Reliving Our Dream Wedding Day at Oxon Hill Manor: A Complete Photo & Vendor Guide

I can hardly believe it’s already been three months since Connor and I said “I do!” Time truly has a way of flying by, and yet, in so many beautiful ways, our wedding day on April 11th feels like it was just yesterday. It’s a surreal sensation, especially when I reflect on all the incredible milestones we’ve celebrated since then – graduating, apartment hunting in Chicago, embarking on exciting travels (including an unforgettable encounter with elephants in Botswana), and the entire process of packing, moving, and unpacking into our new life together. It feels like a lifetime ago and a blink of an eye, all at once.

Many of you graciously warned me that our wedding day would pass in a blur, and you were absolutely right – it truly flew by! Despite the speed, it was, without a doubt, one of the most magnificent and deeply moving days of my entire life. My brother-in-law, Brian, wisely told me something leading up to the wedding that perfectly captures its essence: “It’s one of the only times in your life that you’ll have all of your closest friends, family, and loved ones in a single big room celebrating this huge moment in your life.” His words resonated deeply, and experiencing it firsthand was even more profound than I could have imagined.

While I didn’t delve extensively into the details of our wedding planning journey over the past year and a half on the blog, I did allude to it a few times. It’s a process filled with incredible highs, exciting decisions, moments of sheer fun, and yes, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming and time-consuming. There were evenings when Connor and I, after a long day of coordinating, would look at each other and jokingly (or perhaps not so jokingly) declare, “We can’t wait to NOT plan a wedding next year!” Yet, here I am today, filled with such warmth and nostalgia that I would happily plan it all over again. Call me a walking contradiction, but the magic of that day makes every moment of preparation feel entirely worth it.

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by such a loving and supportive network of family and friends. Their presence made our day even more special. Equally essential was our phenomenal team of vendors, who orchestrated everything flawlessly, ensuring the entire day unfolded with grace and ease. A massive thank you, as always, to our incredible photographer, Michelle Lindsay, for immortalizing every precious moment you see captured in these beautiful photographs.

The Week Leading Up: Weather Woes to a Perfect Day

As anyone who has planned a wedding can attest, the week leading up to the big day is predictably hectic. For me, a significant part of the early week was spent consumed with anxiety over our reception tent and, more critically, the weather forecast. Our chosen venue, Oxon Hill Manor, is a stunning old manor house built in the 1920s, nestled just outside Old Town, Alexandria. We had meticulously planned for both our ceremony and reception to take place there. Our dream was to have the ceremony outdoors in the picturesque garden, offering breathtaking views of the Potomac River, and while we had a rain plan in place, our hearts were set on sunshine.

Miraculously, as the week progressed, the weather outlook began to improve dramatically. By Thursday, the forecast for our Saturday wedding was nothing short of perfect: abundant sunshine, ideal temperatures in the mid-60s (my absolute favorite!), and a glorious 0% chance of rain! Connor and I were both genuinely shocked by our incredible good fortune.

Adding to the enchantment, thanks to a prolonged DC winter, the grounds of Oxon Hill Manor were a vibrant tapestry of blooming daffodils and several magnificent cherry blossom trees, all at their peak. At one point, as we posed for photographs, it literally felt as though cherry blossom petals were raining down around us. With not a single cloud in the sky, we truly could not have envisioned a more gorgeous day for our wedding.

The Wedding Morning: A Mix of Nerves and Calm

After a truly special rehearsal dinner hosted by my parents-in-law on Friday night, I awoke at our hotel on Saturday, April 11th, feeling a whirlwind of emotions: restless energy, bubbling excitement, and a touch of nervousness. The entire bridal party was scheduled to head to Oxon Hill Manor just after 9 o’clock in the morning, while Connor and his groomsmen stayed behind at the hotel to get ready before making their way to the venue closer to the ceremony time.

I vividly recall turning to my best friend and maid-of-honor, Caroline, around seven in the morning and declaring, “I just can’t sleep anymore!” She, still groggy, simply groaned and urged me to go back to bed. Of course, that wasn’t happening; the anticipation was too palpable.

A few hours later, my bridesmaids – my two older sisters, my sister-in-law, Caroline, and two of my dearest college friends – along with my mom and mother-in-law, and I finally made our way to the venue to meet our fantastic hair and makeup team. Our caterer thoughtfully provided us with a delightful spread of breakfast, coffee, and snacks to fuel our morning. Honestly, I had anticipated being a bundle of nerves and antsy all day long.

