Lauren Cartee and Michael Nunley met while both were on their high school track team; she thought he was “handsome and kindhearted,” and he found her “beautiful, intelligent, and unique.” A first date at the zoo marked the start of a blissful eight-year relationship before Michael, a customer service manager, popped the question. He surprised Lauren, a marketing coordinator, by proposing at the National Harbor pier, overlooking the water. Afterward, they had a special dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s and a night’s stay at the Gaylord Hotel. A romantic wedding followed a year later.
Details:
Photographer/Photo Booth: Ever After Visuals
Officiant: Reverend Lance Orndorff
Venue/Caterer: Airlie
Event Coordinator: Amanda Smith, White Pumpkin
Bride’s Gown: Badgley Mischka
Hair: Tina Gibson and Jessica Thomas with The Hair Garage
Makeup: Groom’s aunt Vivian Turnelle
Groom’s Tux: Calvin Klein, Men’s Wearhouse
Cake/Cake Pops: Farazon, Cupcake Novelties
Cake Flavors: Red velvet for the cake; white chocolate with cranberry and orange and cookies and cream for cake pops
Cake Topper: Cherry Red Toppers
Florist: Barbara Von Elm with Growing Wild Floral Company and groom’s aunt Dena Nevarez
Flowers: Orange, white, and purple calla lilies, orange and red hypericum berries, pincushion protea, bells of Ireland, purple and orange roses, white gladiolas, curly willow, and safari sunset
First Dance Song: “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton
Entertainment/Lighting: John Caniford, JJDJ Entertainment
Ceremony Music: Perfect Harmony String Ensemble
Flautist: Eileen Martin
Invitations: Dena Nevarez
Bride’s Favorite Detail: “My mother’s veil and pearls from her wedding dress, and the head piece, which was handmade by my grandmother.”
Groom’s Favorite Detail: His Spectator shoes
Biggest Surprise: “How nervous Michael was before the ceremony. Thankfully we chose to have first-look photos beforehand, which helped calm both our nerves.”
Wedding Favors: ChillBalls and ChillRocks
Wedding Theme: Classic
Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Romantic, family, friends, memorable
Where They Currently Live: Sterling, Virginia
