What happens when two history buffs take a chance and hold their wedding reception in a National Historic Park? A great time! We are so thankful to share such amazing memories and photos of our big day.

Photos will be posted regularly, so check back every week or so for more shots!

All photos courtesy of Tom Fuller of Fuller Photography.

Getting Ready

Our day started rather early, with the wedding party preparing themselves at the hotel and then shuttling over to Philander Chase Knox Estate around 12:30. Clearly Tom and his team were ready to go and waiting for us, because the first photos show us arriving!

Notice how Grace is in a sweatsuit to start out (no dress yet!) but everyone else looks dapper. As Brian gets ready, Tom has him adjust his cufflinks - which are part of a Poppy set we bought at the FDR memorial in DC - and has family “help” him. Bill puts on Brian’s jacket and Dan adjusts some of the details (all for show since Brian was ready from the jump).

As we add some more detail shots, you may notice that Brian’s cuffs and Grace’s sneakers are both embroidered with their respective initials and both Brian’s tie bar and Grace’s hair pin are swords. These parallels were done entirely by accident, but just show how similar their tastes are.

Also, as we show more bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages (yes, the moms and Aunt Rita had corsages!), you may ask yourself “what are those cool flowers?!”. Grace decided for a longer-lasting, more eco-friendly, more on-theme choice for flowers. All flowers for the wedding party, family, and decor were ordered through Sola Wood Flowers, with custom color choices picked by Brian and Grace. The company even dyed and arranged the flowers for a nominal surcharge!

As the ladies are in the bridal suite, Alex and Meg help Grace get into her dress and button up (thank goodness for that crochet hook). Tom wanted some more “helping” shots, so Rita mimes finishing up the buttons and the bridesmaids smooth out Grace’s hair. Robin puts in the veil, but funnily enough for a hairdresser - put it in upside down first. Eagle-eyed viewers will see Kathy in the bridal suite, relaxing, watching, and waiting for Brian to need a pin and a flower.

After everyone is ready with flowers and accessories, we head outside to the back patio and reflecting pool for a private first look and some portraits of the wedding party. As far as the first look goes, it was really peaceful. Grace spent a lot of time thinking “don’t trip” as she headed down the stone steps in heels, and Brian spent a lot of time thinking “don’t turn your head, just look at Tom”. To answer some burning questions: no, we didn’t cry; yes, we’re joking with each other instead; no, we weren’t surprised how good we look; and yes, we’re quite confident with ourselves.

You may ask yourself “What’s with that guy at the end?!” and that’s okay. That’s Matt, one of the groomsmen, who came in just after our first look and before we did some formal portraits. He still needed his boutonniere, so his appearance still counts as a “getting ready” shot just before we’re all ready.

The Ceremony

We couldn’t have asked for better weather for our day, though the ceremony was a little sunny. The leaves were changing, but muted enough for our liking. The sky was clear. The temperature was just right.

As we move into the ceremony photos, you may see yourself in one (or more…) of the photos! If you don’t like how your picture came out, apologies, but you made that face and now you’ll just have to own it. This may also be the start of a fun challenge: every time you see a guest stare straight into the camera, do something. We don’t condone making this a drinking game, mostly because by the reception photos, you’ll be pretty toasted.

Portraits

Coming Soon!

The Reception

Coming Soon!

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The Engagement