A Night to Remember at the Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Phil proposed to Stephanie in a heartfelt moment surrounded by some of their closest family members on a beautiful beach in Miami. With the waves rolling in and the sun beginning to set, he knelt down and asked her to marry him, taking her completely by surprise. After Stephanie said yes, the couple and their family celebrated the occasion with an intimate gathering at SoHo House Miami. It was a simple yet meaningful evening filled with love, good conversation, and the excitement of what was to come.
From Stephanie: When I walked into The Bridal Room in McLean, I was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming everyone was. I had a vision in mind for what I thought I wanted in a wedding dress — something elegant, timeless, and comfortable enough for the day I had planned. The ladies listened carefully, asked me about my wedding day details, and then pulled a selection of dresses they thought I’d love. As I started trying them on, I felt like I had already found “the one” after a few dresses. It checked all the boxes, and I was ready to say yes to it. But then, the woman assisting me paused and asked more about the wedding — our venue, the Italian-inspired vibe, the fall date, everything. After a brief moment, she smiled and said, “I think there’s one more dress you need to try.” She disappeared for a minute and returned with a gown, unlike anything I had imagined for myself. When I slipped it on and saw my reflection in the mirror, I just knew. It wasn’t just a dress; it felt like my dress. The way it fit, the details, and how it perfectly matched the tone of our wedding — it was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. I couldn’t stop smiling, and as I walked out of the fitting room, I saw the same reaction on the faces of everyone there. It was such a special moment, and I’ll never forget how thoughtful and intuitive the team was in helping me find the perfect dress.
Choosing the Birdy Grey Rosewood-colored mismatched gowns was an easy decision that tied the entire wedding design together beautifully. The soft, muted mauve tone of the dresses perfectly complemented the warm, earthy fall palette of the florals and decor, while the mismatched styles allowed each bridesmaid to feel comfortable and confident.
Tuxedos were the perfect choice for the vibe at the Inn - a dapper groom and his crew always perfectly complement a stunning bride!
The food and drinks at the wedding were an absolute hit and one of the most talked-about parts of the day! During cocktail hour, guests were treated to a variety of appetizers that perfectly blended creativity and crowd-pleasing flavors. The tater tot bar was a standout favorite — complete with all the toppings you could dream of, from gourmet cheeses to crispy bacon and fresh herbs, letting everyone customize their own bite. Another highlight was the rich and creamy crab dip, served with perfectly toasted bread and crackers, a nod to the Chesapeake Bay region. Paired with signature cocktails crafted to reflect Steph and Phil’s personalities, the food and drinks set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Months later, family and friends are still reminiscing about how incredible everything tasted!
When chatting with Steph and Phil, Jessica Hennessey knew they wanted understated luxury, seamlessly blending the venue’s refined stone architecture with a modern interpretation of timeless, Italian-inspired elegance. Cascading greenery adorned every key feature of the space, from the grand fireplace mantel to the elevated floral installations suspended from the chandeliers, creating a lush, organic feel. The floral arrangements were designed with a sophisticated palette of soft blush, rosewood, creams and autumn hues, featuring premium blooms such as garden roses, dahlias, and hydrangeas, interwoven with textured foliage for added depth. Reception tables were dressed in crisp, textured BBJ/LaTavola linens and styled with dramatic, towering centerpieces complemented by glowing taper candles in crisp glass, bathing the space in a warm, romantic light. Natural wood accents in the elegant chairs, terracotta chargers, and gold flatware elevated the overall aesthetic, adding a touch of opulence to the intimate setting. Even the seating chart radiated garden details, framed against a lattice backdrop and adorned with soft floral touches. Together, the florals and décor created an exquisite, high-end ambiance that perfectly captured the couple’s vision of a sophisticated, autumnal celebration - without feeling overstated.
Stephanie and Phil opted for a cute, small wedding cake as a nod to tradition. The cake, beautifully designed by All In The Mix with simple yet refined details, was displayed as a centerpiece of their dessert table. While the couple shared the symbolic cake-cutting moment, they wanted to give their guests something a little more fun and unique. Instead of serving slices of cake, they chose to treat their friends and family to an assortment of decadent cake pops and mini desserts. These bite-sized treats allowed everyone to indulge in a variety of flavors, from rich chocolate to fruity delights, while adding a playful and modern twist to the traditional wedding dessert. The mini desserts were not only a hit but also perfectly complemented the intimate, luxury vibe of the evening.
