Elegant and Effortless: Ashley and Ryan’s Garden Wedding at Airlie

Set in the heart of Virginia’s historic countryside, Airlie in Warrenton offered the perfect fairytale setting for Ashley and Ryan’s romantic garden wedding. With its elegant manor house, scenic grounds, and whimsical Butterfly Garden, the venue captured everything our couple envisioned for their day.

They selected our Custom Planning service, which includes mood board creation, vendor sourcing, and expert consultations—allowing us to bring their vision to life with intentional design and seamless coordination. From a floral-filled ceremony in the Airlie Butterfly Garden to a joyful celebration under the Lakeside Tent, every detail reflected their unique story.

Meet the Couple

Ashley and Ryan’s journey to “I do” began in the most special way. They got engaged in Germany, a meaningful location that honors the bride’s heritage and set the tone for a celebration rooted in both elegance and connection.

From the start of the planning process, they were intentional about every detail—especially when it came to music and decor. Creating an atmosphere that felt beautiful, inviting, and fun was at the top of their list. Their biggest wish? That their guests had an amazing time at the reception—and they absolutely did!

The Venue: Airlie’s Natural Elegance

Airlie truly offered the perfect setting for a day filled with beauty and meaning. The couple exchanged vows in the enchanting Butterfly Garden, surrounded by lush greenery and delicate blooms. Later, guests moved to the Lakeside Tent for a lively reception under soft draping and twinkling lights—where celebration and elegance met in perfect harmony.

Airlie’s natural charm inspired many of the wedding’s design details. From floral selections to color palette and tablescape accents, every element was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the venue’s romantic and refined atmosphere.

Our Planning Approach

Ashly and Ryan knew they wanted a wedding that was both elegant and stress-free. As part of our Custom Planning service, we worked closely with the couple to bring their dream wedding to life. We began with styling and design guidance, including a curated mood board that captured the romantic, garden-inspired aesthetic they envisioned. From there, we sourced and secured a reliable team of vendors who aligned with their style and priorities.

Our team handled vendor coordination and management, developed a thoughtful and efficient timeline, and provided logistical support every step of the way—including smooth execution on the wedding day itself. From ceremony flow to reception transitions, we were there to anticipate needs, solve problems quietly, and keep the experience effortless for our couple and their guests. Throughout the planning process and on the wedding day, our focus remained on the intentional details.

Intentional & Personalized Details

Ashley and Ryan’s garden wedding was filled with personal touches that made their celebration truly unique. The ceremony arbor, adorned with lush cascading florals, perfectly complemented the natural elegance of the Butterfly Garden. The floral design featured vibrant purples and lavenders, echoing the bride’s bouquet and enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

Their carefully chosen color palette—rich navy, deep plum, soft French blue, dusty rose, and sage greenery with silver accents—flowed seamlessly through the decor, from arrangements to table settings. The ceremony was soft and romantic, with classic white garden chairs allowing the venue’s natural beauty to shine. Heartfelt signage featuring photos of their beloved dogs offered guests a glimpse into the couple’s life.Fun touches included dancing shoes for guests, cozy shawls to keep warm during the reception, and a stunning floral cake that brought the garden theme indoors. A live painter captured the couple’s portrait, adding an artistic flair to the celebration. In addition, two silhouette artists provided personalized keepsakes as a special favor for guests. Each element was thoughtfully curated to create a timeless, personal day that truly celebrated their story.

Behind the Scenes: What Our Team Made Happen

Our dedicated team worked seamlessly to support Ashley and Ryan on their special day, showcasing exceptional professionalism and collaboration. We provided our signature Bridal Concierge Service to ensure the bride felt cared for every step of the way. Despite the distance between the ceremony and cocktail hour locations, we expertly coordinated the transition to maintain a smooth, stress-free experience for both the couple and their guests.

The Result: A Day to Remember

Ashley and Ryan’s garden wedding at Airlie was the perfect balance of elegance, thoughtful detail, and pure joy. 

“Planning a wedding in under four months felt overwhelming at first, but Virginia and her team made the entire process manageable and fun. Their organization, creativity, and calm guidance helped me through every important decision, and I always felt like I was in the best hands — they truly brought my vision to life and made the day feel effortless.” – Ashley 

Garden weddings at Airlie offer a truly breathtaking setting—but it was Ashley and Ryan’s attention to meaningful, personal touches that made this day truly unforgettable. It was an honor for our team to help bring their vision to life, and we’re so grateful to have been part of such a beautiful celebration.

Photography: Alexis El Massih

If you’re dreaming of a garden wedding that’s elegant, personal, and completely stress-free, I’d love to help bring it to life. As an experienced northern Virginia planner at Airlie, I know this venue inside and out—from its romantic garden paths to its stunning event spaces—and I can help you make the most of every design possibility. Every celebration I plan is a true collaboration, crafted to reflect your unique story. Ready to begin? Click here to get in touch—I’d love to hear your vision.