The Datcher’s timeless wedding at Rose Hill Manor in Leesburg, Virginia, exudes the utmost sophistication with an emotional first touch, a rich burgundy and ivory color palette, and a lively reception.
Aynia and Marcus’s love story began at a party in January 2017. At the time, neither of them thought much of the interaction; little did they know, they had just met the one!
After exchanging numbers, the pair went on a few dates and eventually decided to see what life and the Lord had in store for them. Aynia shares, “Needless to say, we’ve been talking every day since that January 6th night!”
Knowing he had found his forever partner, Marcus proposed on an adorable picnic date at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland. Following playing a few rounds of board games, Aynia found a note glued onto the bottom of the Scrabble board. It stated: “Aynia Dorsey Will You Please Marry Me?” Overwhelmed with joy, she said yes!
Surrounded by their closest friends and families, Aynia and Marcus said I Do at Rose Hill Manor in Virginia. Highlights of their nuptials included an emotional first touch with sweet personal vows exchanged, Aynia’s gorgeous ivory Justin Alexander mermaid lace and beaded gown, and a grand dancing entrance into their reception.
More sweet details below!
- Couple: Marcus Datcher & Aynia Datcher
- Occupations: Contract Specialist (Marcus); Occupational Therapist (Aynia)
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: August 6, 2022
- Wedding location: Rose Hill Manor in Leesburg, Virginia
- Gifts for your Bridesmaids & Groomsmen: For the ceremony itself, bridesmaids received a getting ready outfit, earrings, and necklace. Groomsmen received a bracelet and socks. For the proposal gifts, bridesmaids received a bracelet and mini champagne bottle. Groomsmen received a custom name box with an engraved shot glass and bottle opener.
- Gifts for one another: Marcus gave Aynia a picture of important dates in their relationship, an A-Z book of ‘Reasons I Love You’, a purse, perfume, and a shirt. Aynia gave Marcus 3 bottles of cologne, a watch, and engraved cufflinks.
- Groom’s ceremony entrance song: “Nobody” by Brian McKnight
- Bride’s ceremony entrance song: “Giving Myself” by Jennifer Hudson
- First dance song: “Her” by Isaac Caree
How they met…
We met at a party in January 2017, and neither of us thought much of it at the time. We exchanged numbers, went on dates, and eventually decided to see where life and the Lord would take us. Needless to say, we’ve been talking every day since that January 6th night!
The proposal…
The weather was finally starting to look like it was warming up, so we decided to go on a picnic. We ended up at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland.
First, we people watched by the water, then found a nice spot on the grounds to set up the picnic blanket and play some games. We played the classics: Bop It, Mancala, Connect 4, and Guess Who. The last game up was Scrabble. I opened up the box, and the board was missing. Marcus played it off, saying it was in his car, and went to go get it.
He comes back and gives me the board, and I found this glued on to it: “Aynia Dorsey Will You Please Marry Me”.
Marcus then got down on one knee, proposed, and obviously, I said yes!
Their first touch…
Attire & shopping experience…
Marcus had a custom tuxedo from Miguel Wilson National Harbor (MD). The tuxedo was ivory with burgundy accents, and the vest was customized with pictures of Marcus’ family. Marcus went with his parents to design the tuxedo.
My dress was an ivory Justin Alexander mermaid lace and beaded gown from I Do I Do Bridal in Gaithersburg, MD. In addition to the dress, I had a detachable skirt for during the ceremony and the beginning part of the reception.
When picking out my gown, I went with my mom and 2 bridesmaids, in addition to other family members joining in on FaceTime.
Overall, the shopping experience was a little overwhelming but definitely enjoyable!
Cultural elements…
Our wedding was a Christian ceremony. We incorporated a sand ceremony to symbolize the union of two families becoming one.
Favorite wedding day memories…
It would be a toss-up between the “first touch,” where we exchanged letters, and the exchanging of vows during the ceremony.
Mr. & Mrs…
The reception…
Sweet details…
Advice for other engaged couples…
Be as detailed and prepared as possible, but also be ready for the fact that everything will not go 100% according to plan. Whether or not the venue comes with a coordinator, have someone else on hand that can also step in and help out, as needed.
Overall, do not stress too much about the day itself; it will come and go in the blink of an eye. The wedding is only for a day, but your love and union are for a lifetime, so keep that at the center of everything throughout the day!
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Vendors:
- Photography: J. Sasu Photography
- Venue: Rosehill Manor
- Entertainment and Photo Booth: Events By BSE
- Videography: Nikko Kabigting
- MUA: Josie’s Faces
- Florals: Stephanies Secret Garden
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