Brittany and Laurence met in August 2003 during their senior year of high school through their mutual friends. Not an item then, they knew each other “from a distance” and remained acquaintances throughout their twenties. As fate would have it, in late 2014—11 years later—Laurence and Brittany rekindled their friendship. This friendship, which they affectionately named “Accountability Partners,” quickly blossomed into a relationship and the two have been inseparable ever since.
In August 2017, Brittany and Laurence headed to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway to celebrate Laurence’s 31st birthday. Brittany spent all weekend showering Laurence with surprises. However, it was Laurence who presented the biggest surprise of all.
On Laurence’s actual birthday, the two dined at the SW Steakhouse in the Wynn hotel. It was there in front of the entire restaurant that Laurence professed his love and asked for her hand in marriage. Brittany cried uncontrollably and held Laurence tightly. Following her first instinct to call her parents back home in Maryland, Brittany soon discovered that her father knew of the proposal. Laurence, being the old fashioned gentleman that he is, asked her father’s permission before popping the question.
Planning for their wedding allowed Brittany to dream in ways she’d always wanted to. It sparked her vision and creativity and she couldn’t wait for the day to arrive.
On their highly anticipated wedding day, the couple was most looking forward to their first look—that emotional moment when the bride sees her forever groom for the first time and the groom sees his forever bride.
Always full of surprises, Brittany had another special surprise in store for Laurence. Her “wedding look” would be a much different look than what Laurence was used to.
This new look would signify the shedding of the old as they embarked on a new chapter of their lives.
The couple’s wedding kicked off with a welcome party at Crosskeys Vineyard in Crawford, Va with family and friends. Brittany wore a fun short outfit with an over-the-shoulder blazer and crisp white sneakers.
A few hours later, she changed into a fitted, off-the-shoulder white dress with beautiful, full ruffles across the neckline and shoulders.
Just before the wedding ceremony and prior to their first look, Brittany’s surprise plan was put in motion.
Brittany shed her medium-length locks and donned a chic pixie cut with natural waves. When Laurence turned around to see his bride for the first time, you could read the surprise and excitement on both of their faces. They were ready to embark on their new chapter together, leaving the old behind to embrace the new.
One of the sweetest parts of the ceremony was the appearance of Brittany’s beloved furbaby. Wheeled down the aisle in a white wagon styled with greenery and roses, he showed his support and marked his territory with a sign that read, “I loved her first.”
Brittany and Laurence wed on September 1, 2019 at Crosskeys Vineyard in Crawford, VA. They exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends beneath a beautiful floral arch covered in white roses.
The wedding theme was The Great Gatsby and guests followed the dress code by wearing all black. A glance across the room during the reception revealed a chic and sophisticated celebration that felt every bit as iconic as those infamous Gatsby parties.
With a #CrownMeClunie hashtag, friends and family joined the social celebration and placed the crown on top of a truly remarkable day.
The B Astonished Events team traveled two hours outside of the Washington, DC Metro Area to ensure everything was just as planned and felt incredibly privileged to help Mr. and Mrs. Clunie seal the deal. If you’re looking for a wedding planner to assist with your upcoming wedding, reach out to us via the contact page. We’d love to hear your love story and vision.
Photography: Iris Mannings
