The story below is from our July/August 2015 issue. For the full story download our FREE iOS app or view our digital edition for FREE today!
First comes love, then comes marriage. When it comes to finding the perfect location for their wedding, these brides explain why they chose one of the many outstanding event venues IN Vinton.
Seth and Jaime Mcguire
June 15, 2014
It seems fate had a hand in uniting the McGuires. Seth was born and raised in the Roanoke area, where his family has lived for generations. Jaime moved from California to Roanoke when she was only a couple of months old, but her family relocated again to Nevada when she was 13. But for college, Jaime returned to Virginia to attend Liberty University, where she met Seth.
“We knew we wanted to have our wedding in the Virginia area when we got engaged because this is where we both grew up,” says Jaime. “Even though I moved to Nevada, I’ve always thought of the Virginia area as my real home.”
They chose Braeloch because is has both indoor and outdoor space, perfect for the ceremony and the reception.
“I had always dreamed of having large barn-like doors to open and walked through down the aisle, and Braeloch had just that,” says Jaime. “The setting was gorgeous, and it was a beautiful summer day.”
“Braeloch is a popular wedding venue because it’s considered a ‘hidden gem’ in Vinton,” says Ashley Lester, the photographer for the McGuire wedding. “It’s up on top of a mountain with breathtaking views, especially of the sunset. The options are really unlimited when it comes to how you can set up your ceremony, and it leaves ample room to ‘make it your own.’ It’s also very affordable, and what bride doesn’t love that?”
Boxtree Lodge/Braeloch
2353 Hammond Drive, Vinton
540-890-9152
Zack and Tiffany Divers
May 4, 2014
After looking at several venues throughout the valley, Zack and Tiffany Divers chose to hold their wedding at the Vinton War Memorial. “We loved that we had the option to do both the ceremony and the reception in the same building,” says Tiffany. “It was also a huge plus that they had rooms for all of the bridal party to get ready in.”
The classic venue hosts many different types of events throughout the year, including the Vinton Wine and Food Festival in May and the New Year’s Eve Gala. Using a color palette of yellow and gray, the couple transformed the elegant Dogwood Ballroom into an intimate space for their ceremony and reception.
“The War Memorial is a beautiful building both inside and out, so it didn’t take a huge amount of decorations to make it perfect,” says Tiffany. “It’s elegant but doesn’t have to be extremely formal. There is so much brides can do with the space provided throughout the building.”
For Tiffany and Zack, the Vinton landmark was the perfect place to get married surrounded by their friends and family. “Our guests loved being able to take the party outside on the side deck and still be able to enjoy the DJ inside,” says Tiffany.
Vinton War Memorial
814 Washington Avenue, Vinton
540-983-0645
Adam “AJ” and Brittany Looney
June 6, 2015
Two years after meeting through mutual friends, AJ and Brittany Looney chose to hold their wedding in Vinton. “We have friends and family scattered throughout Roanoke and Salem, so we felt that Vinton was a good middle point for everyone,” says Brittany.
The couple considered several venues in town, including the new 1121 Event Center at the Moose Lodge. “It is quaint and wonderful for someone with a smaller sized wedding,” says Brittany. “It is also right off a main road in Vinton so it is easy to access for guests and vendors alike.”
The new event space is both affordable and accomodating. Couples can take advantage of the kitchen and bar area, ample space for seating and a dance floor, and brand new bridal parlor just down the hall from the main room. “The Moose Lodge has the perfect area for the bridal party to get ready in with large mirrors and spacious countertops,” says Brittany.
Another feature of the 1121 Event Center is the outdoor space that could be used for the ceremony, reception and photos. “There is a nice covered picnic area behind the venue which may appeal to those wanting a more relaxed style,” says Brittany.
The 1121 Event Center
2127 E Washington Avenue, Vinton
540-890-8804
Spencer & Mikaela Nelson
August 3, 2014
“I always say I saved the best for last,” says Mikaela Nelson of meeting her husband, Spencer. Having already known his family, Mikaela and Spencer finally connected on New Year’s Eve 2011 and were married three years later.
Both originally from Troutville, the Nelsons began their search for their wedding venue and ultimately chose the Woodland Place in Vinton. “We had been to a wedding there before, so we knew we liked it,” says Mikaela. “But then when we went to visit and look around, we knew that was the one, that was where we would get married.”
Dana Boyd, facility manager of the Woodland Place, was instrumental in making the Nelsons’ wedding day unforgettable. “She was so understanding and helpful,” says Mikaela. “We had to move our wedding up a few months earlier, and she did everything she could to help us and made it happen.”
And, like many couples, the Nelsons had their heart set on an outdoor ceremony. The gazebo at the Woodland Place served as a memorable backdrop to say, “I do.”
“Our day was unforgettable, and we picked the best place possible to spend the most important day with our family and friends,” says Mikaela.
The Woodland Place
935 Niagara Road, Vinton
540-982-9759
