The Couple

I learned that Stephanie is from Maryland and went into the Navy for 6 years. She is currently living in Texas. When she first arrived there she met Garret online.  Garret and his family are from Texas.

(From the brides perspective) He isn’t a sports fan and she is not a huge tattoo person, but something clicked. It didn’t at first, but then Stephanie found herself  talking to Garret for hours… like over 4 at a time! (This is big since she isn’t a huge fan of talking on the phone). When they went on dates, Stephanie says it was so sweet, he would open my doors. She says “Garret is the most wonderful man and Im so lucky.” He always says “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world”

The Wedding

When I arrived at the hotel, there was music playing and women laughing. The last of the makeup was being completed and it was getting close to Stephanie getting into her dress. It is an A-line with beautiful lace and a flower sewn into the back (which is her grandmothers). She wore earrings given to her by her dad, had a gorgeous bouquet (made by Ory Florals) and a simple, elegant necklace. The mood in the room changed a bit after Stephanie’s mom, Kathy put a locket onto the bouquet that read “carrying your love with me”. This locket has 2 pictures of her brother as a toddler, who has passed away. Kathy had tears and Stephanie had to take some deep breaths during this part. It was overwhelming. Then, her father came in to see her in her dress for the first time.  This is one of my favorite “daddy first looks”. He came into the door and stood there for a second. Looked at Stephanie then looked at her mom. He walked over to her mom first and turned to hide his emotions. He then hugged mom and gave her a kiss before coming over to Stephanie. I just loved it! They went to the chapel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in a white limousine. When the groom arrived, he opened a gift and a card from Stephanie (golf balls with her home state, Maryland on them). Garret’s dad wore cowboy boots ( in true Texas fashion) and the guys gathered for a traditional drink prior to the ceremony to celebrate the day. Garret’s cousin, Fr. Chris Viscardi married them.

Stephanie had a maid and matron of honor, but Garret only had one best man. The ladies wore beautiful navy blue gowns and simple lily bouquets. Stacy’s bouquet had a picture in memory of their friend who is gone too soon. We took some pics outside of the reception, jumped in the golf cart and went to the barn.  During the reception, since Stephanie had 2 maid’s of honor speeches, Garret was surprised with a second one from his brother who is currently deployed to Korea. (the DJ set up a TV for a pre-recorded message to the newlyweds.

The night ended with sunset pics, Garret’s grandmother stealing some icing from the Texas cake and a sparkler send off!

The Vendors

Photographers: Jamie and Bob Howarth Northern Lights Photography 

Venue: TPC Potomac at Avenel Farms 

Coordinator: Melanie Demb

Florist: Ory Florals

Bakery: Sugar Bakery 

Jeweler: Franzetti Jeweler