Lesner Inn Best of 2020

December 25, 2020 | Best of, Uncategorized

2020 was a difficult year. The Pandemic affected the wedding industry in a devastating way with couples scrambling to reschedule and adjust their vision of their big day. But as a small wedding venue that has felt the upsetting effects of the pandemic, the Lesner Inn is, and always will be, grateful for our clients. So thank YOU for sharing your big days with us and reminding us that love always wins.

As we started to write our best of 2020 blog, we felt such joy reflecting on the memories of your wedding days. So with hopes to spread some cheer this holiday season, we decided to make this year’s blog more fun and have you vote for the winners! Thank you for participating in the fun and let’s begin!

Cake – Mr & Mrs Fitzpatrick

Jessica and Reed’s almond and strawberry flavored three tiered cake created by E & E Special Events had their guests craving for more! And let’s not skip out on the detailing in the gold foil. WOW.

Bouquet – Mr & Mrs Knox

Even though summer weddings are so popular, especially in a beach town like Virginia Beach, we are a sucker for fall weddings. Especially November weddings when the cool air is finally settling in and we see so many white florals for bridal bouquets to complement the cool tones of the season. This includes Kelly Gish Floral Design’s bouquet for Nikki this past November. Made with Ranunculus Anemones Garden Roses, Italian Ruscus and a mix of Eucalyptus and Hydrangeas – it was a true masterpiece. So it came as no surprise when voters chose this as our winning bouquet for 2020!

Details – Mr & Mrs Knox

Love is in the details, especially at this elegant micro-wedding & reception at the Lesner Inn this past November. Every inch of this wedding & reception was coordinated perfectly – from the bridal bouquet and floral centerpieces by Kelly Gish, romantic waterfront venue, table décor & music by Danny from Astro Entertainment. It was simple but ethereal. Thank you to Cat Deline Photography for capturing this beautiful ceremony & reception!

Fun Fact: Two weeks before Dan & Nikki said “I do” at the Lesner Inn, Governor Northam announced a mass gathering limitation of 25 people (from 250 people). Despite adjusting their vision for their big day, SO close to the big day, they still pulled off one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve seen at The Lesner Inn.

Bros – Mr & Mrs Ehlert

There’s something about a classic black & white photo that makes us so happy. Here’s to Alex & his best bros!

The Grand Exit – Mr & Mrs Fitzpatrick

While a traditional exit takes places when the party is over, we’ve seen a number of staged exits that turn out amazing. And Jessica & Reed’s “exit” from their reception in our Waterside Deck, is no exception.

Bride Tribe – Mr & Mrs Knox

It’s true what they say. Friends who slay together, stay together. And this holiday season, this bridal squad SLEIGHED!

Dock Moment – Mr & Mrs Salmini

The Lesner Inn is famously known for it’s incredible view of sunsets on the Lynnhaven River. But even on a cloudy afternoon, snapshots of true love can be just as magical. And Schuyler and Robin clearly prove our point! It’s no surprise why their intimate moment on our dock won in the best of 2020.

Little Ones – Mr & Mrs Boyd

Sometimes it’s not enough to ask the parentals for her hand in marriage. Sometimes you have to ask the little ones for approval too. And sometimes he says yes… but sometimes he has a few words for the officiant!

Kiss – Mr & Mrs Knox

Will they, won’t they? Just kiss already! Nikki and Dan always capture our hearts and clearly yours as well!

Invitation – Mr & Mrs Ehlert

We love this dark & moody palette that Alex and Alex used for their fall inspired wedding invitation. And we love how Drea Dawn incorporated their invitation on their wedding day.

Ring Shot – Mr & Mrs Hill

No words to describe the beauty in this photo. No wonder it won Best Ring shot.

Family Moment – Mr & Mrs Dancy

Weddings are a day filled with so much love and excitement, surrounded by your closest friends and family. And Elizabeth Henson captured the pure joy shared by Mrs. & Mrs. Dancy’s family as they celebrated their way to forever on September 20^th.

Squad – Mr & Mrs Knox

A black tie wedding is always a W in our books – and apparently, in yours too! Thank you Cat DeLine for perfectly capturing the happiness & love this squad feels for the new Mr. & Mrs. Knox!

Best Stair – Mr & Mrs Steel

Okay… no one can argue how absolutely dazzling this photo is here of the New Mr & Mrs Steel and thank the heavens that Vinluan photography captured this moment so perfectly!

