From their very first meeting at a polo match, to their long courtship that followed, a love of horses, polo and all things Hunt country Virginia has been an important aspect of D and A's relationship. So when it came to planning their nuptials, they knew they wanted to incorporate these elements into their special weekend celebration.

REHEARSAL DINNER

Located in the epicenter of Virginia horse country in Middleburg, Virginia, The Salamander Resort & Spa was the quintessential choice to serve as host and home base, and to commence D & A’s wedding weekend events with an intimate rehearsal dinner. After enjoying cocktails on the Grand Terrace, guests gathered in the Salamander’s wood paneled Sundlun Library for a three-course dinner and many heartfelt toasts dedicated to the couple.

POLO WELCOME PARTY

Back to where they first met, D & A shared their love of polo with their family and friends at the Great Meadow Foundation’s Twilight Polo event, where D has played polo for years. Guests watched the matches while sipping cocktails and enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres from their front row box seats, loudly cheering on Team Bride and Team Groom when D and several groomsmen joined the main polo match to play - with custom team jerseys to match.

SPECIAL DETAILS & WEDDING CELEBRATION

D & A's wedding day was a lovely mix of bespoke details, artfully blending their equestrian lifestyle and highlighting Anastasiia's Ukrainian culture. A custom wedding invitation suite set the tone for the weekend's events - featuring a hand-drawn equestrian illustration in gold foil on deep blue velvet for its backing, an Italian linen book cloth band (a nod to D's profession) pressed with a custom monogram & wax seal, a map of hunt country Virginia on cherry wood paper and a special keepsake quote from A's favorite Ukrainian poet.

Set at picturesque Oatlands Historic House & Gardens under a gorgeous sailcloth tent, the lovely couple said their I Do’s surrounded by family and friends from near and far. Rough-hewn wood bars, leather and velvet lounges carried the polo theme throughout, while one of the oldest greenhouses in the country played host to a special Ukrainian experience. After dining al fresco, guests were serenaded by the bride herself in traditional Ukrainian dress, then invited to gather in the greenhouse to learn more about her homeland through special exhibitions of her family history, Ukrainian music and culture, and to celebrate the couple through Ukrainian wedding traditions. Under a tremendous sailcloth tent, the party lasted late, as the band played and guests danced long into the night.