A Long-Sleeved Bride Babe And Her Burnt Orange North Beach Wedding

Fall wedding goals are herein.

The couple: Heather Riggins + Tim Ruck

Wedding date: October 25, 2020

Number of guests: 70

Ceremony reading: Several quotes from “Love & War” by John and Stasi Eldredge

Planning timeframe: Three months!

// How They Met

Heather and Tim met in 2016, at a bible study hosted by one of Heather’s roommates. “I wasn’t really looking for anything at the time, but [Tim] made our conversation so easy and comfortable,” Heather recalls. They went their separate ways until two years later, when the pair started talking and building a friendship. For their first date, Tim invited Heather to his company’s 4th of July party atop the Kennedy Center’s roof deck, and there were two types of fireworks that night. ;)

// Staycation

Tim proposed a year later, on July 18, 2020, and the couple immediately began planning their wedding. Concerns about COVID meant that their original vision, for a destination wedding, was out of the question, so instead, the couple looked for a large, open-air venue in the DC Metro area with a “tropical getaway feel.” Herrington on the Bay channeled all the right vacay vibes.

// ISO of a Hair-Down Stylist

Heather found the majority of her vendors, such as her photographer Jen Torres, via Instagram. “She had the most beautiful page, and I could tell she was personable and fun to work with through her stories and reviews,” Heather says. The search to find a hair stylist, however, proved harder. Everywhere she looked, Heather saw impeccable updos, but few stylists seemed to advertise the “natural,” loose curls she envisioned as part of her wedding day style. Heather’s golden ticket turned out to be sister-stylists Gabby and Martha. “They had examples of my hairstyle online when no one else did and they were able to create it perfectly on my trial run,” Heather says. Even more importantly, they delivered on the day-of, giving Heather perfect coils that stayed put through wind and rain.

// Desert Flower

For decor inspiration, Heather looked to Instagram. She settled on a burnt orange and peachy-pink color scheme with neutral tones. Her favorite detail was her bouquet, designed by BeeInspired Events. “It was large and beautiful, and the touch of pampas in it and the centerpieces was my favorite!” she says.

// Sleeve Shopping

A marathon dress shopping weekend left Heather in a tangle, until she visited Sage Bridal, a small boutique in Fairfax, Virginia. “The owner Christen was so flexible with me and had her seamstress build sleeves for my dress,” Heather explains. Her favorite parts of the Justin Alexander style were its lacy details and long train.

// Best Advice

Decide what to have an open mind about and what your absolutes will be. There will be things that don’t work out how you planned and you just have to be flexible! Then there are things that are a key part of your vision - don’t budge on those even when lots of other opinions come your way! You’ll be happiest at the end of it all when you follow your heart’s desire. - Mrs. Heather Ruck

// Credits

Bride's gown: Private Collection by Justin Alexander (designer) + Sage Bridal (shop) / Bride's hair: Gabby & Martha Hair and Makeup / Cake: LoveLe Sweets / Day-of-coordinator: Amber Worthington / DJ: Burrell Entertainment / Floral: BeeInspired Events / Officiant: Pastor Travis Worthington / Photography: Jen Torres Photography