When Dena and Kent said “I do” on January 10, 2004 they promised to love each other in sickness and in health. When Kent was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020 their vows came to fruition, and the couple has emerged stronger than ever before. Their commitment to each other and their marriage is one for the books. These two have stood by each other and, in 2024, they decided to celebrate their love story and renew their vows in front of their closest family and friends.
With the help of Sandy Petra who owns Occasions by Sandy, the couple found The Barn at Brambleton. This wedding and event venue combines the rustic elegance of the Virginia hunt country with the welcoming, modern sensibilities of Loudoun County, and it was the perfect place for this darling couple to say “I do” — again.
As a space where so many couples start their life together, The Barn at Brambleton is accustomed to serving as the backdrop for sentimental moments. But this occasion took on an even deeper meaning. After hearing Dena and Kent’s story, The Barn at Brambleton was delighted to participate in Wish Upon a Wedding, an organization that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or life altering health circumstances.
On June 3, 2024, The Barn at Brambleton and the community came together with vendors donating their services, including planning, catering, florals, music, signs, photography, videography, and the designer of her dress donated her veil and tiara.
Dena and Kent envisioned a stunning place to reiterate their commitment to each other and acknowledge all they’d been through as a couple. With florals by Castle Drive and signs and backdrops by Blissful Design and Decor, The Barn at Brambleton came alive with the dream look that Dena and Kent had imagined.
The layout of The Barn at Brambleton was ideal for Dena and Kent’s celebration, with both indoor ceremony and reception spaces available. Vendors arrived at 11 AM to get the space celebration-ready, and, upon arriving, guests were greeted with a red-carpet entrance. Everyone had the opportunity to have photos taken to commemorate this incredibly meaningful event.
At promptly 4:30 PM, as the clock hands moved upwards — an old adage that is said to uplift your marriage, the ceremony was held upstairs in the main part of the barn. 50 guests gathered for the occasion, and Dena walked down the aisle in a dress from Kleinfeld Bridal and Valerie Soule officiating. With three bridesmaids and three groomsmen by their sides, and their daughters helping them exchange the rings, Dena and Kent said “I do” yet again, even more in love than they were 20 years ago.
Cocktail hour was held downstairs, and a live painter was in attendance to capture the memories and the feelings in a beautifully artistic way. After mingling over drinks, the group gathered upstairs once again for the reception and a four-course meal and stations catered by Genesis Delight Catering. Music was provided by Summit Events. Timeless Photo & Video and Ari Visuals captured the candid and moving moments so that Dena and Kent will have visual memories to treasure.
Looking back on the celebration, Dena and Kent were over the moon. The vision came together exactly as they’d hoped, and the couple was surrounded by so much love and joy from their nearest and dearest. Thanks to The Barn at Brambleton, these two were able to find happiness and time together during a trying season.
