As pretty as the florals and the bridesmaid dresses may be in this classic purple wedding, our favorite part is the emotion that clearly runs in the Cochran family. Shelby’s father’s face when he sees his daughter for the first time—amazing. And Shelby’s own expression during her first look with husband-to-be Brian? Equally unforgettable. This is what weddings are all about, folks—having the time and space to show the ones we love how bowled over we are by their presence in our lives. We’re so glad Carly Fuller Photography was on hand to capture the magic!
Brian Kaufman met Shelby Cochran at his own birthday party at Dupont bar The Big Hunt—mutual friends had invited Shelby along thinking she would be a good match for their orthopedic surgeon friend. That night, Shelby wondered if each and every guy that walked through the door was Brian, but when a leather jacket-clad, motorcycle-helmet-carrying guy showed up, she knew there was no way it was the man her friends had in mind. As it turns out, she was dead wrong, but the pair clicked quickly. Neither can recall what they talked about that night, but both could feel the electricity.
“She was thoughtful and worldly and kind,” remembers Brian. “She had a genuine zeal for life. I knew I wanted to be a part of that, to share in that happiness and joy.”
A first date at Granville Moore’s led to a one-and-a-half year relationship. Brian proposed in front of a beautiful mountain lake view at Mohonk Mountain Resort during a Cochran family Father’s Day vacation.
The pair exchanged vows on a crisp October day at Rust Manor. Leesburg-based J. Morris Flowers filled the reception space with high and low arrangements filled with hydrangea, roses, and seasonal blooms, and Shelby and her father surprised everyone with a kicking swing dance performed to “Zoot Suit Riot.”
Brian’s favorite detail from the big night? The pie they served in lieu of cake. Shelby’s father used an old Cochran family recipe to bake the one they cut into, and that was the moment Brian knew he had officially joined Shelby’s family.
VENDORS
Photography: Carly Fuller Photography | Event Coordinator: Lee Kendall with Elizabeth Bailey Weddings | Venue: Rust Manor | Bride’s Gown: Jim Hjelm, Francesca’s Bridal | Groom’s Attire: SuitSupply | Hair: Hair by Giselle | Makeup: Penny Ross Burk | Pies: Livin’ the Pie Life | Flowers: J. Morris Flowers | Catering: Great Blue Heron | Transportation: An Extraordinair Limo | Music: St. Charles String Quartet | DJ: Devin Alexander, MyDeeJay | Invitations: MLC Designs | Table Linens: Gala Cloths | Honeymoon: Samaná, Dominican Republic
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
