Bowie couple Shereta and Larry first met at job training in 2000, and shared their first date at 701 in DC. He proposed exactly ten years later, while the pair were spending the day in Baltimore.
“I was so shocked, I busted out laughing and couldn’t stop!” says Shereta.
They married on July 29, 2011, at the Woodstream Church in Mitchellville, with a reception following at the Sunset Room at National Harbor, a venue Shereta chose because of its scenic views and waterfront location.
“I wanted our wedding to have a modern and whimsical feel, nothing too formal,” says Shereta.
At cocktail hour, guests enjoyed signature drinks—the Soul Train (Shereta’s pick) and the Bumble Bee (Larry’s favorite). The reception featured library-inspired elements, including bookmark escort cards. Centerpieces were bright pink flowers in white milk glass vases placed atop piles of books.
Shereta and Larry performed their first dance to “Fortunate” by Maxwell, and the couple’s 80 guests danced throughout the evening.
“The biggest surprise of the night was when my father broke out into a solo dance!” recalls Shereta.
Later in the evening, guests enjoyed a candy buffet and took home cookie mix in glass jars as favors.
Vendors
Photographer: Michelle VanTine Photography via Two Bright Lights
Ceremony Venue: Woodstream Church
Reception Venue: The Sunset Room at National Harbor
Wedding Coordinator and Invitation Designer: DIYva Designs
Bridesmaid Dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaid
Wedding Gown: San Patrick, purchased at Columbia Bridal (410-381-8100)
Hair: Turning Heads Again Salon (301-735-0562)
Makeup: Satsuki Thornton
Floral Designer: DBI Events
Catering: InStyle Catering
Wedding Cake: The Cakery
Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcake