Two Weddings Are Better Than One in Morgantown

Julia Christine Vaglienti & Grant Adam Perrine | Morgantown | 5.30.21

Photographed by The Oberports

Julia, a registered nurse from Morgantown, and Grant, a certified nurse anesthetist from Cowen, were together for just shy of three years when Grant popped the big question. They were hiking the Long Point Trail at the New River Gorge when the proposal came, a friend of Grant’s hiding nearby to capture the moment on camera. Fun fact about this couple, however: they didn’t tie the knot just once. No, two weddings took place, as the pandemic shifted their plans from a dream wedding to a COVID-restricted wedding. The first wedding took place in mid-2020 in an intimate ceremony with just 15 family members.

The second round of vows was exchanged about a year after the first, kicking off the big celebration they’d originally hoped for. Julia wore an intricate lace gown by Pronovias, while Grant wore a navy suit with ivory accents. Pops of marigold yellow were worked into the day, a subtle nod to their love of West Virginia University when paired with the darker blues.

The reception was a party with tasty food and a lot of dancing. All about fun, Julia insisted Grant lift her in a spontaneous move a la Dirty Dancing at the end of their first dance. Guests enjoyed their choice of Steak Diane, chicken bruschetta, or crab stuffed sole. To satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, a three-tiered Oreo cake with a textured icing and floral accents was shared.

By this point, the newlyweds had already celebrated their union with a honeymoon in Canaan Valley, spending a week exploring West Virginia wonders. So at the end of this night of celebration, they returned to their Morgantown home, happy to finally have celebrated their wedding the way it was always meant to be celebrated: surrounded by all those they hold dear.