CARRIE & ALLEN

Occupations Federal Government

Wedding Date September 27, 2014

Number of Attendees 220

Number of Attendants 15, including two flower girls

How You Met Online at Match.com. Carrie and Allen’s first date was at an Uno Pizzeria & Grill for pizza halfway between where Carrie lived at the time and where Allen worked, just outside of DC. Allen was working a midnight shift and was going to work after the date with Carrie. Shortly after the date had ended and once Allen was at work, he sent Carrie a text saying that he felt the date was cut short and wanted to know if he could take her out the next morning. The plans were set for the following morning: Allen picked Carrie up just outside of Baltimore and the two went for a walk around Harbor East followed by a stroll through Little Italy while they patiently waited for Vaccaro’s to open so they could get mochaccinos and chocolate dipped cannoli. Carrie and Allen made sure that they had mini chocolate dipped cannoli for everyone at the dessert bar during their wedding.

The Engagement Allen was away in Arizona for training with the Army National Guard for five months, so he and Carrie planned a long weekend for her to fly out and visit him. A few weeks prior to this trip, Carrie accompanied a pregnant girlfriend of hers–who would later be named Carrie’s matron of honor–to a jewelry store to help find a wedding band that would fit her friend’s swollen fingers. At the store, Carrie’s friend persuaded Carrie to find out her ring size and to look at engagement rings. Carrie did, but afterwards Carrie remembers she didn’t put a lot of weight on the whole event. This girlfriend, along with several others, had predicted that Carrie would return from this long weekend with Allen engaged. Carrie says, “If you know Allen, then you know he is wonderful at surprises and at planning trips.” But little did Carrie know that the casual jewelry store errand was part of a larger plan all along. For a few weeks, Allen had been talking with Carrie’s matron of honor about what type of ring Carrie would like so Carrie’s friend devised the plan for her to go to a jeweler to get fitted and try on a few rings that she liked and a few that Allen had picked out. Unknowingly, Carrie chose a design that Allen had picked out as well.

The day after Carrie arrived in Arizona, the two set out on a road trip to see the Grand Canyon. During his research planning for the visit, Allen had found a 70 foot high stone building called the Desert View Watchtower located on the South Rim, which people could climb up and see a fantastic view of the Grand Canyon. Carrie and Allen climbed the narrow stairs to the top, which is where Allen then proposed. To Carrie, the proposal couldn’t have been any more romantic.

Wedding Design Inspiration Vintage with some modern touches. “I am in love with antiques,” says Carrie.

What was unique and special about your wedding/Favorite Details For their table numbers, Carrie and Allen used photos of their German Shepherd, Grimlock, who Carrie and Allen dressed up and posed next to the actual table numbers. “He definitely made for some fun and comical photos,” Carrie says. Another unique thing were the centerpieces, which Carrie along with her mom, her now mother-in-law, and one of her girlfriends designed with specific themes in mind. The Baltimore Museum of Industry displays several types of industries from the early 20^th century. The idea was to try and incorporate some of these industries into the centerpieces. The dynamite team created a machine shop table, a Domino Sugar table, and a sewing table among others. To help these tables come to life, Carrie and her mom traveled to antique shops all over the state. A final favorite detail was the groom’s specialty cufflinks. “Allen is a big fan of Star Wars, so if you look closely you will see his tuxedo wearing Storm Trooper cufflinks.”

Wedding Design Inspiration Vintage with some modern touches. “I am in love with antiques,” says Carrie.

Most unexpected event on the day of the wedding Carrie and Allen’s first look took place at Fort McHenry. The plan was to take about 30-45 mins for pictures with just Carrie and Allen, who would eventually be joined by their bridal party for more photos before the ceremony. But when it came time to hop the shuttle to Fort McHenry, the groomsmen left the hotel without the bridesmaids. Carrie and Allen had about six hostile bridesmaids for a short time but they managed to correct the situation rather quickly.

Piece of advice Take a few deep breaths . . . because yes, this is happening. So much blood, sweat and tears go into this day and it only lasts a few short hours. Don’t worry about the small stuff just have fun. If things get difficult, just look to that wonderful, makes you wet your pants funny guy standing next to you, and know that everything will be all right.

Beauty Brocato’s Studio of Hair Design Bridesmaids Alfred Sung from Francesca’s Bridal Salon Cake The couple opted for a dessert bar, filled with their favorites. They had a few pies from Dangerously Delicious Pies, and cannoli from Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop, Inc. in Baltimore, plus biscotti and lots of homemade cookies and pastries made by Carrie’s mom and her aunt. Caterer Putting on the Ritz “The shrimp and grits are heavenly.” Flowers Rutland Beard Florist of Ruxton – Alison is a joy and captured my vision for our flowers perfectly.” Groom & Groomsmen Allen wore his military uniform and the guys wore navy suits from Jos. A. Bank. Honeymoon The newlyweds traveled to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest, then Brussels, Belgium and London, England. Invitations Allison Barnhill Designs Allison came highly recommended from Carrie’s good friend and “was wonderful to work with,” Carrie says. “I was completely lost with everything and she was so sweet and very helpful.” Location Baltimore Museum of Industry Music Invincible Entertainment Officiant Michelle Belcastro Photographer Leah Rhianne Photography “Leah and her husband, Jeremy, are truly the best.” Wedding Dress Blue by Enzoani from Francesca’s Bridal Salon

CARRIE & ALLEN

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