Washington Real Weddings: Ashley and Andrew

A romantic moment. All photographs by Petruzzo Photography

Ashley and Andrew started dating as high school in Millersville, Maryland; their first date was a trip to Wendy’s. Andrew proposed soon after the couple bought their first home together in Silver Spring.

They married on October 16, 2011, at Stone Manor Country Club in Middletown, Maryland.

“We wanted a simple yet beautiful outdoor ceremony fall, focused on family, good food, and dancing,” says Ashley.

The wedding theme revolved around the letter “A” (the first letter of both of their first names). Flower petals in the shape of the letter adorned the ceremony aisle, and A-shaped props made their photobooth more personal. Family and friends, including the bride’s sister, sister-in-law, and aunt, all assisted with the decor and planning.

During the 4:30 PM ceremony, the bride carried a bouquet of ranunculuses, roses, hydrangeas, craspedia, calla lilies, lisianthus, and seeded eucalyptus.

Afterward, the 165 guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio, featuring a crowd-pleasing crab dip and a spiced cider drink Andrew created himself.

At the tented reception, arrangements of yellow and white flowers, such as hydrangeas, kangaroo paws, roses, and lisianthus, sat atop gray table linens. Dinner was served buffet-style, and included a prime rib carving station, Parmesan-crusted chicken, and mashed red-skin potatoes. Vanilla and mixed berry wedding cake was served for dessert, and the couple gave out A-shaped cookies as favors.

The newlyweds performed their first dance to “’Til Kingdom Come” by Coldplay, and lively dancing followed.

“As expected, everyone got up out of their seat for the ‘Cha Cha Slide!’” recalls Ashley.

Another memorable moment: “During the reception, Andrew and I snuck out of the tent to take in everything,” says Ashley. “While outside, we had a few minutes to ourselves, looking in at what a great time everyone was having and sharing moments of how wonderful the day had been.”

The couple honeymooned in Aruba—another “A.”