A Denver snowstorm thwarted Kevin Schoelzel’s original plan to propose to Annabelle Gould, whom he met in Virginia in 2020, one winter Saturday. But he made due. “Plans secretly shifted to Sunday,” Annabelle says. “Kevin’s sister and sister-in-law conspired to take me to an early Galentine’s dinner, but instead lured me by car to the park where Kevin was waiting. It was a complete surprise, and so thoughtfully planned."
Annabelle always knew it would be back to Charlottesville—where she grew up and where the couple first met—for their wedding. “Having spent countless hours riding horses through the rolling hills of Keswick, I have always been enchanted by the bucolic beauty just beyond the college town,” says Annabelle, who booked local vendors Kennon Ibbeken and Carrie Coleman to plan and photograph. “When it came time to choose a setting for our wedding, the storied elegance of Keswick Hall—with its sweeping views and timeless design—offered the ideal backdrop.”
Their choice of date was just as important as the venue, though. “The choice of late April was deliberate. As a descendant of master gardeners and florists, I have always had a deep appreciation for the rhythms of the season and florals,” Annabelle says. “Late spring in Virginia brings a quiet transformation; the gardens awaken from winter’s rest, unfurling fresh greenery and perfuming the air with delicate blooms. The date also held personal significance, coinciding with my parents’ wedding anniversary.”
There were a number of events to style, and Annabelle worked with OTM Style Director Grace Givens to coordinate her looks. It began with a three-piece set for the night before. “I always knew I wanted to have a piece designed from One Of for some point in my wedding weekend,” Annabelle says. “I landed on a special set for our rehearsal dinner and welcome party. The experience with designer Patricia Voto was unlike any other; there was such care and attention to detail paid. We landed on a gorgeous light blue set with pink accents to complement a needlepoint piece my mother made with bright pink peonies from our family’s farm—my favorite jumpstart to spring.”
Annabelle had chosen a wedding dress right after getting engaged, but as time wore on, it didn’t feel right. So, alongside Grace, she went back to the drawing board. “Markarian felt like the natural fit because the designs are so classic and timeless, and I had always envisioned wearing something I could show in 40 years that would hold up to the test of time,” Annabelle says. “The experience at Markarian was unmatched, and to see the dress as she progressed along . My mom and I flew into New York a number of times to squeeze in fittings right up until the last week before the wedding. The process was seamless, and the dress is something I will cherish for many, many years as an heirloom for our family.” For the after-party, Annabelle and Grace worked with Alexandra Pijut to customize the color and fit of a chic two-piece set.
Annabelle’s maid of honor mirrored her in custom Markarian; bridesmaids served as her “something blue” in French blue dresses by LulaKate; and her 10-month-old flower girl wore a La Coqueta set. Anna Breeding gave the bride a fresh and natural makeup look, and Lucas Shaffer styled her hair into a low chignon to showcase her floral Mira Zwillinger veil.
On April 26, 2025, the couple said, “I do” in a traditional Episcopalian service at St. Paul’s, led by Annabelle’s childhood priest, Will Peyton. “My mother walked me down the aisle, a moment both tender and bittersweet,” the bride says. “I had long imagined making that walk with both of my parents, but after losing my father four years ago, having her by my side felt like both an honor and a quiet act of remembrance. Vivaldi’s 'Spring' spilled from the church’s organ—an ode to the season’s promise and renewal.”
As the newlyweds exited the church, a crowd gathered. “We stepped out into the spring air and the church bells mingled with the distant hum of returning UVA students from the Foxfield Steeplechase,” Annabelle remembers. “In a perfectly unscripted flourish, they joined our guests in cheering as we ran through a cascade of petals.”
Back at Keswick Hall, “the reception unfolded like a dream,” Annabelle says. “The evening was bathed in perfect spring light, a cool breeze drifted through the open-air tent and beneath its canopy, tables bloomed with centerpieces of seasonal flowers and arching cherry blossoms.” Gregory Britt Floral Design leaned into the season with pops of yellow and pink blooming from vibrant green arrangements along long tables and a wildflower escort card display.
Annabelle and Kevin danced to “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits. “The title says it all: Marriage is choosing to walk through life with someone—and what better way to start than with a song that makes you want to get up and dance?” she says. Big Swing & The Ballroom Blasters curated the evening into an unforgettable dinner party punctuated by classic hits. “The brass section—bold, bright, and full of life—wove seamlessly into the fabric of the evening, a jubilant nod to our family’s shared love of music. By night’s end, the air was alive with laughter, song, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the last chord fades.”
A farewell brunch the next morning was the perfect way to share memories, thank guests and say their goodbyes—though maybe not for long. “With our guests gathered at Keswick Hall , there was a sense of family and togetherness that made the occasion all the more memorable,” Annabelle says. “By the weekend’s close, Charlottesville had cast its spell. Several of our guests—charmed by the landscape, the architecture, and the gracious pace of life—were already touring local properties.”
