A Festive Farm Wedding in Princeton

WV Weddings staff

2 years ago

Hannah Beth Halstead & Damian Lee Skeens
Princeton | 9.25.21

Photographed by Kara Blakeman Photography

Hannah and Damian formed an instant connection in high school and to this day can tell what the other is thinking with just one look. They were inseparable after their chance meeting at a high school football game—that is, until Damian joined the military after graduation. Their relationship was long distance for a while, with old-fashioned letter writing their only form of communication.

But he finally made it back home and, in the days leading up to the couple’s six-year anniversary, Hannah suspected something was up. Damian surprised her with a weekend getaway to The Blennerhassett Hotel. He had the whole trip planned, culminating in a rose-petal-embellished proposal at the hotel. Hannah said yes, through her “ugly tears” of happiness. The couple chose the Little Acre Farm in Princeton for their big day.

The bride wore an ivory gown with light sequined Venice lace and an airy tulle skirt. She carried a bouquet of white, cream-colored, blush, and coral pink cabbage roses, olive branches, and eucalyptus. The groom wore a navy blue suit and vest with an ivory shirt and blush pink tie and handkerchief. The bride’s grandfather officiated the ceremony, which began with a Bible reading by her grandmother. Following traditional vows, a unity ceremony included the planting of a pink dogwood tree.

After a cocktail hour featuring a large charcuterie board, guests moved to the reception and dined on lemon pepper chicken, baked steak, and fettuccine alfredo. Choreographed dances gave rise to reception fun, which ended with a sparkler send-off and group serenade of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Guests took home small jars of apple butter made by the bride’s family. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Jamaica before returning home to Seth, where Hannah works as an R.N. at CAMC Memorial Hospital and Damian is in the Air National Guard.