Weddings

Real Weddings: Vanessa and Jon

A “rustic romantic” fall wedding features a bold red, white, and black color scheme.

The newlyweds pose post-ceremony. All photographs by Alexandra Friendly Photography

Silver Spring couple Vanessa and Jon married on November 5, 2011, at the Saint Rose of Lima Historic Chapel in Gaithersburg, with a reception at the Lodge at Little Seneca Creek in Boyds, Maryland. The pair, who met at while watching football at a Baltimore bar, wanted to celebrate the fall season and thought the lodge was a perfect rustic site.

“There was something very romantic about a log cabin in the woods,” says Vanessa.

They chose a red, white, and black color scheme, and included lots of candles in the decor.

At the ceremony, the bride, in a San Patrick gown, walked down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D carrying a bouquet of roses, anemones, hydrangeas, and hypericum berries.

2012-02-23-Vanessa-022012-02-23-Vanessa-012012-02-23-Vanessa-032012-02-23-Vanessa-042012-02-23-Vanessa-052012-02-23-Vanessa-062012-02-23-Vanessa-072012-02-23-Vanessa-09

Afterward, the 130 guests headed to the Lodge at Little Seneca Creek for a cocktail hour and reception. At cocktail hour, guests enjoyed homemade kielbasa in honor of the groom’s Polish heritage, and skirt steak tacos, a nod to the bride’s Latin American background. And since the groom hails from Baltimore, mini crabcake hors d’oeuvres were also served.

The newlyweds performed their first dance to “Love Story” by 311, and guests danced to a variety of tunes, from Top 40 to Motown to merengue to polka. In lieu of a wedding cake, a selection of treats from Georgetown Cupcake were served—including red velvet, the groom’s favorite.

2012-02-23-Vanessa-102012-02-23-Vanessa-112012-02-23-Vanessa-122012-02-23-Vanessa-132012-02-23-Vanessa-142012-02-23-Vanessa-162012-02-23-Vanessa-152012-02-23-Vanessa-17

Vendors

Photographer: Alexandra Friendly Photography

Ceremony Venue: Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, in Gaithersburg

Reception Venue: The Lodge at Little Seneca Creek, in Boyds

Gown: San Patrick, purchased at Bridals by Elena

Hair and Makeup: Posche Hair

Bridesmaid Dresses: Impression Bridal, purchased at Bridals by Elena

Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss, purchased at Nordstrom

Invitations: Janine Awan

Floral Design: Relatives of the couple

Rentals: Le Fabuleux Events (tables and linens); A Grand Event Party Rentals (glassware)

Cupcakes: Georgetown Cupcake

Caterer: Eat and Smile Foods

Reception Music: Devin Alexander of MyDeejay

Videographer: Starring You Films