Samantha & Chris

Written By Kim Moody

On a joyous November day, surrounded by friends, family, and the vibrant colors of late autumn, Samantha and Chris celebrated their wedding day at The Estate at River Run. The unusually warm November weather and the glowing orange and red leaves created the perfect backdrop, beautifully complementing the estate’s Georgian Revival architecture.

Before the main event, Samantha, in the Primary Suite, slipped into her elegant yet traditional strapless white dress and sparkling heels with a pointed-toe silhouette for an extra touch of glamour. Her bridesmaids complemented her white gown with a simple yet sophisticated array of long black dresses, maintaining a wedding aesthetic that was both polished and timeless.

Chris gathered with the groomsmen in the Pool House, suited up in a classic black suit with a simple white handkerchief and a floral boutonniere that seamlessly complemented the entire bridal party.

Guests gathered on the Blue Stone Terrace upon arrival, taking in views of the glowing autumn landscape. Meanwhile, the couple shared their first word on the Front Lawn, exchanging vows written in personalized notebooks, addressed to each other, dated 11.8.2025.

The two rejoiced as the sun began to set along the James River; Samantha and Chris celebrated their everlasting love alongside their friends and family.

On the Main Floor, beneath crystal Waterford-style chandeliers, guests admired portraits of Samantha and Chris’s family members throughout the years while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and delicate hors d’oeuvres on the Upper Terrace. Later, guests were welcomed to an elegant tablescape featuring white plates and napkins accented with touches of gold for an intimate dinner in the Tuscan Ballroom. With the ballroom’s warm, dim lighting and polished brown backdrop, the evening created an atmosphere of emotion, love, and celebration, perfectly complemented by an assortment of colorful macarons, cookies, and miniature cakes.

The party continued through the night with a celebration in the Wedgewood Ballroom, where the festivities kicked off with a large light-up sign that read “The Dunns,” along with light sticks and bedazzled cowgirl hats for the guests.

Vendors:

Venue: The Estate at River Run

Planner & Florals: Starry Night Events

Photographer: Stacie Marshall

Videographer: CY Wedding Films

Cake: Pearls Bake Shoppe

Catering: Groovin Gourmets

Dj: Frank Guertler

Rentals: REQ

Hair & Makeup: Amanda Perry

Vintage Car: RB Vintage Car Service

Unveil your dream wedding or event at The Estate at River Run, perfectly situated between the enchanting cities of Charlottesville and Richmond. Our picturesque estate boasts unparalleled beauty and charm, offering a captivating backdrop for your special day, nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes and views of the James River. Our exquisite property offers a harmonious blend of modern elegance and natural serenity. From intimate ceremonies to luxurious celebrations, our meticulously curated spaces cater to every occasion with elegance and grace. Indulge in resort-style amenities — from our shimmering pool to lush landscape, spacious layouts, and meticulous attention to detail — every event promises luxury and ease. Experience the epitome of sophisticated events at The Estate at River Run — where every moment is a masterpiece.

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy, and they are an integral part of the community. Many of these venues are owned and operated by passionate individuals who personally oversee every detail, ensuring exceptional service and care. Choosing a locally owned, owner-operated wedding venue means the world to our small businesses.

In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on WeddingVenueOwners.com.

Kim Moody
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Caitlin & Andrew