Chris and Emily’s Wedding: A Look at Our Team in Action

The Morrison House Hotel of Alexandria sets the stage for a timeless wedding feel: charming, historic, intimate. This bed and breakfast hotel is surrounded by cobblestone streets leading to a beautiful waterfront.  With its intimate courtyard, cozy parlor, luxurious library, and exquisite ballroom, the Morrison House offers gorgeous backdrops for classic photos. 

Chris and Emily dreamed of an intimate wedding day and were delighted with how perfectly cohesive the style of Morrison House came together with their vision. 

The Penderview team arrived in the early afternoon of Chris and Emily’s wedding day to begin setup. We were greeted by an outstanding staff who gave us a tour of each room and offered us assistance where needed. 

In the Watermark Ballroom, Pli and Deenalin began adjusting tables and chairs to fit the floor plan desired by the bride and groom. They chose to have their reception in the Watermark Ballroom which was slightly tight with the amount of guests attending but we ensured it would work. Decorations were set, name cards meticulously placed, DJ’s corner arranged, and jokes shared with the caterer. 

We greeted our bride in her hotel suite just up a few floors and got busy connecting with all of our vendors as they arrived. Even though this hotel was in tight quarters, drop off and pick up of vendor items was efficient in a back alley away from the rush of city traffic. Growing Wild Floral Co. arrived and began transforming the sweeping staircase in the enclosed courtyard as well as adding pops of color to the already exquisite parlor and ballroom tables.

Our team prepared the parlor, library, and ballroom with wedding decor. There were several tables and unwanted magazines throughout these rooms, so we tucked them away in order to keep the theme consistent throughout the entire hotel space. We couldn’t help but comment on how this elaborate space didn’t need much interior attention as the timeless feel made it inviting to begin with.

Next, Deenalin delivered bridal bouquets, flower crowns, and boutonnieres to the bridal party. Of course the grandfather’s needed assistance with pinning theirs, so we happily helped! As guests began to arrive, Pli and the hotel staff directed them from the valet parking directly to the courtyard ceremony.  

Then, the bridal party gathered in the lobby for the anticipated moment. Pli and Deenalin were helpful in assisting the flower girls and calming last minute nerves.

The ceremony started promptly at 4:30 PM, and it was nothing short of special. The couple opted for a short yet meaningful ceremony, filled with personal touches that reflected their love story. As vows were exchanged and rings were placed, there was hardly a dry eye in the courtyard. Following the ceremony, guests transitioned seamlessly into cocktail hour—a time to reconnect, sip on signature drinks, and revel in the joyous occasion. The energy was lively, with conversations flowing effortlessly. Meanwhile, Emily Mar, the photographer, worked discreetly, capturing both the grand and subtle moments.

As we were getting close to the reception time, guests were ushered into the ballroom for the highly anticipated reception. The DJ energized the room, announcing the grand entrance of Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner to an eruption of applause. 

Check out Instagram for a fun reel from Chris & Emily's Wedding!

Dinner service began according to the plan, with the caterers delivering impeccable service and an unforgettable meal. Throughout dinner, the DJ curated a perfect mix of music, enhancing the joyful atmosphere. The evening continued with heartfelt speeches from the Maid of Honor and Best Man, each sharing touching and humorous anecdotes about Emily and Chris.

The highlight of the night was, of course, the first dance as Emily and Chris took to the floor, swaying naturally to the music, completely immersed in the moment. Their guests watched with admiration, feeling the love and joy between them. Following this, the traditional parent dances brought even more emotion—the father-daughter dance filled with tender nostalgia, while the mother-son dance radiated warmth and deep connection.

Then, it was time to turn up the energy. The dance floor opened, and guests wasted no time in joining the celebration. The DJ kept the beats going, ensuring there wasn’t a dull moment. From classic throwbacks to today’s hits, the floor remained packed with friends and family dancing the night away.

Later in the evening, the cake-cutting took center stage, offering guests a sweet treat before more dancing ensued. The night ended on a magical note with a sparkler send-off, as guests lined up to cheer Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner one last time before their grand exit.

It was truly an unforgettable night—one filled with laughter, love, and seamless execution. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful celebration for Emily and Chris, and we were honored to be part of their special day.