After 12 years of holding strong and withstanding great distances, Paul and Pilar embarked on an exciting new chapter as husband and wife.
A Stunning Virginia Wedding on a Northern Virginia Family Estate
After being introduced by classmates in high school, Paul and Pilar quickly became friends. Not long after, Paul started falling in love with how he could make her laugh. It was a whirlwind romance that blossomed and held strong for over 12 years and across borders.
On Christmas Eve, with family surrounding them, Paul proposed to Pilar the same way her father proposed to her mother over 30 years ago. He packed the custom-made ring inside multiple boxes, each one getting smaller and smaller as she opened them. When Pilar opened the first box, 20 plus bags of chocolate gummy bears from a meaningful chocolatier awaited her—a memento from their first date in high school—followed by white roses and rose petals, and finally the ring box.
Mirroring the magic of Paul’s proposal, their wedding captured many important elements and aspects of their lives. With a love of nature, they envisioned organic and natural elements. Paul’s black shawl-collar tuxedo was made from a tailor in Thailand he has used for over a decade and captured the simple but clean look he desired.
Pilar’s cascading bouquet of spirea, white campanula, clematis, white roses and greenery was a work of art that completed her gown. Other floral arrangements incorporated locally sourced peonies, jasmine, geranium and white lilacs to add cohesiveness to the décor.
As guests came together in May on the bride’s family’s private estate, they were in awe of its transformation into a garden fairytale. The house, which sits on 10 acres, is also home to cows, honeybees and a small orchard. The couple had a sweet honey bee motif that tied in with honey escort cards/favors as well as the bee wax seals on their invitations.
In the reception space, bistro lights draped from the ceiling of the pole-style tent. Shades of white, pale greys, and a variety of green hues with wood accents and soft golds set the tone. Although the blue and white china and vases belonged to Pilar’s great aunt, they also reminded Paul of Japanese porcelain and brought back wonderful memories of his childhood in Japan.
The day was a joyous affair with all of their loved ones included. Pilar’s older brother officiated the ceremony, while one of Paul’s sisters did a reading from The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman. Pilar’s mom made the flower girl dresses, and the food was Japanese inspired.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds planted an Akebono cherry blossom tree, a modified tradition from how Paul’s parents planted a cherry blossom tree for each of their seven children. All of these details helped create the perfect start for the next chapter in their love story. ~
wedding vendors
Photographer: Rachel May Photography
Planning: Ashlee Virginia Events
Venue: Family Property
Florals: Petals & Hedges
Hair Stylist: Top Knot Studio
Beauty Stylist: Gohar Makeup
Catering & Rentals: Design Cuisine
Entertainment: Evan Reitmeyer with MyDeejay
Tent, Lighting & Rentals: Select Event Group
Bridal Dress: Maggie Sotero Designs
Cinematographer: Daniel Breindel
Stationery: Rock Paper Scissors
Jewelry: Oscar de la Renta Earrings & Family Heirlooms
Reception Dress: Custom-made by Le Reve Bridal
Transportation: Chariots for Hire
This wedding was featured in Wine & Country Weddings Volume 5 magazine.
