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rThe Bride: Bridget McDonough, 31, Medical Sales
The Groom: Gregory Arbacas, 34, Golf Course Superintendent
Current reside in: Arlington, Virginia
Wedding date: April 28th, 2012
Guests: 140
How did you meet? Playing Volleyball in Washington, D.C.
rThe engagement: We've been best friends for six years, and Greg proposed to me on my 30th birthday at home with our dog there.
rThe venue: It was a beautiful area on the Chester River with a manor and a river lodge on 500 acres that we could rent for the entire weekend. We didn't want the wedding to be over in 4 hours. We wanted our friends and family to be able to spend the weekend with us at the venue and have a wedding weekend! The groomsmen were able to spend the weekend in the River Lodge and the Bridesmaids stayed at the Manor house.
rThe bridal party: 11 bridesmaids (crazy, I know) and 7 groomsmen
rThe wedding dress: Spaghetti Strap Chiffon gown with flowers on the back...a one-of-a-kind dress by Elizabeth Fillmore
rThe ceremony: It was supposed to be held on the river, but it rained so we set up a tent with lights in the garden by the manor house and it turned out better than we hoped. My aunt read the Irish Blessing, and I broke down in tears.
rThe reception: The cocktail hour was supposed to be in the garden, but with the rain, we held it in the manor house. Everyone loved it because they got to see how amazing the mansion was inside. We served two signature cocktails out of mason jars with old fashioned striped straws. We had 3 stations of food with crab cakes, beef tenderloin, and Maryland Chicken...not to mentions mini cones of French fries with Old Bay and the best macaroni and cheese ever. People had 3 to 4 helpings!! The band kept everyone on the dance floor the entire night. To end the evening, we had a pizza truck from DC drive in at midnight for late night snacks. DC slices was a HUGE hit!!
rFirst dance: We danced to Ray Lamontagne, "You are the Best Thing." We've seen him several times in concert and have known that would be our song for years!
rFather/Daughter dance: My dad and I danced to "New York, New York," by Frank Sinatra. My dad has health problems and in 2009 when he beat the odds, I took him to see the New York Yankees win the World Series at Yankee Stadium. My aunt handmade a Yankees veil for me to wear during the dance. Not a dry eye in the house!
rThe honeymoon: We went to Anguilla in the British West Indies. The most beautiful beaches ever. It rained the whole time, but it was still awesome. Instead of a traditional wedding registry, we did a honeymoon registry so people bought us dinners on the beach, couples massages, sunset cruises, snorkeling tours etc. It was the best idea....so much better than getting a toaster or an iron.
The Details
Venue: Brittland Manor
Florist: Donna Walls, Eagle Hill Florist
Cake/desserts: Yvette Armbruster, My Best Friend Cakes
Caterer: Kelley McIntire, Occasions on the Boardroom
Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore
Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff
Men's attire: Men's Wearhouse
Jeweler: Charleston Alexander
Stationer: Adey Chaplin Designs
Favors: Etsy Dana Castle Designs, K.J. Custom Photo Frames
Videographer: Wedit.com
Photographer: Adam Barnes
Hair: Hair for a Special Affair Shanna Beisel
Make-up: Tara Miller Smashbox
Wedding Coordinator: Sara England Cunningham, Connect the Dots
Band: The Nightlife
Shuttles: Gene's Limo
Officiant: William F. Mies
