both pastors. I kept my six-month pregnancy a secret right up until the wedding. I finally turned around during our vows so everyone could see the baby bump. There was a collective gasp in the crowd, which no one will forget!

A Confetti Gender Reveal During The Dover Hall Wedding Reception

I was six months pregnant on our big day. We planned a gender reveal at our reception, and it was unlike anything we could have dreamed. We were able to take the biggest day in our lives and fill it with even more joy. Seeing our friends and families’ reactions as we found out we’d have our baby boy is a memory we will never forget.

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Congratulations to Paris and Ryan on their cozy Dover Hall estate wedding with a surprise gender reveal. And a big thank you to Barbara O Photography for capturing all the incredible details and special moments that made their big day unforgettable.

Finding the right venue is one of the most crucial decisions you and your partner will ever make. The space not only needs to be able to accommodate your guests, but it also needs to create an atmosphere that fits your and your partner’s style. Choosing a venue can be stressful, so to help you get started, check out our guide for ideas and tips on picking the perfect space that suits your needs.