The Historic Church of Leeds Parish

If you want to see the beginning of their journey to get married, click below to see their Georgetown, DC Engagement Session.

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

The Wedding was held outdoors at the Historic Episcopal Church of Leed’s Parish near Markham, Virginia. The Church was established in 1769 and serves Northern and Central Fauquier County. This new parish was named for Leeds Castle in England, the birthplace of Lord Fairfax, and served most of the colonial estates in the area at the time. The new building was constructed in 1842 out of brick and stucco in the early Gothic revival style. During the Civil War, the church building housed both Northern and Southern soldiers. One wall of the church showed the results of a nearby hostile engagement when it was pierced by an artillery shell. Troops marched in front of the church, on what is now Route 688, as they pursued their counterparts at Antietam and Gettysburg.

Well it’s 2020 and this sweet couple had postponed their original spring wedding date until September. But I heard them say that they went from Plan A to about Plan K at this point. They opted to have 2 smaller events so that their guests didn’t need to travel very far to be able to celebrate with them. At the end of the day all they wanted was to be married and move on with things. And after last weekend they can do just that!

This event was intimate which allowed it to feel more laid back and focused on the couple. The weather was rainy and muggy the entire week until their wedding day when we enjoyed temps in the high 70s and much lower humidity. Everyone talked about how perfect the day was for a beautiful outdoor wedding. The rolling hills of Virginia provided a beautiful backdrop. In step with the current moment in the Pandemic of 2020, the chairs were spread further than social distancing to keep everyone safe. There were a couple sweet ladies that served as ushers and escorted everyone to their seats. People had masks in their pockets and when social distancing could not be maintained they were wearing them, including myself.

Mary and Duncan’s Wedding Reception was hosted by Wort Hog Brewery in Warrenton, Virginia on their open-air rooftop. It’s situated in charming downtown Warrenton which was incorporated on January 5, 1810, named for the Revolutionary War hero, General Joseph Warren. During the Civil War, Confederate Colonel John S. Mosby made raids in the town, but later practiced law in the Fauquier County Seat. In the historic downtown is The Warren Green Hotel building which hosted many famous people including the Marquis de Lafayette, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and President Theodore Roosevelt. This building is now painted yellow and houses some of the offices of the Fauquier County government.

Music during the reception was provided by the multi-talented @TedGarbermusic who kept the party moving from background music during dinner, to toasts, and later live music during open dancing. Ted has been doing this for 25 years and it really shows in all the best ways! Your dance floor won’t be boring or empty.

Cocktail Hour showcased what Wort Hog Brewery had on tap, Single Hop Citra-American Pale Ale, Boyz in da hood-Sour Abbey, Brass Knuckle Sammich- Imperial IPA, Freedom of Speach- Peach Ale, and Fauquin Lager- American Helles Lager. In addition to that they offered several wine and cider options. While I did not partake during my working hours, everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. Dinner was created by Serendipity Catering and was incredible. Their Menu seems absolutely endless so you’re guaranteed to find something that you’ll enjoy when hosting an event. I had a vegetarian meal since I couldn’t enjoy their gravies and it was seriously delicious.