Chapter of Love: A Vintage-Inspired Celebration

The Proposal of Meggie & Russ

Russ and Meggie met through an online dating site despite living close to one another and never crossing paths. Their first date was at Karrikin Distillery in Fairfax, and just six weeks later, they were already planning a trip to Peru together. Their mutual love for travel was undeniable, and they were meant to be together.
One of Meggie’s favorite places is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. In the fall of 2022, they planned a trip to the Biltmore with Russ’s two sons. Meggie felt something special might happen when Russ suggested she get her nails done before the trip, but she wasn’t sure when or where.
The day was spent exploring the estate. They toured the house, had lunch, and enjoyed the rooftop tour. Russ’s youngest son kept asking Meggie where her favorite spot was, eager to make sure they visited it. His excitement was so obvious that Russ had to remind him to stay subtle. Around 3:00 PM, they visited the conservatory and gardens. Meggie began doubting her “feeling” since they had wine-tasting reservations at 4:30 and still needed to check into the hotel.
As they wandered through the gardens, Russ stopped by a bench under a tree and asked his youngest son for a mint from his fanny pack. Little did Meggie know, the “mint” was a ring box from Montgomery Jewelers, which his son had been carrying around all day. Russ proposed, and they made it to their wine-tasting reservation as a newly engaged couple.

The Wedding Day: A Celebration of Love and Culture

Russ and Meggie’s wedding took place on April 20, 2024, at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. The couple transformed the venue with vintage books, romantic candelabra, and charming “library card” escort cards, creating a timeless and personal atmosphere.
Meggie looked stunning in her Rebecca Ingram by Maggie Sottero A-line corset dress, which added a modern twist to a classic design. The ceremony was especially meaningful, with Meggie’s high school friend Esther officiating and sharing heartwarming childhood stories about Russ. Friends from all stages of their lives, including Russ’s sons, stood by their sides as part of the wedding party.
The reception was a tribute to their cultural backgrounds. The couple served Hungarian chicken paprikash, German appetizers, and a selection of drinks they had discovered during their travels. A particularly sentimental touch was the wedding cake, featured initially at Meggie’s grandparents’ wedding in the 1940s. Meggie’s sister, who was also the matron of honor, lovingly restored it for the occasion.
Viva La Strings played classic and modern tunes during the ceremony and cocktail hour. At the same time, Pro Sound A took over the reception, getting everyone onto the dance floor. After a group photo to kick off the party, guests enjoyed late-night kettle chips as a playful nod to Meggie’s snack obsession. The day flew by, but Russ and Meggie cherished every moment, grateful to celebrate with the people they loved.

A Bride’s Experience at Bridal and Formal

Meggie had her first bridal fitting on Black Friday, 2022, even though she didn’t set a wedding date. She brought her mom along for a more intimate experience, free from too many opinions. Since she’s always loved Maggie Sottero, she was thrilled that a Maggie trunk show was happening that weekend.
Scarlet, the first dress Meggie tried on, was exactly what she envisioned. She loved the neckline and flirty leg slit, along with the A-line or full-skirt style and sweetheart neckline she’d been dreaming of. But as much as she adored Scarlet, it felt too heavy for her spring/summer wedding plans.
Luckily, the Maggie Sottero representative and her consultant were extremely helpful, pulling several other dresses for Meggie to try. Ainsleigh, a Rebecca Ingram by Maggie Sottero design, kept standing out. Meggie wasn’t planning on buying a dress that day—especially without a set wedding date—but how she felt in Ainsleigh made it hard to say no. She felt beautiful, confident, and feminine in a way she hadn’t expected.
Although originally thought she wanted a cathedral-length veil, her consultant surprised her by pairing the dress with a knee-length veil. The veil perfectly complemented the back of the gown and created a look Meggie didn’t even know she wanted. Ainsleigh’s fuller skirt was exactly what she had hoped for, while the lightweight fabric ensured she could dance freely.
Meggie didn’t want to risk not having her dream dress in time for her wedding, so she said yes! When her dress arrived in May, she invited several bridesmaids for the fitting. Though she was nervous she wouldn’t feel the same way about the dress after several months, all doubts faded when her consultant, Bobbi, pinned the veil.
Since they had the store to themselves, Meggie could live in the moment and make sure everything felt right. She added Lennon cap sleeves and a beautiful headpiece that perfectly matched her veil for the final touch. Bobbi’s expert suggestions pulled the whole look together.
Meggie had been a little self-conscious about being an “older bride,“ but Bobbi made her feel special and confident. She reminded Meggie that there’s no such thing as an “old“ bride—only a beautiful one.