Toss – Mr & Mrs Justice

Did you know the bouquet toss comes from a tradition where women would rip pieces of the bride’s dress and bouquet in order to get some of her good luck? To escape the crowd, the bride would toss the bouquet and run away, which in turn created the fun toss of the bouquet to single women at weddings! Thank you for capturing this tradition, Alexzandera photography, with this shot of our beautiful Lesner inn bride, Breezi on her wedding day!

Party Crowd – Mr & Mrs Hill

When our client tells us that they’ve hired Danny from Astro Entertainment, we immediately jump with excitement. Danny sure knows how to get the party going all night long with the perfect playlist – and that’s just what he did for Kaitlyn & Trey! Not to mention Kaitlyn and Trey sure know how to party! Check out their blog about their wedding planning experience and much more by clicking here!

Ceremony – Mr & Mrs Ehlert

Rain or shine, saying “I do” to your person is the dream – and this moment captured by Drea Dawn Photography looks like a dream come true.

Sunset Deck Moment – Mr & Mrs Knox

Hold my hand, & I’ll go anywhere with you <3 All the feels with this moment of Mr & Mrs Knox by Cat DeLine Photography!

Twirl – Mr & Mrs Salmini

As one of our newer categories, we’re delighted to announce Mr. & Mrs. Salmini as the winners of this year’s best twirl! I mean come on! Our Lesner Inn bride is utterly breathtaking and who doesn’t love a man in uniform?

Dessert Display – Mr & Mrs Picking

If you’re anything like our Director, you probably have the biggest sweet tooth. And voting for the best dessert table is probably one of your favorite categories. So shout out to the sweetest Mr & Mrs Picking for putting together 2020’s best dessert table. Donut mind if we do!!!

Guest Book – Mr & Mrs Owens

Forget the traditional guest book and check this starry sky guest book idea! Mr. & Mrs. Owens had their guests sign a starry night of the night they said “I Do.” Not only is this a unique idea, but it also makes for a great piece of wall décor.

Black & White – Mr & Mrs Knox

The first dance as husband & wife is one of the most awaited moments for the newlywed couples as well as the guests. And Cat DeLine captured the love and unity between Dan & Nikki so perfectly with this romantic black & white shot of their first dance as husband & wife.

Rainy Day – Mr & Mrs Funke

Admit it. We all want to be kissed in the rain and swept away by our prince charming. Luckily for Mrs. Funke she gets to say she already has.

Groom’s Cake – Mr & Mrs Baze

Mr. & Mrs. Baze clearly had a lot of fun creating this groom’s cake while poking fun at having to move their date thanks to COVID-19. But hey, when in doubt, meme it out. And meme it out they sure did!

First Dance – Mr & Mrs Knox

The “I may be in a room full of people but the only person I see is you” look is what made this moment a fan favorite and the winner of 2020’s Best First Dance.

COVID Detail – Mr & Mrs Moran

Adjusting your day-to-day during a pandemic is a lot to process alone in it of itself – but planning a wedding during a pandemic too?! You’re kidding me. Across the country, COVID forced newly engaged couples to adjust their vision of their wedding day. From downscaling the guest count or postponing the wedding date, to redesigning the menu or floorplan to be COVID friendly, our clients had to make some difficult decisions. But we applaud them for their strength, their patience & their understanding attitudes. While their wedding day may not have been what they always envisioned, it was still a magical day filled with so much love and support. When Jennifer & Mark told us some of their family couldn’t make it to the wedding because of COVID, they were devastated, but not defeated. With the help of Astro Entertainment and their live streaming services, Jennifer & Mark became Mr. & Dr. Moran in front of all of their loved ones – near and far.

Foyer Moment – Mr & Mrs Roman

Daissy Torres Photography perfectly uses the table’s reflection to capture this everlasting portrait of the new Mr. & Mrs. Roman <3

Theme – Mr & Mrs Glade

In a galaxy far, far away… you’ll find the winners of this year’s best theme! Not only did they have miniature pop funko’s Star Wars themed version of themselves on the groom’s cake, but they also incorporated their shared love for Star Wars through their processional music (“Hans Solo & The Princess”), guest book, & décor. May the force be with you, Mr. & Mrs. Glade! #SoloNoMore #FinallyGlade