Leo Druker sent us today’s real destination wedding – Kathy & Matt’s wedding at Natural Bridge, Virginia. What a gorgeous location and a perfect setting for this couple! Now I want to visit Virginia and see this place in person!
Here are all the details from Kathy!
How did you & Matt first meet?
They always tell you not to meet people in a bar but thats exactly where Matt and I met – at the Firkin and Bulldog. I went with my siblings and friends to eat dinner and hang out for the night. Matt had just flown into town a few days prior. He and some work friends were staying in the hotel across the street and had come over for a drink. At some point during the night they started talking to my brother and eventually I jumped in and introduced myself. I thought he was cute. We ended up exchanging numbers and the rest is history. We also found out later in the relationship that we met on my parent’s anniversary, which is eerie because I compare Matt and myself to my mother and father all the time. Soulmates. 
Tell us about the proposal!
I met Matt while he was in Virginia on work travel. He actually lived in California and would get monthly “home visits.” After a particularly difficult visit home Matt finally arrived back in Virginia early one morning. I had put off going into work so I could see him for a short while. As he drove up I ended up running down the street in my robe and up to his parked car to surprise him. He looked kind of stunned and hopped out of the car and gave me an awkward hug. As he slowly pushed me away he presented me with a ring we had previously purchased as an example for the engagement ring he had recently put a down payment on. He went down to one knee. “Katherine Angel, you are my soulmate and the love of my life, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I cant wait for the other damn ring. Will you marry me?” and I said “Of course!” When he got the real engagement ring he proposed again at a local park late at night. He set up a camera to take a photo every 10 seconds to capture my reaction and took me completely by surprise. He’s so very sweet.
What made you choose to have a destination wedding?
Matt and I are constantly taking road trips. We love adventure and exploring. We’ve actually visited most of the major caverns in Virginia and we know I-81 like the back of our hands. We knew we wanted to take people out of the norm and bring them into little our world. We wanted an outdoor wedding and we knew we wanted it somewhere amazing. We also really liked the idea of having the ceremony and the reception done together at a hotel, that way our friends could stay and experience more of the beauty in the area and the 3 hour drive to get there wouldn’t seem so bad!
How did you know your destination would be the perfect place to hold your wedding?
This is the first stop of our very first road trip together and is the place where we first felt solidified as a couple. The place where we first knew what we had was something BIG and that we’d be together forever. It could not have been more perfect for our wedding, such a great mix of nature and beauty.
What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day?
The cake cutting. When we gathered at the table it was just really amazing to stand there on one side and look across to see every one of your friends and family crowded around. The lighting was just right and it backlit them perfectly. I realized in that moment that they had all driven this long distance and dedicated an entire weekend to celebrating with Matt and I. That we mattered that much to all these people. We were both so very thankful. It was just very humbling moment of the wedding and it stands out to me.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
That all the groomsmen had beards. I am a total beard chaser so Matt had the groomsmen, my father and several friends all grow beards for my wedding. I was happy! The Converse shoes were also a favorite detail of ours. They really tied the bridal party together.
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
It’s like a big retreat for all your family and friends. We were running into people all day the day of the wedding as we set up and they were checking in. It allowed everyone to relax and really focus on having a good time because everyone stayed at the hotel and no one had to drive home. It also allowed for us to have a lunch the next day to sit and talk to any guests who stayed behind and wanted to eat with us. I just liked everyone not being in a rush to come or go, we all just relaxed and hung out.
Did you honeymoon at your wedding destination, or go somewhere special afterwards?
We stopped in at Harrisonburg the night after the wedding for a romantic get-a-way but went home that weekend. We actually celebrated our honeymoon the weekend after the wedding by flying out to California and spending some time in the sun at the beach!
Anything else you would like to share about your wedding?
My mother and sister made everything happen. I would have been a mess without them. My family really pulled together and about 70% of what was made/seen at the wedding we did ourselves. I wanted a natural, laid back, breathtaking, daisy covered, DIY (do it yourself) wedding and that is exactly what I got. I could not be happier.
Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Natural Bridge, VA
Reception Venue & Catering: The Jefferson Room – Natural Bridge, Virginia
Photography: Leo Druker
Florist: Anita’s Pettie Fleur (Stafford, VA) did the bouquets and boutonnieres. Kathy’s family put together the centerpieces and reception decor from fresh flowers.
Cake: Made by my Aunt Linda Percival. It was amazing. We also had a cheesecake bar and the cheesecakes were all purchased from Costco.
Stationary: Michaels, DIY
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groom’s Attire: I Thee Wed
Groomsmen’s Attire: I Thee Wed
DJ: Andy Wilfong
Lighting: Provided by DJ
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Lindsey and Summer at The Salon of Lexington.
Jewelry – Matt and I wore matching dog tag necklaces, I also wore my mother’s diamond earrings and wore a birdcage veil made by my sister.
Shoes: Payless for the Bride. Girls got to choose their own white shoes. Groomsmen were all Converse.
Wedding Tree (Guestbook): Etsy from the seller lovliday
Garter: Etsy from the seller hellodesigncrew
Fabric for Birdcage Veil: Etsy from the seller irinaboutique
Thank you again to Kathy & Matt for allowing us to feature your wedding here, and to Leo Druker for the wonderful destination wedding photographs he gave us permission to share!
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