Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography by Sarandipity Photography
As busy as we are these days, it can seem almost impossible to meet someone that you form a real connection with. And unless we can order it online—our groceries, our takeout, our clothes, entertainment—chances are we would be lost. It’s become almost expected that people try out some form of technology-based dating. From phone apps to websites, not everyone is so lucky in finding their perfect match. But in the case of Jennifer McCrindle and Brandon McCadden, it was proven that hearts could truly connect online.
An urban planner in the Department of Planning and Zoning for Fairfax County, Brandon knows the importance of careful planning and decision making. And after four years of dating Jen, he knew the time had come for the most important plan he’d ever make in his life: the plan to make the woman he had fallen in love with his wife. “There was a storm rolling in, so the clouds and the moon had a very dramatic look to them,” Jen says of the night Brandon proposed in 2018. “We went to dinner in Crystal City and then walked to the end of Long Bridge Park. When we reached the end of a trail at the top of a hill, he got down on one knee and proposed.”
A few short months later on November 17, 2018, the two had a very small, intimate ceremony officiated by Brandon’s uncle at the Lorien Hotel and Spa to be followed by a cocktail reception and sumptuous dinner. “We wanted it to be a short engagement,” explains Jennifer, a Senior Associate for AMS. And as 16 of their closest friends and family looked on, Jen said, “I do,” to Brandon, wearing a cap-sleeved beaded dress with a sweetheart neckline and looking every bit the blushing bride. Before the evening came to a close, the happy couple cut into a two-tier cake of mint chocolate chip and pumpkin spice sponge covered in white frosting and adorned with purple flowers.
The happy newlyweds took their time after exchanging vows to have the real celebration on January 12, 2019, when they hosted a full reception for extended family and friends at Union Street Public House. Wearing a full-length halter dress with a definite party vibe, Mrs. McCadden joined her Mr. on the dance floor for their first dance, and the couple continued the festivities with their guests, dining on heavy appetizers while the party rolled on. One marriage, two celebrations… That’s planning for a future filled with continuous excitement at its best.
The Details
Venues/Catering: Lorien Hotel and Spa + Union Street Public House
Photographer: Sara Hargrove, Sarandipity
Dress: Savin Longon Anyka, The Gown Collective, Badgley Mischka
Shoes: Joes, Essex Lane
Hairpiece: BHLDN
Wedding Rings: Dejan Studio
Engagement Ring: Jared
Tux: Tommy Hilfiger
Flowers: The Pink Poppy
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Invitations: Minted
Hair + Makeup: Amanda Merrell Beauty