Jessica & Kevin’s Traditional Maryland Celebration

Kevin saw Jessica on Plenty of Fish in 2013. Their conversation faded, but fate stepped in on Facebook three years later, where they bonded in a football fan group. After exchanging numbers and texting, Kevin didn’t want to miss another chance, and took her out to see a movie. Later that year, Kevin presented her ring during a quiet night at home. She was surprised, but elated to say yes.

They had a budget of $5,000, and with last minute changes, ended up spending $6500. They booked both the ceremony and reception at Freedom Optimist Hall in Eldersburg, Maryland. It fit within their budget, with room for them to have all the things they wanted. To keep within their budget,

Jessica crafted all of the decor herself, saying “Youtube tutorials and Dollar Tree were my best friends.”

Bride's Instagram: xojessiicaaaa — Bride’s Instagram: xojessiicaaaa

Jessica and Kevin were married on September 30th, 2017. Through their traditional ceremony, their guests witnessed their love and commitment to one another. She ordered her dress off of a Chinese wedding website, JJsHouse.com. It had a layered v-neck bust and an a-line cut. She wore a stunning crown, full of sparkle matched with a simple veil. Her make up was natural bridal, and no one could take their eyes off her. The bridesmaids were glamorous in customized purple gowns from Azazie, while the groomsman were decked out in Men’s Warehouse suites. Kevin says his favorite moment was watching Jessica walk down the aisle to meet him. A mixture of nerves, anticipation, and love overflowed the ceremony room as she radiantly marched to her groom. Jessica agreed, adding it “also gave me serious anxiety but I worked through it!”

They weren’t interested in having a themed wedding. Instead, they focused on their favorite colors, pink and purple, accented with silver to tie in the look of their venue. Her bouquet was filled with white and pink roses and featured crystals that sparked. Using the color pink for roses was a homage to Jessica’s late grandmother, whose name was Arose, and she had a locket with her photo attached to her bouquet. They covered their tables with classic white table clothes, and used white chair covers with purple sashes.

With 180 guests, Jessica says “I wanted my guests to be comfortable and have fun.” She most enjoyed seeing everyone let loose and party during the reception. “Almost a year later and people are still talking about the wedding,” she gloated.

Though she felt it was difficult to make final decisions on decor, she advises other brides to keep it simple. “People really only remember the food and the music.” Since their wedding was full of music and dancing both the man, the wife, and their guests will remember this night for a lifetime.