Emma & Dan

Occupations Emma works for the federal government by day and as a clinical therapist by night; Dan works as a government contractor

Wedding date October 15, 2022

Number of Guests 70

How You Met Emma and Dan’s story began in April 2017. Their paths first crossed during a group outing in Baltimore, organized by a mutual friend. Though there weren’t any sparks at that initial meetup, Dan stayed in touch with Emma. Over time, as he got to know her better, his interest deepened. It was Dan’s steady and genuine pursuit that gradually opened Emma’s heart to something more.

The Engagement What was planned as a date to Longwood Gardens turned into the day where we got engaged. It was still during the era of social distancing and mask-wearing, so the gardens were quiet and serene. Throughout the day, we had been setting up a tripod to snap photos together as we explored around the gardens. As we wandered into a secluded spot featuring a charming little waterfall, I found myself completely mesmerized by the peaceful scene. Unbeknownst to me, Dan had gone ahead to set up the tripod – so naturally, I thought it was just another photo op. Instead, he walked over, got down on one knee, and proposed.

Wedding Design Inspiration During our dating days, we shared many special moments at Woodberry Kitchen, and I wanted our wedding to reflect that warm, intimate vibe. Our design leaned into minimalism with an ethereal twist – clean lines, soft greenery, and an organic, rustic vibe. We wanted everything to feel natural and understated, yet intentional and elegant. Less fuss, more feeling.

What Was Unique and Special About Your Wedding Day While weddings are traditionally about the couple, we saw ours as a chance to celebrate the people who have stood by us through every season. We wanted our guests to feel just as cherished as we did because without their love and support, our story wouldn’t be complete. And what better way to express that gratitude than through the universal love language of food? We focused on creating a memorable dining experience, serving a meal that guests would remember long after the last bite. Instead of a traditional cake, we opted for a dessert bar, giving everyone the sweet freedom to pick their favorite treat.

Favorite Details The flowers! Honestly, I didn’t have a clear vision at first. I just shared my color inspiration with the florist team and trusted their expertise. They brought it all to life beautifully, creating floral arrangements that perfectly captured the mood and vibe of our day. The flowers truly stole the show.

Most Unexpected Event On Your Wedding Day Right after saying his vows, Dan unexpectedly broke down in tears, and he just couldn’t stop, even during our post-ceremony photos! It was a beautiful, raw moment that perfectly captured the depth of his love and emotion.

Piece of Advice Let the day unfold naturally and don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust your team to handle any hiccups. After all, those little moments rarely matter in the big picture.

Beauty Shine Tina Floral Design Gott Efni Groom J.Crew Invitations Paperless Post Location Woodberry Kitchen Officiant Our very good friend, Young Choi Photographer Anna Lowe Photo Wedding Dress Dear Heart “Dawson” dress from Lovely Bride Wedding Planner Dorothy Park