Natalie and Ryan
Natalie and Ryan took great care in preparing for marriage and brought intention into every moment of their Spring wedding day. All aspects of their wedding, from the Saint-inspired signature cocktails to the date itself, were thoughtfully chosen.
Natalie and Ryan were close friends before discerning to embark into a deeper friendship, a relationship which eventually led to their engagement and marriage.
We were elated when Natalie and Ryan approached us in December 2021 and asked us to assist in bringing their vision to life so they could focus on preparing their hearts for the Sacrament of Marriage.
They had already selected their wedding date, April 22, which fell on Divine Mercy weekend, during the octave of Easter. They chose St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where Ryan had previously spent time studying. Knowing they wanted to include as many friends and family as possible, Natalie and Ryan chose the exquisite Raspberry Plain Manor in Leesburg, Virginia to host their wedding reception.
We loved the small, elegant details of the day, including Natalie’s lovely ruffled, blue Loeffler Randall heels for her “something blue.” Ryan sported a boutonniere pocket; a fun trend we love! Natalie and Ryan were purposeful about wanting to include red, pale blue and white, which represented the rays in the Divine Mercy image; the bridesmaids were dressed in pale blue with white flower bouquets and we selected pale blue napkins for the dinner reception.
Natalie and Ryan wanted their wedding to resemble a heavenly feast in which all of their closest friends and family felt true joy and peace. In lieu of a traditional guest book, the couple asked guests to highlight their favorite Bible verse. As they read these verses in the years to come, they will be able to remember the guests that joined them in celebration. On the inner fold of each escort card was a saint’s name whom the couple individually selected. Ahead of their wedding day, Natalie and Ryan prayed for the intercession of each saint for the specific guest. This individual gesture made each guest feel honored and cared for by the bride and groom as they took their place card and found their seat at the banquet.
Following a moving Nuptial Mass, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing at the light-filled ballroom at Raspberry Plain Manor.. Elegant tables were filled with candles, white blooms and a homemade chocolate cookie – a tried and true family recipe!
Christopher West of The Theology of the Body Institute, a prominent Catholic speaker, entertained guests with his musical talent as guests enjoyed signature cocktails: a fireball old fashioned, the “Terror of Demons”, and a rose martini called “The Mystic Rose.”
The grace that poured over Natalie and Ryan’s wedding day was tangible. We were blessed to witness Natalie and Ryan become one in the Sacrament of Marriage on this most special day.
Planning @boizelleaffaires // Venue @raspberryplainmanor // Photo and video @anendlesspursuit // Florals @wanderandwhimsyfloral // Hair @jasminepalmaartistry // Makeup @tanyacastromakeup // DJ @bialeksmusic // Invitations @mintedweddings // Custom Maps @the_interior_gaze
