Katie and Will’s wedding was a breath of fresh spring air — colorful, lively, and full of unique elements that reflected their journey together. Set in the scenic terraced gardens of Glenview Mansion and surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated their love with a day full of whimsical florals by Ferdinand Loves Flowers, heartfelt moments, and playful touches that made their special day unforgettable.
Location: Rockville, Maryland, USA
Style: Romantic, whimsical, playful
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 167
Setting: Garden
Season: Spring
Katie and Will’s story began in 2011 at Lafayette College, where they met as freshmen. Will, with his charm and sense of humor, quickly caught Katie’s attention, though their friendship didn’t blossom into romance until their senior year. After college, they pursued their careers, navigating the challenges of long-distance until they finally reunited in New York City.
“We moved into a shoebox of an apartment in the Upper West Side,” the couple recalls. During the time, they were both chasing their dreams.
Travel became a huge part of their story, taking them from beaches in the Caribbean to city adventures in Europe. So, Will proposed during a private beach dinner in Punta Cana, marking their eighth anniversary with a romantic gesture that took Katie by surprise and set them on the path to their wedding day.
Bridal Morning
Katie chose a stunning Watters Orlie Wedding Dress from Antropologie with a delicate cirque veil by Debra Moreland. She completed the look with Emery pearl shoes by Bella Bella and a hint of Chanel Gabrielle perfume. Her hair was styled in soft curls, and a simple pearl necklace added a touch of elegance.
Cindy from Skincere Studio created Katie’s bridal look with natural makeup that highlighted her joyful glow. Holding her bouquet of colorful spring flowers by Ferdinand Loves Flowers, Katie felt a mix of excitement and calm, ready to walk down the aisle to marry her love and best friend.
Groom's Fashion
Will chose a refined tuxedo by Indochino, complete with a black bow tie and custom cufflinks. His look included thoughtful details, like a Shinola watch and a sleek silver bracelet. Inside his jacket was a discreet embroidery of their wedding date, adding an extra layer of meaning to his attire. With polished Gucci loafers to complete the look, Will was ready to see Katie and step into their new chapter together.
First Look
The couple’s first look was a deeply emotional moment. Meeting privately before the ceremony, Katie and Will shared a quiet laugh, taking a moment to breathe and be together. This time alone allowed them to reconnect and take in the magnitude of the day, providing a cherished memory that set the tone for their wedding.
Their photographer, Terry Baskin, beautifully captured every quiet, meaningful moment of this private part, reflecting the love and connection Katie and Will share.
"The first look was really special and intimate. It gave us a minute to regroup and calm each other’s nerves before the wedding."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in Glenview Mansion’s dreamy garden. Inspired by their love for travel, they wanted a setting that felt like a little slice of Europe in Maryland. They chose a small, intimate garden space with flowers and Roman pedestals decorated with lush blooms.
"My favorite part of their design was the stunning florals from Ferdinand Loves Flowers as well as the small touches we incorporated, from the selfie mirror as a welcome to edible flowers for signature drinks, this wedding had all the vibes and I was honored to be a part of it!"
“A string trio played as the bridal party entered the garden via an aisle lined with flowers,” Hillary at Ferdinand Loves Flowers shared. The ceremony was heartfelt yet light, with Rev. Deborah Keaton leading with warmth and humor. She reminded Katie and Will why they’d chosen one another and why they were meant to be together. Emotions overflowed as Katie and Will exchanged heartfelt vows, promising a life of love and adventure.
"I felt most calm at the ceremony. It was so cool to have all our closest friends and family in one space to share the love."
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests went to another level of the terraced gardens for cocktail hour. Katie and Will worked with Classic Catering to create two signature drinks that reflected their personalities — a tropical tequila mix with pineapple and Sprite for Will, and a spicy cucumber margarita for Katie.
As a nod to Katie’s Ukrainian heritage, they also included a tradition of breaking bread with salt and wine, symbolizing warmth and unity. The beautifully decorated korovai — Slavic bread — was shared among the families, adding a meaningful cultural touch to the celebration.
Private Moment
After the cocktail hour, Katie and Will took a few quiet moments alone to savor the joy of their union before rejoining their guests. Photographer Terry Baskin walked with them through the gardens, capturing vibrant color shots and timeless black-and-white frames that truly reflected the calm and happiness they shared in these brief moments together.
"Terri Baskin did a fantastic job of capturing the beauty and the emotions of the day."
Decor & Setting
Katie and Will found their decor inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, drawn to vibrant, lively setups that would make their spring garden wedding feel fresh and joyful. Working closely with their planner from Clover Hill Events, they translated this vision into a romantic and playful theme that was sophisticated and fun, aligning perfectly with the garden setting at Glenview Mansion.
To bring this vision to life, they teamed up with Hillary Gottemoeller from Ferdinand Loves Flowers. After a lively exchange of photos and ideas, they chose a palette of spring pastels with a touch of blue and pops of bright colors. Each table featured delicate crystal vases filled with spring blooms, surrounded by tall candles that glowed warmly as the evening set in.
These floral details, gold accents, and soft tablecloths created a stunning backdrop that brought Katie and Will’s Pinterest dreams into reality.
"As the guests made their way along the garden paths, many paused to take photos by a stone arch that the Ferdinand Loves Flowers team had decorated with flowers."
Reception
The reception, held under a clear-top tent decorated with twinkle lights, was as magical as the ceremony. Music played a huge role in setting the mood, with the couple making a grand entrance to ‘We Found Love’ by Calvin Harris, immediately getting everyone on their feet.
The cake-cutting brought a playful twist to the evening. The simple, elegant white cake with delicate flowers in pastel tones to match the decor was a gift from a close friend. “It was perfect. We cut the cake to “Cut it” by O.T. Genasis,” the bride recalled.
Later, Katie tossed her bouquet to the tune of Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies,’ sparking cheers and laughter from the crowd. The energy remained high as DJ Tezrah kept the dance floor alive with a mix of hits, encouraging guests to let loose, and some even donned playful heart-shaped sunglasses as they danced the night away.
As the evening drew to a close, guests gathered with glowing lanterns in hand to send off the newlyweds in a magical farewell. This beautiful moment, combined with the warm atmosphere of candles and lights, created a picture-perfect ending to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Advice from the couple:
• We tried to bring in diverse vendors who complimented each other well.
• Don’t put so much pressure on yourself! Your wedding day is going to be incredible, focus on what is going to make your day special for you, try to block out all the noise.
FLORALS Hillary Gottemoeller at Ferdinand Loves Flowers | PHOTOGRAPHER Terry Baskin | PLANNING Clover Hill Events | VENUE Glenview Mansion | MAKEUP Skincere Studio | HAIR KC Artistry | BRIDAL SHOP Anthropologie Weddings | CATERING Classic Catering | MUSIC Rockville Strings | DJ DJ Tezrah | OFFICIANT Rev. Deborah Keaton | TENT Sammys | RENTALS Select Event Rentals | TRANSPORT Connect
