When Julie Ackerman begrudgingly attended a work-related golf tournament at the International Country Club, she had no idea it was where she would meet the love of her life. She visited the pro shop to purchase some golf balls and instantly noticed the handsome golf pro behind the counter, Geoffrey Montross. “I noticed he wasn’t wearing a wedding band, and I thought he must be close to me in age,” says Julie, a public relations executive. “I was correct about him being single. I was wrong about him being close to me in age—later it was revealed the charming man was eight years my junior.”
That did not stop Geoff from asking her out, and after 17 months of dating, he proposed on top of Breckenridge Mountain in Colorado on a ski trip. For their wedding, nine months later, the couple opted for a winter white wedding at the International Country Club where they first met.
Details:
Photographer: Ever After Visuals
Wedding Venue/Caterer: International Country Club
Officiant: Reverend David S. Jordan-Haas
Event Coordinator: Sara Muchnick
Bride’s Gown: White by Vera Wang
Hair: Hair and Makeup Artistry by Claudine
Makeup: Pattie Martin
Groom’s Tux: Jos. A. Bank
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alvina Valenta
Bride and Bridesmaids Robes: Doie Lounge
Cake: Abrocakes
Cake Flavors: White chocolate with raspberry purée and red velvet with cream cheese frosting, along with assorted cupcakes
Cocktail: Spiked hot chocolate
Florist: Petal’s Edge Floral Design
Flowers: Ranunculuses, anemones, roses, and carnations
Music/Entertainment: Sage String Quartet for the ceremony and cocktail reception and DJ AP Andres for the reception
First Dance Song: “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Invitations and Stationery: Ashley Joswick
Calligraphy: Mayla Studios
Lighting: Digital Lightning
Bride’s Favorite Detail: “Impossible to name just one detail, but our personal vows to one another were so special.”
Groom’s Favorite Detail: “Our first look being in the exact spot we met.”
Biggest Surprise: Geoff surprised Julie at the reception by taking the microphone and serenading her with “You’re Just Too Good to Be True.”
Favors: “Hot chocolate on a stick” homemade by the bride and wine bottle stoppers in the shape of snowflakes
Decor Details: A hot chocolate bar was available for guests entering into the ceremony. Throughout the venue, old photos of family and friends with the bride and groom displayed the importance of loved ones that guided the couple in their journey. The ballroom was transformed into a winter wonderland with white flowers, ice-like branches lining tables offset with warm white candles, and ice-blue uplighting throughout. Elements of the tablescapes were highlighted by pinspotting lights at each table. Repurposed wine bottles served as table numbers.
Theme: Romantic winter white
Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Elegant, warm, romantic, personal
Honeymoon Spot: St. John
Where They Currently Live: Reston, VA
