Fine Art & Bohemian Style Real Wedding Full of Intentional Details

From the bride, Jenn: "Our love story began as freshmen at West Virginia University. Through parties and tailgates we both became aware of one another and both were interested before a formal introduction. After Dale found out which bar I’d be attending with a mutual friend he made sure to be at that bar to get a formal introduction.From that moment on our love story began! Our nights & days were spent with one another learning about one another. We were amazed how our sense of humor was perfectly synced as well as similar interests. Meals in the student cafeteria turned into all day affairs - we’d go in for lunch and not come out until after dinner because we’d be too caught up and comfortable spending time with one another and talking. Evenings turned into wee hours of the morning walking over to the local McDonalds across from our dorm to go when they served breakfast (5am), we couldn’t get enough of one another.

But as some love stories go there was an eventual drift, this drift I believe was caused by growing pains and really understanding and becoming the people we are today. Because of this Dale and I took time apart from another after our sophomore year. Individually we each had great adventures, made lifelong friendships, experienced what it truly was like to be an adult in this world. Even through all of this self discovery and fun - there was always a longing for one another. Although we would never let the other know we were feeling this way - the late nights of lying awake our minds always wandered to one another.

It wasn’t until a year or two after college, fate had us run into one another at a summer beach bar in Ocean City, Maryland. The initial freshmen year spark was back and this time the flame felt eternal. From there we had to relearn each other; some familiar traits were still there but we had grown into adult versions of those freshmen kids. Thankfully we both agreed that time had not tarnished that connection we originally felt and we were officially back together. After a stint of long distance dating, Jenn moved to New York City to live with Dale. Though living together was not always smooth sailing, they both put the work, made compromises, and that's when they realized not only do they make great people in love with one another but they are able to make a great partnership in life.

The night before the proposal, Dale and Jenn had a very exciting night out, we saw live music at an outdoor venue in Brooklyn, New York. It was a late night so the day of the proposal was a leisurely one -so much so Jenn was able to take 2 naps! Jenn noticed that Dale was extra affectionate and when she would wake up from her naps she would see Dale’s face just smiling at her. As they were preparing for a night out, Jenn was in her usual get up (raggedly old t-shirt, and old shorts which Dale insists to this day she needs to get rid of) - she was going through her closest wondering what she should wear. As she pulled a dress out she asked Dale if this was too dressy for the occasion. Without hesitation Dale said ‘It’s not too dressy if you’re wearing this,’ he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He asked me to marry him when I had no makeup, old tshirt, old shorts, and no manicure - it was so incredibly us - I loved it. After pacing back and forth I finally said YES!

That brings us to where we are now, planning a wedding in a pandemic! We have survived quarantine, the unknowns of 2020, and the personal highs and lows - all together. 2020 will not only bring our wedding, but it also brings a feeling of such relief that we have each other forever."

Photography: Sidney Leigh Photography | Venue: The Seclusion | Floral Designer: On A Limb Florals | Planner: Sweetgrass Social | Videographer: Lovell Productions | Hairstylist: Top Knot Studio | Make Up Artist: Shenoa Nicole Makeup | Wedding Dress Designer: Rue De Seine | Bridal Shop: Lovely Bride DC | Shoes: Lulus | Earrings: Olive + Piper | Groom & Groomsmen Suits & Shop: The Black Tux | Paper Goods & Stationery: The Longest Time Design | Welcome Bags: Sixpence Press | Calligrapher: J. Lily Design | Caterer & Cake: The Catering Outfit | DJ: Obehi the DJ | Transportation: Ambassador Limousine