No Fuss, Just Us: A Real Garden Wedding Full of Heart
- Bettina Theilacker
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
No seating chart stress. No staged sparkler sendoff. No one awkwardly swaying to a song they secretly hate.
Photo by: Rob Jinks Photography
Kiera and Jake didn’t want a wedding that looked like anyone else’s—they wanted a wedding that felt like them. So, they tossed the rulebook, leaned into joy, and threw a colorful, easy-breezy garden bash that felt less like a production and more like a love-soaked dinner party. With ice cream—of course.
These two go way back—born ten days apart to moms who were best friends since high school. Their story wasn’t some childhood sweetheart cliché. It was a slow build: friendship first, love later and years of long-distance flights between NYC and San Francisco before finally landing in the same city and creating a life together in D.C.
Their wedding was never about theatrics. It was about connection, intention, and presence.
Every detail had heart – like the thrifted vases they collected over time, or the DIY florals straight from Kiera’s parents’ farm, arranged with family the day before the wedding.
They got ready at home in Alexandria, glammed up by Drybar Old Town Alexandria, and then headed to The River View at Occoquan—a waterfront stunner of a venue. The ceremony? Written from scratch. Officiated by a close friend. And brought to life by their four sisters, who shared stories that left everyone somewhere between tears and laughter.
Kiera wore a sequined, oatmeal-toned Anthropologie dress she found on a whim with her mom—unexpected, but exactly right. Jake kept it classic. Together, they looked effortlessly cool, like the leads of a rom-com you actually want to watch.
The reception skipped the cake and served up scoops from Scoops2U. Sunglasses made a dance floor appearance. DJ Maskell kept the party lit, and Weddings by Kristy ran the whole thing like a smooth, sparkly dream. It wasn’t overly choreographed, but it was completely unforgettable.
Every piece of this day felt real. Personal. Light without being fluffy. Beautiful without being too polished.
Kiera & Jake’s wedding wasn’t about being perfect—it was about being themselves. And honestly? That’s the kind of aesthetic we’re here for.
The Wedding Team
Coordination | | |
Photography | | |
Venue | | |
Hair | | |
Music | | |
Ice Cream Truck | | |
Catering | | |
Rentals | |
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