It was a blind set up on the National Mall— Sarah never would’ve guessed she was meeting her future husband, but Sam left convinced that there was no other woman in the world he could think of marrying. After a weekend of hanging out with friends, he summoned the courage and asked Sarah for her number, and assured her that if she said yes to a date, he would convince her to be his wife one day. To say he was smitten is an understatement!!

A year later, he proposed on Roosevelt Island, the same spot they went for their first date.

Shortly after their engagement, Sam was deployed to Afghanistan so their wedding were put on hold. Their August celebration was worth the wait, though! Sarah’s Monique Lhullier gown featured elements of her mother’s wedding gown, and Sam wore his Marine Dress Blues for their ceremony at the US Naval Academy Chapel . After departing the chapel under the traditional saber arch, Sam & Sarah joined their guests for waterfront cocktails and cornhole on the lawn of the Gibson Island Club before an evening dinner and dancing. Their whole day was marked by meaningful family traditions and a nod to their Southern heritage— from their custom monogram crest made by a friend, to the sugared magnolia flowers that adorned their cake.

Thank you to all of the vendors who made this day so amazing:

Hotel:  Loews Hotel  |  Ceremony:  US Naval Academy Chapel  |  Reception:  Gibson Island Club  |  Wedding Planner:  Leslie Jefferson with Wedding Saavy  |  Florist: Amy Lauren Floral Design  |  Bride’s Gown:  Monique Lhullier  |  Bridal Salon:  Carine’s Bridal Atelier  | Bride’s Shoes:  Badgley Mischka  |  Bridesmaid Dresses:  Alfred Sung purchased at Bella Bridesmaids  |  Engagement Ring and Wedding Band:  Tacori  |  Hair and Makeup:  Lorrie and Angela with Ariel Lewis  |  Groomsmen Suits:  The Black Tux  |  Invitations:  Little Bit Heart  |  Cake:  Buttercream Bakeshop  |  Band: Jump Street  |  Videography:  Editing Life Videography  |  Transportation:  Chesapeake Charter  |  Painter:  Brittany Branson  |  Rentals:  White Glove Rentals