Christine Calimlim & Richard met through a mutual friend during a Wizards basketball game. “We sat a seat apart from one another but never went beyond hellos at that time,” Christine shared.
More than a year later they both attended a Young Adults Retreat held by McLean Bible Church. “We recognized each other during the ice cream social. Out of 500 attendants, we we were assigned to the same dining group. We dated two years before we got married.”
While many couples see each other before the ceremony, Rich and Christine decided against it. Instead they began their wedding day with prayer together. “Our photographer and videographer made arrangements for us to meet in a room without seeing each other – standing back-to-back on either side of an open door and reaching out to hold each other hands as we prayed together. It was one of the most special moments of our day.”
In an outdoor ceremony at Ceresville Mansion, the bride’s eldest brother walked her down the aisle and her sister stood in place for her mother as Christine’s parents had both passed away from cancer. “We made special tributes throughout the whole ceremony and reception in memory of the my parents.”
The flower girl and ring bearer were the bride’s children. “The groom surprised us all with special vows he made for the kids taking on the role as their father.”
The couple had a matron of honor, six bridesmaids, a best man and six groomsmen. 180 guests were in attendance at their outdoor ceremony.
The couple decided on a “romantic” color theme- a blush and gold palette carried through all the decor. In place of wedding favors, donations were made to the American Cancer Society.
Christine is a Registered Nurse and Rich is a Mortgage Loan Originator. They currently reside in Clarksburg.
The proposal– “Rich proposed during his 30th birthday picnic celebration in Virginia Beach.”
First dance– “Spend My Life” by Eric Benet and Tamia
Honeymoon– Cancun, Mexico
Tips for planning a wedding in Frederick– “There are so many hidden gems in Frederick! You can find anything from classic and vintage to modern and stylish. Frederick has it all.”
- Getting ready location: Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick **
- Ceremony location: Ceresville Mansion **
- Photographer: Icai Images
- Wedding attire: (dress/suit/etc): Bridal gown – Ellie’s Bridal
- Dessert: Wegmans
- Hair/Makeup: KateR2You
- Music/entertainment: DJ Geometrix at Posh Life Entertainment
- Videographer: 8 Media Group
- Lighting: EnzoDJs and Entertainment
- Officiant: Pastor Michael Kelsey of McLean Bible Church
- Cake: AllCakedUpDC
