Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. This Couple Created Their Own Slice of Europe at Their Maryland Nuptials
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Couple Created Their Own Slice of Europe at Their Maryland Nuptials

Sarah Schreiber, Senior Digital Editor
By Sarah Schreiber October 11, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
macey joshua wedding couple rainbow
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Romanesque details, a scenic venue, and a timeless vibe defined the duo's celebration.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
macey joshua wedding couple rainbow
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Macey Lutz and Joshua Schumacher didn't meet while abroad—though their European-inspired wedding would suggest otherwise. The bride did, however, learn of her future husband while working as an au pair in Milan, Italy, during the summer of 2015. After joining an American au pair Facebook group, she met up with another member, Jessie, in Santa Margherita; she and Jessie quickly became close, and her friend soon realized that she attended Liberty University. Surprised, Jessie told her that she had another close friend (enter Joshua!) who would be transferring there in the fall. "I can distinctly remember Jessie saying, 'I'm not quite sure what it is, but I know that you two would be such great friends,'" recalls the bride.

Jessie was spot on. Back at school, Macey and Joshua connected over Reese's milkshakes; they sat at one of Liberty's lookout spots and talked for hours about anything and everything. "We both undoubtedly came to the conclusion that we had connected with each other in a way that we never had with anyone else before," adds Macey, noting that they established an incredible friendship before they took things further. "That's something we love about our story. We were best friends who fell in love." Joshua, however, didn't just ask Macey to be his girlfriend when he felt the time was right: "He drove seven hours roundtrip from Liberty University to Northern, Virginia, to take my mom out to dinner, asking her permission for us to date (my heart still melts knowing that he did all of this to just date me)." Naturally, the proposal was just as epic. After sweeping her away to Malibu and playing a prepared video—complete with poignant clips from so many of their family members, her mother included—Joshua got down on one knee, and was met with a resounding "Yes!" from Macey.

The couple spent the year they were engaged doing long distance, planning their black-tie garden wedding, which was held at Oxon Hill Manor in Maryland, while apart. Originally, they thought they'd plan a small ceremony in the Italian countryside (a nod to their roundabout meet-cute), but realized that they wanted to "celebrate with as many of our closest family and friends as possible." Still, they didn't want to give up on the idea of Italy's romantic aesthetic. Luckily, they didn't have to. They got a little more than they could have bargained for during their June 2, 2019, nuptials (which were witnessed by their 93 guests!), thanks to an epic rainbow (and then a double rainbow) that appeared during their portrait session.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personalized Invitations

macey joshua wedding invitations
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

"From the very beginning, I knew that I wanted custom wedding invitations," explains Macey, noting that a bespoke suite would set the tone for the black-tie affair to come. Though the bride worked closely with her sister-in-law, Taryn Schumacher, to create the set (which featured an illustration of the venue and a personalized crest), its overall design concept and (especially) its focal point—a vellum overlay emblazoned with their favorite engagement photo—were born from her ideas. She was incredibly proud of the final result; the cards were printed by CatPrint and topped with Minted stamps.

  • The Best Ways to Customize Your Wedding Invitations

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Morning Glory

macey joshua bride robe portrait
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Macey posed for a few portraits—dressed in a gauzy white robe—before slipping into her wedding dress; the images previewed her statement earrings from J. Crew.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hands on Deck

macey joshua bride manicure engagement ring
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Her polished French manicure perfectly complemented her classic yellow gold engagement ring, comprised of an oval-cut diamond.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tiffany Blue

macey joshua wedding bride shoes
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

"My shoes were another favorite accessory. I randomly came across them online the day I got my wedding dress and ended up ordering them the same day," says Macey of her Betsy Johnson platform sandals. "I loved the Tiffany-blue accent on the bottom and the gorgeous satin and bead detailing; they went perfectly with my gown."

