Allison and Andrew’s wedding was the perfect combination of casual infused with the personalized details of the life they have created together. It was truly a celebration of love and marriage hosted in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. One of my favorite things about weddings in Old Town is the walkability to all the activities. It can encompass a wedding weekend made to provide your out of town guests with activities that suit anyone. Filled with delicious restaurants, dense history that supports the walking ghost tours, historical landmarks and old architectural charm. Allison and Andrew’s choice gave their guests an experience to remember.

From the first conversation I had with Allison I knew she was a wonderful person with a huge heart. She was in tune with Enneagrams (a numerical personality read) and an active social worker. Which are two qualities that I think go hand and hand. The curiosity in different personality traits and wanting to be of service to others. [Come to find out we are both number 2 - healers].

When I first met Allison and Andrew as a couple, in person, for our walkthrough of their wedding venue, I could immediately tell that they brought each other balance. Andrew was quiet, silent with ease while Allison had dry wit that brought me to tears too often to count. The best part is that you can see the love they have for each other. I often wonder where fate plays in love stories.. for them, it existed in their common hobby, marching band. After meeting in their college’s band (Go Dukes), they bonded over Jurassic Park and started leaving dinosaurs hidden within each other's apartments (scope the centerpieces for incorporation of this fun love-bit). It was a playful love that kept them together for a while in college. At some point, they separated and lived their own lives for a bit and one night, at a friend’s party they found each other again.

A picture perfect Old Town Alexandria wedding is what they had. Their December wedding day could not have been more perfect between the weather (rain in the forecast and warmth in the air) and historic locations. They were blessed because the timing of the rain was in between heavier spells during the Ceremony and getting to the Reception. This allowed for guests to stay dry and photos to happen outside in all the picture perfect locations. Old Town Alexandria has a special charm when there is a slightly damp smell in the air and the glistening streets reflecting the lighted trees after dusk. Weddings here are guaranteed to be beautiful and lively.

Allison and Andrew chose The Princess on Rectory to host the Ceremony of 90 guests which was the perfect amount for the back garden. The historical building served as a meeting place for the founding fathers during the time of America’s conception. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves when I say that The Princess on Rectory is a stunning historical location. [Small shoutout to Allison’s father who taught me the difference between the art of brick laying throughout cultures and times].

To add to the historical essence of Old Town they secured their hotel block at The Alexandrian Hotel in the heart of Old Town. They secured the Old Town Trolley who customized their lighted marquee to have their names and wedding date. The Trolley ushered their guests from the Hotel to the Ceremony and to their Wedding Reception with Union Street Public House. 90 guests was the perfect amount to host a wedding reception with a dance floor in the Upper Level of Union Street Public House. The apps and entrees were tasty and the drinks were flowing. Leading to a delicious dessert from Nothing Bundt Cakes (a first for me) and a dance party all night long. My personal favorite memory of the night was when their pup hit the dance floor. Leia, who was there in spirit and as a physical foam board cut-out danced the night away with her pawents, grand-pawents and friends.

The Vendor Team

Ceremony: The Rectory on Princess

Reception: Union Street Public House

Hotel: The Alexandrian

Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Transportation: Old Town Trolley

Decor: DIY and Danisa’s Wholesale Flowers