It’s freezing outside, but this romantic red rose-filled wedding should warm you right up, particularly once you read Kathleen O’Malley and William Allen’s super sweet love story—it’s something straight out of a chick flick. Gorgeous moments from their day were captured in the photos below by Alicia Lacey Photography.
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When Will was sitting in his freshman biology class at Liberty University, he noticed a phone number scribbled on his desk. When his friend Steve dared him to try texting the number, he did, and found that it belonged to a girl named Kathleen, another student at the college. Kathleen’s friend Kari had sat at the desk and written Kathleen’s number on it as a joke. Though Kathleen received several random text messages from curious strangers that week, she only responded to one message—the one from Will. They began texting back and forth, and eventually Will built up enough courage to friend request Kathleen on Facebook. When they finally met up in person, they were both shocked to find how attractive the other was. “She was so funny and so easy to talk to. I kept thinking to myself, ‘There is no way this beautiful, intelligent girl is single!’” says Will.
For their first date, Will drove down to join Kathleen’s family’s beach vacation, which meant that their first date really lasted three days. So it was only fitting that when it came time for the proposal, Will would do it while on vacation with Kathleen’s family in Cancun. He set up a private dinner on the beach, followed by marshmallow roasting and a walk to a pier, where he popped the question.
For their November wedding, they wanted a romantic and luxurious experience, so they filled the celebrations with red roses and candles. The day started with a sweet first look and ended with a huge dance party.
To keep their guests warm, they set out a late-night donut and coffee bar before the happy couple departed for warmer weather on their honeymoon in the Bahamas.
VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: McLean Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Congressional Country Club | Photographer: Alicia Lacey Photography | Bride’s Gown: Francesca Miranda, Soliloquy Bridal | Groom’s Tux: Jos. A. Bank | Hair & Makeup Artist: Salon Daniel | Caterers & Cake: Congressional Country Club | Florist: B Floral Event Design | Transportation: Chariots for Hire | Videographer: Well Spun Weddings | Music/Entertainment: Free Spirit Band | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Photo Booths:Booth-o-Rama | Lighting: Frost Lighting | Calligraphy: Pretty Mail Calligraphy
If you’re hunting for a venue for your wedding, you should start your search on our list of the best reception spaces in the Washington area.
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.