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Good Timing

macey joshua wedding bride holding bouquet
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Macey was drawn to her wedding dress' presence before she even tried it on. "I fell in love with the hand-crafted beading and the statement the dress made, overall," she says. "I had never seen something so elegant and timeless, modern, yet classic—with just the perfect amount of drama."

The gown was designed specifically for the boutique she purchased it from—Global Bridal Gallery—so it was truly one of a kind. The bride's timing was just as rare: The gown was in the shop for exactly one day (the day Macey, by chance, walked through its doors) before it was shipped out to trunk shows over the next six months. "My incredible stylist Maria had pulled it for me, and it was the one dress I tried on that made my Mom cry."

  • Eight Things to Keep in Mind While Wedding-Dress Shopping

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dressed in Black

macey joshua wedding bridesmaids in black dresses
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

The bride dressed her attendants in black—a decision she'd always known she'd make. The David's Bridal gowns flattered every figure, she says, and balanced "modern edge with a timeless look." Ahead of the wedding day, Macey worked with Monica Vinader to gift her bridesmaids custom sterling silver bracelets engraved with their initials; the women all wore their thank-you presents during the celebration.

To ensure her own ensemble felt cohesive with her bridesmaids', Macey carried a white-centric bouquet that was nearly identical to her counterparts'. Her large, loose arrangement from The Garden Studio was comprised of myra, tibet, and majolica roses, ranunculus, freesias, white lace cap hydrangeas, and peonies; Italian ruscus, variegated ivy, olive branches, jasmine vine, and salal added earthy green to the mix. The bridesmaids' smaller clutches featured many of the same varieties, sans peonies.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Men

macey joshua wedding groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Both Joshua and his groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedos from The Black Tux.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Finishing Touch

macey joshua groom boutonnière
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Before walking down the aisle, Joshua added a simple white boutonnière—made from the blooms used in his bride's bouquet—to his lapel.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Into the Garden

macey joshua wedding ceremony flowers
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Two large arrangements, placed in rustic urns on ivory columns (Macey and her mother painted the columns themselves, to add soft, Romanesque texture to the space), anchored the ceremony altar; like Joshua's boutonnière, they featured the bride's signature blooms, as well as white stocks (including white hydrangeas, snapdragons, and loose greenery). The service unfolded on a picturesque pavilion, surrounded by Oxon Hill Manor's lush landscape: "The formal English gardens made it feel like you were swept away in some European fairytale," says the bride.

  • 35 Altar and Aisle Decorations We Love

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Unplugged

macey joshua unplugged wedding sign
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

A sign positioned near the aisle's entrance encouraged guests to unplug for the duration of the ceremony.

  • The Most Important Cell Phone Etiquette Rules for a Wedding

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Here She Comes

macey joshua bride's mother lifting veil
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Both of Macey's parents walked her down the aisle to "Beautifully Evocative" by Roy Todd, before her mother lifted her veil and passed her on to Joshua.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Christian Ceremony

macey joshua wedding ceremony vows
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Reverend Keaton of Joyful Day Ministries officiated the duos religious service, which was designed to reflect the couple's faith. They exchanged both traditional and personal vows, " something that was extremely important to us and we knew we would do from the very beginning," adds Macey.

The weather shifted just as they began reading their promises—but nothing, a little rain included, was stopping this union. "It started raining while we were reading our personal vows and our officiant stopped us at one point to see if we wanted to go inside. I peered out into the crowd and was very nonchalantly like, 'I'm good if you all are!'"

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Romantic First Kiss

macey joshua ceremony kiss
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Under a gentle rainfall, the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, before walking back up the aisle to "This Will Be an Everlasting Love" by Natalie Cole.

