redamancy – (red-uh-muhn–see) (n) the act of loving the one who loves you,
a love returned in full
3+ weeks ago
my beloved & i stood in
front of our loves
and committed to One Love
it was a warm september day
approximately 961 days after we first met
after 271 days of planning
and i was sweating like a whore in church
it went exactly like i thought it would:
a blur
but in today’s post i will slow it down
include our top priorities,
what we had to have
what we were willing to let go of
and everything in between
we chose this venue because of their responsible relationship with food and local sustainability, but also noteworthy: their impeccable service and attention to detail. it is one of dw’s all time favorite restaurants and i have always loved this area of the city.
initially, we were going to have my best friend Kelcy bake our cake but due to some new MD laws, we had to use their in-house pastry chef who created this very simple cake. it is dairy doom laden, but she was kind enough to make a small dairy free treat on the side.
our guestbook is now hanging in our living room. if you’re interested in having one done for your event, you can reach out to me & i’ll put you in touch with Stephanie A.
i purchased our bouquets, boutonnieres & flowers from a booth at our farmer’s market. i’m part of a local food group on google and she posted something about her new flower garden and well, i loved her inclusion of herbs. i was sold & i never even met her. our correspondence was all via text and email. on day of, núria’s husband picked up the flowers for me.
núria read a poem by hafiz, translated by daniel ladinsky:
our union is like this:
you feel cold, so i reach for a blanket to cover our shivering feet
a hunger comes into your body, so i run to my garden and start digging potatoes
you asked for a few words of comfort and guidance, and i quickly kneel by your side offering you a whole book as a gift
you ache with loneliness one night so much you weep, and i say here is a rope, tie it around me, i will be your companion for life
we practically whispered our vows. and i have an ugly cry face which is why i’m not sharing it. just being real here.
dw purchased my engagement ring from a local jewelry store in the city. i was out of town, at last year’s mixed con and 2 months later, on new year’s day, at 2am, he proposed. PS. i like the color red and the two rubies on the side are a tribute to that fondness.
photos courtesy of luke eshleman & used with permission
vendors:
reception venue: woodberry kitchen | ceremony location: clipper mill | photography: luke eshleman | bridal gown: bhldn (purchased 6 days prior!) | bridal shoes: bcbg (super old) | groom’s suit & shoes: jos. a. banks | bridewench gowns: bhldn & etsy | hair: tricho studio | make up: mac studio | rings: samuelson’s | florals: the hillen homestead | bride & bridwench necklaces: elephantine
morestomach 
Sheesh, your dress is a DREAM. So gorgeous – I love getting the behind-the-scenes details!
thank you annie!
Girl that poem is exactly your and DW’s relationship. It’s almost eerie. Loved the photo of you two walking hand in hand. A peaceful moment amidst all the chaos.
I’m so very happy for you both!
wendi, right? that poem makes me cry every time .
Dreamy! These pictures are so, so good. And you’re absolutely stunning.
thank you shanna!
I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful wedding! Gorgeous photos, but partly because all the subjects are so pretty! Love the thoughtfulness and care that went into each detail. And local, local! You guys are awesome. Cheers!
sophie, thank you so much.
Rarely do I get swoony over wedding plans, but yikes, what a beautiful day of love. Congrats and best wishes.
thank you molly!
Absolutely gorgeous, I love seeing the details!
thanks Laura
You look wonderful! Everything looks so good and perfect together.
So while we were decorating a cake with wine and pasta decorations, he was buying a ring :))
Ilke, yes! that’s exactly what he was doing while we were playing with fondant and making fun of Duff.
Beautiful Lan! thanks for sharing your big day with the rest of us! Love the simplicity & ease of your dress. Congrats to u and DW again!
thank you felicia!
Congratulations to both of you! It looks so understated and elegant – I’m just so happy it all came together for you. And your dress! Oh my! absolutely love your dress.
amanda, thank you thank you thank you!
this is sooooo beautiful you guys 🙂 XOXO
thanks dixya!
Congratulations, Lan! It looks like it was a wonderful day; thank you for sharing photos of your lovely wedding with all of us. (I especially love that your bouquets included herbs, like you said!) Beautiful photos.
allison, thank you. the herbs in the bouquet were a deal-maker for me!
So gorgeous!! Those pics really capture that day. And that dress makes you look super skinny 😉 Love your dedication to sustainability 🙂 🙂 🙂
erika, yes! that’s why i chose it!
Oh, Lan. There are no words. Life is but a dream! xox
yes Rachael, you’re so right, life is a wonderful dream!
Congratulations again. I meant to comment earlier. Looked through all the lovely photos of you and your day on Flickr. I’m glad your dad came through, and your family was there. Understated, but elegant. And you looked so happy. As it should be.
I absolutely love your dress Lan. You look so elegant and lovely…thanks for sharing about your special day! 🙂