We’re delighted to be sharing Bonnie and Christopher’s enchanting industrial-chic distillery wedding, which took place on a picturesque Autumn day at McClintock Distilling. The story of how they found their perfect venue is truly serendipitous – the building holds a special place in Bonnie’s heart. With their décor choices, they effortlessly transformed the space into a stunning setting, complete with lush blooms, rustic wooden tables and thoughtful personal touches.The couple’s attire was equally impressive, with Bonnie donning a breathtaking lace and tulle gown featuring long sleeves and a show-stopping train, while Christopher opted for a dashing tuxedo. They looked absolutely regal together. Be sure to keep an eye out for their romantic first look, the gorgeous flower arch backdrop, fun street portraits and stylish stationery details.We’re thrilled to have Nessa K Photography on board, sharing these incredible images with us.
The Proposal
Christopher masterfully orchestrated a week-long self-care extravaganza, presenting me with daily surprises that left me feeling pampered and delighted. Each day, I’d receive a card or gift revealing the surprise in store. As the days unfolded, I indulged in a rejuvenating haircut, a soothing nail appointment, eyebrow threading, and was even gifted a coveted film camera I had been eyeing for some time. But the pièce de résistance came on that Saturday, when Christopher whisked me away to a painting class and dinner, followed by a romantic evening at home. As we entered our living room, the ambiance transformed into a whimsical wonderland, adorned with twinkling string lights and a visually stunning display of our relationship’s highlights – carefully crafted using photos from our five years together. It was then that I turned around to behold Christopher kneeling before me, his eyes shining with love as he asked the question that would forever change our future: ‘Will you…’
Budget
About Your Wedding
As we looked back on our unforgettable wedding night, one moment still had us chuckling – Bonnie’s infamous finger snapping during her all-night dance extravaganza. Little did we know, it would come with a painful price: a massive blister that emerged the morning after, courtesy of her enthusiastic right-hand snapping. The humorous aftermath served as a gentle reminder to be mindful of our moves on the dance floor. But in all seriousness, our special day was a true reflection of our six years together – from the meticulously curated details to the joyous celebration itself. We took pride in every aspect, from setup to cleanup, making it an integral part of who we are as a couple. The end result was a timeless and perfect blend of love, laughter, and memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.
The Planning Process & The Vision
As an event manager and self-proclaimed control freak, planning my own wedding was a natural fit. I began by envisioning the perfect dress and venue, and then meticulously worked through every detail from there. In fact, finding ‘the one’ was a breeze – or so it seemed! I put on what would be the winning dress first, but to ensure absolute certainty, I tried on five more before ultimately returning to my original choice.
The Venue
As I scoured Frederick, Maryland for an industrial, historic venue to host our special event, McClintock Distilling stood out as the perfect fit. Initially, I was on the verge of signing a contract with a venue that didn’t quite meet my expectations. But fate had other plans. During our final walkthrough of the ‘I’ll-settle-for-this’ option, my eyes landed on the ‘coming soon’ sign in the window of my beloved historic building in Frederick. In an instant, I grabbed my phone and fired off an email to McClintock Distilling, and just a week later, we sealed the deal for our dream venue – right in the heart of our hometown.
The Vows
As we stood at the altar, exchanging vows, we were filled with a mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and joy. Writing our own promises to each other had initially seemed like a daunting task, but it ultimately paid off in the most beautiful way. As we read aloud what was truly in our hearts, it felt like a perfect reflection of our love for one another. The fact that our words mirrored each other’s sentiments without prior knowledge or collaboration only reinforced the realization that we were meant to be together.
The Caterer
The search for the ideal food vendor proved to be a significant challenge. I deliberately avoided opting for traditional sit-down service or buffets. Instead, I was on the lookout for something more unique. That’s when I stumbled upon a vibrant Salvadorian food truck. As someone of mixed heritage with Salvadorian roots, I was thrilled by the prospect of incorporating authentic flavors into my event. The food truck itself also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community among attendees, encouraging people to mingle and socialize as they enjoyed their meals.
The Details & Décor
I took a thoughtful approach to furnishing our event by renting long, rustic tables from a reputable supplier, specifically selecting real wood pieces to bring warmth and character to our industrial venue. This decision eliminated the need for tablecloths, allowing us to focus on other decorative elements. Meanwhile, I scavenged for unique finds at thrift stores, scouring for vintage chairs to create cozy lounge areas, antique candlestick holders, and quirky knick-knacks like books, cake stands, glass bottles, crates, and more. This treasure hunt was a delightful experience that Christopher and I could enjoy together.
Memorable Moments
As we took our first look, I was blown away by Bonnie’s stunning dress. I knew she would be breathtakingly beautiful, and when she tapped my shoulder to share the moment with me, I was overcome with emotion. We both teared up, shared a kiss, hugged each other tightly, laughed with joy, and danced in the air. That instant was pure perfection.Bonnie had her own special moments to cherish from our wedding day. While it’s hard to pinpoint just one, she recalls our dreamy stroll through the city after the ceremony as particularly surreal. With her sisters’ help, we set out into the streets, dancing down alleyways and waving at familiar faces. We even paused for a snap in the crosswalk – but when the lights changed, we found ourselves unsure which way to go! Nessa cleverly captured THE moment that defined our joyous adventure: the carefree abandon, the love, and the sheer beauty of it all condensed into one sublime instant. For Bonnie, this image embodies the essence of our special day.
The Honeymoon
Advice For Other Couples
Before diving into the vendor selection process, take a moment to reflect on what matters most to both of you. Set aside some quality time for just the two of you on your special day – it’s crucial to prioritize intimacy and connection amidst all the excitement.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the sun set on Bonnie’s big day, a talented team of vendors brought her vision to life. Behind the lens was Nessa K Photography, capturing every cherished moment. The tunes were spun by DJ Christopher Murry, getting everyone on their feet and dancing. The ceremony was elevated by stunning flowers courtesy of Amy Lauren Floral Design, while sweet treats from Angel Cakes and Cupcakes satisfied any sweet tooth. El Pollo Submarine catered the reception, treating guests to a delicious spread. RM Videography ensured every special moment was preserved for years to come. Bonnie’s beauty was enhanced by Sara Gemmel at Sam Wong’s expert hair styling and Hashtag Hannah’s flawless makeup artistry. The groomsmen donned sharp suits from Tommy Hilfiger, while the bridesmaids shone in BHLDN gowns. Bonnie herself wore a breathtaking Hayley Paige design from Lovely Bride in Georgetown. Ken and Dana Design created stunning wedding bands to accompany her gorgeous Hayley Paige ring, which was originally worn as an engagement ring courtesy of Colonial Jewelers. Vintage accessories added a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic. The dashing groom sported a stylish Kenneth Cole suit, while the reception took place at the charming McClintock Distilling venue. Just so beautiful indeed – thank you Bonnie and Christopher for sharing your love story with us.