Eleanor + Kevin got hitched at Murray Hill in Virginia, with their ceremony held on the venue’s expansive lawn (alongside the Potomac River) and their reception in the gorgeously decked-out barn! Their wedding was filled with so many whimsical, Moroccan inspired details + they weren’t afraid to incorporate lots of color either! So many fun ideas to snag for your own wedding or event. Here’s a bit more from Eleanor about the inspiration behind the design:
The colors and design of the day were important but more important was making sure that it was what we both wanted. We wanted the colors and flowers to represent the transition that we were jumping into: a bright, carefree and fun stage of our lives.
Big thanks to Rebekah J. Murray Photography for the lovely photography and congrats to Eleanor + Kevin!
I’m a big fan of Eleanor’s happy hued bouquet by Sweet Root Village.
From the photographer, Eleanor + Kevin designed an entire newspaper, filled with pictures + articles written by different loved ones, instead of a ceremony program. Kevin is originally from Ghana and Eleanor is from the US – They met at grad school in London and fell in love in Kenya. After the wedding, they honeymooned to Vietnam and now live in Scotland, so the wedding was their grand send-off to a new life together.
Sounds like they are on a fabulous journey together, doesn’t it?!
And in my opinion, a temporary tattoo bar is always a good idea. Such a fun way to keep your guests entertained pre-ceremony or during cocktail hour!
Processional: Butterfly Waltz – Brain Crain
Recessional: All You Need is Love – The Beatles
First Dance: A Desert Sunrise – Brett Dennen
Ele: My most memorable moment was when Kevin and I said our vows. It felt as if the whole world stopped as we promised our lives to one another. I also cherished the time walking up the aisle. I tried my best to walk very slow, savouring the moment as I looked around and saw all of the people we loved and then finally looking up and seeing him... it was a worldly experience for me.
Kev: I was looking forward to the day as a day of transformation, the day when I move from one to being a two. The first sign of this was the seeing the completed barn for the reception. I had my doubts when we first went scouting, but like the day it's transformation was reassuring. And it left me longing to see my bride walk down the aisle...on the road to becoming an us.
The barn was transformed into a colorful, Moroccan wonderland, with lots of pretty bazaar-inspired details. My absolute favorite being the terracotta pots, overflowing with bright blooms, suspended from the barn rafters. With the help of Laura from Events in the City, Eleanor + Kevin truly created such a gorgeous environment for their reception!
The clusters of hanging brass lanterns, in various sizes, is another detail I really love.
And I’m crazy about the colorful “Hip Hip Hooray” sign decorating their getaway car! So, so cute!
Steal a moment away with your other half. As Kevin puts it, "this moment was a time for us to soak in the day... a time to let the beauty of the moment imprint upon us for eternity." I'd have to agree. Also choose things that represent both of you. I think women often have this picture of what we want our wedding day to look like... let your man share his ideas and visions too.. the day will more closely represent the “us” you are becoming if planned together.
photography: Rebekah J. Murray Photography // venue name: Murray Hill, Leesburg, Virginia // event design: Laura Ritchie with Events in the City // planning: Laura Ritchie with Events in the City // wedding dress: Claire Pettibone // bride's shoes: Timberland Boot Company // bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew // hair stylist: Claudine Fay // makeup artist: Claudine Fay // groom attire: Reiss // catering: Design Cuisine // furniture rentals: Something Vintage // music: DJ D Mac // coordination: Laura Ritchie with Events in the City // floral design: Sweet Root Village // flower wreath: Sweet Root Village // groom's bow tie: Balzac paris // suspenders: vintage find // photo booth: Bash Booths // temporary tattoos: Tattly // stationery designer: Intrigue Design Studio
You guys make such a cute couple! That dress is gorgeous on you. Congratulations!
Delores! That meant more than you will know. Thanks for the sweet words. :)
<3 <3 <3 the wire holders for the table numbers!! where do i get them???
Hey lisa! They were from a wholesale company called HomArt! Best of luck!
The colors are so wonderful, just perfect! The details are so lovely, and I love the idea of the tattoo bar.
this is just magical! the colors, the energy, the flowers, that incredible venue, and the joy that is radiating from all the pictures.
So sweet! Love how colorful and fun this is.
I agree with the first Lisa. :) The wire table number holders are awesome! Any idea where to snag them?
I just replied to the first lisa but in case you missed it we got them from a wholesale company called HomArt! Best of luck! Thanks for your sweet words.
Amazing bright colors in this wedding! From bow tie to bouquet it was all gorgeous!
omg, i’m obsessed with this wedding. so many perfect details! and the look on their faces as they head into the reception…so great.
This is one of the fabulous colourful wedding themes. Stunning!
Beautiful!! Who did you have do your wedding newspapers!? Those are amazing
Very a beautiful wedding. Love the dress !