By Terry Meadows
Dana and Daniel first crossed paths as interns, quickly becoming part of the same group of friends. After both returned to their home states, they independently moved back to Virginia years later. Their reunion came during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when meeting new people was challenging. This led Dana and Daniel to reconnect and spend more time together, during which they realized their feelings extended beyond friendship. They began dating and, after just over a year, Daniel proposed to Dana.
The Engagement
Zion Springs Gardens
Dana & Daniel - End-of-Night Film from Zion Springs on Vimeo.
The Rehearsal
"We knew we wanted a venue that felt like home for us. We loved that Zion Springs had enough rooms for our bridal party and family to stay on site with us and celebrate an entire wedding weekend! "
"A HUGE plus was that the Zion Springs team took all the stress of wedding planning away because they had everything in house (catering, music, photography, etc.). We got in the car after touring and both knew it was exactly what we wanted for an entire wedding weekend, not just a day."
Wedding Attire
Bride: Ava Laurenne
Groom: Men's Wearhouse
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Ava Laurenne | Men's Wearhouse
"The easiest and least stressful process! We both work full time and appreciated the spreadsheet they gave us and the meetings we had leading up to the wedding. We both enjoyed the planning process because the team made it so easy for us in our busy lives."
The Ceremony
Processional Music: "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perry
"The setting made it feel more like home for us. We are not fancy people and we love that Zion felt like home but with a little class for the wedding vibe we wanted."
The Reception
First Dance: "The Rest of Our Lives" by Drew Green
Dinner: Lemon Herb Chicken | Donuts
The Cake: Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
"Zion Springs is completely worth it! You don’t just get a day, you get an entire weekend to celebrate your marriage. The entire team exceeds expectations and makes the process and weekend so much fun! It’s a once in a life time memory that you will have, and the team makes sure it’s the best memory not only for the couple, but for guests as well."
"Chicken and Waffles! Everyone still raves about how amazing they were!"
Sunday Breakfast
"Because Zion Springs provided so many accommodations and amenities, everyone’s stay was so amazing. We had family and bridal party members saying how much more they enjoyed staying at Zion Springs versus a hotel. They felt like they were at home!"
What advice would you give to other wedding couples?
"Ask questions of all the staff! They are super passionate about what they do, and they’re dang good at it. They’ll give you the best advice they have and also make sure you truly get the wedding of your dreams."
Zion Springs: The Perfect Scene for Your Wedding Day Joy
If the idea of your ideal wedding excites you, we welcome you to view our Real Weddings stories on our Answers and Advice page. There, you'll explore a variety of unique and memorable weddings that have taken place at Zion Springs.
As a fully inclusive wedding venue, Zion Springs is committed to simplifying your wedding preparations, allowing you to concentrate on celebrating your love. Our extensive selection of articles is designed to assist you at each step of your wedding planning, ensuring your day is not only unforgettable but also the highlight of your celebrations.
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