Real Weddings: Lillian Albritton & Charles Briant III

For sweethearts Lillian Albritton and Charles Briant, getting married was an elegant, old-fashioned affair.

Their story began at a junior high mixer. While most kids their age were battling acne and contemplating the Pythagorean theorem, Lilly Albritton and Chuck Briant were falling in love.

Now they have been best friends for more than half their lives. Through high school and college and the years after, “I’ve always known we were meant to be together,” Lilly says. And when it came time for her wedding, she was equally certain about how things should be: sublime, sophisticated, and understated in every way.

She also wanted the wedding to be an intimate affair. The couple originally planned to hold two separate events a few weeks apart, but their schedules wouldn’t allow (she’s studying for her Ph.D.; he works in real estate and finance). So they struck a compromise: a small ceremony with family and a few friends, followed by a much larger reception the same day.

Lilly and Chuck wed on November 1, 2008. For the first part of the evening, the penthouse at The Stoneleigh Hotel was converted into a kind of chapel. The fireplace mantel stood heavy with candles, rows of gold Chiavari chairs filled the room, and bouquets of fresh hydrangeas were tied with trailing ribbons. About 45 people looked on as the couple held hands and said their vows.

And once the serious business was over? It was time for a serious celebration.

The bride let down her hair (literally) and exchanged her cream sash for blue. Then the newlyweds joined their nearly 300 guests at historic Arlington Hall at Lee Park.

Despite the sizable crowd, the intimacy of the early part of the night wasn’t lost. Creating a close, personal atmosphere within the Great Hall fell to the design team, who knew just what to do within the ample space with soaring ceilings and dazzling chandeliers.

The conceit was to evoke the feeling of entertaining at home, to reinvent the room as gracious and elegant—within the confines of the bride’s uber-refined tastes. That meant chic decor that reflected Lilly’s interest in vintage prints and textiles, explains Leah Spillman of Todd Event Design Creative Services. For example, instead of 60-inch round tables with celadon tablecloths and huge centerpieces, the designers used bar-height communal tables decorated with tiny antique blue and white Chinese porcelain vases with a single coral peony in each.

They also brought in gold velvet banquettes and blue velvet ottomans, playing up the residential feel and restrained beauty of Arlington Hall. Outside, paper lanterns glowed in the trees around the veranda.

All in all, the evening harked back to a simpler, more elegant time. For Lilly and Charles, it went all the way back to eighth grade.

It takes a small village to pull off the perfect wedding - or at least a team of seasoned professionals. The information below was provided by the couple.
Ceremony Site: The Stoneleigh Hotel penthouse
Photographer/Studio: Stephen Karlisch
Bridal Gown Designer: Vera Wang
Bridal Gown Retailer: Warron Barrón
Hair & Makeup: Kurt Anderson and L.B. Rosser
Groom’s Attire: Joseph Abboud Tuxedo
Bridesmaids Dresses Designer: Vera Wang
Bridesmaids Dresses Retailer: Stanley Korshak
Reception Site: Arlington Hall
Cake: Le Gateau
Caterer: Food Glorious Food
Band and/or DJ: Johnny Reno
Wedding Rentals & Flowers: Todd Event Design
Wedding Planner: Todd Weddings
Wedding Designer: Todd Event Design