We love when a couple embraces vibrant colors in their wedding day, and Danielle Durst and Joshua (Josh) Bowditch’s nuptials are as bright and beautiful as it gets. Their lovely June celebration was captured in the photos below by Pharris Photography.
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It was Josh’s first week at Reston Bible Church, and when he approached the welcome committee, he immediately asked if there was a small group he could join. When they invited Josh to attend their own small group, he agreed and showed up to that week’s meeting, where he met Danielle. He was smitten at first glance. “When I first saw Danielle my heart leapt in my chest and I immediately turned away in surprise,” says Josh. “Do you know that feeling you get when those police lights flip on and you’ve been caught speeding? That is what it felt like because when I saw her I knew that she was someone truly special, and I was arrested by her.” Three weeks later, he took her out for Thai food, after which they took a walk. It started to rain, so the two of them sprinted to the car, where—with the rain pattering against the roof of the car—they shared their first kiss.
When it came to the proposal over a year later, Josh planned out a day in DC that began with brunch in Old Town, followed by visits to museums. Josh had arranged for a hidden photographer to meet them at the rotunda in the National Gallery of Art. While Danielle was busy studying the statue of Mercury, Josh got down on one knee. When she turned around, he asked her to marry him.
Seven months later, the pair married in a bright celebration at Long Branch in Virginia, including both of their childhood pastors, Victor Stanley and Charlie Whitlow, in the ceremony. At the tent reception, Danielle and her father surprised the crowd with a choreographed mashup for their father-daughter dance.
After spending the night sipping mojitos and eating the champagne and strawberry cake, the newlyweds departed, with plans for a honeymoon in Cancun.
VENDORS
Venue: Long Branch House | Photographer: Pharris Photography | Event Coordinator: Ebony Sparkes of Sparkling Events & Designs | Bride’s Gown: Le Reve Bridal | Groom’s Attire: suit by Egara, bowtie by Brackish, shoes by To Boot New York | Hair Dresser: Up Do Specialist | Makeup Artist: Amazing Occasions Hair Design & Makeup | Cake: Sweet Ladies Bakery | Florist: Bergerons | Caterers: Kyler’s A+ Catering | Music/Entertainment: DJ Incredible | Invitations: Old City Press & Co. | Tent and Chair Rental: Party Plus Tents & Events | Lighting: Lighting Professors
Looking for a beautiful tent for your outdoor celebration? Try the area’s best rental companies.
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.
