Brittany and Kevin are such a cute couple. These high school sweethearts are CNU grads and Brittany is a Phi Mu alumna. Most of you know this- but I, too, married my high school sweetheart, am a CNU grad (GO CAPTAINS!) and a Phi Mu alumna…..I can’t make this stuff up!!! Brittany and I were just meant to be. It’s too bad we weren’t in college at the same time because we would have been besties for sure. From the moment I met these two, I knew I was going to enjoy every minute I spent working with them- and I was right!

Brittany & Kevin found a gorgeous wedding venue, Shadow Creek Weddings & Events, located in Purcellville, VA. This venue captures rustic chic beautifully. From a gorgeous cream colored barn-like facade, to wood beamed ceilings, to vintage lounge seating scattered about- this venue is a show stopper and was the perfect fit for what Brittany envisioned for her special day. Aside from her venue, Brittany had only booked her photographer, Jared Ladia (who is fabulous- just look at these gorgeous photos!!!) when we started working together. Her wedding was 6 months away- and we had a lot to do!

The months started flying by and we quickly began locking in the rest of her vendors. Brittany ended up with a very solid group of professionals and we shifted gears to decor planning and timeline development. It’s crazy how quickly 6 months goes by…In no time at all- we had turned the corner and it was the week of the wedding. Unfortunately, the weather man, who quickly turns into either my favorite man or least favorite man during the week leading up to a wedding- depending on his forecast, predicted rain (least favorite man!). Rain, rain, lots of rain. Yuck. However- I am an expert when it comes to dealing with inclement weather on a wedding day (have you read my wedding story?? You definitely want to read that blog post next…) so Brittany knew she was in good hands. We had a solid plan should weather not cooperate and it was looking like we were going to have to switch gears and go for Plan B.

My number one advice to anyone when selecting a venue is to make sure it has a SOLID back up location if any events are scheduled to take place outdoors. You (and your wedding planner!) will be MUCH more relaxed the weeks leading up to your wedding if you don’t have that unpredictable monster of a variable hanging over your head. Thankfully, Shadow Creek is just as gorgeous inside as it is outside- so I wasn’t nervous about flipping to Plan B and neither was Brittany.

Of course, as any bride would be, Brittany was disappointed. Speaking from experience, switching what you’ve been envisioning for months, years, your entire life even…is really hard. Brittany handled the change with such grace and I was so grateful that she and Kevin trusted me to ensure their wedding was as close to perfect as any day could get.Their wedding turned into just that. Between the venue, the stunning arrangements Rick’s Flowers provided, the beautiful hand lettered signs from Leah Letters, the soft candlelight scattered throughout the space, to the mouth-watering dessert bar and cake- this wedding was a jaw dropper.

I can’t forget about this killer bridal party! Love the girls wine colored dresses with the guys grey suits! And those bouquets- <3 <3 <3. Gorgeous!

Brittany & Kevin had a number of very sweet and memorable moments leading up to their ceremony. The two exchanged gifts and letters, which was so precious!

They also met between the doors of the venue and held hands for a brief moment, which was so intimate and beautifully captured by Jared.

I always have a favorite moment at each wedding. One of my favorite moments at Brittany & Kevin’s, was when I got to join in on a Phi Mu tradition that takes place whenever a sister gets married. Every sister at the wedding, circles around the bride and sings to her. Being able to partake in this tradition with one of my sweet clients was a first for me and is one I will cherish forever!

“Here is the rain that will bring good luck, to go with your love that will last a lifetime.”

Of course, they also have these awesome umbrella pictures to cherish that I just have to share!! Aren’t they the cutest!!

Sadly- as all weddings do- it came to an end! This sweet couple had a fun sparkler exit and were off…well not really. They actually did a “fake” exit. and just looped around the parking lot so they could come back inside and do a triple check of the bridal suites to ensure they had all their stuff. Tricked ya!! 🙂

Brittany & Kevin- It was truly a pleasure working with you both. I loved getting to know you, your family, and friends. I wish you many years of joy, happiness, and blessings to come. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. O’Donnell!!

Vendors:

Venue: Shadow Creek Weddings & Events

Photographer: Jared Ladia

Caterer: Georgetown Catering

Florist: Rick’s Flowers

Hand Lettering & Sign Rentals: Leah Letters

Officiant: Jim Burch

Ceremony Musician: Taylor Carson

DJ: HeyDJ

Videographer: Delta Studio Productions

Hair & Make-up: Jenny’s Salon

Baker: Fluffy Thoughts Bakery