Helen and Jeff met by chance one day when Helen filled in for a realtor who was supposed to show Jeff, who’d just returned to Northern Virginia from an overseas stint with the Marines, a few houses. They spent the day together—at first bonding over a shared love for ice hockey—and the rest, the couple says, is history. Two years after meeting, Jeff proposed in Sweden, on a trip with some of Helen’s family.
On April 24, 2021, they hosted 50 guests for a “rustic, romantic” wedding at the Barn at Willow Book in Leesburg. The color scheme included pastels of blue, pink, and cream, plus white and gold. The signature cocktails were a Manhattan and a Champagne Paloma named for their dogs, which were also featured on the cocktail napkins. For dessert, they baked their own cake—layers of chocolate with amaretto Swiss meringue and vanilla with almond Swiss meringue—and offered a dessert bar of treats, including mini espresso and fruit tarts, donuts, and assorted pies. Helen’s favorite part was the saber arch the pair passed through at the end of their ceremony; Jeff’s was the first look. Check out the photos from their rustic barn wedding below.
The Details
Photographer: United Photography | Venue: The Barn at Willow Brook | Planning and design: A Fine Fete Events | Florist: Springvale Floral | Stationery: The Dandelion Patch | Caterer: Windows Catering | Dessert bar: Signature Sweets by Amanda | Hair and makeup: Beauty by Audrey B | Bride’s attire: BHLDN | Groom’s Attire: Marine dress blues (ceremony); Enzo Custom (reception) | Bridesmaids’ attire: BHLDN | Music: Dan Goldman Events | Transportation: Sunny’s Limo | Videographer: Bobby Banz Productions (check out their video here)
Fashion & Weddings Editor
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
