Old World Gatsby Glamour Wedding Inspiration

Every Virginia Beach local knows the Old Cavalier Hotel. When I was in high school, most of my friends and I all worked for Children's Activities for the beach resorts, so that place and other Oceanfront hotels are very much part of our personal local history, back then and now. The Old Cavalier closed down a few years ago, was purchased, and now finally has plans to be reopened back into its restored icon in the near future. I know I'm excited about it because not only is it a historical sight to see, it is the quintessential wedding venue for brides and grooms dreaming of old world glamour for their weddings, especially if they love the trendy art deco theme.



With its heyday in the 1920s, the Old Cavalier knew Gatsby style before Leo even graced our modern silver screens. But even cooler? The famous author who birthed that iconic American novel—F. Scott Fitzgerald— actually stayed at the Cavalier in 1927. Who knows, maybe his stay somehow influenced a few famous words after he wrote Great Gatsby. Locals can only hope!

Not to be confused with the newer Cavalier Oceanfront Hotel directly across the street, the Old Cav is a local institution and reminds us of when the boardwalk and beach were the centers of upper society and the leisure lifestyle.

Since we're not sure what the "new" Old Cav will look like, the inspiration comes from when it was open. Using a few interior photos were a must-- mint green was a signature color inside the entire lobby and many wings of the hotel. Accented with gold and white, it's entwined in furniture, décor, and walls. This is just a little tribute to a beautiful time in local Hampton Roads history!



Looking for more Hampton Roads wedding inspiration?
Take a peek through our other local-inspired boards.

PHOTO CREDITS
Cavalier Hotel Ceiling Detail: Bit of Ivory Photography // Jenny Packham Wedding Gown Detail:
Scott Andrew Studio via Style Me Pretty // Art Deco Cake: Carla Ten Eyck via Hey Wedding Lady // Letterpress Stationery: Tartine Press // Cavalier Hotel Chair Detail: Bit of Ivory Photography