GAVMANDA

Gavin and Amanda met in 2003, during their first year of school at the University of Virginia. They were in three courses together, but bonded over their mutual affection for the music of Willie Nelson when it was featured in their English writing course. They grew closer over their first year, and finally, after some coaching from their mutual friends, became a couple the next fall. After seven years, and two cross-country moves together, they are getting married!

PROPOSAL

On July 19, 2010, Gavin asked Amanda to marry him along the banks of the north fork of the White River in Colorado during the family fly-fishing trip. While Gavin had only officially told each of their fathers (and Dan Strong, former roommate and illustrious lawyer), somehow chilled champagne was waiting for them back at the cabin to celebrate. The rest of the week was filled with plenty of stories, laughs, and toasts while they waited to return to a place with cell phone service. Once back, they spread their news to their extended families and friends.

CEREMONY

The ceremony will be held in a clearing at the Inn at Westwood Farms, with their signature red barn in the background. Hot drinks will be offered to keep everyone warm during the outside ceremony.

The Inn at Westwood Farms
12256 Montford Rd (Rte 616)
Orange, VA 22960
www.innatwestwoodfarm.com

RECEPTION

The party will start with a cocktail hour at 4pm behind the Inn, featuring a bluegrass quartet and local and seasonal food and drink. At 5pm, the party will move into the reception tent for dinner and dancing.

WEDDING PARTY

REGISTRY

Amanda and Gavin are registered at:


Heath Ceramics


Crate + Barrel


CB2

GUEST INFORMATION

Where to stay...

A block of rooms has been reserved in Orange, at:

Holiday Inn Express
750 Round Hill Drive
540 672 6691
Group Code: SKW

and:

Best Western Plus
Charlottesville Airport Inn and Suites
5920 Seminole Trail
Ruckersville, VA
434 985 1855

A block of rooms has been reserved in Charlottesville, at:

Omni Charlottesville
235 West Main Street
434 971 5500

Guests may also choose to stay at::

Red Roof Inn
1309 West Main Street
434 295 4333

Courtyard Marriot - University Medical Center
1201 West Main Street
434 977 1700

Transportation...

A shuttle will be provided from the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville and the Best Western in Ruckersville to bring guests to the Inn at Westwood Farms for the ceremony and reception. Please let us know if you'd like a ride here! Check with the front desk when you arrive to confirm the shuttle pick-up time.

Brunch...

Please join us the next day for a goodbye brunch at the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville, in the central atrium, between 8-10am. Let us know if you can join us here!

Things to explore...

History

• Monticello – Visit for the house or garden tour, or to wander the grounds on your own for a great view of Charlottesville in the fall.
• The Lawn, University of Virginia – The Lawn at the University of Virginia was designed by Thomas Jefferson and houses students and professors. Be sure to see the Dome Room of the Rotunda, and the gardens behind each of the Pavilions.
• The Downtown Mall, Charlottesville – Main Street Charlottesville was bricked over as a pedestrian mall in the 1970s. It features many restaurants, stores, and concert venues, and is a great place to wander.
• Montpelier – Montpelier was the home of James Madison, and is open for garden and house tours. It is just minutes from the Inn at Westwood Farms, outside of Orange, VA.

Vineyards, Breweries (and Cider!)

• Jefferson Vineyards – Just around the corner from Monticello – be sure to hear the story of the site's connection to Jefferson.
• Blenheim Vineyards – Close to Jefferson Vineyards, another great option for tasting local wines.
• Afton Mountain Vineyard – Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vineyard offers amazing a scenic drive (if you can find it).
• Barboursville Vineyards – Barboursville offers more beautiful scenery, and is conveniently halfway between Charlottesville and Orange!
• Blue Mountain Brewery – A great brewery featuring seasonal brews, outdoor seating, and delicious bar food.
• Starr Hill Brewery – The most popular local beer is known for its Amber Ale, and it’s Double IPA.
• Albemarle Ciderworks – Refreshing cider, made from heirloom apple varieties, and fermented in the fashion of 18th Century ciders.

Restaurants (and Cider!)

• The Local – Just seconds from our home in Belmont, this is one of our favorite spots for a fresh, local, and delicious dinner.
• Mas – A tapas bar, this popular spot is also in the Belmont neighborhood. Mas is known for its sangria – and we suggest the boquerones!
• Tavola – Rounding out the Belmont restaurant scene, Tavola is a great Italian restaurant, featuring homemade pasta.
• Bizou – We started our weekly "date night" tradition at Bizou during our third year in school. Located on the Downtown Mall, this is a great spot to eat.
• Michael's Bistro + Tap House – Located on The Corner, near the University, Michael’s has a small balcony that offers a good spot for people watching, and a substantial beer list.

Hiking

• Shenandoah National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway

NOTE

To our family and friends- we want to thank you all for the love and support you've given both of us as individuals and as a couple. We are blessed with closely-knit families who have impacted our lives in so many ways. We share an amazing group of friends who have been there to see our relationship grow. We are so excited to share this important day in our lives with each of you, and sincerely thank you for traveling to join us on our wedding day.