The couple: Katie Valentine, 33, a fourth-grade teacher at Arlington Traditional School and Mike Charnoff, 43, a lawyer and founding partner at Perry Charnoff PLLC. They live in Courthouse.
How they met: “We met the traditional way, Match.com,” jokes Mike.
First date: Bibiana in Washington, D.C. “That first date really clinched it,” says Katie. “We had the same sense of humor.”
The proposal: Mike proposed on Martha’s Vineyard after they had been dating six and a half months. His family was on the trip and he hadn’t planned to propose during the vacation, but he says he just couldn’t wait any longer.
The wedding: May 28, 2016, at Historic Rosemont Manor in Berryville, Virginia. The couple took over the historic home for a weekend’s worth of wedding activities. The reception’s Great Gatsby theme included centerpiece vases filled with feathers and pearls; Champagne fountains on the lawn; a dessert bar of extravagant candies; and a vintage Rolls-Royce in the driveway. The ceremony was held outdoors overlooking the Shenandoah Mountains. Mike’s son Britton James, a local musician, served as his “best young man.”
Number of guests: 160
After hours: Guests danced until after midnight and then socialized around a fire pit until 2:30 a.m. “It was a really great party. We loved having our family and friends there the whole weekend,” says Katie. “We had a blast.”
Bride’s attire: A Liancarlo gown from Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Washington, D.C.
Engagement ring: I. Gorman Jewelers in Washington, D.C.
Photographer: Rodney Bailey
Details: Wedding Planner: Michael Haymaker for Historic Rosemont Manor; Caterer: Celebrations Catering; Florist: Flowers Unlimited; Wedding Cake: Taylor Made Cakes; Videographer: AATR Video; Hair and Makeup: Sarah Mason for Salon deZEN; Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN; Entertainment: DJ Ian Lade of Digital Sound Services
The honeymoon: Maui and Kauai, Hawaii
Favorite hangouts: Ray’s the Steaks, Circa, Don Tito