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When I first spoke with Jess on the phone she told me that she didn’t want a big wedding; in fact, she wasn’t too keen on having a wedding at all. A large-scale wedding didn’t represent who she and Shannon are as people, so she didn’t see it necessary when she wanted their wedding day to reflect who they are.

First, she went dress shopping “just to look,” which I believe was the scale tipper. She found the most breathtaking BHLDN gown at a sample sale. The lace, the simplicity, the fit, and the deal just made it seem like the stars had aligned to make a wedding day a reality.

Lo and behold, they ended up having a wedding—and it was perfectly them! They found a cabin nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Luray, Virginia, that could sleep all of their closest family and friends. Yes, folks, you read that correctly…all of them!

Shannon and Jess shared a first look with riverfront views. Shannon had admittedly seen Jess’s wedding dress before their wedding day, but he said, “When I saw her in the dress, it was more gorgeous. She goosebumps me.” How sweet is that?! “She goosebumps me.” Throughout the day, Shannon stopped and admired Jess, so smitten with the fact that they are going to spend the rest of their lives together.

So many parts of their day were unique—from Jess’s wooden flower bouquet, to pictures with their fur baby, Beau, to their pre-ceremony cocktail hour, to their venue, to their bonfire and homemade s’mores.

If a pre-ceremony cocktail hour is not a trend, I think it should be! Shannon and Jess were able to mingle with their friends and family, grab a drink to do a communal cheers at the conclusion of their ceremony, and just enjoy their day. Once they read the vows they had written for one another (Shannon’s included promising to always keep talking even when Jess didn’t want him to…after being married for five years, this is the realest vow ever spoken! J), they raised their glasses with their guests to cheers their future together as husband and wife.

They made their day just that…theirs. That’s the most important thing about a wedding, right? The joining of two lives, or as Shannon and Jess put it—mutual weirdness forever. J Well they hit the nail on the head with their personalized celebration of vows and mutual weirdness!

Thank you to the newest Durgins for allowing us to document your wedding day in all its character and glory!

Venue | The Westcott House

Florals | Southern Blooms

Catering & Cake | Main Street Bakery & Catering

Bridal Gown | BHLDN

Bridal Sandals | Kenneth Cole

Groom’s Tux | Men’s Wearhouse

Bridal Makeup | Madalyn Waybright

And it just wouldn’t be Jess and Shannon without some goofy faces mixed in!