Real Wedding | Erin + Brendan

When we asked Erin what three words best described how she felt in her flattering Amsale Tyler wedding gown, quite simply she replied: Just happy, happy, happy!   I love traditional weddings like Erin + Brendan’s: classic and elegant with the grandeur of a Catholic ceremony and the crisp white detail and romantic gesture of the tented outdoor reception.  Don’t miss the rouched bodice of Erin’s silk organza gown, the mixed and matched J.Crew dresses for the bridal party and an absolutely beaming bride with a smile that is so contagious. Happy-happy indeed!

Erin + Brendan | June 11, 2011 | Washington, D.C.

 The Ceremony + Reception
The ceremony was a full Catholic mass at the church connected to the Gonzaga College High School where Brendan is a teacher.  Our reception was held at Washington’s River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia.  Dinner was under a tent connected to the historic mansion on the property overlooking the Potomac River.  The house is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society so it has absolutely stunning gardens.  We wanted the reception to feel intimate and beautiful but not too fancy – like a lovely family gathering at home.

Erin’s Dress Search
I thought I didn’t want to feel to bride-y in my dress and wanted the dress to be understated.  It doesn’t get more bridal than the dress I ended up with though! I ultimately thought that the longer train and classic silhouette worked beautifully in a traditional setting like a church and it was really gorgeous and flattering.

How Erin Felt in Her Wedding Dress
I don’t even know that there are three words to describe how I felt in my wedding dress – just happy, happy, happy!

Why Erin Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I absolutely loved the dress but I know someone out there might have seen this dress in a movie or a magazine but it’s outside of her budget.  Hopefully this dress will make some other bride smile on her wedding day as much as I did on mine!

Erin’s Wedding Dress | AMSALE TYLER / Photography | SARAH VOISIN