Virginia Weddings Magazine
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Real Virginia Weddings: Natalie & Jake

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  • The Bride: Natalie Ha | 29 | Operations Manager
  • The Groom: Jake Lister | 30 | Branch Manager
  • Date: August 30, 2025
  • Location: Ashburn, Virginia
  • Guest Count: 90

Missing Piece

Natalie and Jake met online during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. After countless facetime dates, they finally met in-person on a romantic trip to the Outer Banks. “A lot of people would think this is crazy, but it was worth it,” Natalie said.

In 2024, Jake orchestrated an elaborate scavenger hunt proposal. Clues shaped like puzzle pieces guided Natalie to meaningful locations where she and Jake shared memories. At the final stop, the Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., Natalie pieced the clues together and deciphered Jake’s hidden message — “Will you marry me?”

Natalie and Jake. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

The Details

The couple selected a dusty pink color scheme with gold accents. Bridesmaids donned pink chiffon dresses sourced from Kennedy Blue, while the groom and his groomsmen wore rented suits from Men’s Wearhouse.

Invitations were sealed with pink fabric bands and a wax heart. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

The bride’s Justin Alexander gown featured a structured bodice and tulle skirt with a train. Lace appliques cascaded down the front and back of the dress.

The bride’s gown featured lace apliques. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Jof at Joffoto captured photos of Natalie and Jake’s wedding.

The Day

Natalie and Jake chose Belmont Country Club as the setting for their special day. “It was the perfect space,” they shared. “We loved how the manor house was separate from the country club area, so it felt like its own separate venue.”

The couple shared a first look in the venue’s garden. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

The couple rejoiced when their wedding day dawned warm and breezy, perfect for an outdoor ceremony. The weather also allowed them to share a first look and personal vows in a garden adjacent to the manor house.

Dusty pink florals and gold-framed mirrors decorated tables. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

After the ceremony, guests congregated in downstairs rooms of the manor house for a cocktail hour followed by a reception in the venue’s banquet hall.

Sip n’ solve crossword puzzles entertained guests during cocktail hour while they munched on hors d’oeuvres.

For dinner, the couple and their guests enjoyed rolls, summer salad, Boursin chicken breast, jumbo lump crab cakes and oven-roasted filet mignon.

The menu design featured dusty pink. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

Guests chose from two cake flavors, including vanilla cake with lemon curd, raspberry jam and smooth cream cheese and chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache, peanut butter buttercream and chocolate crunchies.

Paebaek Ceremony

The couple honored cultural heritage by holding a traditional Paebaek Ceremony with a twist during the reception. Traditional Korean outfits were soured from Insadong Hanbok.

The couple participated in a Paebaek Ceremony. (Photo courtesy of JOFFOTO)

As part of the ceremony, older family members tossed dates and chestnuts into an apron for the couple to catch. “This symbolizes the number of children the couple will have,” Natalie explained. “Dates represent sons and chestnuts represent daughters. Apparently, we’re supposed to have 37 kids!”

The couple will always treasure their choice to include this tradition, since Natalie’s 94-year-old grandfather was able to participate.

Trendy Touches

Natalie and Jake’s wedding brimmed with trendy touches. Instead of a bouquet, Natalie tossed custom t-shirts she designed. “It was a lot more fun and got all of our guests involved and out on the dance floor,” she shared.

Koozies featured Tater the corgi. (Photo courtsy of Joffoto)

The couple also included a photobooth with props, a mini print vending machine, a live painter, custom matchbooks, sunglasses and glowsticks and a French fry bar with queso, bacon and dips.

Custom koozies highlighted Tater, their beloved corgi.

Guests could take home custom prints. (Photo courtsy of Joffoto)

Thoughtful and Thrifty

Planning came naturally to Natalie. “I love hosting parties and I’m a very organized person, so I thrived planning our wedding,” she explained. “I had so much fun finding vendors, designing the details and DIYing a lot of the decorations.”

Natalie found that bridal and wedding Facebook groups were great sources for gently used (and heavily discounted) decor and event supplies.

Trendy touches made the wedding day memorable. (Photo courtsy of Joffoto)

She and Jake recommend booking vendors early and taking plenty of time to arrange details slowly. A peaceful planning process is possible, they explained, saying, “We slowly worked on different projects throughout the months leading up so the last 1-2 months were completely stress free.”

Wedding Ingredients

Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

The author: Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland

Elizabeth Kanzeg Rowland is a freelance writer and editor. When she’s not poring over manuscripts and searching for misplaced commas, Elizabeth can be found reading in a cozy chair with her cats, performing onstage at her local community theatre or antiquing with her husband.

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