Bavarian Inn Wedding in Romantic Shepherdstown

This lovely Bavarian Inn wedding in Shepherdstown was perfect for bride, Erin, and groom, Christopher.

WV Wedding couple, bride and groom, on wedding day with dog in Shepherdstown. Photographed by Kelci Alane Photography.

Erin Kate Barthelmess & Christopher Jonas Goodell | 9.28.19 | Shepherdstown

When Erin, a native of Hurricane, and Chris, originally from Shepherdstown, met both were WVU students studying abroad in Spain. After meeting, they dated for years after their return to West Virginia. After graduation, the couple planned a European adventure. During a romantic stroll on a Spanish beach, Chris dropped to one knee and finally proposed.

bound by love at the bavarian inn

The couple chose the Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company for their wedding and subsequently planned a ceremony overlooking the Potomac River. During this Bavarian Inn wedding, the bride was escorted by her father and wore an ivory-colored Madison James gown with a sweetheart neckline and an A-line tulle bodice with intricate beading. She additionally wore rose gold–colored Birkenstock sandals for comfort and carried a bouquet of eucalyptus, white roses, white ranunculus, and veronica. The groom wore a navy two-piece suit with a floral necktie and surprisingly wore custom socks featuring Erin’s face—a surprise wedding day gift from his bride. Additionally, the couple’s golden retriever, Chloe, served as the “dog of honor” for the ceremony, and the couple exchanged personal vows before the following descent down the aisle to a piano rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Afterward, the Bavarian Inn created the reception menu and served a seasonal vegetable salad, filet mignon, and Maryland lump crab cakes. Later that evening the bride’s family surprised the couple with a choreographed dance routine before joining them and other guests for a group performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and a sparkler send-off.

saying “i do” in shepherdstown

Although the couple postponed their honeymoon because of COVID-19, they are planning a 2021 trip to Greece. Following the wedding, they returned home to Denver, where she works as a pediatric oncology clinical pharmacist and he works as the guest services manager for Loveland Ski Resort.