Marriage on the Merry-Go-Round
Who doesn't love an amusement park? For Caroline Schule and Julian Cox, Glen Echo Park in suburban Maryland provided an evening of fun-filled memories at their summertime wedding celebration.
As a child, Caroline's mother took her to Glen Echo regularly for festivals, art and dance classes, and the carousel. The couple originally looked at another venue but ran into permitting problems. So when her mom suggested that she and Julian visit Glen Echo, Caroline reluctantly agreed. But, says Caroline, the second they walked into the park, all of the childhood memories and magical feelings swept over her again. Caroline and Julian knew right away Glen Echo provided the vintage, urban and edgy feel they wanted.
Caroline and Julian married at this historic amusement park and cultural arts center on June 17, 2017 with the bridesmaids in blush and boho hair (styled by PriscillaM Beauty) and the groomsmen keeping cool in lightweight grey suits sans ties. The bride wore an Allure gown from Cherry Blossom Bridal.
Taking their vows in the Cuddle Up Pavilion, the couple's best friend performed the ceremony - he became ordained just so he could be a special part of their nuptials. The bride made her way down the aisle to, of course, "Sweet Caroline" with the guests singing along. And the "I Do" Kiss was greeted with a celebration of bubbles. The ceremony took place in front of a floral wall DIY'd by the bride and her attendants. Caroline now rents her floral wall to other brides (for more info email carolinecox521@gmail.com). Caroline also creatively designed the details of the reception with metallic hexagons as a favorite feature.
Caroline has always loved hexagons. Julian even had her engagement ring designed with the six-sided shape in mind. These geometric shapes, often found in nature (think honeycombs), symbolize union, compassion and communication - the basis of Caroline and Julian's relationship. Caroline and Julian also wanted to incorporate two of their favorite food items into the festivities - `cupcakes and craft beers. Caroline loves sweets (and once worked as a baker) and Julian loves beer.
When they first began dating, Caroline and Julian would visit area breweries and the growlers from their visits were used in the table decor. As part of the florals (provided by Emily Harmon of Love Blooms DC), hops was included in the groomsmen's boutonnieres to continue the theme and a cupcake dessert table (created by Buttercream Bake Shop) was the sweet spot of the reception. Caroline and Julian stayed focused on the very important aspect of "personalization" while not getting caught up in doing things simply based on trends. Their theme reflected their personalities, was carefully defined with key elements and then carried throughout the wedding.
During the cocktail hour, guests strolled the midway enjoying mini hot dogs and riding the merry-go-round while the bridal party finished the formal photos. Then it was off to a reception in the Bumper Car Pavilion. The reception menu (crafted by Rouge Fine Catering) reflected the amusement park venue and incorporated mini chicken & waffles, popcorn and carnival snacks.
To cap off the evening, friends and family enjoyed the musical offerings of King Soul Band. Recommended by family friends, the band's play list provided that classic vibe Caroline wanted for her reception music. To cool off from the hot licks from King Soul (and the summer night), guests enjoyed mini ice cream cones. SASs Photography captured this mid-summer amusement park wedding celebration for Caroline and Julian to cherish for years to come. Enjoy this slideshow of memories from Caroline and Julian's special day.
