Amanda Wose Photography
Jena Greene + Andrew Warburton
Herrington on the Bay | Amanda Wose Photography
WEDDING DATE: August 18, 2023
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 175
SIGNATURE DRINK: Painkiller
STOOD UP?
Jena and Andrew met at a D.C. summer block party in 2019. “He spent about 90 minutes telling me about Breaking Bad,” Jena recalls. “I thought he was very handsome and there had to be something wrong with him because there was no way he could’ve been single otherwise!” Their first date took place at a restaurant in Arlington. Jena showed up 15 minutes late and a couple at the bar asked Andrew if he’d been stood up! Luckily, after Jena’s delayed arrival, the pair shared pasta, wine, and conversation that lasted until closing time. “We never wanted the night to end,” Jena says.
Amanda Wose Photography
Jena’s only instructions for her florist was “pinks” and “wildflowers.” “Bee Inspired killed it,” Jena says. “She went above and beyond and made our wedding feel like a floral explosion, beyond what we pictured was possible.”
AN ALL-INCLUSIVE ‘PARADISE’
Jena and Andrew toured their first venue, Herrington on the Bay, on a rainy February day — but even the bad weather couldn’t obscure the venue’s beauty. Besides Herrington’s waterfront ambience, the Warburtons were impressed by the all-inclusive experience. “We knew onsite lodging and in-house catering would make planning so easy,” Jena says. When the couple visited Herrington in February, the venue only had one summertime date left, so, after a quick consultation in the parking lot, they put down their deposit.
Amanda Wose Photography
“We knew that the more we fretted over things like color cohesion, which flowers went together most, and who sat next to who, it would ruin the ‘candid,’ and ‘easy breezy,’ feel to our big day,” Jena says.
FAMILY STYLE
The Warburtons sought to steer clear of wedding tropes and style their reception after a family garden party. They encouraged guests to wear bright and bold floral patterns, break out fancy hats, and come with an open mind. The tent was set up banquet style, with long, adjoining tables, and a broad, mismatched color scheme made the space seem less “done-up.” Another subtle but significant decision was using amber lighting to make the tent feel warm and cozy.
LIKE A RENAISSANCE STATUE
Jena fell in love with her dress twice; first, online, and then, in person at the Georgetown Anthropologie. “I knew I should take a week or two to think about it and try on other dresses, but like the venue, I just knew!” Jena says. “It was so classic and effortless looking; it seemed like something a renaissance statue in Florence might be wearing!”
Amanda Wose Photography
Amanda Wose Photography
THE JOY OF DOWNSIZING
Jena was grateful to have a short engagement – just over six months. “It forced us to make decisions quickly and go with our gut,” she says. Her other advice for soon-to-be newlyweds is to stick with a small bridal party. “Andrew played lacrosse in college and had about 19 friends and teammates he wanted to include in the wedding, but we didn’t want a 40-person bridal party, so we just did one [attendant] each. It made getting ready a cinch and the day so much calmer and more sentimental.”
Amanda Wose Photography
THE DETAILS
Bride’s gown: BHLDN Bride’s hair + makeup: Natural Looks By Victoria Bride’s shoes: Loeffler Randall Bridesmaid dresses: Jenny Yoo (Bella Bridesmaids), Reformation Cake: Blue Crab Cupcakes Design + planning: Sara Reynolds Events Entertainment: Flatland Drive Bluegrass Band (ceremony + cocktail hour), Attraction Band (reception) Florist: Bee Inspired Events Invitations: Just Ink On Paper Linens: BBJ Tavola Music: Marcus Blanchard Paper goods: Zola Pet Care: Furever & Fur Always Photography: Amanda Wose Photography Rentals: Pretty Little Wedding Co. Transportation: Thoroughbred Sedan, Van & Bus LLC Venue: Herrington on the Bay Videographer: Well Spun Weddings
