Etsy Chic and Family Favs

For Richmonder Courtney Koogler, there was only one place to marry sweetheart Jimmy Gilbert. “At the Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church in Steeles Tavern, where my parents married nearly 35 years ago.  And Jimmy’s family came from all over the country—it was a wonderful mixing of families,” said the bride.

After two years of planning —“I wanted every aspect personal and special for us and our guests ”— all was ready at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2011. The church was decorated, ring bearer and 3-week-old flower girl dressed. At nearby Rockbridge Vineyard, tents were set for dinner and the barn illuminated for dancing.

“It ended up being even more special than we could ever have planned,” explained Courtney. “About a year ago my family received some bad news and some good news. My grandmother had terminal cancer and Nicole, my only sibling, was pregnant with her first child. My grandmother had been living in a nursing home and said that if we had carrot cake, she would be at the wedding. My mom, an interior designer, had taken on the role of wedding planner and managed to juggle this daunting task while driving from Richmond to Lexington to care for her mother. I will forever be grateful and in awe of the beautiful details she put together.”

The groom, who is The Monacan Services Program Supervisor for Goochland-Powhatan Community Services Board, and the bride, an Energy Conservation Analyst at Dominion Virginia Power, met at VCU and got engaged one day before New Year’s in Dec. 2009 while in Tampa, Florida, visiting Jimmy’s parents, Pat and Jim Gilbert. “At the end of a pier that unfortunately was covered with bird poop!” laughed Courtney.

But the wedding day proved glorious: “I just kept praying for my grandmother. My mom made sure we had carrot cake and hired a nurse. My grandmother made it to both the wedding and reception,” said the blissful bride.

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Top left to right:

FAVORITE CAKE Courtney so loved Ukrop’s cakes she drove their three-tiered creation from Martin’s Foods at Short Pump some 108 miles to Rockbridge Vineyard in Raphine, Va. — and has been enjoying frozen leftovers ever since.

CASABLANCA BRIDAL from Bridal Mart in Burlington, N.C. “I found the perfect gown — in two hours!” raved Courtney.

RED HOT WHEELS The newlyweds in the 1968 Mustang restored by Courtney’s parents. Heart-shaped glasses for $3 online.

WHERE’S THAT CARROT CAKE? Courtney’s mother looks on as the bride chats with grandparents Nancy and Charles Graves. Sadly, Mrs. Graves passed away three weeks later.

CUTE AND COOL Two-year-old William McDougle, son of cousin Samantha Graves, walked down the aisle with Nicole and Jonathan Clark and baby Alexis.

PRIORITY SHOES First purchase: Courtney’s pumps by Nina Shoes. Garter from Etsy shop “Sweetly Fallen.” “Something New” silk rosettes. “Something Old” brooch.

“YOUNGEST FLOWER GIRL EVER” Newborn niece Alexis, the daughter of Nicole and Jonathan Clark. Bride’s mother Margie Koogler found the baby’s dress in Nordstrom and made the headpiece.

FORKS, KNIVES and SPOONS Courtney personalized place cards with a custom stamp from Etsy shop “brownpigeon,” clipped to an old quilt rack now at the Kooglers’ home.

JUST MARRIED With father-of-the-bride David Koogler driving his prized possession, Courtney twirls her parasol from Etsy shop “scrapsoflovebyjen.”

DESSERT BAR Loaded with homemade goodies whipped up by Courtney and her mother. Jimmy’s mother Pat Gilbert baked his childhood favorites, Black Bottoms (front right), and carried them on her lap in a plane from Florida.

ROCKBRIDGE VINEYARD Dinner for 100 was served under an illuminated tent (rockbridgevineyard.com).

BIG SMILES Newlyweds at the church. Aisle bows with white roses and herbs by bride’s mother. Day of co-coordinator Bobbie Leadman assisted.

VINTAGE APPEAL From Etsy shops “Snow White Studio” came the hair comb and from “Penelli Belle” the custom-made earrings. Hair styling by bride’s aunt Lori Graves from George’s Hairstylist in Lexington. (540-463-3975).

“ONE AND ONLY” Newlyweds danced to Adele’s ballad inside the barn.

LACY BLACK PROGRAMS Dreamed up by the bride and designed by the groom.

PHOTOGRAPHY by Connie L. Zimmerman (candlphotography.com).