This beautiful wedding, bathed in summer sunlight, was deeply inspired by family traditions. Thoughtfully chosen fashion details, breathtaking floral arrangements, and heartfelt vows made Caroline and Matthew’s day even more meaningful. To ensure every cherished moment was preserved, photographer Amanda Owen captured the celebration with stunning visuals, drawing inspiration from vintage photographs of the couple’s family members, adding a timeless and sentimental touch to their wedding story.
Location: Ashburn, Virginia, USA
Style: Timeless, romantic, glam
Time of planning: 13 months
Number of guests: 150
Setting: Country club
Season: Summer
Matt and Caroline spent years just a block apart at West Virginia University, attending the same parties and even unknowingly capturing each other in videos. Yet, their paths never officially crossed until after college, when Matt saw Caroline on a dating app and reached out to her on social media. Their connection was instant, and discovering their shared history made their bond even more special.
When it came time to propose, Matt chose Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront park, a place filled with cherished memories from their time together. With their families secretly gathered to celebrate, he got down on one knee and asked the most important question. To top off the perfect moment, he surprised everyone with a celebratory dinner at their favorite Italian restaurant.
Bride's Look
Caroline chose a stunning lace wedding gown by Essence of Australia from Elegance by Roya with a sweetheart neckline, delicate embroidery, and a fitted bodice that flowed into a soft, elegant train. The long cascading veil added a touch of romance and grace. For the shoes, the bride opted for white open-toe heels by Dolce Vita with delicate pearl-embellished straps, adding a touch of glamour and romance. The beaded clutch with intricate white sequins and embroidery belonged to Caroline’s mom, who also used it on her wedding day.
The bride’s dark hair was styled in soft waves, while her warm-toned, rosy makeup by JKW Beauty created a fresh and dreamy look. For the accessories, Caroline opted for the drop-style pearl earrings from Anthropologie. This timeless and elegant attire perfectly reflected the bride’s inspiration from her grandparents’ wedding aesthetic, adding a sentimental and classic touch to her special day.
"I truly felt like a princess on my wedding day."
Groom's Fashion
Matt looked sharp and sophisticated in a classic black-and-white tuxedo from Calvin Klein. The groom opted for classic Joseph Abboud shoes and a black bowtie to finish the look. A single white rose boutonniere with delicate baby-breath accents was pinned to his lapel, mirroring the wedding’s floral arrangements. Another personal detail was Matt’s grandparent’s photos in his jacket.
First Look
The couple chose to exchange their vows during a private, intimate moment, their heartfelt first look. This special memory was beautifully captured by photographer Amanda Owen, who documented the day with undeniable artistry. Inspired by the bride’s vision for vintage-style photography, she skillfully blended digital and film images, incorporating both color and black-and-white shots. The result was a breathtaking collection of timeless visuals that perfectly mirrored the cherished moments of their day.
As Caroline twirled in her gorgeous dress, her veil gently covering her face, Matt couldn’t stop smiling. He looked at his soon-to-be wife with admiration. This intimate moment allowed them to soak in their excitement, easing their nerves before the ceremony began.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the Belmont Country Club, where a picturesque outdoor setting, framed by open fields and lush green trees, created a serene and romantic atmosphere. A brick aisle led to a charming white wooden arch, adorned with delicate floral arrangements by Frederick Flower Farms, perfectly mirroring the bride’s elegant white rose bouquet.
Caroline and Matt exchanged their vows once more, this time in front of their cherished loved ones. Under the warm July sun, the couple glowed with happiness. As they were pronounced husband and wife, a wave of joyous applause filled the air. With bright smiles, they walked the aisle, surrounded by their friends and family, soaking in the excitement of the moment.
Reception
The reception was held at the Belmont Country Club Ballroom, where the decor exuded timeless elegance with a sophisticated black-and-white color palette, reflecting the bride’s vision. Round tables draped in crisp white linens were decorated with lush white roses and delicate baby’s breath centerpieces, while tall candlesticks added a romantic and intimate ambiance. Bathed in natural light, the space became the perfect setting for a warm celebration.
As Bachelor Boys Band set the mood with soft live music, the guests sipped on the couple’s signature cocktails, Caroline’s Moscow Mule and Matt’s Old Fashioned. The newlyweds chatted with their loved ones, soaking in every happy moment. Heartfelt speeches from their closest friends and family brought plenty of smiles and happy tears, with glasses clinking after every toast.
"We loved taking a second during dinner at our sweetheart table to look around the room, and recognize that every single person was there because they loved us."
The couple shared their first dance to ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ by Frankie Valli, surrounded by their guests, who eagerly gathered for the iconic moment. As the music played, Matt lifted Caroline into the air, her laughter filling the room, creating a scene of pure joy and romance.
The three-tier wedding cake, crafted by Kelly Payer from Trolley Stop Bake Shop, was decorated with edible pearls, white roses, and fresh greenery, seamlessly complementing the wedding’s aesthetic. A custom Machak cake topper, showcasing the couple’s surname, added a personal and sentimental touch, making the desert even more meaningful.
As the evening progressed, the couple hit the dance floor with their guests, surrounded by lively music and bursts of confetti. The energy was electric, turning the night into an unforgettable celebration filled with joy, laughter, and nonstop dancing.
Advice from the couple:
• Our best advice to future couples is that having a big wedding is worth it. This is a unique experience that doesn’t happen often in life, and I encourage couples to take advantage of it. There is nothing more beautiful than the joy you will feel on your special day, with all of your special people.
PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Owen | VIDEOGRAPHER Claude Robinson | VENUE Belmont Country Club | FLORALS Frederick Flower Farms | CAKE Kelly Payer at Trolley Stop Bake Shop | MUAH JKW Beauty | DRESS Essence of Australia & Elegance by Roya | SHOES Dolce Vita | JEWELRY Anthropologie | SUIT Calvin Klein | SHOES Joseph Abboud | MUSIC Bachelor Boys Band |
