Bride and Groom
Stephanie Montgomery, 28, a training consultant for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Ballston, who grew up in Loudoun County; and Drew Harbrecht, 28, a property manager for a residential building in Pentagon City, who is originally from Great Falls, Va. The couple lives in Pentagon City.
The wedding
Aug. 25, 2012, at the Marriott Ranch in Hume, Va.
How they met
Stephanie was the “sweetheart” in Drew’s college fraternity in 2004. They were introduced by a friend who was pledging the same fraternity.
The proposal
During a trip to Stephanie’s parents’ vacation home in Coronado, Calif., in the summer of 2011, the couple rode their bikes to the beach at sunset to take pictures. That’s when Drew produced an antique ring—a family heirloom that Stephanie’s parents had been saving for her—and popped the question.
What she loves most about him
“His contagious love of life, his desire to see and explore the world, his ability to keep me grounded, his way of never taking himself too seriously, and the fact that he can always make me laugh. He brings out the best in me. He’s not too bad to look at either.”
What he loves most about her
“Her ability to be real, her caring disposition, her creative mind and her classic beauty. I am truly lucky.”
Wedding theme
“We wanted it to feel like a fun, summer outdoor party,” says Stephanie. The reception included lawn games, barbecue, and cotton candy and Sno-Cone machines.
Number of guests
100
What made it special
“Seeing all the details coming together, from the market lanterns that my mom found for us to decorate the ceremony to the personalized thank-you cards at each place setting,” Stephanie says. And the suspense of wondering whether or not the rain would hold off. (It did.)
First dance
“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
Favors
Personalized Mason jar mugs
Gowns
Champagne raw silk with spaghetti straps, by J. Crew (ceremony); strapless ivory and gold silk with satin brocade, by Kate Spade (reception)
Honeymoon
Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Photographer
Stephanie Sims with Angelina Photography in Arlington
Details
Wedding planner: Stephanie Thimons, Marriott Ranch; Flowers: Bluebells Florist; Music: DC Stereo Faith, DJ D-Mac; Groom’s formal wear: J.Crew and Vineyard Vines; Cake: “Funfetti”-style wedding cake by Eloise Pastries. Caterer: Marriott Ranch (The bride did her own hair and makeup, as well as all of the invitations and thank-you cards.)