Becca & Tad

This originally ran as a Local Love in the 2025 issue.

Wedding Date March 23, 2024

When Tad blew into Virginia from Alaska for a three-month job stint, he wasn’t exactly expecting a whirlwind romance, but when he matched with Becca on not one but two different dating apps, it felt like fate. “A true modern love story,” laughs Becca. Their conversations leading up to their first meeting were filled with laughter, shared interests, and a growing sense of connection.

In May of 2023, they had their first official date, on Brownies Beach to hunt shark teeth. For eight hours, they combed the sandy shores, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, eating dinner, and exploring the small town of Chesapeake Beach. Becca even found an engagement ring box filled with shark teeth and Tad pretended to propose. “I think we both knew deep down that we were meant to be together,” says Becca.

In the weeks that followed, he would spend hours driving every day from Northern Virginia through D.C. traffic to see Becca, who was teaching in the Annapolis area. When Tad, an engineer, returned back home to Alaska in August, they began a long-distance relationship. Tad flew in that Thanksgiving and proposed to Becca on the same beach where they had hunted for shark teeth.

They planned their wedding for March—just 10 months after their first date—agreeing they wanted it to feel timeless and elegant. They chose Sherwood Forest Club, where Becca attended summer camp along the Severn River. “Having our wedding at the very place I grew up going to camp was extremely special,” says Becca. “Tad and I have had so many dates there that it makes it such a dear place.”   

On a mild but rainy Saturday, they had their very chill and personalized wedding. “I have been in seven weddings and knew that I didn’t want to do a lot of the things that can cause stress,” says Becca. “Weddings should not break the bank, but they should also prioritize guests’ enjoyment, and the bride and groom should come away feeling so loved and celebrated.” And they did.

BEAUTY Nicole Smith and Cassandra Champ BRIDESMAIDS Anthropologie CAKE The Coastery CATERER Be My Guest FLORAL DESIGN Carissa Bowser HONEYMOON Costco Travel INVITATIONS Victory Garden LOCATION Sherwood Forest Club, Sherwood Forest MUSIC Entertainment Excellence DJ K Swift OFFICIANT Pastor Alex Bouffard, Saints Church Photographer Rose Trade Co. VIDEOGRAPHER Elizabeth Kabakjian WEDDING DRESS Selkie at Anthropologie Wedding WEDDING PLANNER Elle Sundberg