  • 10 Times Rain Made a Wedding Even More Special

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Family Effort

macey joshua wedding reception welcome sign
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Macey's father, a commercial graphics business owner, ideated and printed the calligraphy seen on the welcome sign, an antique mirror sourced (and painted!) by the bride and her mother.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Under the Tent

macey joshua wedding reception tables
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

The couple's black-tie, European-inspired garden them was realized through the reception—held under a tent—décor. A mix of round and rectangular tables, circled by thematic acrylic chairs from Boda Belle Events, were topped with low, loose, and asymmetrical centerpieces held in gold mercury glass compotes. Soft, cream-colored chiffon runners were draped across each tablescape.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lush Centerpieces

macey joshua wedding reception centerpieces
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Romantic centerpieces were surrounded by gold votive candles, which cast a soft glow as late afternoon faded into night.

  • 79 White Wedding Centerpieces

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Another DIY

macey joshua table numbers
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Several tables featured alternative arrangements: Halos of Italian ruscus and white wax flowers were arranged around pillar candles housed in glass hurricanes. Guests looked to the marble table numbers—another DIY by the bride and her mother—as they searched for their seats. " We loved how these turned out," says Macey. "I purchased marble and had it cut by one of my mom's friends and then found tin numbers at Hobby Lobby that we spray-painted gold; my mom then glued them onto the marble."

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An On-Theme Cake

macey joshua wedding cake with wreath
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

The duo's confection, baked by Cakes By Linda, featured a custom gold crest and floral and greenery wreath; the dessert was comprised of three flavors, including lemon cake with raspberry filling, chocolate cake with chocolate ganache filling, and white almond cake with raspberry filling.

Before the treat was cut, however, the couple shared their first dance to "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar (featuring H.E.R.); Macey also took a spin with her father (to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely) and mother (to "If I Could" by Regina Belle). " I'm extremely close with my mom and it was really important that we had a special dance together. She picked out this song and it was incredible to be able to have that moment with her," she recalls.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

macey joshua wedding couple kissing in garden
Credit: Du Soleil Photographie

Photography, Du Soleil Photographie

Venue, Oxon Hill Manor

Catering, Putting On The Ritz

Event planning and Design, Curtis White from Legendary Events, Dana Lutz

Videography, Cinematic Love Stories

Flowers, The Garden Studio

Stationery Design, Taryn Schumacher

Stationery Printing and Day-of Paper Goods, CatPrint

Stationery Stamps and Vellum Paper, Minted

Officiant, Reverend Keaton of Joyful Day Ministries

Bride's gown and veil, Global Bridal Gallery

Bride's accessories, J. Crew (earrings), Betsy Johnson (shoes)

Hair, Vera Wedding Hair

Makeup, Savannah Marie Schutzmeister

Bridesmaids' dresses, David's Bridal

Bridesmaid's bracelets and Mother of the bride's ring, Monica Vinader

Groom and Groomsmen's attire, The Black Tux

Guest book, Artifact Uprising

Music, Jeff Lang of Extraordinary Entertainment

Cake, Cakes By Linda

Rentals, Boda Belle Events

Transportation, Rebecca De Paris of Paris Caterers

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • This Couple Traded Their Original Wedding Venue—Central Park's Boathouse—for the Bride's Childhood Home in Illinois
    • These Are 20 of the Best Bridal Shower Favors Under $10
    • What to Bring to Your First Wedding-Dress Shopping Appointment
    • 3 Eco-Friendly Wedding Flower Ideas That Are Simple and Impactful
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20
    2 of 20 Personalized Invitations
    3 of 20 Morning Glory
    4 of 20 Hands on Deck
    5 of 20 Tiffany Blue
    6 of 20 Good Timing
    7 of 20 Dressed in Black
    8 of 20 The Men
    9 of 20 The Finishing Touch
    10 of 20 Into the Garden
    11 of 20 Unplugged
    12 of 20 Here She Comes
    13 of 20 A Christian Ceremony
    14 of 20 A Romantic First Kiss
    15 of 20 A Family Effort
    16 of 20 Under the Tent
    17 of 20 Lush Centerpieces
    18 of 20 Another DIY
    19 of 20 An On-Theme Cake
    20 of 20 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    This Couple Created Their Own Slice of Europe at Their Maryland Nuptials
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.