I’m writing this blog in the midst of preparing to take off to Spain for my summer holiday. However, in spite of the stack of sun-cream and bikinis on my couch, this actual wedding is making me more enthusiastic for winter everything instead of tapas and sangria (okay, but I’m still thrilled over the tapas! ).
Jessica and Johnathan were married in a stunning winter ceremony in the Early Mountain Vineyards in Virginia, with The Blue Ridge Mountains as their backdrop. The day was exquisitely decorated with plenty of sparkling candles, high-end string lights that hung over the roof, beautiful greenery, and gold accents all over, creating the perfect warm, festive setting.
The perfect decor and stunning wedding day dress (the bridal party’s style is amazing!) were meticulously planned, and it is clear to assume that Jessica has a background as an interior stylist with a keen focus on details as well as organic co-ordination.
With gorgeous (and emotional!) photos taken by Audrey Rose Photography, I’m sure that a lot of winter brides and grooms will be swooning over this amazing wedding day.
Our Love Story
John and I met through an online dating site. I was brand new to the DC area and worked long hours and odd hours, which meant I rarely got time to make new friends.
A friend suggested that I try online dating, and despite being initially skeptical, I decided to give it a go. I actually contacted him first, and I’d like to think that I was the first to make the decision!
We’re both big baseball fans. So we were thrilled when the Dodgers were playing the Orioles. It was one game we were not going to be able to miss. The funniest thing is that we didn’t go to the game together. He was at an event with his grandfather while I actually was dating someone else!
The time flew by as the innings wore on, and so did texts between both of us. We didn’t want to stop talking to one another! I can’t even identify the name of the other person!
After that, I knew that he was a special person. We met one-on-one for our first date, mini golf, and dinner in a Mexican restaurant.
The Proposal
Two and one-half times…
John and I had planned to take an excursion to the Caribbean following Christmas, along with his whole family.
Prior to leaving, we had a string of extremely serious discussions that convinced me that no proposal would arrive until the last day of 2016. But I was wrong!
On the second day on the ship, John’s mom informed me that we had been snapping family photos on the deck above around 5:15 p.m. It was one of the most memorable days of the cruise since it was an Elegant Night. The men dressed in their best suits, and women wore stunning gowns for dinner, live music, and lots of photographers who were set up to record the evening.
We dressed up and walked to the top deck. His mother welcomed us, and there were no other people. We waited for 5…10…, and 15 seconds; John suggested we take some photos while we waited until the sun went down completely.
My first thoughts at that moment were of the wind and how it was blowing my hair, which I was just adjusting my hair into chaos and whipped my dress around. What a beautiful photo they could really be when I’m constantly trying to keep my hair from my face!
After his aunt took some photos, he turned and grabbed my hand ….and I realized.
He expressed to me how he loved me and that he wished for us to spend the remainder of our lives together. At that point, all my anxiety regarding my hair being messy and dress that was swaying everywhere were able to go away.
John pulled his jacket from the back and dropped to his knees. I agreed to marry him together with this man I had always wanted and soaked in the beauty of the warmest sunset I’ve ever witnessed.
