West by God Wedding

wvweddingsonline

3 years ago

Adena Dawn Barnette & David Wellington Miller III
Ripley | 6.18.22

photographed by Alysca Null at Alysca Mackenzie Photography

The love story shared by Adena and Dave started like those of so many other modern couples: They both swiped right on the other. It turned out they’d grown up in neighboring towns—Ripley and Poca—and their high school bands, of which they were both members, competed against each other every year. Their swipes led to months of banter online, then an hours-long first phone call, then an in-person meeting that delivered love at first sight. Dave proposed almost a year later, and the couple planned a West Virginia–themed wedding.

They incorporated as many local vendors as they could, and the state’s famous Fiestaware dishes even played a starring role. The bride wore an empire-waist ivory dress with a tulle skirt featuring applique sequin flowers, and she carried a bouquet of blue and ivory roses. She and her groom exchanged personal vows before the officiant pronounced them husband and wife. Guests sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as the couple departed the ceremony.

The reception began with a greeting from the newlyweds and toasts from members of the wedding party. Guests enjoyed barbecue, West Virginia–style hot dogs, and a variety of sides. They danced together as husband and wife to Chicago’s “Will You Still Love Me” and participated in karaoke later in the evening. The couple carved an old-fashioned Appalachian stack cake made with homemade apple butter as their wedding cake. The bride’s mother and aunt used a cherished family recipe passed down from Adena’s great-great-grandmother Effie Sayre. In lieu of a groom’s cake, the couple chose to feature a full dessert bar of cakes, pies, and cookies. They newlyweds left the reception and embarked on a 24-county West Virginia staycation. They returned home to Evans, where Adena works as a history teacher and Dave works as a radio host and operations manager for a local radio station.