However, to my own surprise, I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of calm. It was abnormally calm, almost serene. I didn’t eat much, but a peaceful tranquility settled over me. This unexpected serenity was a truly pleasant surprise, and I remained remarkably relaxed for most of the day – with the exception of about twenty minutes leading up to the ceremony, when the inevitable stomach butterflies began their fluttering dance! It certainly helped that my adorable 4-month-old nephew, Arthur, joined us that morning, providing the most delightful distraction and keeping us all company while we prepared. Babies, in the best possible way, are wonderfully distracting. This poor little guy endured quite a bit that morning, including an alarming quantity of hairspray (don’t worry, he was safely out of the room during that part!).

The Final Preparations: A Beautiful Blur

Before I knew it, it was my turn in the hair and makeup chair. Our incredible wedding photographer, Michelle, had arrived, capturing candid moments. The chairs for our outdoor ceremony were being meticulously arranged, and the reception tent was slowly transforming as tables, elegant centerpieces, and place settings found their spots. The next few hours passed in a beautiful blur of activity. Soon after, I was slipping into my wedding dress – a stunning Matthew Christopher design from Nordstrom – and preparing for our bridal party photographs. We intentionally chose not to do a “first look” before the ceremony, so much of this time involved carefully avoiding Connor and the groomsmen, who arrived shortly after. Finally, my veil was placed, completing my bridal look.

After a year and a half of dedicated planning, countless decisions, and endless anticipation, the moment had officially arrived. We were about to get married! It’s truly surreal to spend so much time discussing every minute detail – from the specific wedding flowers and color palette to the tiniest decorative bits and pieces – and then finally see it all come together, exceeding every expectation, on the big day itself.

I love this guy.

We were incredibly lucky to collaborate with so many amazing professionals, many of whom we discovered through the recommendations of my older sister, Pippa, and brother-in-law, Brian, who had celebrated their own wedding in DC a few years prior. Their insights proved invaluable.

A Magical Reception Under the Stars: Decor & Ambiance

As luck would have it, our venue decided to install a seasonal tent just before our wedding! This was one of the many tent-related discussions we had throughout the planning process, and we weren’t entirely sure what the final structure would look like. We were beyond thrilled to discover it was a clear-topped tent! This design made our reception feel incredibly airy and open, allowing us to bask in the natural light and later, the starlight. Given the fantastic weather, we kept one side of the tent, the one leading up to the historic manor, open for almost the entire night, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

For our head table, Connor and I opted for a beautiful, very long Tuscan farm table, complemented by rustic farm chairs, which comfortably seated our entire wedding party. The guest tables throughout the rest of the reception were elegant rounds, draped in natural Belfast linen. Our decor incorporated a delightful mix of mercury glass and silver votives, thoughtfully provided by our florist, alongside these charming copper table lanterns, which I discovered online. To add a personal touch, we repurposed all of the bridal party’s bouquets to further adorn and fill in the head table. Our amazing day-of wedding planner, Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events, provided the elegant wooden table number signs, perfectly matching our aesthetic.

The star of our table runners was a stunning, custom-ordered burlap runner, an impressive 24 feet long! It came from the wonderful Ranchesque Etsy shop. The owner was an absolute pleasure to work with, and the runner itself was beautifully sewn and incredibly well-priced. I can’t wait to have it hemmed so we can proudly use it on a normal-sized dining room table in our home, a lovely memento of our special day.

The Ceremony: A Moment of Forever

And then, just like that, the ceremony began. I found myself walking down the aisle with my dad, the moment I had dreamt of for so long. I remember the exact instant I turned the corner, my eyes immediately locking with Connor’s. From that point on, I held onto my dad’s arm for dear life – a combination of overwhelming emotion and a genuine concern that my heels might get stuck in the grass! Every step brought me closer to forever. Our ceremony was everything we hoped for: short, incredibly sweet, deeply sentimental, and absolutely perfect.

As the rest of our guests mingled during the cocktail hour, enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks, Connor and I gratefully slipped away with our photographer, Michelle, to capture some intimate moments and breathtaking shots in the beautiful gardens of Oxon Hill Manor. It was a wonderful opportunity to take in the serene beauty of the surroundings and let the joy of having just gotten married truly sink in.

