A Classic Nautical Wedding at One Fish Two Fish in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Vicki Sloboda (24 and a special ed teacher) and Brendan Shay (25 and Navy officer) used their love for the beach and Brendan’s nautical career as inspirations for their nautical nuptials in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After exchanging vows during Mass at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, a celebratory dinner reception followed at the seafood restaurant One Fish Two Fish. “We went to One Fish Two Fish for Valentine’s Day dinner and fell in love with the venue, scenery and food,” Vicki says. “We picked the reception site because we loved the beautiful scenic views of the water.” The couple’s 75 friends and family members enjoyed a delicious surf and turf dinner. Dishes included Chesapeake crab dip, rib eye steak, salmon with cheddar grits and blood orange crab cakes. Vicki and Brendan decorated their restaurant venue in navy and white with cheery pops of coral and peach. Nautical accents like knots (a nod to their union), buoys and maps brought their seaside celebration to life. The couple, who planned the wedding themselves, added special DIY details, like an escort card display they fashioned out of canvas, a map, fishing hooks, and name tags. —Marissa Hermanson