Navy and white stripes may go down in history as my favorite color combination ever, so obviously this wedding makes me smile my biggest smile. A little touch of the nautical absolutely means navy and white stripes on all the tables, which were so beautifully adorned with blooms from Holly Heider Chapple Flowers (only the best). Rebekah J. Murray Photography captured every beautiful detail from Events in the City and every twinkle in the bride and groom’s eyes – and we’ve filled a gallery with all the magic. Click here to see it all!
Sean and I went to Virginia Tech and met in the middle of our sophomore year. By the time summer break rolled around and I had to go home to Mclean, Virginia, I didn’t want be away from him. Not much has changed in the past eight years. I still find every excuse to spend time with him.
Sean proposed to me November 19th, 2010 the night before we took a weekend trip to Chicago. We had dinner at our favorite restaurant and when we got home Sean wanted to open some champagne. He poured the glasses and then said he wanted to put on his slippers. He went upstairs to grab them, came over to me on the couch, and pulled a ring box out of his moccasins. Even though the ring was about 3 sizes too big, I wore it all around Chicago…on my pointer finger. I was so excited I refused to take it off!
We knew we would get married at my parents church Holy Trinity in Georgetown. The church is beautiful, full of history, and the surrounding neighborhood is charming. We went all over D.C. looking for the perfect reception venue. We wanted a fun atmosphere, with outside space, and a fresh décor. My parents recommended The Sequoia and after we visited the space it was the easiest decision we had to make. It’s a gorgeous modern space. The enormous windows displaying views of the Potomac and the Kennedy Center are magnificent and the light fixtures are stunning. The Sequoia does the catering and you cannot ask for a better meal and service. It was the perfect package.
Sean and I love clean and classic décor. As east coasters we have a tendency towards a preppy style and I personally love nautical details. I wanted to have an understated “Tying the Knot” theme because it jived with our style and our venue. Laura Ritchie, our amazing wedding coordinator, took the theme and ran with it. We had navy blue and white striped table runners made, rope detailing on the flower vases, and adorable lanterns for the table décor. Escort cards were displayed on rope between two lighthouses, attached by sailor knot key chains. Pink and white striped paper straws with little monogrammed flags were a cute touch at the bar. We liked navy blue because it is a classic color that is not too formal and light pink makes the look a little bit more feminine.
The jewelry I wore was worn by other brides in my family at their weddings. There is just nothing I could buy that would be as beautiful or significant as these pieces. Another special touch was the road trip snack station for our guests for their trip from the ceremony to the reception. After they exited the church, a beautifully decorated table with mini champagne bottles, personalized water bottles, and Route 11 chips awaited them. They were able to grab a quick snack and cocktail for their ride on the buses that gave a little mini tour of Washington D.C. and then brought them to the reception.
In lieu of the bouquet toss, I wanted to take the opportunity to honor my little sisters, who were my maids of honor. Our florist, Holly Chapple made two bouquets for me to present to Katie and Erika. I cherish the memory of getting to tell them how much they mean to me.
I remember walking down the aisle so clearly. I was incredibly nervous to have everyone looking at me and I think it was written across my face. I looked to my Dad and he smiled from ear to ear and said, “Jackie, smile”. And that was all it took. I smiled the rest of our walk together. I wasn’t fully relaxed though until Sean squeezed my hand before we sat down to start the ceremony. It was so comforting to have these two men by my side.
I also remember our first dance really well. The band couldn’t get the song we originally wanted to play correctly. At the last minute they had to go with another song! Towards the end of it, Sean decided to spontaneously dip me. For split second, as I free fell to the ground, I thought “what a disaster of a first dance.” But he caught me, gave me a kiss, and the photographer snapped one of the best pictures of the evening.
Photographer: Rebekah J. Murray Photography / Event Designer & Planner: Laura Ritchie of Events in the City / Invitations: Crane and Co. through The Pleasure of Your Company / Place Cards, Programs, Table Signs (all the day-of paper products): PaperZest / Flowers: Holly Heider Chapple / Hair: Elegant Hair by Giselle / Make-Up: Blend Make-Up Artistry / Shoes: Kate Spade / Dress Designer: Mark Brower’s Vineyard Collection for Priscilla’s Of Boston, “Constance” / Bridesmaid Dress Designer: J.Crew, “Blakely” / Men’s Fashion: Indochino Custom Suits, The Tie Bar / Ceremony Location: Holy Trinity Catholic Church / Reception Location: Sequoia / Band: Another Level / Cake: Cakes by Chris Furin / Maps: Merry Maps / Transportation: Chariots For Hire