1. Real Weddings

An Outdoor Wedding in Leesburg, VA

The third time really was the charm for Ann and Justin. They first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party and then again, a few days later, at anothe

The third time really was the charm for Ann and Justin. They first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party and then again, a few days later, at another group event. Justin was captivated, but unfortunately Ann declined his request for a date. The third time they met he tried again, and Ann decided to give him a shot. It turned out to be the best risk she’d ever taken. The Bride Ann Alexander, 30, an art museum educator The Groom Justin Allegro, 27, an environmental lobbyist The Date May 23 Two years later, Justin surprised her just after waking up one Saturday morning. In response to making plans for the day he rolled over with a box in his hand and said, “I’ve got an idea.” Ann accepted his proposal, and they spent the next year planning their spring garden wedding in the DC area.

Three-dimensional fondant flowers gave the all-white cake beautiful texture, while a wreath of pink peonies reflected the bridal style at the base.
To top off a delicious dinner, the couple served Justin’s favorite dessert -- the Chip’Wich, a chocolate chip cookie and mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich.
A refreshing champagne punch filled with fresh fruit not only quenched guests’ thirst, it tied in with the décor.
To match the feel of Ann’s pink peony bouquet, Justin wore bright pink ranunculus on his lapel.
A trail of vibrant petals and pomanders lined the aisle all the way up to the blooming arch where Ann and Justin exchanged vows.
Pink peonies from the florist’s own garden gave Ann’s bouquet a full shape. “I loved the ruffly petals and how they looked with the appliqués on the dress,” says the bride.
Embellished Bridal Updo
The maid and matron of honor carried bouquets of pink roses while the bridesmaids carried clusters of orange snapdragons -- one of the bride’s favorite flowers.
The bride and groom loved the pink-and-orange design on their invitations so much that they carried the look throughout all of their paper products.
Bright orange and pink pillows popped against the crisp white linens in the lounge area.
To give height to the arrangements, three separate containers were filled with a single variety of flower: orange snapdragons, peonies, or Kermit mums.
A basketful of fans adorned with ribbon in the couple’s signature colors kept guests cool.
Vibrant orange and pink roses mixed with lush pink peonies filled out the arch behind the couple as they said their vows.
The bride and groom each had their own signature drinks during the cocktail hour. The Ann was a sweet peach bellini and the Justin was a mixture of Jim Beam and Coke.
Raspberry silk shantung dresses and persimmon sashes tied the bridesmaids into the color scheme. The ladies chose their favorite style for variety.