Bride
Adrienne
Corporate Recruiter
Groom
Christopher
Sr. Contracts Administrator
Wedding Date
May 21, 2021
Venue
Private Property in Purcellville, Virginia
How You Met
On November 18th, Chris and I met at a DanceHall workshop in Alexandria VA hosted by a mutual friend. Immediately, I noticed Chris when I walked in and was interested in getting to know him. I'm definitely the type of person that if I know what I want, I'll go after it. So by the end of the session, I set some time aside to approach him and ask him for his deets. Luckily, he did not turn me down and after one week of meeting him we went on our first date and the rest was history.
How did you know they were the one?
Adrienne : When we were in Vietnam, I was injured after a motorbike accident that put me off my feet for a couple of weeks. Chris was honestly my superhero during that time. He never left my side, and he nurtured me through the entire healing process. That moment was very monumental for our relationship because I knew right then that he’s someone who will always protect and care for me.
Christopher : After surviving an 8 month backpacking excursion across the world without killing each other and coming back closer than before.
Proposal
Adrienne's family always celebrates the day after Christmas with exchanging gifts and brunch. It is the one time out the year, where all of her family comes together. This for me was a no brainier, that I wanted to take this special moment and propose to my future bride. Prior to the day, I had a heart to heart with her father and both of her brothers to ask for their blessing and hand in marriage. On the day of, everyone gather in the great room to exchange gifts and I enlisted the help of her niece to capture the special moment on video. After all the gifts were opened, I went up to the front of the room and announced that there was one last gift. I took her hand, got on one knee and asked if she would make me the happiest man in the world and marry me. Thankfully, she said yes! Everyone from her nieces and nephews to her 97 year old grandma was there to witness this unforgettable moment.
Wedding Shopping
Most of our wedding planning was during the pandemic, so shopping in person for vendors and dresses was limited. To navigate the constant changes we had to do a couple of non-traditional things when shopping for my bridal and bridesmaids dresses.
1. We did an at home try-on brunch party at my maid of honors house. Azazie dresses allow you to order try-ons and they’ll ship them to wherever you are. So we were able to gather all the girls together to try-on dresses in the comfort of our home while enjoying mimosas and light appetizers.
2. As for my dress, unfortunately bridal shops only allowed you to bring 1-2 people with you. However this was fine for me because I was able to spend quality time with my mom one-on-one which resulted in me finding my dress pretty quickly. I bought my dress from Here and Now Bridal in Virginia Beach VA which is a boutique bridal shop that offers off-the-rack wedding dresses at a discounted price. Chris and his groomsmen used Generation Tux, an online tux rental that makes the process easy and seamless (especially for those who live in different parts of the US or world).
Advice for Engaged Couples
Take your time with the wedding planning process, and don’t get caught up in the traditions of what everyone else does. It’s your wedding, you can do whatever you want - there is no rule book. Lastly, don’t let wedding planning get in the way of you enjoying the engagement period. It’s a stressful process, but it's important to give yourself breaks and allow yourself to enjoy one another before the big day!
Describe Your Wedding
Our wedding was a rustic outdoor garden wedding with a bit of an enchanted theme. We wanted to incorporate lots of greenery, olive and creme colors, gold accents and lanterns placed throughout the ceremony/reception area. We love nature - so our goal was to keep the color scheme simple but romantic. The bridesmaids wore olive dresses and the groomsmen wore a classic black and white tuxedo.
First Dance Song
We, the bride and groom danced to Latch the acoustic version
Favorite Memory
Adrienne : The FOOD! Reds BBQ and Pizzeria and Mama’s Donut Bites food trucks were fantastic! We fell in love with the idea of doing food trucks for our wedding in the early stages of the planning process. I'm so happy that it turned out great, both vendors did an excellent job!
Christopher : The first look was my favorite memory for me. It was an emotional experience, and I did my best to hold back my tears. My wife looked as beautiful as ever, and it was the first time that it became real for me. I also enjoyed having my father officiate our union. Him incorporating the voicemail into his speech was such a unique memory that I’ll always cherish.
Wedding Party Gifts
Adrienne : I ordered a pair of earrings from Etsy and wrote each of the girls personal thank you cards. They loved it!
Christopher : Custom beer mugs and personalized dress socks
Favorite Menu Item
Adrienne : The brisket - so good! And the donuts were to die for!
Christopher : Groom was too busy chatting with friends and family, that he didn’t get a chance to eat.
From your FUNtographers
We want to send a very special congratulations out to Adrienne and Chris on their union! The day just seemed to be so perfect for you both! The location, the special moments with Mr. Ables during the officiating, the wedding party, the guests--everything about that day exemplifies you both. Super fun, high energy, loving, and caring people. Tyrone and Shane wish you guys nothing but the best as you continue on your #BlackPearJourney!
Vendors
Planner - I, Adrienne, was the planner, and I want all the credit haha!
Catering - For food: Reds BBQ and Pizzeria Food Truck
For staff, service and rentals: C&G Event Service and Rentals
Tent, Dance floor and free standing lights:
Sammys Rental
For ceremony and reception decorations: Blissful Design Rental Company
Bridal Boutique - Here and Now Bridal and Azazie for bridesmaids dresses
Officiant - Our father, Bill Ables
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