Caroline + John, a Whittemore House Wedding in Washington DC

Brooke Tyson Photography

I am so excited to share Caroline and John’s GORGEOUS wedding today! Caroline and John were married on Saturday, August 10 at the beautiful and historic Whittemore House in Washington DC with lots of friends and family from near and far.

Caroline and John met two and a half years ago at the police academy. Both Caroline and John left the corporate world to pursue careers in Law Enforcement, and while these two never expected to find love at the police academy, that is exactly what happened! Caroline and John were placed in the same police academy class and became friends quickly during the challenges they faced throughout their education. These two supported each other during early morning workouts and late night law study sessions, and eventually, as John joked, “Caroline kept beating me up so I had to ask her out!” Haha! John proposed to Caroline on October 13 (a super special number to these two for so many reasons!) in beautiful historic Williamsburg in front of the Governor’s Mansion (so sweet!). Now two and a half years after meeting at the police academy, these two are husband and wife!

Caroline and John began the day by getting ready with their wedding party at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar in DC. Caroline had the most STUNNING details; her bouquet by Darling and Daughters was AMAZING (it even had magnolia leaves!), and Caroline bought the sweetest ring boxes for her engagement ring and her and John’s wedding rings. Plus, Caroline’s engagement ring was so, so beautiful! John had her oval halo engagement ring custom designed, and it was STUNNING! Caroline also got beautiful matching PJ sets for her nine bridesmaids; they were so cute! Meanwhile, John and his groomsmen got ready in a separate part of the hotel, and then he and the groomsmen went for a short walk to a nearby park for portraits before it was time to head to the Whittemore House for the ceremony!

I’ve loved getting to know these two (and their adorable new rescue dog, Boone, and Caroline’s first dog, Amos!) through Instagram and email, and I was SO excited to meet them on their wedding day!! Caroline’s good friend and bridesmaid, Samantha, has been a friend of mine since 2013 when I met her during a styled wedding shoot, so it was so sweet of her to recommend me to Caroline and John, and so wonderful to see her again six years later! Caroline and John are so kind, caring, and genuine; they are truly some of the nicest people and they both have such big hearts (and they are loved by so many!!). These two were so excited to be married and to be together. It is clear that they are such a great match, and the love and connection between them is so special. And even though we were short on time with photos, they never let the time crunch get to them – and just wait until you see their GORGEOUS photos!! Oh my goodness!! John suggested that we photograph their wedding party portraits and bride and groom portraits at Meridian Hill Park, and it was such a perfect location! We managed to find the most perfect little spots of golden, glowy light. Plus, these two are absolutely STUNNING (and I loved John’s white tux paired with Caroline’s stunning off the shoulder gown and veil!). Just wait until you see their beautiful photos!! Caroline and John’s wedding party was truly as sweet as they are; these two have built an amazing group of friends over the years, and their love and support was so evident. Also, their wedding party were PROS at photos! Caroline, John, and their wedding party was such a fun group to hang out with!

Caroline swapped out her beautiful ballgown for a stunning backless BHLDN dress that was perfect for dancing, and then it was time to get the party started! Caroline and John gave a sweet and thoughtful speech before sharing a dance together and with their parents. Caroline’s mother and John’s mother also both welcomed guests to the wedding, and then the dancing kicked off! The Whittemore House is such a unique space because guests could hit the dance floor, mingle at their tables, hang out outdoors on the pretty patio under the café lights, or even relax indoors in some of the historic rooms throughout the house. It was so cool that there were so many options for guests! There were also tons of dessert options! Once Caroline and John cut their SPECTACULAR Washington DC-themed wedding cake by Fluffy Thoughts Bakery (seriously – you have to see photos of this cake!), guests were treated to cake in two flavors and a fun ice cream sundae bar! I loved seeing guests taking photos of and admiring Caroline and John’s wedding cake (I was too!). It was a stunning light blue green with the nation’s capital carefully crafted on the front (with two little secret mice in front of it!). The sides and top were adorned with cherry blossom branches and flowers. It was AMAZING! (Also, Justin and I were strongly encouraged to try a piece of cake, so once our equipment was packed up at the end of the night, we tried the cake and it was SO GOOD. According to Justin, it was the best cake he had ever had and “better than our wedding cake!” haha!).

The celebration and fun continued late into the night, and Caroline and John’s friends and family had such a great time. The day was beautifully coordinated and organized by the wonderful team of Jorian, Rachel, and Amy of A. Griffin Events, and everything went so smoothly. At the end of the night, guests were gifted beer koozies that said “It’s not a party until the police show up” (haha!) and Caroline and John exited their reception through their cheering guests. Caroline and John, we are SO happy for you two!! It has been such an honor to get to know you two, and we loved celebrating with you both. Your wedding day was perfect, and your photos are as beautiful as you two are – inside and out! Congratulations on your wedding and enjoy your wonderful honeymoon to Florida!! Enjoy some favorites from your best day ever!!

So beautiful! Caroline got this special Mrs. Box for her engagement ring, and she also adorned her bouquet with the sweet necklace that John gave her that she wears daily.