Woodend Sanctuary: Congratulations Katie and Tom!

Katie and Tom were married on a beautiful spring day at the Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The cherry blossoms and magnolia trees were in bloom and looked gorgeous in the historic setting.

Katie’s mom helped her get ready in Woodend’s bridal suite.

The pin on the bride’s bouquet was her something borrowed from her great grandfather.

Katie and Tom met at work where they are both lawyers for the Department of Justice Tax Division.

Katie shares, “We were friends for more than two years before dating. Last year, Tom moved to Boston for a six-month detail at the US Attorney’s Office. We flew back and forth every weekend. One weekend I was up there and we were leaving to go on vacation in Maine with Tom’s family. Tom was planning to propose but I didn’t realize we were going out to a fancy dinner so I was lounging around in gym shorts. Tom refused to propose to me in gym shorts. But it was a hot June day in Boston so I was not eager to get dressed up.

As we finally got ready for dinner, Tom said to me, “Do you know what the world needs more of?” I turned around. He said, “Tomkat. Will you marry me?” I was stunned. His joke about Tomkat referred to the fact that, the same day he planned to propose, another famous Tomkat filed for divorce (Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes).

We went out to a romantic six-course dinner. We were so late to dinner because I was taking pictures of the ring in the cab to send to my friends and family.”

Tom waited patiently for Katie to share their first look before the wedding ceremony.

Katie tells me she had so many favorite moments from the day. “I loved our personal vows and the advice from our parents during the ceremony. We really wanted the ceremony to be intimate and personal and I think we achieved that. I also can’t stop smiling every time I think of the cute ring bearer posing for pictures. Cheeeeeeese. I also loved having my best girlfriends in the bridal suite before the ceremony. We did not have a big bridal party but having my best friends from high school, college and law school with me was awesome. It let me relax and take a few deep breaths and enjoy the day.”

Tom’s sister performed the ceremony.

So CUTE!!!

Katie and Tom decided on their location for a few reasons, “We chose Woodend because we originally wanted a backyard wedding but it proved too impractical. We thought this was close and it was important to us that our money was going to the Audubon Society rather than a country club. We were so lucky with the weather – it was such a perfect day.”

They shared their first dance to Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding.

Congratulations Katie and Tom!

For more photos check out the slideshow:

Thank you to the team:
Venue: Woodend Sanctuary
Officiant: Lauren Koelbl, sister of the groom
Caterer: Marco Polo Caterers, Pizzeria Moto
DJ/Band: Out of Town Blues Band
Florist: Jennifer Lodato
Invitations: DIY bride and her mother
Hair and Makeup: Bella Bethesda Salon
Bride’s Dress: Nicole Miller
Alterations: Designs by Nicole, Olney, MD
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Ceremony Music: Hasse String Quartet
Photography: Jessica Schmitt