Bride and groom
Meredith Mirick, 25, an interior designer, and Jack Potthast, 24, an insurance agent who was born and raised in Arlington. Meredith’s father, a retired captain in the U.S. Navy, moved his family to Arlington 11 years ago. The couple lives in Clarendon.
How they met
Through mutual friends, during the summer of 2006. Meredith was a rising junior and Jack was a rising sophomore in high school.
The wedding
A June 6, 2014, ceremony at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria was followed by a reception at River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.
First date
Dinner at Nick’s Riverside Grill in Georgetown, followed by a movie (Superbad).
The proposal
At the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 17, 2013. Five years earlier, Jack had taken Meredith to the same spot and had given her a heart-shaped ring as a symbol of his devotion before she left for college.
Number of guests
160
The ceremony
Dual officiants (a Catholic priest and a Methodist chaplain) represented the bride and groom’s respective religions.
Décor
The venue overlooking the Potomac River featured starfish accents and a navy-blue and coral palette. “We took a little bit of New England flair and detailing, and brought that to Alexandria,” says Meredith who, as a kid, spent summers on Nantucket Island.
Favors
Koozies were imprinted with the phrase “To Have and to Hold and Keep Your Drink Cold.”
First dance
“Latch” (acoustic version) by Sam Smith.
Honeymoon
Cancun, Mexico
Near disasters
A groomsman fainted from dehydration at the altar, but Meredith’s father caught him and discreetly passed him to another family member.
Favorite moment
Taking a private stroll along the Potomac River at sunset. “[We were] really able to soak it all in, reflect. It was peaceful,” Jack says.
Gown
A classic, natural-silk dress with a sweetheart neckline and dropped waist, by Justin Alexander.
Photographer
George Street Photo & Video
Details
Flowers
The Enchanted Florist
Menswear
Vera Wang
Hair and makeup
Ali Wear
Music
Sam Hill Entertainment and the Hipshack band
Cake, catering and rentals
Purple Onion Catering