I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to Samantha and David’s Big Day. It’s been both a joyful and difficult past two years for them in various ways including their engagement, planning a wedding during COVID, and the death of David’s father almost two years ago. And through it all, they are finally husband and wife. Their Penderyn wedding day was simply perfect!
Since I first spoke with them, I knew they would be a fun couple to serve. They were quite the dynamic duo during their Washington D. C. engagement session last year amongst the nearly empty monuments. I have to admit that I literally laughed out loud watching their unbelievably coordinated and entertaining videos on instagram over the last year as well. And meeting with Karen Duckett to discuss all the planning and vision just further served to get me totally pumped about their day!
Friday evening, I toured Penderyn (originally owned by Chef Boyardee…yes, he’s a real guy). I photographed some of the details, met some of their immediate family members and photographed Sam and David before their rehearsal dinner.
The morning of the wedding, I left my hotel on the lovely Kent Island and headed out to Penderyn. It was a gorgeous day! I began photographing the rest of the details of the day, to include a lovely custom invitation suite by Sara Lane Designsm, complete with a S&D crest and a rendering of Penderyn.
Every last detail was lovely and perfectly accented Sam and Dave’s wedding palette.
Sam spent her morning preparing with her lovely bridesmaids.
She also took the time to present her mother with a special gift and then shared a very sweet first look with her father.
Sam then headed outside for family and bridal portraits as well as portraits with her ladies.
And how about these gorgeous florals designed by J. Morris Flowers?
The ladies looked so lovely walking the grounds of Pendern. Sam and Dave’s wedding palette was the perfect choice for an early Summer wedding.
And Sam was radiant in the gardens!
Dave also enjoyed the company of his groomsmen as he prepared for the day. He donned his carefully styled wedding attire prior to seeing Sam for the first time.
Dave shared a special time with his mother and they displayed his father’s Bible and flag in memory…
Dave and his groomsmen gathered on the side of the mansion before he was to see his lovely bride!
It was then time for their first look!
Dave and Sam were more than just a little excited to see each other for the first time that day as soon to be husband and wife!
They then walked to the poolside gardens to say private vows to one another.
It was such a beautiful moment!
Then it was time for couples’ portraits. Oh my goodness, these two among the gardens! I’m speechless!
They strolled hand in hand through the gardens.
Seriously there are views for days and the greenery framed them perfectly.
It may have been quite warm, but the gorgeous sun was worth the heat!
However, so they wouldn’t melt, we made our way over to the shade!
It was lovely near the water and they had a chance to really check out their ceremony site prior to everything begining.
We also photographed the wedding party by the water as well as group family portraits.
Dave and Sam also spent a minute enjoying their pool and their lovely rentals!
Soon it was time for the ceremomy!
What a gorgeous setting for such a sweet processional!
The sun was glowing off the water behind them as they said their vows before God, family and friends.
Soon they were pronounced man and wife!
As they made their way back, friends and family cheered and waved.
We took time for some “Just Married” photos before they made their way to cocktail hour.
We utilized the front of the mansion as well as poolside, prior to the start of the reception.
But let’s back up and talk cocktail hour! Amazing appetizers and gorgeous seating started the hour.
Guests enjoyed poolside seating and live music.
And in front of the mansion were more drinks and delectables.
Sam and Dave even had special signature drinks. Oh, and someone loves his grandma! Look at that smile!
The escort cards were also designed with Sam and Dave’s interests in mind…Dave is a master at card tricks so many of their details reflected this special gift!
In fact, they had special card decks as favors for their guests with he and Sam featured as the king and queen!
The reception details were just as lovely and the head tables were marked with an ace, spade, club and heart.
The entire space was simply stunning and reflected their summer palette so very well.
Even their head table was designated with their signature crest.
Their cake also donned their crest and some incredible sugar florals, courtesy of Jisoo Cake Design.
The grand entrances were as fun and fabulous as to be expected and Sam’s parents gave a tear-jerker toast, along with a reminded to keep God in their cord of three strands (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
We also reconvened for some golden hour portraits by the water before things really got going.
What a gorgeous evening with this stunning pair!
The maid of honor, Alicia and best man, Soheyl gave some wonderful toasts. I love this part of the day because we all get to know even more about the bride and groom. There wasn’t a person around who didn’t have something wonderful to say about Sam and Dave and their relationship. It’s so easy to agree!
The parent dances were pretty amazing as well. Sam and her dad had completely choreographed their dance and it was one for the books! I can’t wait to see clips in the video teaser!
After seeing Sam and Dave’s choreographed dance moves over IG this past year, I knew they had something special planned. And of course, they DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!
Wow! What an evening it was!! The dancing and the fun continued on long after we left. And of course, they cut their beautiful cake prior to my departure.
Congratulations Sam and Dave! I am soooooo honored to have photographed your wedding day! What a joy it has been to serve you. If you haven’t read their story, check it out here. And keep scrolling for more highlights from their Big Day. I wish there was room to share them all!
Thank you!
Thank you to these amazing wedding professionals who made their Penderyn wedding day so very special!
Planning and Design: Karen Duckett Events | Venue: Penderyn | Production Staff: Bride and Joy Weddings | Invitation Suite and Paper Goods: Sara Lane Design | Floral Design: J Morris Flowers | Catering: Chesapeake Chefs | Custom Cake: Jisoo Cake Design | Rentals: Bella Villa Vintage Rentals and Something Vintage | Linen Rentals: La Tavola Linen and BBJ Linen | Band: Broad Sound Band | Wedding Dress Designer: Stella York | Bridal Boutique: The Bridal Room | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Ring: Quest Fine Jewelers
Michelle with Lieb Photographic is a Washington D.C. area wedding photographer, a Northern Virginia wedding photographer and a Charlottesville area wedding photographer and a destination wedding photographer. To see more weddings at Washing D.C. area wedding venues, view the Washington D.C. area Wedding Venue page. If you’d like. to explore some of my favorite wedding venues in the Virginia and Washington D.C. areas, view the Wedding Venues page.
