If you’re considering a spring wedding in a garden, Julie Eckert and Patrick Kilcur’s Maryland wedding just about sets the bar. Take a look and see for yourself in the photos below by Rebekah J. Murray.
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A matchmaking mutual friend suspected that Patrick, VP of government relations for the Motion Picture Association of America, and Julie, media and PR manager for the International Justice Mission, would spark each other’s interest—and a first date at Tabard Inn proved exactly that. “I was floored by how handsome he looked,” Julie says, “and I liked that he took a genuine interest in getting to know me.”
“Where have you been all my life?” Patrick asked later that night over martinis by the hotel’s cozy fireplace. Four and a half years later, he made sure Julie wouldn’t be going anywhere else when he filled the living room of her childhood home with candles and asked her to marry him.
Sentimental touches filled the wedding day. Julie’s stepfather escorted her halfway down the aisle, then presented her to her father with a high-five; in a nod to Patrick’s Irish heritage, a surprise bagpiper played the couple out of the church after their vows. At dinner, a sprig of rosemary was tucked into each napkin in remembrance of the groom’s late father.
The lemon, white butter, and raspberry wedding cakes were displayed on stands handmade by the bride’s dad, and for their first dance the couple swayed to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. They honeymooned in Rome and the Amalfi Coast.
VENDORS
Venue: Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel | Photographer: Rebekah J. Murray | Event Coordinators: Beth Hnatio-Pumphrey and Trish Flora of Antrim 1844; MLC Designs (day-of) | Flowers: Bella Fiori | Bride’s Gown: Pronovias, Love Couture Bridal | Hair & Makeup: Up Do’s for I Do’s | Groom’s Attire: Suitsupply | Cakes: Gateau Monique | Catering: Antrim 1844 Smokehouse Restaurant | Music: Frederick Strings (string quartet) and Millennium of Washington Talent Agency (band) | Invitations: The Pleasure of Your Company | Transportation: Your Special Occasion Limousines | Videography: Ryan Geldermann
Looking for a stunning wedding venue for your own nuptials? Take a look at our list of recommended event spaces.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
