Tyler and Erica met at work in 2008—Tyler had just returned from a year-long teaching job in China, and Erica had recently moved from New Jersey to Northern Virginia. They were instant friends, constantly talking and joking around at work. Tyler “was immediately interested,” he says, but he waited nearly a year to ask her out.
After three years of dating, Tyler proposed to Erica at their apartment, surrounded by hundreds of candles and flowers. They were married at the beautiful Westfields Marriott on a pleasantly sunny and crisp fall evening. The 20-minute ceremony took place outside, in front of lush fall foliage and 175 of their closest friends and family. Between their emotional first look and self-written vows, the silly photo booth, and the late-night snacks of popcorn and homemade Italian cookies, “we wanted to keep the day simple and classic, but most important, meaningful and fun,” says the bride.
Since the wedding, the couple has moved to Alexandria and added a new member to the family: a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Enzo.
Details
Wedding Venue and Reception: Westfields Marriott
Wedding Date: October 26, 2013
Photographer: Ali Caudill
Bride’s Gown: Anjolique, White Swan Bridal
Groom’s Tux: Black by Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Event Hair by Lauren
Makeup: Alina Karaman
Florist: Growing Wild Floral Co.
Wedding Flowers: Curly willow, dendrobium orchids, baby’s breath and greens, roses, dahlias, and antique French carnations
Cake: Edibles Incredible
Wedding Cake Flavors: Lemon with pineapple curd, red velvet, and chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse and ganache
Music/Entertainment: Ceremony guitarist, Jarrett Laskey; reception deejay, Soundwave Entertainment
Bride’s Favorite Detail: “Our first look. It was private and intimate.”
Groom’s Favorite Detail: “Just being able to look over at her throughout the night and say, ‘That’s my wife.'”
Biggest Surprise: “The father-of-the-bride speech. He had everyone laughing and crying—people still tell us to this day that it was the best father-of-the-bride speech.”
Four Words That Describe the Wedding: Simple, classic, meaningful, fun
Honeymoon Spot: Belize (Cayo District and San Pedro)
Photo Booth: Premier Photo Booth Rentals
Popcorn: The Popped Popcorn Company
For more gorgeous real weddings, follow Washingtonian Bride & Groom on Twitter at @washbridegroom.
