Today we’re featuring the sweet wedding of Jocelyn and James, who first met on the steps of his fraternity house at Virginia Tech. A year after he proposed in New York’s Central Park, the couple married on June 11 at Leesburg Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in a tent at Rust Manor, a historic home and nature sanctuary near where the bride grew up.
The reception decor was inspired by both the historic reception site and antique blue bottles, which the bride found at various flea markets and served as vessels for the lush table centerpieces.
“I picked the stationery colors to match the color of the bottles and incorporated them into the floral arrangements,” says Jocelyn. “The gardens and land surrounding Rust Manor are very organic and natural, and I wanted the floral arrangements to look as if they could have been picked in the back garden. I think the muted pink palette helped to keep the floral design sophisticated, while still natural.”
In lieu of a guestbook, the couple’s 135 guests signed notecards, which were placed in an antique birdcage. Dinner featured crab cakes, chicken in a lemon herb sauce, vegetable bundles and mashed potatoes.
The couple performed their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “Moon River” and Jocelyn changed into a dress made by the groom’s mother, who used materials from her own wedding gown.
“It was perfect for dancing!” says Jocelyn of the dress. “I loved when the DJ played ‘Shout!’—that was my favorite.”
The wedding featured many sweet treats—a vanilla and dulce de leche bride’s cake, a carrot cake for the groom, a variety of cupcakes, and Italian wedding cookies baked by the bride’s aunt.
To end the evening, guests waved sparklers as the couple exited the reception in a vintage Bentley.
Photographer: Korie Lynn Photography
Ceremony Venue: Leesburg Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue: Rust Manor House
Floral Design: Petal’s Edge Floral Design
Rentals: Select Event Rentals Catering: Savoir Fare Wedding Planner: Lauren McWilliams from Atrendy Wedding
Gown: Watters from Lovely Bridal Shop in New York
Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender
Groom’s Suit: Paul Stuart
Bridesmaid dresses: LulaKate from Bella Bridesmaid
Hair and Makeup: Modern Concepts Salon
Entertainment: Back to Zero Band
Cupcakes: Sweetz Bakery
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Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
