If ever there was the most PERFECT wedding to see us all into a blissful holiday weekend, this would be it. Photographed by the insanely talented Michael Smith of Ash Imagery, this wedding screams chic American style. We’re talking Madras accents, a locally grown menu and a bonfire complete with do it yourself s’mores. Yep, it’s America at its finest and oh, did I mention that the gorgeous bride is also a fighter pilot? Making her just about the coolest girl on the planet. And the perfect person to help us celebrate Monday’s Memorial Day. So SMP-ers…feast your eyes on this!
{click here to see ALL of the insanely gorgeous images}
Leif and I were married May 1st at The Brome Howard Inn in St. Mary’s City, Maryland. It was built in 1840 by a doctor for his new bride, and we found that the romance of that gift has survived the years. When we started to discuss our dream weddings, we found that our ideal days could not be more different. I wanted a very small ceremony and reception on the beach, while Leif had a traditional church service and black tie affair in mind. What our many compromises and concessions finally resulted in was a preppy, chic, and relaxing event that represented our love and our values better than we could have planned for.
We both spent our mornings with our closest friends. My girls and I took a walk through the wooded trails along the river, while Leif and the groomsmen enjoyed a hearty breakfast together. Leif and the guys wore simple tuxedos, while our fathers and brothers wore madras plaid ties, ordered online from All About You Design. The bridesmaids wore navy blue dresses from J Crew with madras plaid sashes (handmade by the Maid of Honor). I walked down the aisle in a Marisa gown purchased at Hannelore’s of Old Town, in Alexandria, Virginia (I originally wore this gown for her debutante ball at the age of 16). Following the ceremony, and a brief session with our visionary photographer, Michael Smith, I changed into my mother’s wedding dress, which she had shortened. I happily traded my usual black boots (I am a F/A-18F Super Hornet WSO) for a pair of blue Christian Louboutins, but by the end of the evening, myself and the girls donned the hot pink galoshes bought in case of rain.
Our small wedding allowed us to spend quality time with each of our 45 guests. It also made it much easier to personalize many aspects of our special day. We hand-made the invitations, table décor, and escort cards, and were even able to leave personal notes and welcome bags for our out of town guests. We were so happy to sit with our parents during our delicious meal featuring local products, thoughtfully prepared by the staff at the Brome Howard Inn. Our traditional, no-frills white wedding cake simply decorated with fresh fruit was prepared by Isabelle Williams and Lisa Kelley. At the end of the evening, after the guests had departed, Leif and I sat together by the bonfire where guests had taken a break from dancing to make s’mores. We talked about how much we, and our guests, had enjoyed the evening, and decided to get married again soon…to each other of course!
Photography: Ash Imagery / Dress: Hannelore’s / Cake: Isabelle Williams and Lisa Kelly (Lisa owns the inn) / The wedding was planned by Joss, Lorie (mother of the bride), and Lisa / Venue and catering: Brome Howard Inn, St Mary’s City, MD