Heather Ryan Photography
Naval Academy Chapel and Fluegel Alumni Center | Heather Ryan Photography
Wedding Date: May 10, 2025 ; Number of Guests: 220; The Couple’s Favorite Memory: Crowd Surfing at the After Party
Heather Ryan Photography
“We loved the sword arch on the Naval Academy Chapel steps. It was a unique touch and such a special experience for our guests to witness.”
Naval Academy Meet Cute
David and Blake met at Induction Day, also known as the start of Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy. The two were in the same squad that summer and spent the next four years in the same company. Though they became close friends over those four years, they never dated during their time at USNA. The two reconnected at an Army-Navy game in Philadelphia after graduation. After hitting it off, they planned a first date to a Lovelytheband concert in Norfolk, Virginia, a month later. “A few of our friends got together for the concert, but really, everyone knew it was so that David and I could spend time together,” Blake says of their “official” first date.
A Surprise in Paris
On a trip to Paris with two of Blake’s best friends, David decided to surprise everyone with a proposal. After a tour of the Veuve Clicquot Champagne House in Reims, he got down on one knee. “I was completely shocked! I always thought I would see it coming, but I had no idea!” The day ended with champagne, cheers from cafe patrons, and pictures taken under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night.
Hometown Wedding
The Naval Academy was the obvious choice for David and Blake’s nuptials. “It’s where we met and spent some of our most formative years,” Blake explains. “Playing lacrosse there, building lifelong friendships, and sharing so many memories gave us a deep connection to USNA.” Plus, it’s the town where David grew up and Blake’s parents had recently moved. They planned “the perfect ‘hometown’ wedding” with a simple, classic black and white color scheme. “Something timeless that reflected us.”
Heather Ryan Photography
Something Old, Something Custom
Finding Blake’s wedding dress was a chance encounter. While at a bridal boutique in Potomac, Maryland, she tried on dresses by the designer Enaura. It just so happened that there was an Enaura trunk show that same day and the designer was in-store. He overheard Blake talking about changes she wanted and came over. The designer sketched the modifications and created her custom dress. Her other outfit for the wedding festivities was her mom’s redesigned dress, which Blake wore to the rehearsal dinner.
Heather Ryan Photography
2Hands on Deck
Blake handled most of the planning, but it was a challenge since they were managing everything long-distance. With David in business school at the University of Virginia and Blake still on active duty at the Naval Academy, coordinating meetings with vendors was no easy task. Luckily, they leaned on their planner, Jen Nyland (of 2Hands Planning), who helped keep the planning on track. “[She] was truly my rock.” Their photographer, Heather Ryan, also helped the couple stay calm and feel comfortable throughout their big day.
Everyone We Love in One Room
For David and Blake, what mattered most was having as many loved ones as possible at the wedding. “Because our relationship was long-distance for so long, we wanted to celebrate with everyone who had supported us along the way.” To show their love and appreciation to each of their guests, the couple placed handwritten notes at each guests’ place setting. That wasn’t the only custom detail they added to the day. The couple also had trucker hats inspired by their favorite college bar, but swapped the bar’s name for their last name. The accessory turned out to be a hit during the party portion of the reception!
Heather Ryan Photography
“Just as the cocktail hour ended, we had a brief moment together as a couple with no guests around. The oyster shucker had two oysters left and cracked them open for us. What made them truly special was that small reprieve where we could pause, be together, and savor the moment.”
Details:
Planner: Jen Nyland from 2Hands Planning Venue: Naval Academy Chapel (Ceremony); Fluegel Alumni Center (Reception) Photographer: Heathery Ryan Photography Videographer: Rivion Caterer: Main & Market Desserts: Blue Crab Cupcake DJ/Band: DJ S.Dot Florist: Rhonda Kaplan Floral Design Hair: Priscilla M. Beauty Makeup Artist: Priscilla M. Beauty Officiant: Fr. Donelson Thevenin LCDR, CHC, USN Rentals: Event Dynamics (Flooring & Drapes), Rentals to Remember (Dinnerware) Stationery: Cink Art Bride’s Attire: Wedding gown: Enaura, Reception Dress: Aston Bridal Bridesmaid’s Attire: Birdy Grey, Azzazie, BHLDN Groom’s Attire: Military Uniform Groomsmen Attire: Mixture of tuxedo brands Live Wedding Painter: Brittany Branson After Party Venue: Metropolitan Bar and Kitchen Wedding Bands: Zachary’s Jewelers Photo Booth: Annapolis Photo Booth Company
