Occupations Amana is a marketing project manager; Mark is an in-flight air refueling specialist for United States Air Force
Wedding Date August 8, 2025
Number of Guests 160
Number of Attendants 4 Bridesmaids and 4 Groomsmen
How You Met Mark and Amana first met toward the end of high school in 2013 and quickly became close friends. Their friendship remained strong throughout college, despite living in different states for several years. Mark joined the Air Force while Amana attended college in Philadelphia. After Amana returned to Maryland, they began spending more time together, and their friendship naturally blossomed into a romantic relationship in the spring of 2019.
The Engagement Mark proposed on March 29, 2024, during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. At the iconic Tidal Basin, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and the people they love, he asked Amana to spend forever with him. The picturesque setting made for an unforgettable proposal and perfectly reflected the beauty of their relationship and the city they both call home.
Wedding Design Inspiration Inspired by their new last name and wedding hashtag, #WhenLifeGivesYouSimmons, the couple incorporated subtle lemon-inspired details throughout the celebration. Their vision blended timeless elegance with a warm, romantic atmosphere featuring soft whites, lush greens, and butter-yellow accents. The waterfront setting of the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club provided the perfect backdrop for their light and airy summer wedding aesthetic.
What Was Unique and Special About Your Wedding Day One of the most unique and meaningful parts of our wedding day was having our marriage mentors read a blessing during our ceremony. In preparation for our marriage, we participated in a three-month premarital counseling program through our church. During that time, we met regularly with a couple who has been married for more than 20 years, learning about communication, faith, and building a strong foundation for marriage. They shared wisdom, biblical guidance, and encouragement that we will carry with us throughout our lives together.
Having them stand beside us on our wedding day and speak a blessing over our marriage was incredibly special. It was a beautiful reminder that our relationship is supported by a community of people who love us and are invested in our future together.
Favorite Details The lemon-inspired details tied to their wedding hashtag, #WhenLifeGivesYouSimmons. That included lemon decor, real fruit on the tables, lemon flavored bundt cakes and limoncello drinks in our welcome bags, lemon flavored candies as thank you gifts, lemon cake icing and lemon designs on our cake, lemon theme invitations, wedding website theme and signage (favorite was the “Squeeze In. We Saved You A Seat” seating chart), and the butter-yellow bridesmaid dresses and coordinating groomsmen bow ties.
Other details, the bride’s Maggie Sottero gown features floral appliqués, sparkle, a dramatic train, and cathedral-length veil. Christian Louboutin red-bottom heels for the bride and loafers for the groom.
And the custom wedding crossword puzzle sign for guest to fill out during cocktail hour.
Most Unexpected Event On Your Wedding Day The most unexpected part of our wedding day was how perfectly the weather worked out. Planning an outdoor summer wedding more than a year in advance can be stressful, especially when rain is always a possibility. One of the reasons we chose Chesapeake Bay Beach Club was because it offered both a beautiful outdoor ceremony space and a gorgeous indoor backup option.
About a week before the wedding, rain was in the forecast, and we were definitely nervous. Ironically, it rained during our rehearsal the day before, but our wedding day turned out to be absolutely perfect. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and we’re so grateful everything came together exactly as we had hoped.
Piece of Advice My biggest piece of advice is not to worry too much about the little details. As the couple, you’ve spent months planning every aspect of the day, so you’re naturally aware of every tiny thing. But your guests are there to celebrate your love, not to notice whether every detail went exactly according to plan. If something isn’t perfect, chances are no one else will know.
On your wedding day, focus on being present, soaking in each moment, and enjoying the people who came to celebrate with you. The day goes by so quickly, and the memories you’ll cherish most won’t be the small details—they’ll be the moments shared with your partner, family, and friends.
Beauty Makeup by Jaya Bridesmaids Jenny Yoo (Wren and Sawyer style dresses in buttercup) at Bella Bridesmaids, Washington, D.C. Cake Cakes by Abby Caterer Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Décor & Rentals The Pretty Little Wedding Co. Floral Design Bloomin’ Wild Florist Groom & Groomsmen SuitSupply (groom); Men’s Wearhouse (groomsmen) Honeymoon Greece (Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini) Invitations Minted Location Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Stevensville Music WRoyal DJ Company Officiant Pastor DeWayne Freeman Faith City Central Photographer Megan Dix Photography Signage Slate + Brush Videographer Paperboys Videographer Wedding Attire Maggie Sottero “Athlone Lane” gown from Brooke & June Bridal (ceremony); Rosie Etienne Bridal “Isabelle” dress (reception) Wedding Planner Samantha Rutherford, Chesapeake Bay Beach Club