Chelsea and David had such a fun and unique wedding day at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. These two met for the first time in the dorms at local Marymount University in Arlington, VA while Chelsea was studying under the school’s highly reputable fashion design program. After 5.5 years of dating, David proposed under a gazebo while they were on a cute garden date. 

Shortly after they got engaged, Chelsea hired me as her photographer and we had an adorable engagement session at their alma mater. She had made both of the dresses for the engagement session herself, a precursor to the incredible show of talent to come for her wedding day!

Surrounding herself with bridal inspiration daily through her job at an Old Town Alexandria bridal shop, Chelsea created her own perfect wedding look – complete with a short reception dress, matching overskirt with train for the ceremony, floral-embellished cathedral veil, two pairs of customized shoes, and a handmade “Happily Ever After” white denim jacket. I was blown away when I saw her wedding look for the first time because every piece looked so stunning! Because of all the work she put into making these one-in-a-lifetime pieces, we did a bridal portrait session prior to the wedding.

Chelsea also put her design talents to work through the large paper flower installation that framed their ceremony and transitioned into an adorable photo booth backdrop for their reception. Handmade paper flowers were also featured in the ladies’ bouquets and cake decorations. The funfetti wedding cake, cupcake ferris wheel, large lawn games, and ice cream truck carried on the whimsical flair throughout the reception.

The playful details of the day matched the playful atmosphere of Glen Echo Park, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of its still-operational Dentzel Carousel in 2021. Chelsea and David held their first look in front of the carousel before moving inside the structure for unique portraits on the historic ride. These are some of my favorite portraits ever!

Their ceremony at the adorable “Cuddle Up” Pavilion was witnessed by a small party of close family and friends, followed by a lunch reception inviting attendees to experience the youthful joy of a day at the fair where they served cotton candy, hotdogs, and popcorn in the former bumper cars arena.

It truly was a fun, magical wedding day for these two. The unique and personal touches they incorporated, along with the fun colors throughout the day, made it feel extra special and joyful. I’m so excited to share their Glen Echo Park Wedding on the blog!

Venue: Glen Echo Park

Coordinator: Under the Moon Events

Photography: Beauty of the Soul Studio

Hair Stylist: Absolute Beauty by Wendy

Makeup Artist: Skyy McGuirk

Bridal Gown Floral Lace Fabric: Bridal Fabrics

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Rings: Kay Jewelers

DJ: Jamology

Catering: High Point Catering