Dan and Jillian met on December 6 in the year of our Lord 2023 at the Savannah Civic Center Ice Rink while attending a regional “Young and Active” event organized by their friend Mackenzie Van Patten. Jillian hadn’t ice skated in a while and was clearly struggling. Dan chivalrously offered to help. They skated around for a while until Jillian was confident enough to move around by herself. By this point, both knew there was some mutual attraction. Afterwards, a smaller group went and got pizza. As the night was winding down, Jillian opened up a new contact on her phone and slid it across the table to Dan; she was NOT leaving without his number. Dan texted Jillian the next morning and asked her out. Their first date -an epic 7 hour day which included Christmas decor shopping, Texas Roadhouse, and crossing state lines into South Carolina for the arcade- was on December 11th, accompanied by Nathaniel Fagner, another friend. From there, the (relation)ship sailed off into the sunset of new love. One year after that fateful meeting, on an equally cold December 6th, Dan whisked Jillian off for a lovely dinner at Chart House on River St followed by a nighttime walk on Skidaway Island to the observation tower, a place that holds many fond memories for them. On this night, Dan added one more special moment: proposing to Jillian with the ring of her Pinterest board dreams! The newly engaged couple stared up at the stars before going back into town and walking around the Civic Center, where our tale of true love began 365 days earlier.
RSVP using this link: https://forms.gle/AgSU4izCCBsqwFEB6 This will help us keep all responses organized and in one place! If you would like a physical invitation mailed to you, please indicate on the form. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, let us know!
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Formal (Modest)
Recommended arrival time is up to an hour prior to the event. Please try your best to arrive before the Mass begins due to the processions of the clergy and the wedding party. We strongly ask that you do not take personal pictures during the Mass.
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
While the wedding party and family are taking pictures, this is a time for you! Feel free to grab a snack, change clothes if needed, take a nap, or explore any of the local museums and attractions. Anticipated travel time to our reception venue, The Winery at Bull Run, is more or less an hour (depending on traffic). The venue is opened to our event at 5:30pm. If you arrive earlier, you may enjoy the other parts of the winery at your own expense.
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Formal for Dinner
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Please be modest
Follow this link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/1UjadjC9dQVyCU577 Please note that there are venue limits on how many people can show up, so we cannot guarantee a spot for you unless you have received an official invite. If you have not received an invitation, and wish to attend, please fill out the RSVP and we will contact you if someone cancels. RSVPs are due no later than August 5th.
In order to receive, you must be a practicing Catholic with no unconfessed mortal sins (aka, be in the state of grace). To be a practicing Catholic, the precepts must be followed and are outlined here: one must attend mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, must go to confession at least once a year and confess all serious (mortal) sins, must receive communion at least once during the Easter season, must observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church, and must help to provide for the needs of the Church. Not following any of these precepts must be confessed before receiving communion. To learn more on this, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church par. 1857 & 2042-2043, 1Corinthians11:27, and https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/order-of-mass/liturgy-of-the-eucharist/guidelines-for-the-reception-of-communion If you are not Catholic or not in a state of grace but would like to receive a blessing from the priest, you may X your arms when approaching the front. Otherwise, please remain seated or kneeling.
If we have invited your whole family, yes! If not specified, please either ask on your RSVP form or reach out to us.
If a plus one was included in your invite, yes! Please have them fill out the RSVP form and indicate you are together so we can seat you at the same table. If you were not given a plus one and would like to bring someone, please ask on your RSVP form.
Dress code is formal and modest. Please see the RSVP form for specific guidance. A good place to start is "shoulders, knees/legs, and toes" must be covered; heads may not be covered for men and is optional (chapel veils, head scarfs, shawls) for women inside the church. Dress colors to avoid are any shade of white or ivory, dark red, gold/yellow, and dark blue. If you have any questions or concerns, please either reach out to us or put them on your RSVP form.
Ceremony: Guests can start arriving half an hour before the start of Mass. Reception: Guests can start arriving to the Production Barn at The Winery at 5:30pm. If you do arrive earlier, you may enjoy the tasting room in the Main Barn at your own expense.
Out of respect for the holy nature of the Mass and the Sacrament of Marriage, PLEASE DO NOT take pictures during the ceremony. We want guests to be fully present in witnessing a new union with God. Phones must be silenced and put away, as you would for any other religious or important event. There will also be a photographer/videographer. Again, please NO PICTURES!! During the reception, take as many pictures and videos as you would like! We invite you to add them to our photo gallery for all guests to enjoy and look back with fond memories.
Ceremony: Parking is available in the big parking lot across from St. Joseph's. Reception: There is on-site parking at The Winery. Please follow the signs and directions from event staff.
Ceremony: The first three rows on either side will be reserved for the wedding party, family of the couple, and guests with designated roles. Anywhere else is free game! Reception: Please view the seating chart for your table assignment.
We have not reserved any rooms at specific hotels. We want people to find the accommodations that best suit their needs and affordablility! On the "Travel" page, we have provided a list of recommended hotels near the reception venue. If you need help booking a place to stay, let us know!
There will not be shuttles to and from venues. We recommend either carpooling or a rental car.
Catering will be proved by Mission Barbecue. If you have any dietary restrictions, please list them on your RSVP form!
The reception will end by 11:00pm. You may leave however early or late before then you would like!
Yes, for most of the items. Just let us know so that we can ensure that it meets requirements and we can remove it from the registry.
Of course, we just ask that it be in good taste.
