What a year it's been. I think it goes without saying that 2020 brought some major changes to the wedding industry. Normally in December we spend the time celebrating the amazing weddings that have taken place over the past year and the incredible work our vendor friends have done. Despite the rocky year the industry has had, we don't plan on doing any different this December. We still want to celebrate the work these vendors did.

All year the incredibly talented vendors in Hampton Roads had to pivot and make new plans. We at Hampton Roads Wedding Guide are so very proud of the amazing vendors that are a part of our family for the ability to take the hardships of this year and flourish. After a long break from weddings, our vendors have creatively found ways to safely hold weddings and really help their couples have incredible celebrations.

Happy New Year to our brides, grooms and our vendors. We hope 2021 is full of celebration, joy, and fabulous weddings. Enjoy this look back at the year with some photos of things that stood out to us and made us swoon.

We really saw some creative and gorgeous tablescapes this season. We loved the use of greenery and monochromatic color schemes with neutrals mixed in. Couples and designers embraced nature and interesting china for place settings. We also saw a shift towards banquet style seating for at least some of the reception spaces.

This year proved that having a skilled wedding coordinator made all the difference. From rescheduling vendors to scaling back a large wedding to a more intimate guest list, planners were busy scrambling and adjusting for their couples. They proved again and again just how invaluable having a wedding planner is.

Venues rocked this wedding season like no other. Faced with the task of rescheduling events and coming up with new safety protocols, they pivoted and rocked the weddings that moved forward. Hilton Norfolk the Main shined as a chic, downtown venue and The Chrysler Museum of Art outdid themselves with the stunning weddings there. The Water Table provided stunning waterfront space for outdoor ceremonies.

Catering this year has been a test for the professionals and they have really risen to the occasion. From incredible southern food that is local to Hampton Roads to classy sit down dinners, they have blown us away with amazing flavors and creativity.

One of the things we noticed most about bridal and bridal party attire this year is that couples felt free to be themselves, to dare to be different if that was their style, and really embrace the theme and overall feel of their wedding. From soft pastels to gowns that stunned to suits that fit like a glove, wedding style was beyond beautiful this year.

Venue: The Barns of Kanak

Gown: Grace Loves Lace

Cake: Buttermilk Bake Shop

Second Shooter: Liz Osban Photography