In our books, classic never goes out of style and this Virginia wedding photographed by Meghan McSweeney is pumping some much needed classic into our Style Me Pretty veins. Vera Wang, Chanel No. 5…we’re eating it all up and it is oh la la lovely! Get a megadose of gorgeous in the gallery where the FULL fête awaits.
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From the Bride… Barry and I waited over ten years for this day and wanted to incorporate all the things that are important to us and individuals and as a couple. Our first date was to a photography exhibit in DC and we have enjoyed many museums around the world together since. We both lived in and around the Fan during the VMFA renovations and could not think of a more perfect place to have our reception. The timing was perfect in regard to the re-opening–but we did our share of hard hat tours (our engagement session was at the museum, hard hats and all). We were both surprised to hear our reception was the first in the new Atrium at the VMFA. What a thrill.
Barry is Jewish, and having a traditional Jewish ceremony was important to him. Beth Ahabah is the 6th oldest Jewish congregation in the US. The synagogue is beautiful and even has a Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass window–I believe the Tiffany exhibit was taking place at VMFA during this time as well. It was also very important to us to acknowledge those family members who passed, so we included their names on the back of our program with the help of East Six. East Six also helped us create an in lieu of favor card to honor Barry’s mother who passed of ALS–we made a donation to the ALS society in her honor instead of having favors for the guests.
We both love the classics and chose to have a classical string quartet play for the ceremony and a jazz trio with a vocalist for the reception. They were a highlight for us both. I will never forget hearing the string quartet as I walked up the stairs to the ceremony. Our favorite parts of the day, were…well…the whole day. For me, marrying Barry, in that dress. He actually picked it out himself without realizing it. After our engagement, it was in the NYT Magazine Bridal Issue he was reading one morning. I tried other dresses, but knew that was the one. He was surprised, and not, when he saw it for the first time on our wedding day. Also, when he kissed me on the hand while leaving the synagogue after the ceremony–so spontaneous, so sweet and so him. Our cake, that Graham had to cut out each of those white rings by hand and then glue them on–he is a master of his craft. The flowers. Of course, I could go on and on.
For him, having his father walk him down the aisle, breaking the glass, and seeing me carried on the chair in the middle of the VMFA. For us both, being surrounded by our family and friends on this wonderful day.
Wedding Photography: Meghan McSweeney Photography / Floral Design: White House Flowers / Event Design & Coordination: Jennifer McBride and Dee Kirchmier of McBride Events / Wedding Ceremony Location: Congregation Beth Ahabah / Wedding Reception Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts / Hair & Makeup: Lou Stevens Glam Squad / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Groom’s Attire: Jack Simpson via Neiman Marcus / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang via The Bridal Salon at Saks Jandel / Wedding Rings: Tiffany & Co / Bride’s Head Piece: Hannelore’s of Olde Town / Ketubah: The Jewish Museum New York / Wedding Band: David Esleck / Transportation: James Limousine Service / Wedding Cake: Cakes by Graham / Wedding Invitations & Paper Goods: East Six