A Very Alexandria Wedding, Indeed: Part 2
Continued from our previous post…As shuttles pulled up to the stunning Patterson home on the Potomac River, we were greeted by twinkling lights in trees and a front porch stylishly arranged by Casey Sanford, interior designer extraordinaire and a very close friend of Britt’s (follow her work on Instagram @caseysanfordinteriors). Upon entry, guests were escorted down a romantically lit hallway lined with flowers and candles through to the deck, where guests inevitably paused to admire the breathtaking setup below. This first impression said, “Britt and Geoff are happily married, it’s no longer raining, and we’re about to have an amazing time.”
And we did.
Phyllis and Ken’s expansive backyard was divided into two primary areas that made it feel intimate and cozy: the dinner tables, dance floor, and stage in one area and the Plexiglas-covered pool and covered patio/bar in the other. String lights, chandeliers, and track lighting over the stage illuminated the two tent-covered sections of the backyard, and Flora Couture’s stunning floral arrangements were placed on each dining table and intermittently all around. There was a photo booth with a “Sold” sign and a large and elegant memo board-style backdrop that held the place cards with table assignments (also real estate-themed, as each table was named for a street in Alexandria). Tables were set with champagne-colored tablecloths and ornate place settings.
The reception began with a fabulous cocktail hour, during which guests chose from signature cocktails (the “Purple Eagle,” named for Geoff’s alma mater’s mascot, and the “Paisley,” named after their beloved puggle), a great beer selection placed in a rowboat-turned-cooler, wine fit for a sommelier, sodas, and mixed drinks. Waiters walked around with a delectable array of locally themed finger foods, including miniature crab cakes and lobster rolls, spoon servings of shrimp and grits, meatloaf skewers topped with mashed potatoes, mini grilled cheeses and tomato soup, and oysters prepped, served, and retrieved by oyster girls wearing vests with all of the necessary accoutrements. And that was only the beginning!
Everyone eventually drifted over to the dining area and listened to warm introductions, followed by Britt and Geoff’s tear-eliciting first dance to the fantastic band’s rendition of Lee Brice’s “I Don’t Dance.” Hilarious speeches and heartfelt thanks were interspersed throughout a superb (running out of adjectives that will do this event justice here!) dinner complete with beverage pairings that really were spot-on. The meal began with prosecco and an artfully presented scallop placed on a shell beside clam chowder; the second course, dedicated to Britt’s grandmother, was Belgian endive salad with bacon and a beer pairing; and the third was mouthwatering filet mignon, sweet potatoes, gnocchi, kale, and red wine.
After dinner, the dancing began. I think almost everyone was out on the dance floor at some point—the band made it hard to resist—jamming to a variety of classics and modern hits, pausing only to watch a magnificent fireworks show over the river, enjoy THE BEST cake (more on that coming soon!), take pictures in the photo booth, savor cigars and bourbon, grab some Trenton pie off of servers’ trays, donate to the “Ken Patterson’s Lawn Reparation Fund” (the backyard was pretty torn up because of the mud-and-guests-sporting-empowering-rain-boots combo), and make artisan s’mores with seemingly infinite graham cracker and chocolate bar options.
To say it was a memorable night is an understatement—but, like I said, I’ve run out of adjectives. The entire weekend was more wonderful than words can express and an amazing way to celebrate the newlyweds. Witnessing the bride and groom’s love for each other—shown, for example, by Geoff lifting Britt’s train off the ground so as to keep it safe from the mud (an ultimately futile endeavor, but heartwarming nonetheless)—and all of the attendees’ love for the two of them was such a pleasure.
The most joyful of occasions, it was A Very Alexandria Wedding through and through.
- About the team
The Patterson Group is one of the most experienced and trusted real estate teams in the area, serving Alexandria, VA for over thirty years. We offer professional, hardworking, detailed and friendly service and a large network of contacts and resources accrued over our many years in Alexandria real estate. Comprised of seven Alexandria locals, six of whom are licensed realtors and three of whom are accredited staging professionals, The Patterson Group is passionate and knowledgeable about Alexandria, VA and here for all of your Northern VA real estate needs. Allow us to help you find your home here and discover all that the Alexandria lifestyle has to offer.
400 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.310.6201
