Bride and groom
Megan Shaw, 32, a program officer for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, who grew up in Stony Brook, N.Y.; and Clayton Anderson, 34, a mechanical engineer at the Department of Defense, who is originally from Manassas. The couple lives in Alexandria.
How they met
At church in 2007. Both are members of the congregation at the Falls Church Anglican, a parish founded in 1734 in what is now Falls Church, Va.
The wedding
Jan. 7, 2012, at the historic Falls Church Anglican
The proposal
Clayton picked Megan up early from work one day in September 2011 and whisked her to Bluemont Vineyards for wine on the deck overlooking the Virginia countryside. Afterward, they stopped by Bear’s Den, a beautiful spot on the Appalachian Trail overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, where he popped the question. Utterly by chance, some friends who were camping at Bear’s Den that night passed by just after Clayton proposed. “They were able to take pictures and share in our joy,” Megan says. “It made an incredible moment even more special.”
What she loves most about him
“His strength, intelligence and steadfastness. He is a complement to me in every way. We can be completely and utterly goofy together.”
What he loves most about her
“Her spirit, spontaneity, love of life and insatiable curiosity. And above all, we are grateful for our shared faith.”
Wedding theme
Winter navy and gold, with pinecones, wreaths, a fire in the hearth and lots of candles
The reception
Tregaron Mansion at the Washington International School in the District. Guests enjoyed a mini-concert, performed by Clayton’s college friend, musician Jake Armerding, followed by Scotch and cigars on the stone terrace. “We somehow lucked out with an absolutely lovely, temperate evening in January,” Megan says.
Number of guests
100
What made it special
“Sitting back and hearing a dining room full of the people we love most, enjoying themselves.”
Near-disasters
“Some very unfortunate misspellings on the wedding program that we, thank goodness, caught at the last second.”
Gown
Hope dress by Mon Cheri bridal, from I Do I Do Bridals in Gaithersburg, Md.
Honeymoon
A “mini-moon” at the Park Hyatt Washington, followed by a trip to Argentina a few months later
Photographer
Details
Wedding planner: Susan Viana; Flowers: Louisa Morgan Manzeske and Diane Morgan (the maid of honor and the bride’s mother); Hair and makeup: Alexandra Wear; Music: Jake Armerding; Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein; Cakes: Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and Georgetown Cupcake; Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas; Caterer: Washington Parties