“Josh and I met at our first job out of college,” says Jenna Byron, recalling when she and Josh Amster worked together on the same sales team. “We tip-toed around dating at first and then threw all rules out the window – we couldn’t resist! Five years later, Josh secretly flew to NJ to propose to me by the river in my hometown, followed by a boat ride to surprise me yet again with an engagement party with all our loved ones at a bar across the river.”
With Josh Being from LA and Jenna hailing from New Jersey, they knew a destination wedding would be the best option. The couple fell in love with Salamander Resort and Spa in the charming town of Middleburg, Virginia, where their guests would be able to experience an epic wedding weekend getaway. They were also introduced to Christie, Laura, and Brittany from Grit & Grace, who made the wedding planning process “pure joy” with their knack for creativity and organization.
“EACH AND EVERY MOMENT OF THE WEEKEND WAS MORE SPECIAL THAN THE NEXT.”
“We often describe our wedding weekend as pure magic,” Jenna says. “Each and every moment of the weekend was more special than the next. We kicked off the weekend down by the firepits, roasting marshmallows and drinking endless amounts of wine.
We woke up the next morning for a pool party, followed by an intimate family ceremony where we read our vows to each other before heading to an al fresco rehearsal dinner. To end the night, we surprised our guests with dueling pianos! We couldn’t believe the energy of that day and night and that we hadn’t even started our wedding day. The details were impeccable, the ambiance was electric, and we were ready to get married!”
Josh and Jenna’s wedding day was nothing short of a dream come true. The bride’s father – who she refers to as her “hero and warrior” – had a terminal illness that was significantly progressed at the time. However, he fought hard to make sure he was there to hold his daughter’s hand, as the bride’s mother pushed his wheelchair down the aisle. It was a beautiful and emotional moment that led up to the bride and groom being married beneath a gorgeous chuppah.
“The last reception song before heading into the after party was an all-time favorite,” Jenna shares. “Josh and I hopped onto the stage, went absolutely crazy dancing, and jumped into the arms of all our loved ones as we started crowd surfing!
The night was still young. The sax players led the way to the after party room, which was designed as a night club. We partied until the sun came up and had the most incredible night of our lives! A weekend we will truly never forget.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg VA; Floral & Event Design: Amaryllis, Inc. Floral & Event Design, Landover, MD; Planner & Event Design: Grit & Grace, Inc., Leesburg, VA
