Kara and Jon’s beautiful spring wedding is filled to the brim with “something blue.” From the bride’s classic Manolos, to the bridesmaids’ off-the-shoulder Amsale gowns, to the sprinkling of tiny buds and big hydrangeas in florals by Amaryllis, blue—in all its many shades—is the color of the day planned by Ashlee Virginia Events. After a week of rain leading up to the big day, gorgeous blue skies surprised the couple for the ceremony set on the romantic southern-style balcony at the Chevy Chase Club. We’re loving the bright, classic details of the day and all the happiness captured in the lovely images by Rachel May Photography.
What made the wedding special and unique?
Having all of our friends and family that came from near and far, witnessing the best day of our lives made it so special for me and Jon. The ceremony was especially unique for its setting up on a Southern Romantic style balcony. We stood under a beautiful lush floral arch that was specially designed for our wedding with the backdrop of magnificent old trees, floral gardens and rolling green lawns. It had been raining non-stop all week and much of the day, but for the ceremony the blue skies opened up and the sun came out allowing us to have this beautiful special time outside for the ceremony. The wonderful music played by the string quartet and the opera singer singing “Con Te Partiro” added to the ambiance and romantic feeling of this perfect ceremony, as well.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my dress at Nordstrom Bridal Suite. I tried on so many dresses and can say that no other dress could have been better for me than my wedding dress. I love how my dress was romantic yet had a little southern touch to it with the lace that was on my dress. The theme of our wedding was Southern Romantic so I just knew that this dress was perfect for my special day.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
There were a few personal touches that I wanted to incorporate on our big day. Growing up, I always remember both my grandmothers had a fondness for Lilly of the Valley flowers and they grew in a special spot near our lake house, which I have fond memories of. They’ve become my favorite flower and I had Lilly of the Valley flowers in my bouquet which was very special to me. A second personal touch was having a small piece of my mother and grandmother’s lace from their wedding gowns sewn onto the underside of my gown’s hem for something “Old and Borrowed”. A third personal touch was having a specially made large gold painted wood monogram of our initials placed at the center of the head table to symbolize our union of marriage.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
One of the most memorable parts of the day was when my father walked me down the aisle, and to see the loving adoring look on my future husband’s face and vice-versa for him. Another very memorable part of the day was my dance with my grandfather who was 92 years old and had just been ill for awhile prior to my wedding, but made it his goal to dance with me. Everyone was in tears, it was such a special moment. I am so glad that we have that memory to hold onto of the two of us, especially since he just passed away this past October.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
We met at a Rascal Flatts concert through our mutual friends in Bristow, Virginia (our first dance song at the wedding was ‘God Bless the Broken Road’ by Rascal Flatts which was very special to us). On Valentine’s Day in 2015, Jon had the day planned for us to go to the beach with our two dogs, with a bottle of wine and some snacks before we had dinner reservations later that evening. We planned on exchanging gifts on the beach and when it was his turn to give me my gift he got down on one knee and pulled out the most beautiful ring.
// Photographer: Rachel May Photography // Wedding Planner: Ashlee Virginia Events // Florist: Amaryllis // Invitations, Menus, and Programs: William Arthur // Venue: Chevy Chase Club // Calligraphy: Meant To Be Calligraphy // Escort Cards and Signage: Just Write Studios // Officiant: Clare Palace // Cake: Chevy Chase Club // Band: Black Tie Band // Hair Stylist: Kirsten Marie Design // Makeup Artist: Laura Henderson // Wedding Dress: Nordstrom Designer Rosa Clara // Shoes: Manolo Blahnik // Accessories: Nordstrom // Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Amsale // Menswear: Jos. A. Bank // Linens: Party Rentals LTD // Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Sage String Quartet