Kacie and Dave
Kacie met Dave during their freshman year of high school in Alexandria, Virginia. They began dating on her 17th birthday, and 10 years later, on May 27, 2012, they tied the knot. The celebration was personalized with elegant touches and Southern-inspired details, and took place near their old academic stomping grounds.
The Save-the-Date
Suann Song of Simplesong Design incorporated a photo of the pair, taken by Simone Millotti, while on a family trip to Italy.
The Invitation
The clean and classic stationery suite included a blind impression of the couple's monogram, navy edging, a die-cut response card, and calligraphed envelopes.
A Sneak Peek
With help from Ritzy Bee Events -- which planned, designed, and produced the wedding -- Dave packed a picnic breakfast and met his sweetheart by the Potomac River for a morning rendezvous. Since the event wasn't until that evening, the couple decided to make the most of their time together.
The Welcome Bag
Guests received maps of the area, local favorites such as Chesapeake Crab chips and Dominion root beer, and an American flag-shaped cookie honoring the Memorial Day weekend.
The Fashions
Kacie's Chantilly lace Carolina Herrera gown felt like the right pick to the bride -- it shared the same name as her grandmother, Evelyn. Valentino patent leather bow pumps, Kate Spade earrings, and a simple bouquet of white peonies by Amaryllis, Inc. completed her look.
The Bridal Party
Each bridesmaid wore a different long black dress and carried pink peony nosegays.
The Guys
Dave paired his jacket, from Dash of Old Town, with black tuxedo pants, and gave his groomsmen self-tying bow ties and coral pocket squares.
The Little Guy
The couple had two ring bearers. The younger one, their nephew, sported an Eton suit.
The Girls
Dave's niece and the daughters of family friends served as flower girls. Kacie's sister-in-law had their sashes embroidered with first and middle initials.
The Portraits
Bryan Johnson, of A Bryan Photo, snapped the couple in the bride's childhood backyard and along the quaint streets of Alexandria's Old Town neighborhood.
The Programs
A handkerchief embroidered with the couple's initials was tucked into each pamphlet.
The Ceremony
The service was held at Saint Mary Catholic Church, where the bride had been baptized as a baby. The couple's high school principal, Father Kevin Nadalski, officiated.
A Warm Welcome
A gospel choir welcomed guests to the reception at The Corcoran Gallery of Art.
The Reception
A large, four-sided bar anchored the room and was surrounded by tables covered with linens in a Greek key pattern.
The Fare
To start the party right away and not have guests waiting hungrily for a seated multi-course dinner, a cocktail-hour style party was devised. Six small dishes, each labeled with an embroidered napkin, were passed by waiters. Design Cuisine prepared the variety of dishes: Chesapeake crab cakes with smoked bell pepper sauce; fire-roasted angus beef with blue cheese fritters; Champagne- and peach-glazed chicken; spring pea cakes with tomato salsa fresca; tequila-flamed beef with tomatillo sauce; and halibut with basil-mint pesto.
The Menu
Cocktail napkins were printed with the evening's signature drinks and menu. The bride and groom's favorite items were pointed out.
Fun on Wheels
Design Cuisine put together a prosecco cart, which rolled around to guests to let them customize their bubbly.
The Cake
A three-tiered, two-flavored confection by Maggie Austin Cake was adorned with gardenias (the bride wore a fresh one in her hair), sugar pearls, and ruffles. It sat atop a pedestal and, like many of the paintings displayed at the museum, was showcased within a large wooden frame.
The First Dance
The couple danced to "Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James to commemorate the day of the week they said "I do."
The Getaway
The newlyweds drove off in a 1969 Rolls Royce. "My dad loves cars so finding a vintage one to rent a perfect task for him," Kacie said.
Sources
Photography and Super 8 film: Bryan Johnson of A Bryan Photo
Locations: Saint Mary's Church; The Corcoran Gallery of Art
Event design, planning, and production: Ritzy Bee Events
Catering: Design Cuisine
Flowers: Amaryllis, Inc.
Stationery: Simplesong Design
Calligraphy: MM Ink
Cake: Maggie Austin Cake
Reception music: The Source
Linens: Nuage Designs
Hair and makeup: Georgetown Bride
Transportation and valet: MarcParc
Engagement ring: Custom made by Lumina Gem