Here at SMP, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a soft spot in our hearts for brunch weddings 🥰 Espresso sans the martini, a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, sun-soaked ceremonies… it’s all just too sweet. Plus, an addition of the most beautiful floral bridesmaid dresses ever is the cherry on top! The soon-to-be Mom and Dad exchanged “I do’s” under a blooming arbor by Helen Olivia Flowers and celebrated with their loved ones under a tented reception, all planned by Pamela Barefoot Events. See all the sweetness at the full gallery from Astrid Photography!
From the couple… We (Emma & Tom) went to high school together and met during my sophomore year. We were both at school early for varsity preseason athletics. We maintained friends throughout the years in high school and after. It wasn’t until the beginning of Covid that we were both back in Alexandria and that is when our love blossomed into something neither of us had planned!
Our overall design theme was a brunch time garden wedding. We chose an outdoor venue with lots of flowers and a water view! Rather than a huge wedding, we opted for a more intimate gathering with our extended families and closest friends. Since Emma was pregnant, we chose to have a coffee bar open for the day with a variety of flavored syrups available. It was something delicious and unique that everyone enjoyed! We also served a peach mocktail named Lola, in honor of our daughter on the way!
My favorite parts of the day were the beautiful weather and how beautiful my wife looked. When I saw her being walked down the aisle with her father I had the absolute certainty I was the luckiest man in the world. That was the best feeling of my life.
We were able to relax and enjoy the day, which is what we both wanted overall. With Natalie’s assistance throughout the entire process we both felt so comfortable and didn’t have to worry!
From the planner… Emma and Tom both have family roots in Alexandria, Virginia. They attended the same high school together, however, it was not until the pandemic of 2020 that they reconnected and their love blossomed!
When I first spoke with Emma and Tom they were both very much in sync – their love was so palpable and truly inspiring! They wanted to do something in their hometown of Alexandria. Charming, intimate, outdoors, and brunch were a few words they used to describe the vision for their day. George Washington’s historic River Farm/Horticultural Society was the perfect venue for their garden brunch wedding.
The bride’s romantic eyelet lace dress and exciting pregnancy were two fun factors that guided the design and planning process. Leaning into River Farm’s landscape, Emma and Tom envisioned a clean yet whimsical vibe. White blooms, loads of greenery, and farm tables paired with chic upholstered chairs were a must! Organic white florals and colorful floral paper products paired beautifully under their gorgeously white-draped tent amidst the garden and scenic river views.
The couple had an epic brunch wedding and dessert table. As a fun twist, they named their specialty peach mocktail “Lola” in honor of their daughter on the way. And with the Groom’s love for coffee, they incorporated a coffee/espresso bar with a variety of fun flavored offerings.
We were able to find table runners that perfectly complemented the bride’s gorgeous dress. We paired this beautiful delicate floral china with these rattan chargers that were just the right amount of chic yet had a relaxed vibe with evergreen and sage paper, creating this beautiful earthy tablescape.
Emma and Tom’s garden wedding was full of charm and loads of love! All the guests were so happy and relaxed. It was the beautiful intimate celebration which they had both envisioned!
Photography: Astrid Photography | Event Planning: Pamela Barefoot Events | Floral Design: Helen Olivia Flowers | Wedding Dress: Love Shack Fancy | Invitations: Made by Victoria Laine | Reception Venue: River Farm | Catering: Occasions Caterers | Band: Sam Hill Entertainment | Rentals: Table Manners | Rentals: White Glove Rentals | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co | Rentals: Select Event Group