Photographed by Bethany Aubre Photography and planned by Remembered Events, the venue's lush grounds provided the perfect backdrop for a summer wedding and inspired the couple's invitation suite with rolling hill illustrations. And we can't get enough of the adorable nearby outbuilding with 'LOVE' spelled out in greenery and yellow flowers! It was the perfect photo opportunity for guests!
Their reception was held under a magnificent sailcloth tent, which gave the evening a dreamy elegant ambiance as the sunlight filtered through the canvas. Among the many thoughtful details, one of the highlights was the charming and unique "Take a Mug, Come Over for Coffee Sometime" wedding favor station, where guests could grab a thrifted mug to remember the occasion and enjoy a warm open invite to continue their connection with Anna and Joel beyond the big day.
The illustrated ribbon bow wedding welcome sign and painted candlesticks were other beautiful touches, guiding guests into the reception space with its whimsical, classic design. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Anna and Joel opted for a mixed dessert bar, offering a delicious selection of sweet treats that allowed guests to indulge in something a little different.
However, for the cake cutting tradition, the couple kept it special with a simple homemade cake lovingly made by their bridesmaids and groomsmen the night before the wedding. This personal touch added a meaningful and heartfelt layer to their celebration, highlighting the community of friends and family that supported them throughout their journey.
At its core, Anna and Joel's wedding was not just about a beautiful celebration. It was a reflection of their love for each other, their faith, and their deep connection to their family and friends. Every detail, from the heartfelt vows to the cheerful decor, was infused with meaning, creating a day that honored the people who have shaped their lives.
FROM THE GROOM:
By December 2023, it was not a question of if we'd be married but when. Early Summer 2024 was most appealing to both of us for a wedding, but the clock was ticking, and I realized I would need to make a move quickly for this timeline to work. Anna knew a proposal had to be coming soon, so she was on high alert as we traveled back to my hometown in Colorado to spend Christmas with my family. It was going to be hard to pull a fast one on her. Somehow I was able to throw her off the scent, telling her it wasn't happening over Christmas and that we'd want to be back in DC with all our friends when I actually did propose.
I was convinced that she believed me, so I decided to go ahead with my plan to propose in Colorado. I told Anna the morning of the proposal that we had reservations that evening at a restaurant in a neighboring town, but that she should wear boots with her outfit because we were going to stop along the way and hike to an overlook of a frozen lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Somehow this didn't send off alarm bells, and Anna agreed to the plan without suspicion. She did have some inklings of what was happening that afternoon when my whole family gathered to stare at us as we left the house though. She also was intrigued when I couldn't stop sweating or bouncing my knee in the car as we drove to dinner.
We stopped for the "casual hike" to the lake. We were getting close to the top of the overlook when I stopped halfway up the hill (where the photographer I had hiding in the woods nearby told me to stop for the best background).
"What are you doing?" Anna asked.
"Let's stop and take it all in," I said.
I then dropped to my knee and began an incoherent speech that I have no memory, all of which ended in popping the question. Anna fortunately answered with an enthusiastic "yes!" At that point, we walked up to the top of the overlook to finally, truly take it all in.
We called our parents to share the news, and my siblings met us with celebratory flowers and hot chocolate. We returned to my hometown for a very happy hour at a restaurant on the Arkansas River with the rest of my family. Afterwards, needing some time to ourselves and still not having had dinner yet, we drove 30 minutes to the nearest Sonic to cap off the evening with hotdogs and tater tots!
FROM THE COUPLE:
We wanted our wedding to be focused on how God worked in both our lives to bring us together. We also wanted the wedding to be a huge party where we could unite all of our friends and family. We were very blessed to feel that our vision more than came together thanks to so many people (especially Bethany Aubre and her team). We both walked away from our wedding feeling celebrated, united, and that there could not have been a more perfect day!
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Bethany Aubre Photography | Venue, Catering, and Rentals: The Inn at Vint Hill | Event Planning: Remembered Events | Florals: Bazarr Blossoms | Desserts: Signature Sweets by Amanda | Wedding Cake: DIY by Wedding Party | Hair and Makeup: Veux Beauty | DJ: Upchurch Entertainment | Stationery: Minted | Table Numbers: Shine Wedding Invitations | Signage: Papier | Bride's Gown and Veil: Jenny Yoo | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Groom's Attire: Suit Supply Washington D.C. | Wedding Rings: VRAI
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