Made With Love

Compiled by Angela Blue

Photography by Andrew & Tianna Photography

 Who: Chelsea Sherman, marketing copywriter for PSIGEN Software, Inc. and Jake Bawab, financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual. When: Oct. 25, 2014. Where: MeadowBrook Farm Bed & Breakfast, Suffolk. “We looked at quite a few places, but Meadowbrook had everything we wanted,” Chelsea says. “We had a beautiful outdoor area for the ceremony and a huge barn for the reception." The Engagement: During a weekend getaway to the Outer Banks, Chelsea and Jake walked on the beach one evening before dinner. Jake brought along his iPhone (as well as an engagement ring he’d picked out for Chelsea). He spotted a woman on the beach and asked if she would take their picture, then told Chelsea where to stand and jogged over to hand his phone to the woman. “I briefly told her I was going to propose just so that she wouldn’t have a heart attack!” Jake says. Wedding Wishes: “I knew I wanted to incorporate the fall season,” Chelsea says. “And that meant something outdoorsy where we could enjoy the crisp air and Virginia’s lovely autumn colors.” 

The hay bales for guests to sit on during the ceremony came from Lee Irving Farms, Chesapeake.

Chelsea found the different hues of bridesmaid dresses on Etsy. She designed the programs herself and found the rustic display container at Michaels.

During their ceremony, Chelsea and Jake placed a bottle of wine and a love letter written by each of them (which neither have read the other’s letter) into a wooden box. They plan to open the box on their fifth wedding anniversary—when the traditional themed gift is wood. Fallen Star Couture (on Etsy) engraved the box.

Wedding Gown: Silk Bridal Consignment, Virginia Beach. Hair and Makeup for Chelsea: Hair—Donald Rockwell of Marshall’s Hair Design. Makeup—Ralphann Forrest.

Wholesale Flower Market in Chesapeake provided all the flowers used in bouquets and décor.

Chelsea found the old suitcase and some props for a homemade photobooth at an antique store.

Chelsea found this suitcase at an antique store. Her aunt crafted the burlap chair covers.

Catering: Tina’s Tasty Catering, Chesapeake

The couple’s good friends cut up a tree on their property for the wood slabs to hold the centerpieces and pies. Jake’s parents shellacked them, and Chelsea’s aunt decorated them with ribbons. Chelsea’s mother made the table numbers.

“I heard about the idea of a ‘naked’ cake from Pinterest, and it really made sense for us because I don’t really like frosting, and we try to eat fairly healthy,” Chelsea explains. “Plus, I thought it really added to the rustic theme.” Chelsi Davis (a current student at Stratford University’s School of Culinary Arts) made the cake.

Apple and pumpkin pies were served as a secondary sweet treat.

Chelsea found the wash bucket stands at Sam’s Club and stacked the stands with jars of chocolate-covered espresso beans for guests to take as their favors.

“I knew Jake was the one when I realized everything he was willing and happy to give up to be with me,” Chelsea says. “Most 21-year-old guys’ idea of the perfect relationship probably isn’t falling in love with a single mom. Jake’s relentless love for not only me but also for my daughter and the commitment he made to us without a doubt proved to me he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”