Bride and Groom
Jennifer Wilder, 27, a marketing manager at MHP Retailers (Corby Collection, Wear It Well and Sequel), who grew up in Athens, Ga.; and Andrew Ditmanson, 28, a program analyst at USAID, who is originally from Gallup, N.M. They live in Rosslyn.
How they met
At the birthday party of a mutual friend. “We ended up talking all night and have talked everyday since,” Jenn says.
The wedding
Aug. 18, 2012 (exactly five years from the day they met), at the home of Robin and DeAnn Turner in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The setting offered spectacular views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where Andy’s dad is the park superintendent.
The proposal
The couple went for a hike on the Overall Run Trail in Shenandoah National Park on Nov. 12, 2011. After a picnicking at a spot with a view of Overall Run Falls, they detoured off the trail to check out some cascades and Andy surprised Jenn with a proposal.
What she loves most about him
“His intelligence, wit, joy for life and GIANT heart. Plus, he’s not so bad to look at…”
What he loves most about her
“Her energy, positivity, goofiness, and general love of life.”
Wedding theme
Southern chic with a palette of yellow and gray
First dance
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Number of guests
70
What made it special
“We typically spend every moment together when we’re not at work, and we planned the entire wedding together,” Andy says, “so to spend the entire day apart and not see each other until Jenn walked down the aisle raised the excitement and drama. Both our hearts were beating out of our chests.”
Fun touches
Spontaneous “fire spinning” and Jell-O shots that matched the wedding colors
Favors
Personalized bottles of Crane Lake pinot noir and chardonnay
Near-disasters
The venue was up a long, curvy road,” Jenn says. “A few of our guests got lost and showed up at another party. They actually had their car valeted and walked into the party before they realized it wasn’t a wedding. They made it to our event just as we were saying our vows.”
Gown
A strapless “short and sweet” tea-length lace dress by Tara Keely. During the ceremony, a mock necklace topper gave it a completely different look.
Honeymoon
Ten days in a private villa at Fish Bay on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Photographer
Gabriel Mellan (beexplosive.com)
Details
Flowers: Baby’s breath paired with natural greenery and billy balls; Hair and makeup: Tesa Morris, About You Salon, Gatlinburg (www.aboutyousalon.com); Music: Sound Revue, Knoxville, Tenn. (www.soundrevue.com); Groom’s attire: Light-gray suit by Banana Republic; Bridesmaid’s dresses: Knee-length, silk chiffon J. Crew dresses in yellow; Cake: A three-tier lemon pound cake with raspberry-lemon compote, vanilla pudding, vanilla buttercream frosting and fondant, made by Jenn’s sister, Nadine Dillard (facebook.com/SugarPieHoneyBunBakery); Invitations: Designed by bride and groom; Caterer: Betty Melrose