Eight years after Samantha, a research scientist, and Dylan, an environmental geologist, met as college students in Colorado, Dylan proposed following a meal of oysters and white wine in California. At their “English country garden” wedding in Virginia, the mutual friend who introduced them officiated.
The summer affair—inspired by the hand-painted gown Samantha chose before planning any other details—featured a pale-pink-and-light-green color scheme. The bride designed a toile motif to reflect the couple, and the invitation suggested a colorful, floral dress code. At cocktail hour in the courtyard of the barn, the menu included carrots for the horses and signature cocktails for the guests—spicy ranch water, served in Topo Chico bottles, and blueberry mojitos. Inside the reception tent—where the couple skipped the flooring (“The grass was lovely”) and hung chandeliers and string lights—the newlyweds’ parents projected a surprise montage of photos of Samantha and Dylan through the years.
The Details
Photography: Monica Mendoza for Hana Gonzalez Photography
Planning, design, florals: Farm & Fields
Paper: Dogwood Hill (invitations); The Dandelion Patch (day-of)
Caterer: Heirloom Catering & Event Design
Cake: Mihaela Priester
Hair, makeup: Caitlyn Meyer
Bride’s attire: Savin London from Nouvelle Vogue (California)
Groom’s attire: Indochino
Groomsmen’s attire: Jos. A. Bank
Music: Two Rivers Chamber Music (string quartet); Chris Laich from Washington Talent (DJ)
Rentals: DC Rental; Stradley Davidson; Nuage Designs; Something Vintage; Maison de Carine
Transportation: Reston Limousine
Videographer: Paperboys
Chandeliers: Lighting Inc.
Dance floor: DJ Max Powers
Tent: Sugarplum Tent Company
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
