Ally & JD’s Chic Charlottesville Shindig

Is April the best month of the year for a Charlottesville wedding? 

‍

It just may be, with flowers in bloom and the weather mild before the summer heat sets in. And it was perfect for couple Ally and JD, and their hard-partying friends. If it had been any warmer, it could have been downright dangerous for these dance-floor fiends!

‍

The wedding took place at The Clifton Inn, a historic property originally built in 1799 for Thomas Jefferson’s daughter and her husband. You can actually see Monticello, Jefferson’s stately home, from The Clifton’s property! In later years, this home was transformed into an inn, restaurant, and event venue, while the estate’s outbuildings were turned into additional guest accommodations. In 2018, the entire property was remodeled in chic contemporary style, bringing romance and a little drama into this bit of history. 

‍

‍

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Clifton Inn includes 100 acres of countryside. With a private lake, manicured gardens, and gorgeous views, it’s no wonder our couple chose to hold their entire soirée outside. And it was captured in all its scenic glory by the amazing Charlottesville photographer, Sidney Leigh.

‍

‍

‍

The ceremony took place on the estate’s front lawn, an open green space with the Manor House on one side, and the mountain valleys on the other. After the vows, the party moved under the Court Tent, a 60’ x 100’, eight-peaked tent lit by glowing chandeliers. For this wedding, the tent was also illuminated with amber uplighting by Maryland’s DJ.

‍

‍

Ally and JD entered the tent to At Last by Etta James, which let them transition directly into their first dance to the same song. Then Ally and her dad danced to My Girl by the Temptations, followed by JD and his mom to Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Stevie Wonder. 

‍

‍

When the dance floor opened up, the bride and groom had just one request—they wanted to hear Do You? by Troyboi, near the end of the night. Other than that, they gave Virginia wedding DJ Steve Hartka free reign of the music! And he clearly chose right, because the dance floor was mobbed all night. 

‍

‍

‍

Ally found it particularly easy to trust DJ Steve, since she’d seen him in action before. Ally’s college roommate grew up in Steve’s neighborhood back in Maryland. So Ally had been to multiple events and parties where Steve was the DJ. In fact, Steve provided the music for Ally’s little sister’s high school graduation, so he knew the whole family. 

‍

‍

“It was one of my favorite weddings ever,” DJ Steve said.

‍

‍

‍

While the couple didn’t do many of the “traditional” wedding events, like a bouquet toss or formal cake cutting, they did do something fun—a champagne tower, poured by the bride and groom!

‍

‍

After the vows, the feast, and the dancing, Ally and JD were sent off into the night under a tunnel of sparklers. 

‍

This was a delightful event from start to finish, and we were so happy to be part of it. Whether you want to trust your DJ to choose all the music for your special night, or you’d prefer to take the reigns yourself, Maryland’s DJ can help. With unlimited planning sessions, your DJ will be available to help you choose everything from processional songs to the last dance of the night. Fill out our online form to get started!

‍

All photos by Sidney Leigh Photography

‍