We do not, we simply would like to have a variety of ideas for people to select from if they wish to. Please do not break the bank on a gift for us. Your friendship is far more valuable than any gift.
Flight
National is the smaller of the two airports and simple to navigate. It is closer to Washington, DC and the ceremony venue, but further from the reception venue.
Flight
Dulles is closer to the reception venue, but further from Washington, DC. There is a shuttle system from the Main Terminal (where you enter) to the Midfield Concourse (where your plane actually is). Please pay extra attention to signs and directions, but don't be afraid to ask for help!
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Train
Stop recommendations: -The closest stop to the Basilica and the St. John Paul II Museum is Brookland-Catholic University on the Red Line -If you are going to the Zoo, get off at Cleveland Park on the Red Line towards Shady Grove so you go downhill instead of Woodley Park-Zoo, which has you go uphill. -The Smithsonian stop puts you close to the Castle, which is the visitors center. If you want to be on the same side as the Natural History, American History, and African American History museums, we recommend getting off at Federal Triangle on the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines or Archives-Penn Quarter on the Yellow and Green Lines. -The closest stop to the American Art Museum is Gallery Place-Chinatown on the Red Line. This will put you essentially at the museum!
The largest Roman Catholic church in North America, this magnificent basilica brings together Catholics of all cultures from across the country and honors Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Dan visited the church in 2014 and found the side chapels unique. Please view the website for parking and Metro recommendations.
Celebrating the life and legacy of Pope St. John Paul II, this museum offers visitors the chance to view relics and other artifacts from his papacy. On a previous visit to DC, Dan found this a neat museum and recommends for Catholics and museum appreciators. Free admission.
Through the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC), this is where Jillian went to preschool! From saying the Pledge of Allegiance in front of the original "Star-Spangled Banner" to creating puppets inspired by The Muppets, the American History Museum holds a special place in her heart.
Jillian attended SEEC's kindergarden program here surrounded by legendary attractions such as the Hope Diamond, the Insect Zoo, and a huge collection of fossils.
The final of the "Big Three" Smithsonian museums, the Air & Space Museum fueled Jillian's childhood imagination of the sky. Fans of the Marvel franchise will also recognize the museum as the site of the Captain America exhibition in "Captain America: Winter Soldier".
This museum is extra special to Jillian because her mom works here! As a kid, Jillian and her brother, Evan, spent hours wandering through these halls and studying the rich variety of art representing America. Jillian even took her prom pictures on the ornate staircase in the lobby.
In addition to a layout that encourages a true passage through the history of the African-American experience, this museum also holds the unofficial title of "Best Smithsonian Museum Food" (previously held by the Museum of the American Indian). Jillian visited this museum during the research and filming of her documentary "Tracing My Roots". Free timed passes are required for this museum, which can be reserved on the website listed.
A favorite experience for both locals and visitors, Jillian and Evan spent many a summer day saying hi to all the animals! The next class of beloved Giant Pandas have returned to the Zoo, which is very exciting for all. Free timed entry passes may be reserved on the website.
While many will say the Washington Monument hosts the best view of DC, and you are free to visit the iconic "giant pencil," we highly recommend the Old Post Office Pavilion and Clock Tower as an alternative! The original building has been renovated into a hotel, but the historic tower remains accessible by elevator.
While it may just seem like a long stretch of grass in the center of DC's museums, walking around the National Mall is an attraction of itself! Sites include the Washington Monument, the Vietnam War Memorial, the World War II Memorial - a tradition for visitors is taking a picture under the arch representing your home state-, and the Lincoln Memorial. Dan and Jillian made this walk during a visit for Jillian's birthday in 2024!
National Harbor offers many fun entertainment and shopping options for guests, including the Capital Wheel and Savannah Candy Kitchen! Jillian took her second prom pictures in front of the Wheel.
Located in the heart of DC, Rock Creek Park offers over 32 trails for guests to explore. The Nature Center and Planetarium is located towards the middle of the Western Ridge Trail. For a small but personal detour, Jillian's primary school, Lowell School, is at the corner of 17th Street and. and Kalmia Rd, which can be accessed just off Foot Trail 9 at the bottom of Juniper St.
Offering 50 acres of nature, Jillian and her family spent many weekend afternoons walking through these beautiful gardens. Accompanying the splendid flowers is a butterfly pavilion and several art installations
The site of even more family afternoons, ice skating classes, and childhood birthday parties, Wheaton Regional Park is a wonderful spot for guests who like the outdoors. A fun addition to any trip is the miniature train ride that takes you through the park!
The site of one of the most pivotal battles in the Civil War, Manassas Battlefield State Park is a great stop for enjoyers of history and the outdoors. Fun fact: the first cannon shot of the battle was fired from the site of our reception venue, the Winery at Bull Run!
Featuring numerous hiking trails, nature opportunities, and other activities, Shenandoah National Park is truly a fun destination! Please use the link below to find the best entrance for your plans.
The largest cavern complex in Eastern North America, Luray Caverns is an absolute geological marvel. Jillian and Evan visited the caverns during a session of "Camp Grandad." In addition to the caverns, there's also a caravan museum, a toy train room, the Heritage Village, a garden maze, and a ropes course! Tickets are required and available either online or at the Caverns.
Bride
Groom
Father and Mother of the Bride
Father and Mother of the Groom
Maid of Honor
Maid of Hope (Bridesmaid)
Maid of Honesty (Bridesmaid)
Best Man
Groomsman
Groomsman
Witness of Betrothal
Witness of Betrothal