Meg and Nate | An industrial inspired wedding day with an adventurous surprise in Alexandria, VA

This blog post is a big one, and it sure is a special one! Meg & Nate are married, y’all, and their wedding was one that I know everyone involved will remember forever! You see… their wedding was actually a SURPRISE! Their guests and family knew that these two were tying the knot, but where it was happening was totally a surprise! More on that in a second though! I KNOW the suspense is killing you… but it is only fair that YOU are surprised just like their guests were! Don’t scroll ahead just yet!

Meg is bubbly, bright & kind, and Nate is a bit more reserved and thoughtful. From the moment I met them at their engagement session to our final hugs at their reception, it was clear that they balance each other out in a way that is just perfect for the two of them, and when they are around the other, you can truly tell how happy they make each other. There is something different in their smiles… something lighter in their step. Their love is effortless and caring and so sweet. They love to adventure together, and they challenge each other in the best way. They are able to be themselves, and to me, there is nothing more important than that!

Since our very first call, these two always knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding. Meg and Nate wanted things to be simple… they wanted good food and fun for the people they love most… most importantly, they wanted the day to be totally them. Their family and friends are incredibly important to them, and this was a huge pillar from which their entire day was built. I have to say, they pulled off each and every thing that they wanted without a hitch! They were married in the place that brought them together, surrounded by their favorite people (with a delicious taco bar to keep everyone fed and happy!). It was just perfect for these two!

I know each wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but this one especially was! Their unique day combined so many things together that they love and made for a truly outstanding celebration. We have SO much goodness to dive into… including the big SURPRISE ! Shall we begin?!

Will never get over how gorgeous this dress is!!! Nate’s favorite color is green, and they both knew they wanted emeralds involved in their rings!! I love this sentimental nods to one of their favorite things! An emerald on the inside for Nate, and an emerald for Meg in her row of diamonds! Getting ready with a gorgeous view of DC! If you’ve been to the Key Bridge Marriott before, you know the view I’m talking about! Meg made such a joyful bride! Meg had a few sweet friends there to help her get ready… they did a wonderful job steaming her dress! I think we were all a little teary, seeing Meg in her dress for the first time! Surprise first look with Dad! His reaction was just the sweetest! Nate is a big rower! It was only fitting to have a nod to crew involved in his wedding day attire. Time for Meg & Nate’s first look! Nate’s face absolutely lit up when he saw his bride! I made Meg twirl in her dress for about 5 minutes! I mean… can you blame me?! It is gorgeous! These two! I loved their sweet wedding party! And now… onto the surprise! Meg and Nate got married at A ROCK CLIMBING GYM!! Yes, you read that right! These two met at Sportrock in Alexandria, and it was so special to see them have the chance to share something that means so much to them and their story with those that are closest to them. They got to know each other through climbing practice, and Nate even proposed to Meg right there in the gym! Sportrock & climbing always has been and always will be a core part of their love story, so what better (and fun!!) a place to tie the knot?!

They pulled off one heck of a surprise by shuttling their friends and family over from the hotel where they were all staying, and threw one amazing party!

This was Sportrock’s first big wedding (They’ve had a ceremony in the gym once before!), and they were absolutely incredible. Sportrock isn’t a wedding venue, but they could have fooled me. They were amazing! Their staff was helpful and kind, their crew kept all of the climbing kids safe, they knew the often complicated logistics of a wedding day inside and out, and they really did everything they could to make the day so special for everyone. They welcomed me and my team in as if we were family, and I am so incredibly grateful for their amazing hospitality! The kids that were attending the wedding were given the opportunity to walk down the aisle before Meg! I loved this sweet way to honor the little people that mean so much to them! Nate & his niece! Now… here’s where it gets REALLY good! These two are avid climbers, and Nate proposed to Meg on top of this boulder! It was only fitting that they were married up there too! Nate proposed to Meg on this boulder, and it was where they also said their vows! Such a sweet way to honor their story! It was so special to see these two surrounded by so many people that love them in one of their favorite places! Married!! When you have your wedding in a rock climbing gym, it is only fitting that, instead of having a first dance, you have a FIRST CLIMB! SO cool! These two put a lot of time into finding the perfect band and the perfect caterer, and all of that work paid off! Their food was delicious, their band was amazing, and the climbing was a blast! So grateful for these two! Meg and Nate are headed to Base Camp in Nepal for their honeymoon in a few months, and if that isn’t the perfect adventure for these two, I’m not sure what is!