Tin Cans Were a Pretty Prop at this Coastal-Themed Backyard Wedding

Brendan and Lauren couldn't have their wedding on the Chesapeake Bay like they planned, so they brought the Bay to Northern Virginia.

The couple: Brendan Waters + Lauren Mathieu

Wedding date: September 19, 2020

Number of guests: 45

Fun detail: A “boat bar” to hold beer + spiked seltzers

// How They Met

Although Brendan and Lauren ran in the same circle growing up, they were never close as kids. But when Lauren spent a summer in DC during graduate school, the pair got properly reacquainted. A bevy of mutual friends ensured the two saw each other all over town and eventually gave Brendan the casual opp to ask Lauren out. Their first date, dinner at the Liberty Tavern in Arlington, went really well — so well, in fact, that Brendan invited Lauren to be his plus-one at his sister’s wedding two months later. That experience, though a touch intimidating, fully confirmed Lauren’s first impression of Brendan — that he was kind, genuine, and excited to be around her.

// Venue No. 2

Both Brendan and Lauren love the beach, so when they got engaged in the summer of 2019, they quickly locked in a venue overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. That plan was tabled, however, nearly a year later, when the effects of the pandemic began to spread. “We thought about postponing and actually secured a 2021 date at the same venue, but, in the end, we really wanted to be married and start our lives together, so we decided to get married in my in-laws’ backyard,” Lauren explains.

// Dear Moment

One piece of advice Lauren has for other couples is to take the time to write letters to exchange before the ceremony. “I had our videographer and photographer capture us reading our letters, and I was so happy with the pictures of that genuine, emotional moment we had before walking down the aisle,” Lauren says.

// The NOVA Coast

After all the stress of shifting plans, Lauren decided to bring in a professional — Celebrating Love by Marcie — to iron out the details for a small, tented reception in Northern Virginia. “It was the best decision I ever made and worth every penny,” she says. To evoke B + L’s original vision, Marcie incorporated coastal decor elements, including vintage oyster cans, nautical knots, and pieces of coral and starfish.

// The Floral One

Lauren visited two shops before she found her dream gown at Lovely Bride in Georgetown. “I wanted something simple but form fitting,” she says, “with thin straps and a low back.” The dress she selected, by Emmy Mae Bridal, stood out to her because of its intricate floral embroidery.

// Music Man or Men?

Lauren and Brendan went back and forth about whether they should hire a band or DJ. But when COVID forced them to slash their guest list from 200 guests to 45, they just couldn’t justify the higher cost of live entertainment. Ultimately, they had no regrets. “Our DJ was amazing and kept the vibes lively all night,” Lauren says.

// The Details

Bride's gown: Emmy Mae Bridal (designer) + Lovely Bride (shop)

Catering: Well Dunn Catering (reception) + Timber Pizza Co. (pizza truck)

Dessert: Sugar Bakers (cake) + Duck Donuts 

DJ: Washington Talent Agency

Florals: Stacy Bowen Floral Designs

Groomsmen attire: Alton Lane (suits) + Etsy (ties)

Invites + oysters: KCrookDesign

Photographer: Christa Rae Photography 

Planning: Celebrating Love by Marcie

Rentals: White Glove Rentals 

Tent: Capital Party Rentals 

Transportation: Chariots For Hire 

Venue: Groom's parents' home in Oak Hill, Virginia

Videographer: Peter Von Kahle