A Heartfelt and Hospitable Wedding in Fairfax, Virginia- St. Philip Neri Catholic Church & Historic Blenheim

Written and Photographed by Beauty of the Soul Studio

“Heartfelt, sacred, and hospitable are three words I would use to describe Anna and James’ wedding day. Their celebration was full of personal touches as the couple prioritized their lived experience of the day and that of their guests, rather than prioritizing only what would look best in photos or appear impressive to an outsider. Anna and James were there to celebrate, but they clearly understood the true reason for their celebration. And they made an effort to connect with all of their friends and family in a meaningful way throughout the day, from a touching father-daughter first look, to thank you cards at the place setting for every guest.”

“Anna and James’ wedding day was a perfect blend of beauty, emotion, and deeply personal touches. The day began at St. Philip Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia, where Anna got ready with her bridesmaids in one of the parish school’s classrooms. One of the most touching moments came early in the day when Anna requested a father-daughter first look. Both were in tears even before he turned around, and the moment he saw her, joy flooded his face! The tender care he took in wiping her tears created one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever captured. Their nuptial ceremony was equally heartfelt. James tried to remain composed, but his emotions got the best of him during their vows, and it was heartwarming to witness him scrunch up his face trying to hold back tears. Anna dabbed away tears with her handkerchief many times throughout the Nuptial Mass herself. After the ceremony, the pair exited through a joyful saber arch outside the church doors. At their tented reception at Historic Blenheim, Anna and James included details that reflected their love story. James proposed at a winery, so during their portraits, they shared a special bottle of wine from that very vineyard. It was a beautiful way for them to pause, savor the moment, and celebrate the journey that brought them to their wedding day. They then invited their wedding party into that reflection by keeping additional bottles of wine with special meaning at their head table for everyone closest to them to enjoy! Another standout detail was the personalized thank-you cards they wrote for each guest. Watching friends and family grow emotional while reading heartfelt notes from the couple highlighted how seriously Anna and James took the celebration of the day, and the importance they placed on their friends and families’ witness to their nuptials. The reception featured vibrant dancing in the historic visitor center on a perfect warm summer evening. At the end of the night, in a wave of ribbons with tiny lights, guests cheered as Anna and James made their way to their car.”

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Vendor Team

Wedding Coordinator: Liz and Blair with The Coordinated Collective

HMUA: Best Face Forward

Bridal Boutique: St. Anthony’s Bridal

Invitation Suite: Minted

Florist: Blooms Reston

Ceremony Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Historic Blenheim Interpretive Center

Catering: Rocklands

DJ: DJ K-Leena with Toussaint Productions

Bakery: Classic Bakery