I really don’t know where to even begin with Bernadette and Jeff…from the very first time I met them, I knew that they were an extraordinary match. Bernadette is literally like a ray of sunshine walking into the room..full of bubbling-over-excitement, beauty, joy and grace. And Jeff’s charming affection for his love is written all over his face. I couldn’t help but smile almost the entire time I was with them! I have been anticipating their wedding day for quite some time and the excitement only escalated after their magical engagement session in Old Town Alexandria.

So when the day finally came, a little rain the first half of the day just couldn’t stop the momentum. There are so many things I could tell you about this day, but let me highlight the things I won’t soon forget. Their bridal party was simply stellar. Bernadette’s bridesmaids were so attentive and helpful…I can’t say enough about these ladies. And Bernadette’s mother and future mother-in-law were equally wonderful to be around…full of life and excitement! Jeff was also surrounded by men ready to help and serve.

Getting Ready

After getting ready and lounging in their kimonos, Bernadette and her ladies shared some laughter and hugs and helped her into her dress. Soon following, Bernadette shared a first look with her dad and brother and the tears and laughter brought on my first tears of the day. From the beginning, the closeness of these families has been evident. And then the next biggest cry came…Bernadette and Jeff gave each other gifts before their first look. Christy McKee, second shooting, witnessed Jeff open his hand made gift from Bernadette with red eyes holding back tears and I witnessed Bernadette opening her new watch.

She was thrilled and then when she was handed a second gift, a shoe box, she looked a bit confused until she opened it…and there it was…EVERYTHING. Jeff had saved every receipt, game ticket, trinket…their entire dating history. I asked Bernadette which was the oldest thing in the box and it was pretty much from when they first met. He knew from the beginning that she was the one. Oh my heart!

Bernadette and Jeff are both cryers so you can image the first look on the staircase at Rixey Manor! And then group photos under the front overhang and a few in the rain under the umbrellas…because a little rain never stopped true love. Once we were all in place at the church for the ceremony, Jeff had to fight back tears once again when he saw his beautiful bride walking down the aisle. And Bernadette could barely get through her vows without holding back tears of joy. At this point, I needed to invest in Kleenex stock myself.

The Reveal…

And Bernadette was lovely…her gorgeous dress with layers of intricate lace, her lovely hair held in a perfect updo, her veil, her fun and sparkly shoes..everything was just so gorgeous paired with her bridesmaids dresses, jewelry (given by Bernadette) and the men’s ties. And those bouquets!!! Once back at Rixey Manor for the reception, the styling of the tables and the decor was just as soft and lovely as can be. Jeff brought Bernadette in with hands covering her eyes to reveal the coral and pink laden reception hall and she gasped when she saw how gorgeous everything was. They both strolled around the room together, taking in the details, oohing and awing over the cake and strolling hand in hand while their family and friends were just outside for cocktail hour.

After the cocktail hour and photos on the roof, the guests picked up their escort cards, designed just like the hot air balloon in which Jeff proposed to Bernadette (see below for the proposal story) and then the party began. I am not exaggerating when I say that Bernadette’s father’s speech brought on a whole new round of tears for me. And Jeff’s brother’s revealed a friendship between brothers that many would envy. Jeff’s father and the maid of honor shared their love and sentiments and it was evident that these two have a tremendous amount of love and support. The incredible reception was full of fun, family, friends and laughter and the LED balloon sendoff was the perfect way to end the evening…just as their engagement began, with bright balloons. But of course, these two families are way too much fun to end there…hence the after party and money dancing began!

Congratulations, Bernadette and Jeff…there is so much more I could write…I am really looking forward to our sweetheart session in DC as well as the one year anniversary session at Rixey Manor next year! I am honored to be able to serve such a one-of-a-kind couple. What a way to end my last Rixey Manor wedding of the year!

These wonderful wedding professionals helped to make the day incredible:

Venue: Rixey Manor​

Florals: Shelley’s Floral Enterprise

Wedding Dress: Stell New York from Amy’s Bridal Boutique

Bride’s Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Attire: Combatant Gentlemen and Tie Obsessed on Etsy

Catering and Servers: A Taste of Elegance

Hair: Lauren Meisel

Make Up: Lorna Basse

DJ: Deon from Black Tie entertainment

Cake : Gateau

Bridesmaids Necklaces: Charming Charlie

Bride’s Earrings: Zales

Stationery/Invitations: Vistaprint

Cookie Bar: Mariann Mooney

Here is the proposal story!:

On Sunday, June 7th Bernadette and Jeff set out on their adventure for the day. Bernadette plugged in the address Jeff gave her for their adventure into her phone, a little disappointed when it said they were going to a Dunkin Donuts. Jeff assured her it was the nicest Dunkin Donuts in Virginia and she would love it.

They arrived at Dunkin Donuts at 5:50am and Bernadette asked “Okay, now where are we going?” Jeff told her that they were meeting someone here at 6:00am. Bernadette began to ask if every person that pulled into the Dunkin Donuts was the person they were waiting for. Finally a big truck with a basket in the back of it pulled in and Jeff said “they are here!” There was a big hot air balloon on the side of the truck and Bernadette asked “Are we going on a hot air balloon ride?!” Jeff smiled and said “Yes!”

They rode over to the launch site where they got to help set up the balloon. Unfolding it and holding the sides open as two large fans filled it with air. Jeff helped tip the basket over as the balloon pilot lit the fire. As the balloon filled they hopped in and quickly started to rise off the ground. The balloon quickly rose up above the trees, cows, and farmland below. As the sun rose above the mountains they could see the morning fog still hanging above the trees to the North. It was a breathtaking! Ten minutes into the flight Jeff handed his phone to the pilot and asked if he would take a picture of them. He got down on one knee and asked Bernadette to marry him! She was overjoyed and said “Yes, of course!” They spent the rest of the hour flight filled with joy as they took in the beautiful view and the peaceful moment they had alone.

Once on the ground Bernadette called her parents and then they called Jeff’s parents. The rest of the families to follow. They were elated to spend the rest of the day seeing all of their family and friends.