Planning a wedding during COVID had its challenges for Amanda and Michael. But the couple were determined to be married on their original date surrounded by their closest family and friends.
Of her Sultana gown, Amanda said, “Ahhh my dress! The beautiful Sultana Gown. Honestly I believe it was the 6th or 7th dress I had tried on. I always remember girls saying that when they tried on their dress they just knew that it was the one. I honestly didn’t think that was going to happen to me, so I was so surprised when it did.”
Names: Amanda & Michael
Wedding Date: 10/10/20
Guest Numbers: 50
Wedding Location: Sterling, Virginia
Photographer: Hailey Pierce
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
Michael and I met through a mutual friend.
How did he put a ring on it?
I was on a 2 week trip in Costa Rica for my last semester in nursing school. On one of our last days there my friends decided they wanted to take pictures on the beach at sunset. It started raining and I remember being so happy that we didn’t have to take pictures on the beach anymore LOL. What I didn’t know is that they all knew that Michael was waiting on the beach for me so that he could propose! This man flew all the way to Costa Rica and stood out in the pouring rain and thunder/lightning and I was refusing to go outside. They finally got my butt outside by telling me that we were going to the bar next door to have drinks. As we were running through the rain I heard someone calling my name, it was our best friend (also the man who ended up marrying us). I turned around and he pointed to the beach. There Michael was, standing in the pouring rain. It seriously was like I was in The Notebook. I remember walking towards him and then I pretty much blacked out. I said “YES” and we spent the next 3 days exploring, ziplining, and ATV riding in the jungle. It was honestly one of the best days of our lives.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
We knew we wanted a fall wedding and I love a moody color scheme. Honestly Pinterest was my best friend and I did not know what I would have done without it.
What made the wedding personal to you?
Michael and I both knew that we wanted an intimate wedding. We were going back and forth in regards to eloping/having a wedding. I was more on the elopement side, but Michael has a HUGE family…so we met in the middle and had a small intimate backyard wedding and we would not have changed one bit of it. Having the people closest to us to share and celebrate us was one of the greatest feeling we had ever felt. It was honestly perfect.
What were you most nervous or excited about?
This was a very nerve wracking year to try to plan a wedding, as everyone is well aware! We would get so nervous to try to make any plans for the wedding, as things kept changing and we never knew if any effort put out there would even be worth it. We decided we were going to get married on our original date, no matter what that meant we had to do, or who would be allowed to be there. Finally, we just cut about 2/3 of our guest list down, and just went for it. After the long year with lots of isolation, we were most excited to be able to spend time celebrating with our closest friends and family for the first time in a very long time. And obviously to make it to the finish line, and actually be married!
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
Ahhh my dress! The beautiful Sultana Gown. Honestly I believe it was the 6th or 7th dress I had tried on. I always remember girls saying that when they tried on their dress they just knew that it was the one. I honestly didn’t think that was going to happen to me, so I was so surprised when it did. I remember my amazing bridal consultant picked it out for me and right when I put it on I had butterflies. It was perfect and I just felt so beautiful. Then she shocked me when she told me it was TWO DRESSES IN ONE!!! She pulled off the overlay and there was the sexy fitted dress of my dreams. I never thought I would want a second dress, but girls I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
What stockist did you get it from?
The Bridal Room in McLean, Virginia
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
I think my most memorable moment was Michael’s vows. They were so heartfelt and made me cry like a baby.
Vendors to credit:
Photography: Hailey Pierce // Florist: Urban Flora VA // Make Up: Courtney Michelle Artistry // Hair: Tress Styles // Rentals: Capital Rentals and Something Vintage Rentals