It’s amazing how clearly personalities can shine through wedding photos–a few snaps of one day that can paint a picture of a whole love story. Sarah McCoy and Tyler Vlasic’s story began all the way back in middle school, so it made sense that they’d return to Sarah’s childhood home for the wedding. They wanted their backyard wedding to be “a party from the minute the guests got there to the minute they left,” which they accomplished with playful details–a temporary tattoo bar, a tub of brews, and late-night s’mores roasted over a fire–all captured by Photography du Jour.
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Sarah and Tyler may have met in middle school, but sparks didn’t fly right from the start–he thought she was the “fun girl,” but she saw him as a “goofy skater kid.” But as they grew out of their junior high awkwardness they grew closer, maintaining their friendship through college with sporadic visits. Eventual, friendship turned to romance when they went on a first date at a Mexican restaurant.
Having dated for a year and a half, one week when Sarah had had a bad week at work, Tyler suggested they head to his family’s cabin in West Virginia. They were sitting on the back porch when their dog Gemma wandered over, and attached to her collar Sarah found a ring box, a perfect diamond ring inside.
They married at Sarah’s parent’s family home in Chantilly, filling the back yard with rows of blanket-covered hay bales in place of pews, vintage lounge furniture, and tables for the reception. Cornhole and cocktails kept attendees entertained, along with a temporary tattoo bar where wedding guests could add to their look.
After a night of dancing, guests roasted s’mores and left following the sparkler send-off with mini bottles of liquor as favors.
VENDORS
Venue: Bride’s Parent’s Virginia home | Photographer: Photography du Jour | Bride’s Gown: Le Reve Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Macy’s | Hair and Makeup Artist: Claudine Fay | Event Coordinator: Laura Ritchie, Events in the City | Cake: Shugar Shugar | Florist: Holly Heider Chapple | Caterers: Fusions Cuisine | Transportation: Reston Limousine | Music/Entertainment: Drymill Road, Dan of Premier DJ Services | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Calligraphy: Meant To Be Calligraphy | Furniture Rentals: DC Rental | Vintage Rentals: Rusty Love Vintage Rentals & Sales | Beer: Brewbaker Brewing
Looking for creative ideas for your wedding? Chat with a local event planner or designer from our recommended vendors list.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
