Virginia Bride features weddings weekly here on the blog. Being featured in the blog does not necessarily mean they are featured in the print magazine.
Bride: Tracy Douglas, 58, Executive
Groom: Damian Jackson, 57, Attorney
Date: May 26, 2024
Venue: The Historic de Witt Cottage, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Guests: 135
LOVE STORY
Damian and Tracy’s beautiful love story began in the spring of 2020 in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. They met at a friend’s house and instantly connected. The newlyweds jokingly attribute their friends as the “fixer-uppers” who brought them together. Over the next year, they stayed in touch through online chats and phone calls. In the spring of 2021, they met in Baltimore for their first date. They chose this city because it was a convenient midpoint between Tracy’s home in Richmond and Damian’s in Philadelphia. They had a delightful lunch at a waterfront restaurant called McCormick & Schmick’s. They spent the day getting to know each other while exploring various Baltimore attractions. Later that evening, they stumbled upon a quaint bar and bonded over drinks and conversation. After three months of dating, Damian expressed his love and Tracy reciprocated at once.
Proposal
Damian and Tracy’s proposal narrative is unique and amusing. Instead of the typical “will you marry me” proposal, the couple opted for a “meeting of the minds.” They had a heartfelt conversation based on their professional backgrounds and individual experiences. They asked each other, “What does marriage mean to us individually and how does that shape our vision of our life together?” Damian and Tracy’s love story highlights the countless creative ways to pop the big question!
WEDDING FACTS
Damian and Tracy chose The Historic de Witt Cottage in Virginia Beach as the venue for their dreamy wedding. This enchanting spot offered breathtaking ocean views and impeccably landscaped grounds that provided the perfect setting for their magical day.
Embracing a boho theme, their wedding was designed to be relaxing and inviting, with a beautiful beach-inspired aesthetic. The color palette featured shades of blue, complemented by gentle hints of soft browns. Cozy cream sofas, wicker chairs and lovely wooden side tables added to the enchanting and inviting atmosphere.
Dexter Parker & Company played a pivotal role in bringing the couple’s vision to life. Working closely with all the vendors, the talented consultants meticulously crafted a wedding theme for the venue that ensured every detail embodied the essence of Damian and Tracy’s love story.
The wedding began on a delightful note with scrumptious truffle favors! As guests arrived at their hotels for the weekend celebration, they received a stylish welcome bag from the bride and groom filled with indulgent Hazelnut Cappuccino and Dark Raspberry truffles.
ATTIRE
The details about Tracy’s wedding attire are stunning! Her Mikaella Bride crepe gown was sophisticated and feminine. It featured a hip-hugging fit-and-flare skirt, a shallow scoop neckline with delicate spaghetti straps and a lightly draped bodice. The fabric-covered buttons down the back of the dress added an extra touch of elegance. Tracy wore a simple silver rhinestone belt, a beautiful cream-colored flowered choker and an elegant diamond bangle bracelet. She slipped on a sleek pair of rhinestone pointed-toe shoes from Zara to complete her ensemble.
The floral arrangements were a true vision of beauty. Tracy’s bridal bouquet featured white silk flowers with simple yet elegant pearls and the bridal attendants’ bouquets featured stunning dusty blue and white artificial roses.
The flower girls looked adorable in their Azazie Amya Diamond White A-Line Pleated Tulle dresses. The junior bridesmaids turned heads in their Azazie Justina Junior Dusty Blue A-Line Ruched Chiffon dresses. The maid and matron of honor looked radiant in their Azazie Alia Mist Flowy Pleated Chiffon dresses.
Damian’s suit from Michael Thomas Custom Clothiers was exceptional. The custom-made suit featured a striking blue color and the jacket’s stunning paisley lining added a personality to the ensemble. The subtle yet thoughtful detail of the wedding date stitched under the lapel made it even more special and a cherished memento. His personalized shirt, with his name elegantly stitched on the sleeve cuff, complemented the suit perfectly. He paired it with brown shoes and light blue socks.
