As Seen in Virginia Weddings Magazine: Berkeley Springs Castle Featured in Scottish-Inspired Editorial
Berkeley Springs Castle has served as the romantic backdrop for countless love stories over the past 140 years, but a recent editorial feature captures our historic landmark in a truly magical light. We are thrilled to share that the Castle is currently showcased in a stunning two-part bridal editorial for Virginia Weddings Magazine!
The feature, titled “Call of the Highlands,” was conceptualized and orchestrated by a remarkably talented collective of regional wedding artisans. Inspired by the rugged romance, wild beauty, and ancient traditions of the Scottish Highlands, the creative team looked across the Virginia border to our late-Victorian stone fortress to bring their vision to life.With its hand-hewn silica stone walls, soaring turrets, and sweeping views of Warm Springs Ridge, the Castle proved to be the quintessential American setting to evoke the atmosphere of an Old World Scottish estate.
Part One: Timeless Heritage and Romance
The editorial explores two contrasting aesthetics for the same couple—one classic and light, the other dramatic and moody.
Part One is live now on Virginia Weddings Magazine’s website, focusing on the softer, more traditional interpretation. In this look, the bride’s delicate white lace gown and the groom’s classic black tuxedo allow the natural texture of the Castle’s stone architecture and woodwork to take center stage.
The styled shoot thoughtfully wove ancient Celtic matrimonial customs directly into the Castle’s grounds and interior spaces:
- An Authentic Handfasting Ceremony: The couple exchanged vows beneath our stone ramparts during a traditional handfasting, an ancient Celtic ritual symbolizing the binding of two lives.
- The Sound of the Pipes: The ceremony was accompanied by bagpiper Robert Gresh, filling the mountain air with music that sounded right at home echoing off the Castle walls.
- Highland Reception Details: The Great Hall tablescape featured authentic tartan runners, coordinating linens, and custom stationery bearing a noble stag motif. The Castle’s distinctive silhouette was even hand-illustrated inside the bespoke envelope liners.
A Testament to Extraordinary Regional Vendors
A production of this scale is a masterclass in collaboration. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to the incredible vendors, artisans, and models who treated the Castle with such care and demonstrated what is possible when historic preservation meets creative vision:
- Planning & Design: Sarah K Events, LLC (Sarah & Rebecca Hott)
- Photography: Images By Madison (Madison Cameron)
- Bridal Gown: The Valley Bride (Justin Alexander gown)
- Floral Design: Jordan and Hess Company Limited (Anthony Hess)
- Kilt & Highland Accessories: Faire Isles Trading Company (Stephanie Shanin)
- Videography: Blue Salad Productions (Bluann Faber)
- Hair Styling: Elegant Hair by Cori Campbell
- Stationery & Paper Goods: Designs by Allison Rene
- Fine Jewelry: Christian Caine (Dusky Rankin)
- Linens & Tartan Fabrication: I’m So Sew Happy (Evelyn Cullipher)
- Cake & Custom Confections: Tiers in Heaven (Jennifer Frey)
- Vintage & Event Rentals: Something Borrowed WV & Grand Event Center
- Ceremony Officiant: Appalachian Wedding Chapel (Brenda Ashby Berry)
- Bagpiper: Robert Gresh
- Lanterns: Enchanting Lanterns (Robyn Werner)
- Sponsor: Magnolia Wedding Collective
- Models: Cassie Atkins & Jaden Longmire
- Castle Liaison: Denise Selby
Part Two Coming Soon
The editorial team will be pivoting to a moody, dramatic look that leans deep into the Castle’s shadows, candlelight, and gothic grandeur.
Whether you are dreaming of an intimate, heirloom wedding or scouting the perfect period setting for a film or editorial shoot, the Berkeley Springs Castle offers an ambiance you simply cannot construct from scratch.
We invite you to read the full feature, browse the breathtaking gallery, and gather inspiration for your own historic gathering: