Love was undoubtedly in the air on Mandy and George’s wedding day! This couple had a clear vision for their special day from the start — a simple celebration, surrounded by their closest friends and family, in a location that was nothing short of spectacular. Let’s walk together through their unforgettable wedding day!
In the days before Mandy and George’s wedding, the forecast was starting to look dicey at best for us.
I believe the exact words in the forecast was something like: “Expect steady rain all day.” We were all starting to sweat a little bit, and the day before their wedding, Mandy reached out to me with an update. She had bought 36 umbrellas for the wedding party and their families, just in case! With this, we also began discussing potential backup portrait locations as the one Mandy and George selected for the majority of their day didn’t have much, if any, coverage from the weather.
I spent the afternoon walking through different locations on Google Maps, hoping to find a public porch that would be large enough to accommodate our group. Finally, we selected one, and I kept my fingers crossed that we wouldn’t need to use it! But the next morning, I woke up to the sound of rain hitting my window, and my heart sank. Even though our second choice of location was beautiful, it was no match for the charm of the Carlyle House!
As I drove to the hotel where Mandy, George, and their wedding parties were getting ready, the rain started slowing down. Would we be able to proceed as planned after all?!
The ladies were already in the midst of hair and makeup preparations when I arrived. Mandy, being a talented cross-stitcher and crafter, had made a unique piece for each of the women standing by her side and was also in the process of gifting each of her most important people something incredible for them to treasure for years to come.
As the morning progressed, Mandy slipped into her wedding dress. The room was filled with emotion as she shared special first looks with her dad, her son, and finally her bridesmaids. Soon, it was time for Mandy and George’s first look!
Against all odds, the rain cleared just in time.
We decided to stick with our initial plan and headed over to Carlyle House for the couple’s first look. The umbrellas stayed close, but luckily, they remained unused. Mandy and George shared a heartwarming first look in Carlyle’s gardens, with their loved ones looking on.
With the weather on our side, we managed to rock through an impressive list of portraits. Thanks to Mandy and George’s impeccable organization, everything went smoothly. After the group photos, Mandy, George, and I explored Carlyle House’s property for some final photos. Their natural chemistry in front of the camera was a delight to capture.
It was then time to proceed to the Mount Vernon Inn and Restaurant for their official ceremony!
Surrounded by their loved ones, Mandy and George exchanged heartfelt vows, rings containing their children’s birthstones, and blessings over their brand new union. After the ceremony, we took some stunning pictures of the newlyweds near the beautiful cherry blossoms in front of their wedding venue.
Then it was time to party!
Their reception was an absolute blast. As soon as the Bachelor Boys Band started playing, the dance floor was filled with enthusiastic guest, ready to drink, dance, and celebrate. Mandy and George made sure to greet everyone and even found some time to enjoy the dance floor too.
The couple ended their day with a sparkler exit, sharing kisses and cheers as they waved goodbye to their loved ones. Their wedding day was indeed one for the books!
Mandy and George’s Alexandria, Virginia and Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant Wedding was a testament to how love can bring people together.
Mandy and George’s wedding day was not just a celebration of their love as a couple; it was a celebration of the love they share with their closest friends and family. Their wedding day was a perfect reflection of their love for each other and their loved ones. Their wedding day was filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
As they embark on their honeymoon in France, I wish them the best of luck and a lifetime of happiness. Now… are you ready to scroll through their beautiful wedding day?!
(PS Mandy and George’s beautiful engagement session will be hitting the blog soon! We spent a frigid afternoon exploring the historic side of the property that Washington used to call home! I can’t wait to share these beautiful images… and a little more about the happy couple… with you soon!)
Shoutout to Mandy and George’s talented vendor team:
Venue: Mount Vernon | Bridal Gown Boutique: Encore Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden | Bridesmaid’s Attire: Azazie | Hair and Makeup: Yisell Santos | Floral Design: House of Flowers | Stationery: The Knot | Reception Entertainment: Bachelor Boys Band
Thank you, Mandy and George! It was such an honor to spend your wedding day with you!
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