grace + david | an elaborate dinner party wedding at woodend sanctuary
/Grace + David’s wedding day made me fall head over heels in love with them as a couple again… they personalized their day to be exactly what they wanted while staying true to themselves and prioritizing safety, family and a fabulous celebration (but you need to scroll down to see the way they both reacted during their first look and how to make a dinner for 9 incredibly elegant and memorable with a few key elements).
If you missed their engagement photos, go see them here, where I share more about the start of their love story and all the sophisticated, silly, sweetness that makes up their relationship! One of my favorite details that stands out and is still so rare these days is that they planned and executed their proposal together.
THIS ELABORATE YET INTIMATE DINNER PARTY WEDDING AT WOODEND SANCTUARY FELT LIKE A DREAM DAY FOR THESE 5 REASONS:
Yes they had a small guest list, but that didn’t stop Grace and David from having a celebration that was full of texture and fancy, luxurious and lush garden party vibes.
Incorporating one of the bride’s favorite landmarks, the Bishop’s garden at the National Cathedral, not only made for breathtaking portraits, but it complimented the feel of the entire day being primarily outdoors in an elegant and stately garden setting while still having covered areas in case of rain.
There were toasts, appetizers, multiple courses, dancing and lounging in a setting that consistently celebrated nature as the backdrop. Woodend Sanctuary has so many unique areas to host the entire wedding day: the tented terrace, grove of trees, portico, great hall and 2 separate getting ready suites!
With an intimate guest list of 11 including the couple and the bride’s adorable little nephews, everyone had a chance to share their wishes for the couple! David’s parents each gave a toast that was full of the sweetest life lessons and memories of his childhood while Grace’s parents recited a poem they created. When David’s Dad ended his thoughts with “now he’ll always have Grace to love him”, I nearly lost it behind the camera…
Grace changed dresses (I love when couples embrace an outfit change to make the reception more easily danceable and fun!) while David enjoyed whiskey in the library with his groomsmen.