S & R @ Rock Spring Retreat

CE: How did your spouse pop the question?

S&R: In August of 2022, R and I spent a week backpacking in New Mexico (he’s from there). A few days in, many miles away from other humans, we hiked up to an 8,600-foot peak and R surprised me by getting down on one knee. He proposed with a ring that’s been in my family for over 100 years.

CE: What was your wedding style and what was most important to you when you were planning?

S&R: Rustic with a touch of Southern formality. The wedding of a Carolina Horse Girl and a Southwestern Guy 🙂 I knew we wanted an outdoor wedding that didn’t break the bank. But I am not a natural planner and I knew very little about the wedding process. I really needed someone to answer all my dumb questions (i.e. what’s a charger?).

CE: What made you choose Coddiwomple Events?

S&R: I loved that Coddiwomple was based so close to our venue, which was in rural West Virginia — I figured they’d understand how to bring an outdoorsy farm wedding to life. I also appreciated how much experience Stacy and her team had, because I knew I’d need some hand-holding!

CE : When it came to your venue selection, why did you choose to get married there?

S&R: West Virginia is particularly meaningful to our relationship — we’ve spent so many weekends hiking and camping there. At Rock Spring Retreat specifically, we loved the idea of being able to stay in the historic house right on site for the whole weekend (with a couple of our most helpful friends!).

CE: Ok! Let’s talk details! Can you tell us about the looks you created and where they came from?

S&R: I wore a secondhand gown from Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Columbia, MD. I genuinely can’t remember which designer — I was just thrilled to be able to give the dress another life and simultaneously contribute to a good cause. (All of Cherie’s proceeds benefit a nonprofit called Success in Style that supports people in crisis seeking employment.)

I’m not a big jewelry gal, but true to the Southwestern theme, I wore a bracelet handmade by a Native American artist from New Mexico, and Russell and his guys wore bolo ties. True to the Horse Girl theme, Russell and I donned cowboy hats for the reception. Plus, Russell traded out his blazer for a fringe jacket.

CE: What is your favorite memory from getting ready on your wedding day?

S&R: As a professional journalist, reading the elaborate spoof newspaper that my bridal party made gave me a laugh right when I needed it most!

CE: What’s your favorite Ceremony/ Reception memory?

S&R: Every aspect of the ceremony was true to us. Family members participated in ways that were perfect for them — for instance, my historian dad read a reflection he’d written on the history of the Harpers Ferry, West Virginia area. Ending the night square-dancing to a rendition of Wagon Wheel, surrounded by our closest friends.

CE: What was the best part of your wedding day?

S&R: Our DJ (Koran Dunbar) absolutely nailed it and many of our guests were on the dancefloor for the full 2 hours and 15 minutes. It was the best possible compliment.

CE: Is there anything you would change about your wedding day?

S&R: We didn’t do much decorating, relying instead on the natural beauty of the venue. That mostly worked well. But honestly, I wish we’d hired a decorator. Designing the centerpieces caused me so much grief! On our wedding day, I wish I hadn’t worried so much about what everyone else was thinking. The best moments were the times when I was fully present.

CE: What are you most excited for now that your wedding day is finished? And what tip would you give another couple?

S&R: Debuting our new name! We’re both changing our names to my mother’s German maiden name, Bargmann. The name won’t continue unless I take it, and I’m so grateful Russell was down to do the same. We’ve had to get a court order to finalize the change, but we’re almost done. Pay for someone else to handle setup and takedown. I made this decision last minute, and I should have made it so much earlier. Save yourself the stress!