Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.
The couple: Mai-Lan Dunlop, 36, a manager at Accenture in Arlington; and William “Bill” Holochwost, 39, an IT consultant and director at CGI Federal in Fairfax. They live in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood.
How they met: Working at American Management Systems in Fairfax. They were serendipitously crammed together in the back of a mutual friend’s car on the way to a holiday party.
First adventure: A five-hour drive to West Virginia for snowboarding at Snowshoe Mountain
Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.
The proposal: On the balcony of their apartment in Courtland Towers overlooking Arlington and Alexandria.
The wedding: Oct. 11, 2014, at Clarendon Ballroom. The décor included 1,300 red and silver origami cranes (which Mai-Lan folded by hand) and candleholders found on Etsy that the couple spray-painted themselves. Favorite movie and TV quotes were framed and positioned throughout the reception space, which was designed with a rock-star vibe in mind. Bill is the guitarist for Over the Line, a cover band that has performed locally since 2009.
Number of guests: 120
Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.
Musical moments: During the reception, Bill and his band played a full set that included tunes such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Bust a Move,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Since You Been Gone” and “Mr. Brightside.” Then D.J. Jaime Easson, owner of E2 Events, took over for the rest of the night.
Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.
Bride’s attire: “Sophie” in Valentina Red by Vera Wang (David’s Bridal). “It blew my mind,” Bill says. “I will never forget it.”
Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.
Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein
Wedding planner: Sara Franklin, Social Scene Events
Photographer: Nat Wongsaroj
Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.
Details: Caterer: Clarendon Ballroom; Florist: Maryam Flowers; Invitations: WeddingPaperDivas.com; Hair: Mandy Hollinger; Makeup: Shaune Hayes; Music: Over the Line (groom’s band) and DJ Jaime; Cake: Marta Tran (family member) and Georgetown Cupcakes; Favors: CustomInk
The honeymoon: Costa Rica
Favorite Arlington hangout: Ragtime in Courthouse
Photo by Nat Wongsaroj.