Some love stories unfold slowly, built from quiet Sundays and easy laughter. For Jessica and Dan, what started as casual dates of Chinese food and NFL games blossomed into something lasting, leading them to a picture-perfect wedding at The Estate at River Run. Their day embraced simplicity, leaning on timeless design, heartfelt moments, and the grandeur of the riverside estate itself.
“Our ceremony was so special because we got to hear each other’s words for the first time, woven beautifully into the service.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met at a bar in Glover Park in DC. Jess was still in college and out with a few of her girlfriends. Dan had already started working full time and was out with one of his friends. Although we don’t agree on which bar we actually met at, Jess does remember feeling excited, giddy, smiley, and, of course, a bit nervous when we first. We chatted as best as we could for a loud, crowded bar, and there was just something about him that intrigued me. It started out as “nothing serious” for both of us. And, it truly stayed like that for some time – our “dates” consisted of having Chinese food on the couch while watching NFL games on Sundays. I quickly learned that Dan loves to be the life of the party and about his love for all things Halloween, Christmas, and the New York Yankees. We kept conversations very casual and light-hearted – again, nothing “too serious”. However, as all good love stories go – one of us started catching more serious feelings for the other… which of course was me. When I shared this with Dan, he didn’t exactly “run” in the opposite direction, but he did share that he still wasn’t ready for a “serious relationship”. I respected his feelings and though I was a bit bummed, I let him have his space. So, we stopped seeing each other for a short while; until, not too long after that, Dan reached back out to me, stating he had thought about it more – and maybe he was ready to date more seriously… and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Dan proposed to Jess on the beach in Punta Cana. His original plan was to propose in our villa, but when he went to check our room to make sure everything was ready to go, he walked into a puddle of water on our floor from a leaking ceiling. Needless to say, he quickly pivoted and brought the ring down to the beach and proposed on our beach chairs. It was at the end of the day, so everyone had already left the beach, so it was quieter and private and perfect with just the 2 of us.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning. Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
We both loved the time spent with our bridal parties in the morning. Jess was with the girls and moms in the bridal suite, and the boys swam at the pool. Jess also really loved doing the first looks with her dad and stepdad and giving small gifts and handwritten notes to both of her families.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Our ceremony was also really special. In the weeks leading up to our ceremony, our priest, Father Chuck, asked us each to answer a few questions about each other and our relationship, and he read them aloud during our ceremony. It was so special to hear what we each said and so fun to hear the similarities in our responses.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
I loved our flowers. We didn’t spend a ton of money on our flowers, but the color scheme we chose was perfect. We also loved the 2 signature cocktails that we chose – mint juleps and espresso martinis – 2 of our favorite drinks.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Try not to overthink every decision! And also… hire a videographer. The day absolutely flew by and we’re so thankful that we have our wedding video to replay our day.
Venue: The Estate at River Run / @estateatriverrun
Photography: Marshall Arts Photography / @marshallarts.photography
Planner: Elle Loren + Co. / @ellelorenandco
Florals: Grey-Sol Design / @greysoldesigns
Dessert: The Mixing Bowl / @themixingbowlbakeryrva
Videography: Draped in White / @drapedinwhite
Catering: Everyday Gourmet / @egourmetrva
Ceremony Music: Melodious Strings / @melodiousstringsquartet
Music: Bunn DJ Company / @bunndjrva
Photobooth: AMA Photobooth / @ama_photobooth
Rentals: Rent E Quip / @rentequipva
Beauty: Amanda Perry / @amandaperry.hair.airbrush
Bride’s Fashion: Amanda Ritchey Bridal Loft / @amandaritcheybridalloft
Suits: Suit Supply / @suitsupply
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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