Katherine and CJ were married on a beautiful day at the Old Town Hall in Fairfax, Virginia.
Before the ceremony, Katherine and CJ shared a first look. This moment ended up being Katherine’s favorite part of the day, “It was so exciting to see him for the first time and to have a few minutes as just the two of us.”
CJ and Katherine were high school sweethearts. They met in physics class in Minnesota.
After a year of dating and getting to know each other, they were split by distance. A move and separate colleges made for nearly 5 years of building a long-distance relationship. Because of the miles apart, they didn’t get to spend many holidays together, especially Valentine’s Day.
Katherine shared with me the story of how CJ proposed. “During my senior year of college at FSU, I was disappointed that CJ and I would be spending our 4th Valentine’s day apart so my two roommates and I decided to take a girls trip to St. Augustine for the weekend.
The day we were supposed to leave I had my bags all packed and stood waiting at the front door. My then roommate (and now maid of honor) came back from the campus saying we couldn’t leave yet because someone had hit her car. I went down to the parking lot with her to check it out and there was CJ standing with a bouquet of roses. I was in complete disbelief because he was supposed to be in Minnesota working. I thought he had surprised me with a Valentine’s Day visit but little did I know there was more to his surprise.
He got down on one knee and proposed. I have never been more shocked in my life.”
The ceremony began with the bride’s 10-year-old brother walking down the aisle and playing Here Comes the Bride on his guitar. It was so sweet!
The reception was held on the main level at the Old Town Hall and began with some custom cocktails with handmade straws.
The style for the wedding was very classic with a nod to southern charm. Katherine adds, “I wanted something really personal and inviting. It is such a big occasion and I wanted it to be really meaningful for us and our guests.” With so many handmade details created by Katherine and her mom the wedding really felt personal.
The southern charm shined through on the menu with buttermilk chicken, Virginia ham and pulled pork and in decor through silver candy dishes, crystal vases and rustic elements like burlap and natural baskets.
I love how Katherine’s dress moved on the dance floor during their first dance to Can’t Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis. CJ really spun her around!
Rather than hiring a DJ for the wedding, the couple asked Katie and Logan, a duo featuring two acoustic guitars and dynamic vocal harmonies to play during the ceremony and throughout the reception. They were wonderful! But Katherine’s brother stole some of the spotlight, becoming the musical hit of the evening. He played a few songs including Secret Agent Man. He was great!
As guests left the Hall they were handed assorted whoopie pies, chocolate with buttercream and oatmeal with marshmallow cream, annnnnnd…
…bubbles!
Congratulations Katherine and CJ!
Special thanks to all the vendors:
Venue: Old Town Hall, City of Fairfax
Caterer: Purple Onion, Katy Almond-Martinez
Musicians: Katie and Logan
Officiant: Diane Stanley
Flowers: Kathleen Scarritt, Bride’s Mother
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal, Bride’s Rings: Shane Co. , Shoes: Nina
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suits: Jos. A. Banks, Groom’s Ring: Helzberg
Striped straws: Sweets and Treats Boutique with tags handmade by the bride and her mom
Thank you so much Leslie! It was such a beautiful and joyful day! I was so happy to be a part of it. I can’t wait to share more photos with your families!
My compliments to your artistry Jessica. Not only have you captured/created some beautiful moments with your photography, but the charming narrative you’ve added personalizes this sweet couples story perfectly. As Mom of the Groom these once in a lifetime moments just fly by, thank you for stopping the clock so we can all savor that beautiful day once again. So looking forward to the rest of your photos.