Photos by Heather Durham Photography

March 20, 2021

Favorite Moments

As with most weddings in 2020 and 2021, it was distressing to have to reschedule and cancel your original wedding date and plans. We decided to go ahead and get married on the original date and postpone the large reception for a future time, so we had a 13-person wedding at my (Sarah’s) childhood home. We sent our guest list a link to live stream our wedding, and the pictures of all of our friends celebrating us from far and wide are priceless. Some of my friends were able to tune in from places like New York, Australia and California. Other friends had their own watch parties, Royal Wedding style, and they dressed up in veils and had their own wedding cakes in our honor. We surprised one of the parties with a drive-by. Having an intimate reception surrounded by the 12 most important people in your life was so special. From doing the first dance in our living room, to cutting the cake in the parlor, to being able to change into my “reception” dress in my childhood bedroom, every memory is so treasured. Another thing I loved is that I had the opportunity to get married at the same church that my parents were married in about 31 years ago almost to the date (March 31, 1990). It was even more special when the organist, Lester Siegel, performed for both of my wedding and my parents’. Lester even performed “O, Shenandoah” during the processional, which is a nod to Washington and Lee University, where Daniel and I met.

Favorite Details

One of my favorite things about having the at-home wedding was how our neighbors all jumped in to help Steel Magnolias style! Our cake stand was from a neighbor two doors down and said “Health, Wealth, and Happiness,” our champagne flutes were borrowed from one of my mom’s closest friends, the flowers were done by the amazing Mary Donald, who also happens to be our neighbor.

Ceremony Venue: Canterbury United Methodist Church Reception Venue: Bride’s Childhood Home Wedding Planner: M. Elizabeth Events Florist: Mary Donald Caterer: Kathy G Catering Cake: Barb’s Cakes Videographer: Resolute Films Invitations: Julie King Studios Wedding Dress: Carriage House Groom/Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux