credits

minister: Claire Goodman, Sacred Ground Ceremonies
venue: Veritas
florals: Couture Design, Ken Ward
cake: European Pastry
ceremony musicians: Matty Metcalfe
band: Soul Expressions
dress designer: Elizabeth Fillmore
videographer: The AV Company
invitations: Paper Divas

You’re married! Help me tell your story…

 How did you meet?

(From our website mikeandrachelgetmarried.com) Our story actually goes back almost ten years, when we first met while working for the federal government in the fall of 2003.  At first, we were colleagues and over the years developed a strong friendship.  It wasn’t until 2008 that we actually started dating, with Mike living in Phoenix and Rachel in Virginia – yes, we know, the perfect way to start off.

We did, however, manage it.  Since we both travelled extensively for our jobs, it didn’t seem that much of a stretch to throw in an extra trip to DC or AZ every month. Crazy, right?  I guess we knew from the beginning (and many hours on the phone) that the sacrifices were worth it.  We lived apart for two years until Mike made the move to Virginia to be with Rachel on a more regular basis. At this point, you all probably want to know how Mike proposed to Rachel.  Well, it all started in October of 2011, when Mike decided that he wanted to ask Rachel to marry him.  He spent two months “sneaking” out of the house so that he could design the engagement ring.  In early March, after Rachel unknowingly cancelled Mike’s first attempt at the proposal, Mike proposed (yes, on bended knee) at the very fine L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, VA.  In case you don’t already know, she said “yes”.

 How did you choose your venue?

We love Veritas Vineyard and Winery– from the first time we came to the winery after competing in Tough Mudder held at Wintergreen in 2010 and prior to our engagement) to the many times since then, we knew that this beautiful location with breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains was the perfect venue for us.  We also wanted to find a venue that was a ‘one stop shop’ that included caterer on site with outstanding food, Chevari chairs for indoors, chairs for outdoor ceremony, china, glassware and so on so it minimized the number of decisions we had to make. I also liked that there was a great bridal suite on site to get ready.

Tell us about your dress, shoes and other accessories!

Gown: Elizabeth Fillmore “Adele,” San Francisco (http://www.elizabethfillmorebridal.com/)

 Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Heels), Kate Spade (Flats),

Birdcage: Bride’s Head Revisited http://www.bridesheadrevisited.net/ Purchased at Hitched Georgetown, DC

Earrings: Nina

Bracelet: Nadri

Makeup: Face Value (Lucinda Riley)

Flowers: Couture Design (Ken Ward)

Mike: Jos. A Bank Tux;

Shoes: Johnston & Murphy

What detail did you like best about your wedding day?

I love how it all came together- the flowers, photo ops, gorgeous weather, all the attendees there for our special day; but most of all I loved the music which was the most important detail– ceremony and cocktail by Matty Metcalfe (mix of accordion and acoustic guitar) and ridiculously awesome music of Soul Expressions– Everyone was on the dancefloor!!! LOVED seeing everyone having a blast. 

 Describe your decor and how you chose it!

Modern Vintage; Mix of natural colors and finishes through the flowers and exposed farm tables, milk glass given to me by my mother; the flower vessels were vintage silver and the pastry platters were vintage silver as well; in lieu of table numbers we did cities that we traveled to together along with photographs we took and short stories about each trip. Not overdone, just right for us and a good complement to the venue

What was your favorite moment during your wedding day?

Rachel:  When I was preparing to walk down the aisle with my dad, it was absolutely surreal; the weather and the scene was so incredible; we were standing inside the reception hall at the double doors and the breeze was blowing through the opened french doors and the sun was shining through the sheer drapes. I could see several familiar faces and Mike at the end of the aisle– I was so incredibly happy! As Matty Metcalfe starting playing “Something in the Way She moves” on acoustic guitar, I was so emotional!

Mike: When Rachel walked down the aisle

Tell us about your food and cake!

Caterer: Veritas; outstanding food!!! It was amazing; Five entree options, four hors d’oeuveres; savory and sweet table: mini mac and cheese, burger sliders, truffle fries

Cake and pastries: Giancarlo Fine European pastries (Cake for head table: chocolate cake with hazelnut cream guindua, fresh strawberries, vanilla buttercream; for dessert tables: napoleans, chocolate eclair, strawberry fruit tarts 

Why did you choose Allegra’s Studio for your photography?

Incredibly artistic photos; enjoyed her eye for detail and the element of artistry I saw in all her photographs; mix of vintage, photographic art

 What’s next on your calendar as a couple?

Honeymoon to Fiji; Barcelona this winter!!!

Find the complete gallery at this password protected link.

Find their FACEplace station images available for download at this link.