Enchanting Micro Wedding at the Clifton Inn: A Charlottesville Destination Wedding Weekend
After Steven’s dreamy proposal in the Shenandoah Valley, Jordana and Steven discovered the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, and knew it was the perfect place to celebrate their love. Jordana and Steven knew they had to bring their families back to experience Virginia with them. They treated their closest family members (all from out of state) to a weekend away full of events, showering them with love and showing them just a taste of the magic of fall. In a rather tearful welcome speech, Steven described their wedding plans as unusual, but intentional, to spend so much quality time with only those that meant the most to them. They invested in the luxury of time, spending three full days with loved ones and making priceless memories. They hosted an absolutely unforgettable micro wedding weekend, treating their families to an intimate destination experience.
Wedding Welcome Party at the beautiful Hazy Mountain Vineyards
From the start, Jordana and Steven made their intentions clear: quality time with their nearest and dearest. They curated a weekend full of heartfelt moments, kicking off with a champagne welcome at the Clifton Inn. Guests received gift baskets filled with local favorites, setting the tone for a weekend of thoughtful touches.
The celebrations began with a private wine tasting at Hazy Mountain Vineyards, where guests sipped wine and enjoyed acoustic tunes as the sun set over Afton Mountain. The evening continued with a gourmet rehearsal dinner in the Clifton’s wine cellar, featuring a lush tablescape of bordeaux florals, cascading grapes, and pink champagne – a preview of the elegant palette to come.
Secret Garden Wedding Floral Design
On the big day, guests entered an enchanted forest adorned with lavender and blush blooms. An ombre meadow aisle led to a floral alcove designed by Hedge Fine Blooms, where Jordana and Steven exchanged deeply personal vows. Steven’s heartfelt words referenced their first night together and included a sweet nod to Taylor Swift—a favorite artist of the bride.
After the ceremony, the party moved to the croquet lawn for cocktail hour. Signature drinks—a “Lavender Haze” champagne cocktail and a “How Lucky Are We-hisky” old fashioned—paired perfectly with the relaxed yet elegant vibe. Guests lounged on vintage furniture from Something Vintage as a string quartet played.
Detail-heavy wedding reception at the Clifton Inn
The reception was a showstopper, with a hanging floral installation over the head table and whimsical columns framing the dance floor. Three distinct tablescape designs showcased the Piedmont region of Virginia, tying the theme back to Charlottesville’s charm. Jordana and Steven wowed their guests with a choreographed first dance, kicking off a night of celebration that ended with late-night snacks and an afterparty in the hotel.
This Clifton Inn wedding was a testament to the couple’s vision of intentionality and beauty, offering endless inspiration for micro weddings and destination celebrations in Charlottesville, Virginia. Whether you’re planning your own intimate affair or dreaming of a luxurious weekend getaway, this story proves that small weddings can make a big impact.
Clifton Inn Wedding Photo Gallery
Charlottesville Wedding Vendors Serving the Clifton Inn
This wedding was a detail-heavy feat to pull off. I am so thankful for the incredible team, pulled together by lead planner Brooke Benson of Lemon Drop Events Co, who made this day possible! Here are the vendors who collaborated to make this wedding vision come to life:
- Planning and Design: Lemon Drop Events Co, Brooke Benson
- Wedding Venue and Catering: The Clifton Inn
- Charlottesville Wedding Photography: Photography by Jo
- Videography: Travel House Films
- Florals: Hedge Fine Blooms
- Tabletop rentals: Emerson James
- Specialty rentals: Something Vintage
- Linens: BBJ
- Hair and Makeup: Radiant Reflections, Kelsea Dayberry
- Cake: Cake Bloom
- Stationery: Minted Weddings, designed by Lemondrop Events Co
- DJ: DJ for All Occasions, Kevin Graham
- String Quartet: Melodious Strings
- Transportation: Albemarle Limousine
- Officiant: William Marshall Sr.
- Acoustic guitar (welcome party): Tyler Fitzpatrick
- Welcome party venue: Hazy Mountain
- Bridal shoes: Badgley Mischa
- Bridal gown: Made with Love
- Seamstress: Diane, seamstress extraordinaire
- Suit: Suit Supply
- Jeweler: Anthony Jewelers, Palmyra NJ
- Additional kids table and cake table rental: MS Events Cville
- About the Author
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Jo Mahaney is a professional photographer of PhotographyByJo.net based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializing in wedding photography. With over eight years of experience, Jo is dedicated to creating effortless, joyful imagery that authentically captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. She is known for her ability to create meaningful galleries filled with emotion and personal narratives. Jo is not just a photographer; she is an active supporter of her clients, providing resources and guidance to ensure a stress-free experience. From the initial inquiry call to the wedding day, Jo is transparent, open, and ready to get to know her clients to provide the best service possible. Her commitment to her craft and her clients is evident in the glowing testimonials she has received. Jo’s work extends beyond Charlottesville, covering areas such as Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond. She has also had the privilege of photographing weddings in various locations, including the Outerbanks, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and even Spain.