Wedding Story
Photographer’s Comments: “When I first met these two love birds at a local Panera for our pre-wedding consultation, I just knew right off the bat that they were be a great fit for us to work together. They laughed easily and had such wonderful chemistry together.
“We did their engagement session at the Norfolk NEON Graffiti Arts district a few months ago and I was blown away by how easily their posed together and just were so comfortable in front of the camera.
“After the shoot, we counted down the days to their wedding. I was looking forward to it because it was held at the very unique Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. They have hundreds of working vintage planes from all over the world starting in World War I.
“The highlight of the wedding was when Andrew, the groom, actually got to sit and ride in one of the airplanes as his entrance to the ceremony. The service was held against their private runway with the backdrop of a gorgeous retro yellow plane.
“The officiant began with the opening wedding speech from The Princess Bride: ‘Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam… And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva… So tweasure your wuv.’
“Instead of sand or candles for unity, they pour coffee and cream into a cat mug- making a tasty mixed drink. It was a unique way to remember their first date plus their super cute cats.
“After the ceremony, we shot portraits against the plane and walked around the hangar for some unique and fun portraits. Their favorite plane was a yellow one that said “Double Trouble” which of course matched their personalities but also matched their wedding colors of yellow and purple.
“Heidi, the bride is a talented pastry chef and teacher so of course her business, Brite’s Delights, had to create her own custom three layered cake.
“We danced the night away with Astro Dj’s and laughed at the custom photobooth by MA Media Group. Mission Barbeque kept everyone fed and happy with unlimited sweet tea and pulled chicken.
“Overall, it was a fun-filled and love-filled evening.”
Bridal Q & A
Q: Tell us about your wedding!
“The inspiration was my favorite flowers: sunflowers and gerbera daisies. I love the deep purple ones, so those were the flowers and colors that we chose, with a light gray included. We wanted to make the ceremony really “us” and unique, so we chose unconventional songs for some portions and started off with a line from the first movie we watched together: the princess bride. We also did unity coffee, because we met when he placed a coffee drink on my table at work.”
Q: Let’s talk wedding decor
“We were able to utilize the museum for most of the decor. We decorated the tables with our colors and flowers, but that was about it. And it was ALL DIY! A bit crazy, but totally fun and worth it to achieve the visions that we had.”
Q: What were the florals like in your wedding?
“The flowers were used for the bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and cake. They were pretty much the main focal point for all decor for the ceremony and reception.”
Q: Did you personalize the day in any way?
“We certainly personalized the day with some items in the ceremony: the groom flying in, the choices of music, the inclusion of the marriage lines from ‘The Princess Bride’, the cake (I made it), our choice of reception favors (sunflower seeds to plant). I don’t think we can really choose a favorite part, but the plane for the groom and the photo booth were a great hit! For the bride, the whole thing was my favorite!!”
Q: Let’s talk fashion
“The groom wanted to go with unique shoes, so he chose checkered Vans. The bride went with blue shoes. My dress was a ball gown; not what I originally expected to love but I felt like a PRINCESS! The corset top and ball gown skirt made me feel so beautiful!! Andrew wore a gray suit, dark purple shirt and yellow bow tie; he love bow ties! We wanted a style that was really reflective of us.”
Q: How did you meet?
“I was at work and he walked into my kitchen (I teach baking and pastry) and he placed an iced peppermint mocha on my table. He did not know that was my favorite drink. We started a conversation and the next day he asked me to dinner. The rest is history!The proposal was with a group of his co-workers that are like family. After an indoor skydiving adventure, we all went to lunch and then he walked in and quieted everyone, and the proposal began. He even got down on one knee :)
Q: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
“For me, walking down the aisle was the most anticipated moment. That is when it all gets real. The most special moment, for both of us, was when we were announced man and wife. Then it is official!
Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
“Enjoy the planning! Don’t stress, even though you will. It will all work out and be perfect, because it is your day. Mistakes will happen, things will get dropped and be out of place; but no one will notice. When it is all over, you will be married to your best friend. Remember why you chose each other and love every second of it!”
Vendors in this Wedding
Reception Venue: Military Aviation Museum
Photo Booth Equipment: Virginia Photos and Films
Caterer: Mission BBQ
Bakery: Bright’s Delights
Ring Designer: Zales
Cinema and Video: MA Media Group
DJ: Astro DJ
Photographer: Marshall Arts Studio
