A bond that began in college
DATE: May 20 HER STORY: Sarah Weisel, 25, was born and raised in Stewartsville, N.J. She works as an emergency room nurse at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Her parents, Mark and Cherrie Weisel, live in Stewartsville.
HIS STORY: Joshua Steward, 25, was born and raised in Towson. He works as an emergency room nurse at Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. His parents, Ray and Sandy Steward, live in Towson.
THEIR STORY: They first saw each other across the room during Bible class in their sophomore year at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Josh first noticed Sarah, sitting in the front in sweatpants, a bright yellow hoodie and a Carhartt jacket, next to her friend who was impeccably dressed.
Sarah wasn’t the biggest fan of Josh, the vocal classmate who was sitting in the back of the room.
“My first impression of him was that he was loud and obnoxious,” Sarah recalled. “But that’s one of the things I love about him now.”
They later met again in anatomy and physiology class, which both were retaking. Sarah remembered Josh’s face and sat next to him.
Eventually, the two began studying together, which transitioned into a friendship that lasted for three years.
Even though Josh transferred to another college, he continued to visit Sarah at Messiah, and they eventually started dating.
The couple live in Mays Chapel in Timonium.
THE PROPOSAL: On July 4, 2015, the couple returned to Deep Creek Lake, the site of one of their most memorable dates. The two had watched fireworks from the top of Wisp, a ski resort, three years earlier; this time, Josh was carrying a ring in his pocket.
Josh took Sarah for a walk to the top of a mountain that overlooked the lake. Sarah’s sister was with them taking pictures.
As they turned for a picture, Sarah noticed Josh drop.
Initially, she thought Josh had fallen backward down the hill. As she jumped around to see him, she realized he had actually dropped down to one knee.
VENUE: One hundred and forty guests attended the wedding and reception at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase.
FLOWERS: Bouquets were provided by Maher’s Florist.
The centerpieces were made by Joshua’s mother, while the flower curtain at the ceremony site was made by Sarah and her bridesmaids.
Spring flowers were the inspiration for the color scheme.
HER DRESS: Sarah wore an Essense of Australia lace backless dress with an illusion neckline from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection.
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Bridesmaids wore dresses in dusty rose, lavender and eggplant — all by JLM Couture. The dresses were inspired by the colors of spring, according to Sarah.
MEN’S ATTIRE: Josh and the groomsmen wore tuxedos from the Black by Vera Wang collection.
Josh wore a black tie while the groomsmen wore ties matching the colors worn by their assigned bridesmaids.
MUSIC: DJ Paul from Mix Masters Entertainment provided the music. The couple’s first dance was to “Mean to Me” by Brett Eldredge.
FOOD AND DESERT: Corcoran Caterers provided the food and cake.
Cocktail hour included caprese skewer, cheddar beef biscuits and spring rolls.
Dinner consisted of short ribs and chicken. Ace Spirits provided the open bar. FAVORS: Guests received a drink holder personalized with the bride’s and groom’s names and wedding date.
SPECIAL TOUCHES: The couple honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.