A Culinary Journey: Our Delectable Wedding Menu

Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the food! Though I, regrettably, barely ate much the entire night (a common lament from newlyweds, but undeniably true!), I can confirm it was all absolutely delicious. Let’s be honest, figuring out the menu was, without a doubt, the most enjoyable and mouth-watering part of our wedding planning experience. The tasting sessions were a highlight!

For those curious about the culinary delights we served on our wedding day, here was our (if I do say so myself, incredibly tasty) menu:

First Course:

A refreshing Crab and Avocado Salad, perfectly paired with Spring Herb Vicchysoisse, delicate Compressed Melon, and vibrant Microgreens. A light and elegant start to the meal.

Main Course:

Our guests savored Braised Beef Short Ribs, tender and rich, enhanced with a smoky Chipotle and Green Chili Sauce. This was accompanied by a delectable Silver Queen Corn Souffle Timbale and perfectly Grilled Asparagus. A truly comforting and flavorful main.

Wedding Cake:

We offered two exquisite choices to satisfy every sweet tooth. A decadent Valrhona Chocolate Cake with luscious Salted Caramel Buttercream, offering a sophisticated richness. And for a lighter, brighter option, a delightful Spring Lemon Cake with fresh Strawberry-Rhubarb Buttercream, a perfect taste of the season.

First Dance, Epic Speeches & A Night of Dancing

Following a series of truly incredible and heartfelt speeches, which touched everyone in the room, it was time for our first dance. Connor and I took to the floor for a moment we’ll cherish forever, swaying to the beautiful melody of Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.” It was a perfect encapsulation of our love and commitment, a quiet moment shared amidst the joyous celebration.

And then, the real party truly began! I have to give immense credit to Connor’s younger cousins, who were the absolute MVPs of the dance floor. Their boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm encouraged everyone to get up and join in the fun. Before long, the dance floor was completely packed, pulsating with laughter, music, and fantastic moves. Several of Connor’s younger cousins took their dancing very seriously, and it made the entire night an absolute blast! I won’t name names, but one particular memorable moment involved a cousin who, in a display of true dedication, actually tore his pants doing the splits!

Even my sweet nephew, Arthur, joined us on the dance floor for a bit, proving to be quite the little champ! The pure joy and uninhibited fun emanating from everyone, especially the younger generation, created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Case in point: those amazing cousin dancers. This was Connor’s little cousin, Kevin, who also had the important role of our ring bearer! He literally danced non-stop – pulling out splits, headstands, and break-dancing moves – for more than an hour before finally passing out cold on his mom’s lap. He’s only six years old and clearly has better moves than both of us combined!

Sweet Surprises & A Bittersweet Farewell

As a delightful surprise for our guests, we arranged for late-night snacks to be served around 10 pm. We offered “fish and chips” in adorable bamboo cones, a fun homage to my English heritage. To help everyone cool off after all that energetic dancing, we also had miniature ice cream cones filled with an assortment of tasty flavors: refreshing pina colada, classic mint chocolate chip, and a vibrant blackcurrant sorbet. These thoughtful touches were a huge hit and kept the party going strong.

And then, somehow, just as quickly as our reception started, it was time for it to end. We found ourselves hugging our friends and loved ones, exchanging heartfelt goodbyes as we departed for the hotel, our hearts full. I want to extend a special and immense thank you to all of my family, especially both sets of our wonderful parents, for their tireless help and unwavering support in bringing together such an amazing and unforgettable day for Connor and me. Their love and dedication made our dream a reality.

I feel incredibly lucky to have met Connor all those years ago, and to have spent the past ten years with him by my side, building a life filled with love, adventure, and joy. I am so excited for this next beautiful chapter of our lives as husband and wife. Here’s to the next ten years, and many more decades beyond!

Our Incredible Wedding Vendors:

We couldn’t have asked for a more talented and dedicated team to bring our wedding vision to life. Here’s a list of the amazing professionals who made our day so special:

• Ceremony & Reception Venue: Oxon Hill Manor
• Catering: Occasions Caterers
• Day-of Planner: Bellwether Events
• Photographer: Michelle Lindsay Photography
• Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher (Purchased at Nordstrom)
• Shoes: Benjamin Adams
• Floral Design: Sidra Forman
• Makeup & Hair: Alison Harper & Co.
• Wedding Cake: Wildflour Fine Baking Co.
• Invitations, Menus, + Place Cards: Minted
• DJ: MyDeejay
• Lace Burlap Table Runner: Etsy (Ranchesque)