Some love stories start slowly; Aimee and Alexis’s started with a coworker who decided to play matchmaker, and thank goodness for that.
It was February 2024 when Aimee’s “Work Mom” asked if she had considered inviting a coworker named Alexis Jara to an upcoming family wedding in Florida. Fast forward a year later, and Alex is proposing at the finish line of a half-marathon in Washington, DC. Aimee, who had been running the race beside him, said, Yes!
On March 22, 2026, Aimee and Alexis celebrated their wedding at Shadow Creek in Purcellville, Virginia, surrounded by the people who had cheered them on from the very beginning. It was warm, joyful, and completely them.
Let’s take a look.
A Beautiful Setting at Shadow Creek, Purcellville, Virginia
Location: Shadow Creek | www.WeddingsAtShadowCreek.com
Shadow Creek is one of Northern Virginia’s most beloved barn wedding venues, and it is easy to see why couples keep choosing it. Set against the rolling countryside of Loudoun County, the property combines white barn architecture with open outdoor ceremony spaces, lush green grounds, and a warmth that makes every celebration feel personal. The crossback chairs lined the stone patio for the ceremony, the Virginia sky was clear and bright, and the iron gate arbor framed the altar beautifully.
For Aimee and Alexis, it was the perfect canvas for a celebration that felt real, full of laughter, good food, and the kind of joy that comes from a room full of people who genuinely love the couple at its center.
Hair and makeup for the day was handled beautifully by the team at Tru Colors Hair and Makeup. PKP Studios captured every moment behind the lens with warmth and precision, and Altamira Video documented the day in motion so the couple can relive it for years to come.
The Details That Made the Day
The bridal party palette was a soft, beautiful mix of blues, mismatched dresses in powder blue, floral prints, and dusty florals that looked stunning against the Virginia countryside. The groomsmen were sharp in classic grey suits with soft blue ties, each with a white rose boutonniere.
Aimee’s gown deserves its own moment. A strapless lace ball gown with a dramatic cathedral train, a deep V-back, and delicate button detailing, it was bridal perfection that moved beautifully in the outdoor light. Paired with her tattoos and the biggest smile in the room, it was a look that was entirely and authentically her.
Best decision I made for my wedding just two weeks ago. I worked with Christina from O’Neil Events, and she was absolutely fantastic. My family, friends, my husband, and I could not stop talking about how resourceful, considerate, helpful, and attentive she was. There truly aren’t enough words to describe the magic she brought to our day.
I went with partial planning about six weeks before the wedding, and honestly, I was a mess with a lot of last-minute guest changes and buying details. Christina and her assistant, Rabita, stepped in and handled everything. They not only coordinated but also helped set up all the items, checked in on my family, kept everything organized, and orchestrated the entire flow of the wedding so smoothly.
Alice
The florals were soft and romantic, white hydrangea and rose bouquets for the bridesmaids, Aimee’s bridal bouquet in whites and dusty blues with eucalyptus, and white ribbon draping the aisle chairs. Every floral detail felt cohesive and fresh without being overdone.
Pigs BBQ and Catering delivered exactly what their name promises. The catering was crowd-pleasing, generous, and completely in keeping with a couple who know what they love and do not apologize for it. Dessert came from Jara’s Sweet Treats LLC, a nod to the groom’s own name that was not lost on anyone in the room.
Rentals were provided by Select Event Group, and if there is one detail guests will be talking about for years, it is this:
Travelin Tom’s Coffee Truck. A roaming coffee truck at a wedding is the kind of thing that seems obvious in retrospect and yet feels like pure genius when you are holding a latte during cocktail hour.
Music was provided by Bialeks Music and DJ Ivan, who kept the energy exactly where it needed to be from the first dance through the final song.
Celebrating Aimee and Alexis
The bride/father first look, captured inside Shadow Creek’s beautiful barn with its white board and batten walls and warm string lights, was one of the day’s quietest and most moving moments. Aimee tapped her father on the shoulder, barely able to contain her smile. A moment that needed no words.
It was an honor to be part of Aimee and Alexis’s wedding day, making sure every detail was taken care of so they could focus on what mattered most: each other and the people who love them.
Congratulations, Aimee and Alexis. May your marriage be filled with the same joy, laughter, and faith that brought you together, and maybe a few more half marathons.
The Vendor Team
- Venue: Shadow Creek | Purcellville, VA
- Photographer: PKP Studios
- Videographer: Altamira Video
- Catering: PIGS BBQ and Catering
- Fun Entertainment: Travelin Tom’s Coffee Truck
- Rentals: Select Event Group
- Hair and Makeup: Tru Colors Hair and Makeup
- Music: Bialeks Music, DJ Ivan
- Dessert: Jara’s Sweet Treats LLC
Ready to plan your Shadow Creek wedding or a celebration in Northern Virginia? Schedule a call with us.
About O’Neil Events
Your Dream Wedding Starts Here…
Colleen and her team have been planning weddings in DC, Virginia, and NYC for 15+ years. A DC native with deep local connections, she ensures you get top-tier professionals who match your budget and style.
Need wedding planning help? Contact Colleen.
