Outdoor Wedding at The Hermitage Museum & Gardens

Luke’s intelligence is what drew Alena to him. “We met through mutual friends. I heard he was very smart so I asked him for help with my physics homework,” Alena shares. They set a date for Luke to tutor her but what was meant to be a study session, turned into a night of conversation. The pair dated for 5 years before he proposed to Alana at Disney World, making her the happiest girl on earth.

The couple exchanged vows in an effortless outdoor wedding at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk, VA. Sweet simplicity was the theme of the day as bridesmaids held ivory hydrangeas. A chalkboard welcomed guests to sit wherever they chose. The beautiful two-tiered cake tied in with the rustic vibe as decorative tree stumps served as the platform for glass bottles with candles tucked inside.

Take a look at Alena and Luke’s beautiful wedding photographed by Leigh Skaggs Photography.

Quick Facts
Favorite item on wedding menu – My favorite item was definitely the shrimp and grits
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts – Luke got his groomsmen socks of their favorite NBA teams
First dance song – “Old Fashioned” by Cee Lo Green
Bride: Alena Cooper
Groom: Luke Twum-Ampofo
Wedding location: The Hermitage Museum & Gardens

Describe your wedding dress and your shopping experience
My wedding dress was very laid back and not fussy at all, but still managed to look timeless and classy. Dress shopping was very smooth. I picked out the dress, tried on the dress and bought the dress all in the same day!

How was culture incorporated in your wedding?
My father’s family is from South Carolina so for the reception our food was very “low country” themed. We had shrimp and grits and fried okra among other things like cajun chicken skewers, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.

What is your best memory from your wedding day?
My best memory was getting to see both Luke and my families gathered and celebrating all for this first time.

What advice would you give to our brides-to-be?
The best wedding advice I can give is to never go at a stressful situation alone. Whether it’s a non-responsive vendor or money issues always put your heads together to figure something out.

Congratulations to the lovely couple! We absolutely love the laid back vibe of this beautiful wedding.

Vendors
Event Planning – MorLina Events
Catering – Traditions Catering
Cake – Cake Delights
Photographer – Leigh Skaggs Photography
Ceremony/Reception – Hermitage Museum & Gardens
Dresses – David’s Bridal
Florist – Kelly Gish Floral Designs
Groom/Groomsmen wear – Men’s Wearhouse
Stationery – Wedding Paper Divas
Event Rentals – Distinctive Event Rentals