Leslie Williams & Derek Emma

September 6, 2014 • Crosskeys Vineyard, Mount Crawford

It might have been an episode of Glee. Derek Emma and Leslie Williams were both in show choir at Midlothian’s Clover Hill High School when their story began. Only Derek was in the school’s premier show choir and the younger Leslie was performing with another of the school’s groups. Without a shared practice or performance, the two needed a little more help from fate to meet. Fortunately, that came at a party after homecoming, and by the time the school’s combined show choirs’ concert arrived a few months later, their friendship had evolved into a high school romance that has stood the test of time. “We stayed true to each other,” says Leslie. In spite of their cross-country move to San Jose, California, last year, the couple held their September wedding in Virginia—in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains at CrossKeys Vineyard. Vibrant hues of purple, pink and green infused the ceremony and reception, which incorporated burlap and lace to honor the couple’s wish for a rustic vibe with a romantic feel. And you just know there was plenty of singing and dancing.


Sources

Venue: CrossKeys Vineyard, Mount Crawford. Photographer: Stephanie Yonce, Richmond. Floral Design: Flowers by Rose, Grottoes. Cake: Ali’s Little Cake Shop, Chesterfield. Cupcakes: The Cupcake Company, Penn Laird. DJ: Manny Green Entertainment, Midlothian. Videographer: Mike Silverman, Silver Streak Media, Charlottesville.

hubbard valerie
Valerie Hubbard tried economics and politics, but traded them for life as a newspaper reporter and, most recently, a contributor and editor for regional publications like Virginia Business and Bay Splash.
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