I don’t think it gets much more adorable than this carnival-themed Glen Echo Park wedding by Sweet Tea Photography. With bright yellow and blue blooms by Wegmans, a yummy dessert bar and an oh-so-cute “Love is Sweet” banner, I’d be crazy if I didn’t absolutely love every last charming detail planned by Weddings and Events by Bliss. Oh, and that carousel? Seriously awesome. Yes, I do believe these nuptials win the adorable prize hands down. See all of the pretty here!
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From the Bride… My goal was to balance traditional with today’s trends (and FUN!). In other words, the tradition of my church and it’s ceremony… the simpleness or classical style of my dress with the fun(!) of Glen Echo, and the hip and personal touch of today’s stylish weddings. I was inspired by many magazines and websites where people made their own decorations and I did my best to have every detail handmade, tasteful and simple. I liked the idea that personal energy went into making the event beautiful and didn’t want our wedding to be just a package or lose it’s uniqueness. I worked on balancing, white linen table cloths with the fun and modern style of bumper cars, carousels, and dessert tables! I loved that Glen Echo has been enjoyed by the generations. Many of my parents friends, and some of our family, grew up going there during the summers while it was still an active amusement park. So for many of them there was sort of a ‘coming home,’ not to mention something that brought them back to their youth – riding a carousel! It helped form the spirit of fun that we had at the wedding reception!
I wore my aunt’s dress to honor her. She passed away suddenly 3 years ago this July, and was only 52. She was my dad’s baby sister and someone dearly loved by all. My whole life I’ve been mistakenly called Ruthie – for a variety of reasons, including because I reminded people of her. When she passed, my uncle sent me her custom made wedding dress. I wore her dress as a surprise to my family, to honor her and all of the family we have lost over the years. If she had been with us, she would have been the life of the party! I also had the hope of having my wedding on Martha’s Vineyard – where my folks have a home, and where I spent many of my childhood summers. There’s a famous carousel there as well, I believe the oldest carousel in the country. Unfortunately, when Nick and I really thought about it, we realized many of our family and friends may not be able to make the trip so we decided to stay local. And when we found Glen Echo Park and the Bumper Car Pavilion, it was the closest I’d gotten to Martha’s Vineyard and having that inspired youthful feeling. Not to mention, being able to incorporate a carousel into the evening’s fun!!
Wedding Photography: Sweet Tea Photography / Wedding Planner: Emilie of Weddings and Events by Bliss / Blue Belt: The Bride / Wedding Gown: Karl Lagerfeld via Carine’s Bridal Atelier/ Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: Tommy Hilfiger / Groom’s Vest: Jos A. Bank / Caterer: Main Events Caterer / Flowers: Wegmans / Hair + Make-up: Belle Soeur / Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcakes / Venue: Glen Echo Park