When Sherilyn Howard and John Bumpers met on Halloween of 2006, they felt an instant connection. But, not by choice, they remained just friends—the two were both working at Bungalow Billiards, which has a strict policy against workplace dating. It wasn’t until almost a year later when the couple had their first date, which ultimately led to a four-and-half year relationship and a proposal at home.
As a restaurant manager, John works late nights, which is how he got the plan in 2011 to slip an engagement ring on Sherilyn’s finger while she was sleeping and watch her reaction when she woke up in the morning. But as fate—and their then-five-month-old baby—would have it, Sherilyn was awake. “I was finishing up a late-night feeding when John got home,” says the in-home day-care provider. “When I came into our bedroom, John was on his knee, holding a ring. It was a complete surprise!”
The wedding, which followed a year later at the Westin Arlington Gateway, celebrated the beauty of autumn with a warm red and orange color scheme, caramel apples, and a wedding cake accented with roses and flame calla lilies.
Details:
Photographer/ Videographer/Photo Booth: Ever After Visuals
Wedding Venue/Caterer: Westin Arlington Gateway
Event Coordinator: Danielle Merriman, Westin Arlington Gateway
Bride’s Gown: Martina Liana, Hannelore’s
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Erika Bergsagel
Makeup: Sherri Crane
Cake: Simply Desserts
Wedding Cake Flavors: Almond and chocolate cake with raspberry filling and buttercream icing
Florist: Twinbrook Floral Design
Wedding Flowers: Orange and red roses, mini flame calla lilies
Music/Entertainment: DJ Steve Perez
First Dance Song: “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Calligraphy: Lettering By Lynne
Bride’s Favorite Wedding Detail: “I loved everything about the wedding, but if I had to pick an absolute favorite, I would say the flowers. I loved the colors we chose.”
Groom’s Favorite Wedding Detail: “The color scheme.”
Biggest Surprise of the Wedding: “Our photographers gifted us a photo booth rental. Everyone loved it.”
Wedding Favors or any special decor details: “We had candy and caramel apples as favors, custom beverage napkins, and custom thank-you cards at each table setting.”
Wedding Theme: Fall
Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Fun, memorable, beautiful, romantic
Honeymoon Spot: Sandals Grande Riviera, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Where They Currently Live: Lorton, VA
