Where do I begin with this wedding and this couple?

Julia and Aidan both met as college freshman at Franciscan University and their friendship quickly turned into love. In her toast, Julia’s sister shared how she knew Aidan might be the one because he made Julia laugh more than she ever had before and that statement is so true. I first met Julia and Aidan last fall when we did their engagement session and I instantly noticed how joyful and easy going they both were and how easily they made each other laugh. This remained true throughout their entire wedding day. They truly are best friends and it is so beautiful to see how much they love each other.

Julia and Aidan had their wedding at Monte Ventoso, a stunning Italian villa nestled at the edge of the mountains in Northern Virginia. It truly felt like we had stepped into another world, one filled with old charm and timeless elegance and it made for a gorgeous backdrop for photos. Julia got ready in the main house with all her girls (and shared such a sweet moment with her Dad and bridesmaids right after getting dressed) while the boys finished getting ready down in back patio. Shortly before leaving the venue for Mass, Julia and Aidan shared a precious first look under the rose arbor in the backyard.

Their Nuptial Mass took place at St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church above twenty minutes away. It was a small, very bright and beautiful little chapel on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Virigina mountains. After Mass, we did their wedding party and some more couple portraits right outside the church because the view and lighting were a perfect combination.

Once back at Monte Ventoso, we took more portraits of Julia and Aida in front of the villa while the guests enjoyed cocktail in the backyard. Everyone moved to the front yard for dinner and toasts under a big white tent and then we all went back to the backyard for dancing, dessert, and lots of good conversations. The grounds around Monte Ventoso are beautiful European style gardens and the whole reception felt like an elegant garden party. There were plenty of spots to sneak away for more private conversations, children running around the grass and playing, cocktails being sipped next to the fountain, and of course lots of dancing happening on the patio under some string lights and the open sky as dusk began to fall.

Julia and Aidan, it has been so good getting to know you both and it was such joy to photograph you wedding!

Xoxo,

Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // St. Isidore the Farmer

RECEPTION VENUE // Monte Ventoso

PLANNER // As You Wish Wedding and Events

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER // Deirdre Coyle

FLORIST // Good Earth Flowers and Events

DJ // DJ Kyle Barnes

CATERER // Downtown Catering Company

DRESS // Blue Sage Bridal

HAIR & MUA // Vanessa Lo Stracco Artistry

BRIDESMAIDS // Birdy Grey

GROOMSMEN // The Modern Groom