JULIET & MATT | HOTEL MONACO & TORPEDO FACTORY WEDDING | ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
As the weekend approached, so did the storm clouds. It had been raining for what felt like a month straight. Like anything, the show must go on – and it did! Despite the rain, Julie had a huge smile on her face as she got popped champagne and got ready at the Hotel Monaco with her bridesmaids! She handed me her details, her classic pearl earrings, her grandmother’s pearl bracelet, her gorgeous engagement ring and wedding band, and her beautiful wedding invitation suite complete with their wedding monogram! I loved the blush and cream and the beautiful blooms we snatched from the rehearsal dinner table flowers for some springtime accents. We were watching the rain radar and decided to have the first look take place in the courtyard of Hotel Monaco! It was sprinkling a little bit but we nailed the shots! Matt had a huge smile on his face when he turned around to see his bride!! The ceremony took place a few miles up the street where the guests watched Juliet and Matt say their “I Dos”. The rest of the evening took place at the Torpedo Factory! District Doughnuts were waiting for the guests to tell them where to sit and the guests enjoyed cocktail hour while we snuck out for 5 more minutes to get some photos on the waterfront. I’m such a sucker when it comes time for speeches. I love hearing the heartfelt words from the best man and maid of honor along with some silly story from childhood or crazy shenanigans as an adult. The funny thing about speeches is that you never know WHAT they’re going to say… so the reactions from the bride and groom are priceless. Juliet and Matt shared their first dances and then the party took off!
Matt’s monogram!
How cool is that Virginia chair?! Lookin’ studly, Matt!
All the guys!
All the gals!
I loved Julie’s bouquet!
All the sisters! Julie’s two and Matt’s sister!
The groom with all of the brothers!
Julie’s brother’s and sisters!
Errrrbody!
The new Stevens-McDonald family!
Juliet’s brothers played!
Officially Mr & Mrs McDonald!
I promised Matt no more than 5 minutes! I think we got these in 2!
These District Doughnuts smelled SO good!
Juliet’s brother, Mike, made the card box!
Even the cake knife had their wedding monogram!
It’s never too late to write your maid of honor speech 🙂
Okay, how ADORABLE is this?! The DJ played Love Story by Taylor Swift and Matt and Juliet serenaded and “acted out” the song to the crowd…
Here’s Matt during the part where Taylor sings “He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring and said…Marry me, Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone. I love you, and that’s all I really know.”
The night ended with a glowstick send off!
Congratulations Juliet & Matt!! Thank you for having me!!!
The wedding wouldn’t have been possible without the help of all these fantastic vendors!
Thank you to Bethanne Arthur Photography for second shooting with me!
Event Coordinator: Cheers Darling Events
Caterer: Main Event Caterer
Cake: Edibles Incredible
Florist: Suburban Florist
Dress: Mikaella by Paloma Blanca
Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale
Men’s Suits/Tuxes: Groom: Bonobos/Joseph A Bank
Reception Music: Dub C DJs
Makeup: Alison Harper and Company
Hair: Neven Radovic
Decor:
McDonald sign: Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Wooden Card Box: Custom design made by bride’s brother
Paper designs: Amber Garner
Favors: Gail Beckham/District Doughnuts
Videographer: Frank with Infinity Studios
