A Wedding To Remember: Will And Katie's Big Day

will and katie wedding

Katie and Will's wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love, which began in 2013 and culminated in a proposal at Katie's grandparents' river house in Virginia. The couple tied the knot in September 2017 at the Roxabel Venue in Charlotte Court House, Virginia, surrounded by family and friends. The wedding was a heartfelt and joyous occasion, with special touches honouring Katie's late father. The couple also had a Naval Wedding at St. Mark Church in Catonsville, with a reception at The Elkridge Furnace Inn, featuring Navy traditions and a stunning outdoor setting.

Characteristics Values
Date September 9, 2017
Wedding Venue Roxabel Venue, Charlotte Court House, Virginia
Wedding Photographer Heather Chipps
Wedding Dress Maggie Soretto gown
Proposal Date 4th of July
Proposal Location Katie's grandparents' river house in the Northern Neck of Virginia
Reception Venue Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank's horse farm

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Proposal and engagement

Will and Katie's engagement story is a heartwarming one. The couple, who grew up in the same neighbourhood, reconnected years later quite unexpectedly when Will saw Katie at a gas station and started texting her. Fast forward to their engagement, and Will was trying to get Katie into the living room on Christmas Eve. Katie, however, was busy getting ready for Christmas Eve dinner and kept asking him to hold on. When she finally came into the living room, Will got down on one knee and proposed in front of the Christmas tree, with Kandace, Katie's maid of honour, capturing the moment on camera.

The couple's engagement photos were taken almost two years before their wedding day, and they were just as in love then as they were on their wedding day. The wedding day itself was filled with sweet and loving tributes to Katie's late father, with her mother and brother ensuring she felt wrapped in their love.

The couple's wedding photographer, Heather Chipps, recalled the build-up to their wedding day, describing how she took bridal portraits of Katie and couldn't wait for the wedding day to arrive. She spoke of the love between the couple, describing Will as Katie's "big ol' teddy bear" and how they are each other's other half.

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Wedding ceremony

Katie and Will's wedding ceremony was a beautiful and heartfelt affair that reflected their love for each other and their unique story. The couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends, celebrating their union in a way that was meaningful and memorable.

The ceremony took place at St. Mark Church in Catonsville, a stunning setting with light-coloured walls, jaw-dropping stained glass, and a balcony that provided a perfect view of the happy couple. The church held sentimental value for Katie and Will, who had known each other since childhood and whose relationship blossomed over the years.

Katie looked radiant as she walked down the aisle, wearing a gorgeous Maggie Soretto gown. Her bridal portraits captured her beauty and the depth of her emotions on this special day. With her father having passed away, Katie was surrounded by the love and support of her mother and brother, who ensured that his memory was honoured throughout the ceremony.

The wedding incorporated Navy traditions, a nod to Will's service. From the Saber Arch to the unique touch of using a sword to cut the cake, these traditions added a distinct and personal element to the celebration. The couple's joy and love were palpable, and the ceremony was filled with laughter and tears of happiness.

The floral arrangements for the ceremony were provided by family friend Stephanie Botterell, adding a touch of natural beauty to the church setting. The flowers held extra significance as they were a gift to the couple, symbolising the love and support of their community.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Katie and Will, now husband and wife, beamed with happiness. Their wedding ceremony was a testament to their love and a foundation for their lifelong journey together. The couple's Naval wedding was not just a celebration but a heartwarming experience for everyone in attendance.

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Wedding reception

The wedding reception for Will and Katie was a memorable affair, with personal touches and unique details that reflected the couple's style and Navy traditions. The reception took place at the Elkridge Furnace Inn, following their wedding ceremony at St. Mark's Church in Catonsville.

The outdoor area of the Elkridge Furnace Inn provided a picturesque backdrop for the reception. The light blue, yellow, and gold décor complemented the beautiful flowers and landscaping. One of the most unique aspects of the reception was the incorporation of Navy traditions, including a Saber Arch and the use of a sword to cut the cake.

The couple's choice of entertainment added a playful touch to the festivities. Instead of the traditional swords, they opted for lightsabers, creating a fun and memorable experience for their guests. The reception also featured a hand-stitched quilt guest book, showcasing the couple's attention to detail and personal touches.

The food and beverage offerings at the reception were also noteworthy. The reception was held at Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank's horse farm, where a family friend's old liquid asphalt truck had been transformed into a unique keg, adding a creative and unexpected element to the celebrations.

Overall, the wedding reception for Will and Katie was a perfect blend of elegance and personal touches. The couple's attention to detail, incorporation of Navy traditions, and focus on creating memorable experiences for their guests made their wedding reception a truly special celebration.

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Wedding attire

For their wedding, Katie and Will requested their guests to wear attire in the style of "black tie optional".

Katie wore a satin sheath dress by David Fielden, sourced from Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. She paired this with an antique Art Nouveau sterling silver, enamel Iris flower pin from the 1910s, which was borrowed from her mother and served as her "something borrowed" and "something blue". She also wore Susan Caplan 1980s vintage renaissance revival clip-on earrings and a vintage Alhambra Van Cleef & Arpels yellow gold onyx black bracelet, gifted to her by her partner on the morning of the wedding.

Her partner, on the other hand, wore a navy wool travel suit from Boggi Milano, an Italian brand chosen for its comfort and lightweight nature. He also wore a tie and a Liberty London pocket square, Loake shoes, and a Vertex M100 Bronze 75 watch.

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Wedding photography

Before the Ceremony

The build-up and preparation for a wedding are just as important to capture as the ceremony itself. Getting ready photos are a great way to showcase the wedding attire, jewellery, and those precious moments of anticipation. Whether it's the bride's mother helping her into her dress or the groom adjusting his tie, these candid shots tell a story. It's also a good idea to photograph the wedding stationery and invitations, either at the venue or in a studio, to capture the finer details.

The Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is filled with emotional moments that will make for unforgettable photos. The first look is a popular trend, capturing the couple's anticipation and joy as they see each other for the first time. The exchange of rings is another special moment, with various creative ways to photograph the rings, such as placing them in the bouquet or on the couple's hands after the ceremony. The venue itself, with its décor and lighting, also makes for stunning visuals, especially if it has unique features like Elkridge Furnace Inn's light-coloured walls and stained glass, which photographer Missy Freeman highlighted in her photos of Will and Katie's wedding.

The Couple

Portraits of the couple are a must-have. These can be taken pre-ceremony or after, when they can relax and be themselves, resulting in timeless photos like those taken by Jessy Pappasavva. It's also fun to incorporate props, such as lightsabers or swords, as Will and Katie did at their Naval-themed wedding.

The Wedding Party

The wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and flower girls, add colour and fun to the photos. Capturing the interactions between the couple and their wedding party creates a heartwarming narrative. It's also a good idea to get individual portraits of the bride and groom, showcasing their unique personalities and style.

The Details

From the bouquet to the wedding cake, the small details matter. Close-up shots of the jewellery, bouquet, and even the getaway car can be beautiful additions to the wedding album. Using props or natural elements like veils or trees to frame the couple is also a creative way to capture intimate moments, like the groom kissing the bride's forehead.

Will and Katie's wedding photographers, Missy Freeman and Heather Chipps, beautifully captured the couple's love and the unique aspects of their Naval wedding. By incorporating the above ideas and tips, a wedding photographer can create a visual narrative that the couple will cherish forever.

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