Kate & Travis’s Romantic Brunch Wedding in Alexandria, VA

So far a quieter weekend over here … though Conrad does have a Dr. appointment after his nap and dear god I hope the diagnosis is not another ER trip. We’re doing our best to socially distance and still stay sane. On some good notes: Andy has made SO MUCH progress on our backyard and I can’t wait to get a swingset for the kids so they have something to climb and slide down again. I got some stuff done in the front yard as well and got a really nice 9+ mile run in over the weekend. Our tulips are blooming, the sun is out, and the air is so crisp.

I also decided to delete Twitter from my phone for a little bit, and it has been a WELCOMED break from all the horrible news. I will do my best to stay informed, but the incessant horror coming from that app, was just too much for my mental health to take right now and I have to focus on myself and my family first during these crazy & difficult times.

So I hope you all are hanging in the best you can given the circumstances and I hope our posts bring at least a little light & happiness to your days.

Both history buffs, Travis and Kate decided to host their wedding weekend in Old Town Alexandria early on, and prioritized venues that were timeless, elegant, and storied in their own right, so that minimal decor was needed, and it felt like their moment was adding to the long history of these spaces. The front facade of Carlyle House, an 18th-century mansion, was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony, where the bride’s best childhood friend played period-appropriate violin music as guests arrived.

The pair had no formal wedding party but were sure to include those important to them on the morning of the big day – the bride got ready with her mother , aunt, mother-in law, and four best friends (one of whom is a wedding planner and assisted the day-of), while the groom was attended by his younger brother.

The bride wore two different dresses from BHLDN. She picked the reception dress first and planned to wear it the entire day, but as the date approached, she made a last minute trip back to the boutique to see if there was a more stately, romantic option to fit the grand grounds of Carlyle. She found a dress with intricate sleeve beaded detailing, and saved the original dress for the party vibe of the reception, changing before entering for the first time as husband and wife for the first dance to “Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James, which Travis played for Kate early on in their relationship to convey how he felt about their love.

The dusty blue color featured in the floral designs was a nod to the French blue shade that features in the home decor and pottery of Colonial Williamsburg, where Travis proposed in the gardens behind the Governor’s Palace. In lieu of a traditional guest book, the couple laid out vintage postcards they managed to find for just 50 cents each online, and asked guests to write well-wishes and travel destination recommendations, and attach a Polaroid photo to commemorate their presence on the day.

They decided on a Sunday brunch reception, in order to feature specialties like chicken & waffles, and their favorite donuts from DC-based Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. Daytime also highlighted Columbia Firehouse‘s soaring skylights and spiral staircase preserved from its days as a fire station, and resulted in bright, airy photos for the couple.

It was crucial to them to have all events within a five-minute walking distance, which allowed for plenty of time for varied photos on the cobblestone streets and gardens of Old Town between events. Guests from out of town raved about the proximity to the airport and public transportation, the wealth of nearby affordable hotel options, and the sightseeing in their down time. The couple is known for their sweet tooth, so for favor bags, they compiled their favorite candies, paying homage to their childhood and family backgrounds; Kate included chocolate from her Connecticut hometown, and Travis, who is one-quarter Japanese, included a curated sampling of sweets from Japan.

The day concluded down the street at O’Connell’s Irish Pub, a favorite weekend hangout of the pair, and a relaxed, informal space to spend more face time with guests. Travis & Kate ended the night with a visit to Starbucks in their full wedding outfits, and enjoyed strolling the packed streets at twilight in the mild September air back to their suite at The Alexandrian amidst so many well-wishers.