Hospitality businesses are the heart and soul of every community. And at The Lesner Inn, hospitality is part of our identity – particularly in a destination city like Virginia Beach. But over the course of the last 2 years, our city and nation have faced an unprecedented situation with the coronavirus pandemic. Cities across the nation have banned large gatherings, asking Americans to follow proper social distancing guidelines. Unsurprisingly, this has devastated an industry that relies on large gatherings for wedding celebrations.
In a year that was projected to be our busiest and most successful year yet, our small family-run business, The Lesner Inn, lost over 75% of business in 2020 to couples canceling or postponing their big day. But we were not the only small business struggling to make ends meet. The wedding industry as a whole has suffered tremendously from the pandemic and continues to suffer. Many who work in this industry, such as venues, caterers, photographers, bands/DJs, etc., have loss a significant amount in income.
But in these difficult times, we remember it is always darkest before the dawn. And while navigating through these moments of darkness, we [vendors in the wedding industry] emerged stronger and more united.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Amidst wedding reschedules and mass gathering restrictions, we worked closely with wedding vendors to recreate clients’ wedding visions into the most intimate and beautiful celebrations of true love. Yet we still had more free time than we were accustomed to during peak wedding season. A season for every bride.
Thus came a styled shoot unlike any other. After months of designing each season and coordinating vendors schedules, a week of setting up, 48 hours of shooting, and 6 months of editing, we’re beyond excited to share our hard work.
Instead of a standard shoot highlighting the “model” bride, we wanted to take the opportunity to send a positive message to our followers, recently engaged couples and our community in general.
Darling, you’re a work of art.
It does not matter what the scale reads. What the color of your skin is. How tall or how short you are. If you have acne or cellulite.
You have the ability to fully display beauty apart from vanity.
We know the magic that comes from a wedding. We watch our clients live their own fairytale – starring as their own prince or princess. So, we wanted to share a wedding story through an unfiltered lens. A lens that focuses on how beautiful the promise to love each other for the rest of your lives really is. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing vendors from our hometown & we’re so happy with how well this shoot turned out. We hope you enjoy this as much as we do! Keep an eye out for more pictures on our social media & more blogs highlighting each season.
Styled Shoot: A season for every bride Date of shoot: May 2021 Venue: Lesner Inn 3319 Shore Drive, VA Beach 23451
VENDORS:
SPRING:
Venue: Lesner Inn
Photographer: Cat DeLine with DeLine Photography
Videographer: Ryan Noble with Noble Vue Media
Bridal Gown: Studio I Do
Linens: Waterford Event Rentals
Flowers: Song Bird Florals
Dessert: Maddie’s Sweet Treats
Dessert Decor & Beaded Bracelets: Hanging Around
Tabletop items: The Collection by Courtney Inghram
Event Rentals: Big Top Entertainment
Event rentals & set up: Stage Right Lighting
Spring Bride: Sarah Canon
Ring: Finks Jewelers
Traveler Bride: Paula Phounsavath
SUMMER:
Venue: Lesner Inn
Photographer: Cat DeLine with DeLine Photography
Videographer: Ryan Noble with Noble Vue Media
Bridal Gown: Studio I Do
Linens: Waterford Event Rentals
Flowers: The Wandering Petal
Dessert: Kristina Sideri Kakes
Dessert Decor & Beaded Bracelets: Hanging Around
Tabletop items: The Collection by Courtney Inghram
Event Rentals: Paisley & Jade
Event rentals & set up: Stage Right Lighting
Custom Stationary: Paper Dolls
Summer Bride: Dekeya Claiborne-White
Ring: Finks Jewelers
FALL:
Venue: Lesner Inn
Photographer: Cat DeLine with DeLine Photography
Videographer: Ryan Noble with Noble Vue Media
Bridal Gown: Studio I Do
Linens: Waterford Event Rentals
Flowers: Song Bird Florals
Dessert: Kristina Sideri Kakes
Dessert Decor & Beaded Bracelets: Hanging Around
Tabletop items: The Collection by Courtney Inghram
Tabletop Items: Big Top Entertainment
Event Rentals (lounge furniture): Paisley & Jade
Event Rentals & set up: Big Top Entertainment
Event Rentals (Lighting): Stage Right Lighting
Custom Stationary: Paper Dolls
Summer Bride: Caitlyn Verastek
Ring: Finks Jewelers
WINTER:
Venue: Lesner Inn
Photographer: Cat DeLine with DeLine Photography
Videographer: Ryan Noble with Noble Vue Media
Bridal Gown: Studio I Do
Linens: Waterford Event Rentals
Flowers: The Wandering Petal
Dessert: Kristina Sideri Kakes
Dessert Decor & Floral Resin Decor: Hanging Around
Chargers: Waterford Event Rentals
Tabletop items: The Collection by Courtney Inghram
We had such an amazing wedding at the Lesner this past weekend. With all of the hurdles we had to go through with COVID protocols, Alexis, Kim, and Lindsey went above and beyond to make our day feel normal- and it was PERFECT! They were so attentive to detail and helpful with things I had not thought of during the planning process. They took care of every detail and we had nothing to worry about on the day of Our wedding except showing up. I even had some last minute changes to decor that they were able to help with. The food was amazing and the view is seriously one you can’t beat. The sunset deck is Covered, so some rain is not a total game changer- but it also gives the guests a nice break from the reception hall (which is inside), which made our guests comfortable with spacing out during these times. Luckily our weather was perfect and the photos are literally amazing- there is no better view in Virginia Beach. I would highly recommend the Lesner for a wedding !!
Mr. & Mrs. Jurko
JUNE 22, 2018
LESNER HALL & SUNSET DECK
I could NOT be happier with the service from Lesner Inn. Our coordinator Liz was SO helpful each time we met with her and had questions. The ceremony and receptions spaces were absolutely beautiful. If I had to do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing and I would recommend this venue to anyone!
The Bells
SEPTEMBER 24, 2016
LESNER HALL & SUNSET DECK
Alexis, We just wanted to say thank you for all that you did Saturday & all the planning leading up to our wedding day. We had such an amazing day! And we really appreciated you making sure we were taken care of throughout the night. You’re amazing at what you do & helped our wedding day turn out to be perfect! Thank you again!
Jon & Brittany Wilson
JULY 15, 2017
LESNER HALL & SUNSET DECK
Girls at the Lesner Inn, Wow! I can’t believe it’s been just about a year since Jon and I came through the doors and knew that this would be the place we say “I do”. You guys are awesome and made planning a breeze even for this bride who didn’t have it all together. Thank you guys so much for everything, our day was perfect!
Kyle & Elise Miller
APRIL 8, 2018
LESNER HALL & SUNSET DECK
Lindsey!
I am speechless! Friday was truly amazing. You went above and beyond to make our day so special! We loved every second of the night. Thank you also for the champagne glasses and kitchen towel. You are so sweet! Everyone raved about the night. You and Lesner Inn are AMAZING!
Love you
Kyle & Elise Miller