A Whimsical Micro Wedding at Strathmore Mansion & Zinnia Restaurant in Maryland
Some weddings feel like a breath of fresh air and Lauren and Chris's April celebration was exactly that. From a sweet, rainy first look to a dinner reception filled with lawn games, candlelight, and a cookie cart named after their cat, this day was personal, intentional, and completely them.
the first look and ceremony at strathmore mansion
Lauren and Chris shared their first look on the sun porch of the Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda - a soft, light-filled moment before the emotions of the ceremony set in. It was the perfect quiet pause before the celebration began.
For Lauren, a musician herself, saying her vows in the Strathmore Mansion's iconic music room wasn't just a beautiful backdrop, it was deeply personal. The room's rich history and intimate atmosphere made it the only place that made sense, and the addition of a live acoustic guitarist set the most perfect tone as guests settled in and the couple exchanged their vows. It was the kind of detail that makes a wedding feel truly one-of-a-kind.
THE DETAILS + DECOR FOR THIS MARYLAND MICRO WEDDING
Lauren was absolutely breathtaking in a crystal-beaded sheath gown with draped tulle cascading off the shoulders - elegant and effortless in equal measure. Her bouquet leaned into the day's color palette with lush layers of greenery and white anthurium, chosen for their sculptural shape and texture over traditional blooms. The result was something unexpected and genuinely beautiful.
the couple’s intimate reception
After the ceremony, guests made their way to Zinnia, a beloved restaurant in Silver Spring, for cocktail hour and dinner. A live jazz band set the mood for the evening, filling the space with warmth and energy that kept the celebration feeling alive all night long.
The room glowed with taper candles and votives at every turn, and the green palette continued through the dinner tables, where bud vases filled with mixed greenery and anthurium added depth and texture without a traditional flower in sight. It was a bold, modern choice that paid off beautifully.
THE DETAILS GUESTS ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT
Lawn games - bocce ball and croquet - brought a playful, nostalgic energy to the cocktail hour, a sweet nod to a beloved pastime in the bride's family. And then there was the cookie cart. Lauren and Chris named it "Big Stretch Bakery" after their cat, and honestly, it might be one of our favorite reception details ever. Guests loved it.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Wedding Details: The wedding took place during high season on a Saturday in April with 46 guests.
The All Inclusive Package with Tiny Wed Co included: Planning Services, 5.5 hours with the Day of Coordinator, 4.5 hours with the Photographer, an Officiant with a personalized ceremony, Florals (1 bouquet, 1 boutonnière, 35 bud vases and 2 ground arrangements) and a wedding cake: 9K
Ceremony Venue: $1500
Reception Venue: $9K
Food + Bev: $6800
Candles: 1k
Hair and Makeup: $450
Music (Ceremony + Reception): $2250
TOTAL: 30K
