A Modern Tropical Wedding at Oxon Hill Manor

Aaliyah wanted to step into the tent at Oxon Hill Manor and feel as if she was no longer in Maryland. Her first thought was to travel over to Italy for a classic Tuscan vibe. Later on in the planning process, Aaliyah fell in love with the modern tropical vibe to really take us on a journey.

After packing up and moving halfway across the country for work (from Maryland to Seattle, from Seattle to Denver, CO), Ronnell surprised Aaliyah with a scenic proposal overlooking the vast greenery of Seattle.

Aaliyah went for a simple but chic, satin sweetheart neckline ball gown, with a feminine high split. She paired her gown with a pair of white rhinestone saeda pumps from Jimmy Choo.

Aaliyah's girls opted for mix-match style gowns. All wore chiffon champagne gowns that matched their body type and highlighted their personal style.

The hor d'oeuvres were plated and served on individual and unique trays: SHRIMP + GRITS (cheddar jalapeno grits | Cajun shrimp )were served in elegant spoon shooters, the BULGOGI TACO (corn tortilla taco | Korean shaved ribeye | smoked scallion + sriracha aioli | pickled cabbage) were served mini-style in handmade lime shells. The MAC + CHEESE LOLLIPOP (5-cheese mac + cheese lollipop | truffle aioli), the guest favorite, was served self-standing on a faux grass turf-inspired tray. The first course was a STRAWBERRY SALAD (mixed greens | kale chips | strawberries | feta | red onions | candied pecans | honey lime vinaigrette). Second course was the choice of either the APPLE CHICKEN (pan roasted chicken | goat cheese + thyme polenta | haricot vert | bourbon, maple + apple glaze | fried brussel sprout leaves), the HERB FILET MIGNON ( filet mignon | goat cheese + thyme polenta | tri-colored carrots | fig-shallot sauce | sweet potato spirals ), or the SQUASH RAVIOLI squash + ricotta ravioli | grilled squash | sherry cream sauce | parsley + mint pesto | sweet potato spirals (v). Two specialty cocktails were served, Ronnell's choice: CIDER BOURBON SMASH bourbon (2oz) | apple cider (2.5oz) | lemon juice (1oz) | apple slice | thyme sprig | cinnamon stick (served in a rocks) Aaliyah's choice: PINEAPPLE JALAPENO MARGARITA silver tequila (2.5oz) | pineapple juice (2.5oz) | jalapeno simple syrup (.5oz) | lime juice (1.5oz) | lime wheel | jalapeno slices (2) | chili powder/sea salt rim (served in a stemless martini) After guests dined and hit the dance floor, mini chicken and waffle bites were served to guests before the yummy dessert bar opened.

A Modern Tropical Oasis- The reception estate tables were adorned with bridge-style centerpieces draping in tropical greenery and champagne blooms. To tie in the modern tropical design, wicker, and linen elements were added into each place setting. A simple but classic chic menu was placed on top, to showcase guest entree selections. Travel with family and friends is an essential part of life for Aaliyah & Ronnell. To incorporate this key piece, Aaliyah designed at all day of stationery and arranged seating arrangements based on either the location they traveled to or to or destinations where they met the corresponding guest.

Both Aaliyah + Ronnell were not too fond of traditional wedding cake. Instead, the couple opted for a small red velvet ceremonial cake and a dessert bar . The dessert bar highlighted a few delectable treats, SALTED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE + SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING SHOOTERS, and SNICKERDOODLE APPLE PIE CUPS.

The couple entered their reception to the smooth sounds of Young Jeezy's "I Do". This caused everyone to jump up and get on their feet. The bride danced with her dad to "Stuntin' Like My Daddy" with shades and a similar two-step.

The couple curated a playlist of their favorite songs together and placed them in strategic locations within the mansion for guests to hear a different vibe in each space.

Oxon Hill Manor does not allow rose petals in the garden, instead, the flower girls passed out single-stem roses to guests as they proceeded down the aisle.