The groomsmen also looked sharp in suits similar to Damian’s which created a coordinated and polished aesthetic. The boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen featured soft white artificial single flowers with a gold leaf and pearl drop at the end of the pin that added a touch of elegance. It was a stylish and well-coordinated wedding party.
CEREMONY
Damian and Tracy’s beautiful ceremony unfolded in scenic Virginia Beach at the charming Historic de Witt Cottage. Upon arrival, guests enjoyed a glass of exquisite Moet champagne while they awaited the bride and groom’s arrival.
The wedding arch, adorned with delicate tulle and gorgeous flowers, created a captivating and minimalist aesthetic against the ocean backdrop. The DJ played soft jazz music during the processional and the song “Signed, Sealed and Delivered” by Stevie Wonder was the recessional music.
Tracy’s son walked her down the aisle, bringing joy to everyone who saw the sweet moments between mother and son. Two close friends of Damian and Tracy officiated the ceremony, blending traditional vows with lighthearted references to the couple’s love story.
As the newlyweds exited the ceremony, they and their guests went to the reception in the venue’s courtyard.
RECEPTION
The newlyweds’ reception took place at the picturesque DeWitt Cottage. The setting was exquisite and featured an elegant tent adorned with boho-style décor that included soft brown and crème-colored sofas and chairs. The space was beautifully embellished with lush greenery, sparkling candles and sophisticated dining arrangements.
During dinner, guests sat at round dining tables draped in white linen. The delectable menu started with a classic Caesar salad. The entrée options were succulent oven-roasted bone-in chicken or flavorful bourbon-glazed salmon.
Damian and Tracy’s signature drinks were bourbon and a dirty martini. Two bars were set up for guests’ enjoyment: one served beer, wine and premium drinks and the other featured various premium liquors and cigars. The cigars were from multiple regions around the world.
The couple’s reception included sorority and fraternity songs. Damian’s fraternity serenaded Tracy with their “Sweetheart Song,” with each member giving her a kiss, while Tracy’s, AKA sorority, sang their traditional song, “Alpha Kappa Alpha.”
The dessert bar featured a one-tier, minimalist white cake decorated with baby’s breath. The cake was carrot-flavored with cream cheese icing. Other desserts were served in small clear, white and black cups, each accompanied by a gold spoon.
At the end of the evening, Damian and Tracy shared their final dance to John Legend’s “All of Me” before saying goodbye to their guests.
Damian and Tracy spent their wedding night at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Some guests stayed at the Moxy Hotel, while others chose the nearby Hilton or booked a lovely VRBO.
The couple honeymooned in The Exumas Resort, Bahamas.
Bride: @tdouglas1205
Groom: @DSJESQ
VENDORS
VENUE: The Historic de Witt Cottage – @thedewittcottage
PHOTOGRAPHER: Simply The Best Photography
http://simplythebestphotography.com
CONSULTANT: Dexter Parker & Company – @therealdkparker
OFFICIANT:
ReverendDarrian Brown – Rome Emanuel Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA
Daniel Neal, Baltimore, MD
WEDDING BANDS: Custom Engraving
GOWN: Makaella – @makaella
SHOES: Zara – @zara
HAIR: Blake @ Luminary Hair Co. – @luminaryhairco
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Azazie – @azazie
GROOM’S ATTIRE: Michael Thomas Clothier – @michaelthomascustomclothiers, www.michaelthomasclothiers.com
GROOMSMEN ATTIRE:
K&G – kgstores.com
INVITATIONS: The Knot – @theknot
RENTAL EQUIPMENT & FURNISHINGS: Curated Events – @CuratedEvents.com
DJ: @DJJSOUPDOTCOM
CATERING: H20 – @H2OEVENT
CAKE: JC Desserts – @jc_desserts
FAVORS: JCDesserts – @jc_desserts
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront – @hgi_vabeach
Moxy Hotel – @moxyvb
HONEYMOON: The Exumas, Bahamas
https://www.bahamas.com/islands/the-exumas
Restaurant: McCormick & Schmick’s, Baltimore, MD
https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
