Location: Washington DC, USA
Setting: Winery
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 11 months
The number of guests: 175
Wedding theme/style: Natural, floral, romantic.
Fate brought Eileen and Elijah together in Virginia Beach, Eileen’s hometown, in 2018. Eileen was finishing her studies at the University of South Carolina when an approaching hurricane sent all the students home. Elijah, a Naval Academy graduate, was stationed nearby, and they met that weekend. Shortly after, Elijah was deployed, but they maintained a strong relationship. After completing her graduate studies, they moved in together, joined by their beloved Rottweiler, Reese. Elijah proposed in Arizona, amidst the stunning canyons, four years after they met.
They chose the Navy Yard, a place reflecting Elijah’s naval career, for their wedding. The industrial chic of the Navy Yard and the District Winery’s exquisite restaurant set the scene for their special day.
Eileen’s vision for the wedding was inspired by her mother’s garden, brimming with wildflowers. This theme influenced every aspect of the day, from the botanical-themed invitations to her dress, a gorgeous ensemble adorned with floral embroidery and lace, epitomizing natural elegance.
Eileen spent her morning surrounded by her closest friends, who filled the air with laughter and joy, easing the bride’s nerves that fluttered in her heart. Eileen beloved mother who helped her slip into her wedding gown, provided not just assistance, but also the priceless comfort of maternal love and support.
Elijah also prepared for the big day with his friends. He chose a stylish dark green suit that perfectly complemented the wedding’s color scheme. Elijah exuded elegance and style in this suit, effortlessly embodying the wedding’s sophisticated aesthetic.
The first look before the ceremony was a beautiful moment for the couple. When Elijah saw Eileen in her wedding dress for the first time, he was moved to tears, struck by the breathtaking beauty of his bride. This poignant moment underscored their deep love and emotion, setting a tender tone for the day ahead.
Before the ceremony, the couple cherished a quiet moment alone, savoring the calm before the whirlwind of festivities. This intimate time allowed them to connect deeply, reveling in each other’s company at the threshold of their new life together. After their peaceful stroll, friends joined them, capturing the beautiful anticipation and joy that filled the air before the ceremony commenced.
The couple entrusted the organization of their wedding to Vida Events, led by Megan, who crafted a magical atmosphere that brought Eileen and Elijah’s vision to life. The ceremony venue was transformed into a blooming garden, with the ceiling lavishly adorned with greenery and flowers. A floral arch and pathways lined with exquisite flower arrangements created a fairytale-like setting, transporting guests into a dreamy, enchanted world.
The guests witnessed a beautiful moment as Elijah and Eileen exchanged vows of love. The radiant Eileen, accompanied by her father, gracefully walked down the aisle to meet her beloved. Elijah was visibly moved, unable to contain his emotions during this joyous and stirring moment. The talented photographer Barbara Pertulla skillfully captured these memorable moments, preserving the essence of their special day in every shot.
After the ceremony, guests gathered for a cocktail hour, relishing the opportunity to mingle and share their impressions of the heartfelt ceremony. To enhance the experience, instant cameras were provided, allowing guests to capture the moment and contribute to a photo album. This thoughtful touch allowed everyone to leave personalized snapshots and well-wishes for the newlyweds, creating a lasting memento of their special day.
The reception venue was enchanting, with an entrance adorned by a large full-length mirror framed with abundant wildflowers and greenery, creating a portal into a storybook garden atmosphere. The staircase, entwined with green vines, further immersed guests in the magical setting. Inside the restaurant, rectangular tables draped with white tablecloths and dotted with bouquets of wildflowers awaited the guests. Vida Events‘ team meticulously crafted a magical environment, paying attention to every detail of the beautiful wedding. Eileen was particularly fond of the striking flower-decorated seating chart wall, which added a sophisticated and personal touch to the decor.
As the guests settled into their seats, a beautiful melody filled the air, heralding Eileen and Elijah’s entrance into the hall. Greeted with joyful cheers, Elijah led his beloved to the center of the dance floor. There, the newlyweds shared their first dance, a moment of grace and unity marking the beginning of their celebration in the loving embrace of friends and family.
The reception was incredibly warm and filled with heartfelt congratulations from the couple’s family and friends. The clinking of glasses and joyful laughter resonated in the air, creating an atmosphere of genuine happiness and celebration that enveloped everyone present.
Then it was the time for the traditional cutting of the wedding cake. The newlyweds sliced the cake together, symbolically feeding each other the first bites. With this act their beautiful and joyous journey together began, a life they would now share as partners.
Following the cake cutting, another touching moment unfolded as Elijah and Eileen shared beautiful, sentimental dances with their parents. Eileen took to the dance floor with her father and Elijah with his mother, each dance expression of love and gratitude.
These dances set the tone for the wedding party, drawing all the guests onto the dance floor and swaying to the rhythm of beautiful live music. The entire evening was brimming with joy and festivity, with not a single guest remaining seated. Everyone joined in the celebration, dancing and reveling in the happiness of the occasion.
Eileen shared that the most significant and memorable moment of their wedding was the last dance they shared alone. This was a special moment for them, a private dance that encapsulated their love and the intimate journey they were embarking on together.
Outside, the guests formed a tunnel to bid farewell to the newlyweds, holding sparklers. This spectacular and radiant moment provided a beautiful conclusion to the wonderful wedding, lighting the night with a warm glow and creating a magical send-off for Eileen and Elijah.
Advice from couple:
• It sounds cliche, but remember that the most important thing about your wedding day is marrying your partner. We maintained that it was all we wished for as long as we had a good day together. We positioned specific points throughout the day to spend time together and soak up the moment- like having time to ourselves after the ceremony and having a private last dance. We highly recommend trying this, as those are some of our favorite memories from the day.
PLANNING & DESIGN Kylie at Vida Events | PHOTOGRAPHY Barbarah Perttula | VENUE District Winery | RENTAL Select Event Group, Pretty Little Wedding Co. | FLORAL Love Blooms | BAND Re-Drum| MUAH Carla Pressley | BRIDE DRESS Lovely Bride | BRIDE & STATIONERY Eileen Merchant
