Yesterday I was honored to officiate at a beautiful ceremony at Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, VA. Oak Ridge is a huge, historic property in Nelson County, Virginia which is an easy drive on Rt. 29 immediately South of Charlottesville. Jessica and Rick chose to be married under a chuppah, or wedding canopy, that in the Jewish tradition, represents the promise of the home that the newly married couple will create together. It was a lovely evening with a loud chorus of late-summer cicadas in the background. I am always happy when summer weddings are held late in the day (theirs was at 7 PM) because everyone is so much more comfortable once the daytime heat has subsided and no one has to be out in the sweltering sun.

Of the many wonderful ceremony locations around the Oak Ridge property Rick and Jessica chose the Carriage House as their venue. As always, Rhonda Holland (from Oak Ridge), was on hand to handle every imaginable detail for the couple. Rhonda makes the execution of a large event look so effortless and easy and I know she certainly makes the logistics of my job as Minister so much less stressful!

If you're interested in Virginia history take a look at the extensive history of the Oak Ridge Estate on their website and if you are looking for a lovely, rural setting for your wedding check out this location.